NFL power rankings: Commanders, Ravens rise ahead of Beltway showdown; 49ers, Bills in freefall for Week 6

Vinnie Iyer

NFL power rankings: Commanders, Ravens rise ahead of Beltway showdown; 49ers, Bills in freefall for Week 6 image

How do all 32 NFL teams stack up against each other after five weeks gone in the 2024 NFL season?

With a lot of early surprises spilling into Week 5, there are some eyebrow-raising teams near the top (and bottom) going into Week 6.

Starting with the still-strong reigning champions and the one club still giving them some unexpected undefeated company — not to mention a slew of one-win teams — here's the latest regular breakdown of the league hierarchy.

NFL WEEK 6 PICKS: Against the spread | Straight up predictions 

NFL Power Rankings Week 6

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1. Kansas City Chiefs 5-0 (previous ranking: 1)

The Chiefs are the last undefeated team standing in the AFC, and once again, they flexed their hard-to-beat mojo in prime time against another tricky NFC foe, taking down the Saints before a bye and the 49ers Super Bowl rematch in Week 7.

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2. Minnesota Vikings 5-0 (2)

The Vikings have done everything to prove their worth as the best team in the NFC, thanks mostly to Andrew Van Ginkel and the rest of Brian Flores' defense. They're not "perfect" as an undefeated team with some offensive kinks, but their resume is strong with the Jets being the latest victim.

MORE: Aaron Jones injury update

3, Houston Texans 4-1 (4)

The Texans are one of the teams that lost to the Vikings in a tough game, but they have dug deep with C.J. Stroud and the passing game in key moments. In Week 5, they found an unexpected backfield attack. They also know how to start and finish well defensively for DeMeco Ryans.

MORE: Nico Collins injury update

4. Detroit Lions 3-1 (3)

The Lions are enjoying a bye while adding more balance and explosiveness to their offense, which has raised the defensive playmaking. They should be even more put together after the week off.

Lamar Jackson, Ravens

(Getty)

5. Baltimore Ravens 3-2 (6)

The Ravens have flipped the script quickly after an 0-2 start despite having some more surprising pass-defense issues. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry dominating in the running game has opened up the passing game for needed extra pop.

6. Washington Commanders 4-1 (11)

The Commanders are in complete control of their run-heavy offensive game plan with rookie QB Jayden Daniels, which always allows them to roll into a fast downfield passing game. The more recent surprise is the defense starting to rev up the pass rush for Dan Quinn.

MORE: Jayden Daniels for OROY? Try NFL MVP

Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

7. Buffalo Bills 3-2 (5)

The Bills have gotten a little erratic in the passing game with Josh Allen after starting with high efficiency. Their defense vs. the run and backs in the passing game has become atrocious.

MORE: Sean McDermott explains questionable end-of-game clock management

8. Green Bay Packers 3-2 (13)

Jordan Love is working through some issues and was down a couple of key receivers in Los Angeles, but he leaned on the running game and tight end just enough to eke out a win. The story so far has been Jeff Hafley's defense making a ton of big plays, led by newcomer Xavier McKinney.

MORE: Xavier McKinney nears NFL-record INT streak

9. Pittsburgh Steelers 3-2 (7)

The Steelers will be a limited, run-heavy offense that's overly dependent on Justin Fields, so if their defense breaks down late because it gets worn down by the run, it will be difficult to recover in a lot of games. The Colts and Cowboys just did that to them back-to-back.

10. Atlanta Falcons 3-2 (14)

The Falcons have felt great about having a healthy Kirk Cousins leading their more dynamic passing game, and even though their defense is a work in progress, it can serve as a good complementary unit for Raheem Morris.

MORE KIRK COUSINS:
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11. Dallas Cowboys 3-2 (15)

The Cowboys played some tough defense without Micah Parsons, and they got back to playing more physical offensively with a true running game and clutch, gritty play by Dak Prescott in Pittsburgh. There's no rest for the weary with the Lions, 49ers, Falcons, and Eagles over the next month.

MORE: CeeDee Lamb lets Dak Prescott hear it after ugly INT

12. Philadelphia Eagles 2-2 (12)

The Eagles needed the early bye to heal up at key offensive positions around Jalen Hurts, which will hopefully prompt more efficient play from the QB going forward. The defense needed more time to jell under Vic Fangio, too.

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13. San Francisco 49ers 2-3 (8)

What was that? Brock Purdy and the offense started hot but then went into a sloppy funk against the Cardinals with shaky red-zone play with no field-goal fallback. The bigger concern is how the defense has slowed down overall with limited pressure.

MORE: Brock Purdy struggled when 49ers needed him most | Injuries killing 49ers ahead of daunting schedule

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3-2 (10)

The Buccaneers are right there in the thick of a good NFC South battle, which has a long way to go to be decided after a disappointing road result in Atlanta. The Bucs have a chance in every game when Baker Mayfield is locked in.

15. Seattle Seahawks 3-2 (9)

The Seahawks have cooled off the past week, struggling badly against the run in losses to the Lions and Giants. That puts a little too much literal pressure on Geno Smith and the passing game, leading to offensive limitations.

16. Los Angeles Chargers 2-2 (17)

The Chargers needed a bye to help Justin Herbert heal his foot and get more settled in the new offense. The defense is working fine, but look for them to help by opening up the passing game more with Herbert's young weapons.

17. Denver Broncos 3-2 (19)

The Broncos aren't doing much to win games — just playing sound defense with the occasional big play, running well as much as they can, and having Bo Nix grind it out. Sean Payton's formula is working well vs. equal and lesser teams.

MORE: Bo Nix, Sean Payton have animated sideline argument

18. Chicago Bears 3-2 (22)

The Bears have found their complete play the past two weeks, preying on the Rams and Panthers at home. They can keep that up in London vs. the Jaguars with Caleb Williams staying hot.

MORE: DJ Moore, Caleb Williams remind Panthers just how lopsided Bryce Young trade was

19. New Orleans Saints 2-3 (18)

The Saints have sunk to 0-3 after starting 2-0, and the issues are tied to Derek Carr being a roller coaster ride when they don't have it easy in the running game, and now he's hurt. The defense is developing more holes than usual under Dennis Allen, too.

20. Cincinnati Bengals 1-4 (20)

The Bengals have pushed the Chiefs and Ravens to the limit late in games, only to come up empty. Instead, their situational mistakes keep burning them, putting some heat on Zac Taylor.

Aaron Rodgers taken down

© Shaun Brooks

21. New York Jets 2-3 (16)

Is Aaron Rodgers hurt with a different injury that's affecting his play, or does he keep standing by a dysfunctional offense because it's run by Nathaniel Hackett? Whatever it is, they are finding more ways to blow it for the defense.

MORE: Will Jets fire Robert Saleh? | Aaron Rodgers injury update | Quincy Williams calls out team after loss

22. Arizona Cardinals 2-3 (25)

Kyler Murray and the offense can manufacture some big plays even in the toughest matchups, and credit Jonathan Gannon's defense for overachieving to come up with some key takeaways despite its big personnel weaknesses.

23. New York Giants 2-3 (27)

The Giants are figuring out a few more things offensively. How they ran and passed the ball without Devin Singletary (groin) and Malik Nabers (head) in Seattle was a testament to Brian Daboll's smart play-calling. The pass rush is also waking up a bit to help.

MORE: Wan'Dale Robinson has IG Live video interrupted by coach Brian Daboll

24. Miami Dolphins 2-3 (24)

The Dolphins don't get style points for putting together enough offense to beat the Patriots, but it was a key confidence-building win given some suddenly shaky vibes for Mike McDaniel.

MORE: De'Von Achane injury update

Joe Flacco Trey Sermon Indianapolis Colts

25. Indianapolis Colts 2-3 (21)

The Colts' running game missed Jonathan Taylor (ankle), but their passing game got a big-time boost with Joe Flacco letting it rip in place of Anthony Richardson (oblique). The defensive inconsistency can cost them regardless of who's at QB.

MORE: Joe Flacco earns 'Jamar Flaccson' nickname after 21-yard scramble

26. Las Vegas Raiders 2-3 (23)

The Raiders' offense is a mess without a consistent running game and Davante Adams (hamstring) out there leading the passing game, which prompted yet another QB toggle from Gardner Minshew to Aidan O'Connell in Denver. When you have two QBs, you don't really have any. Las Vegas also lacks a good enough defense away from Maxx Crosby.

MORE: Raiders QB depth chart

27. Los Angeles Rams 1-4 (26)

The Rams' offensive injuries have been too immense to overcome, especially when having a defense that toggles between wilting vs. the run and wavering vs. the pass.

28. Jacksonville Jaguars 1-4 (32)

Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars finally showed some resiliency, as the youth of Brian Thomas Jr. and Tank Bigsby are serving them better than holdover talents. Lawrence flashing his second-year form provides some promise after that winless opening month.

MORE: Trevor Lawrence-Gabriel Davis sideline spat 

29. Tennessee Titans 1-3 (31)

The Titans got a hard-fought first win, with their running game and defense playing bigger roles in Miami. Now, they need to see a healthy Will Levis turn the corner after the bye.

30. Carolina Panthers 1-4 (28)

The Panthers' benching of Bryce Young was a sudden panacea for all their other offensive issues beyond the running game and a depleted defense that can't stop much of anything.

MORE: Multiple players ejected after Bears-Panthers fight

31. New England Patriots 1-4 (29)

The Patriots couldn't find much offense beyond their running game again vs. the Dolphins, costing them a shot at victory in a low-scoring affair. The clock is ticking to make a QB change to rookie Drake Maye.

32. Cleveland Browns 1-4 (30)

The Browns' defense is falling apart as a former strength, and the offense has gone completely listless with Deshaun Watson. Nick Chubb and better health won't be able to fix things either. Kevin Stefanski can consider his seat very hot.

MORE: Will Deshaun Watson be benched? | Will Browns fire Kevin Stefanski?

Vinnie Iyer

Vinnie Iyer Photo

Vinnie Iyer, has been with TSN since 1999, not long after graduating from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He has produced NFL content for more than 20 years, turning his attention to full-time writing in 2007. A native of St. Louis, Mo. but now a long-time resident of Charlotte, N.C. Vinnie’s top two professional sports teams are Cardinals and Blues, but he also carries purple pride for all things Northwestern Wildcats. He covers every aspect of the NFL for TSN including player evaluations, gambling and fantasy football, where he is a key contributor. Vinnie represents TSN as host of the “Locked On Fantasy Football” podcast on the Locked On network. Over his many years at TSN, he’s also written about MLB, NBA, NASCAR, college football, tennis, horse racing, film and television. His can’t-miss program remains “Jeopardy!”, where he was once a three-day champion and he is still avid about crossword puzzles and trivia games. When not watching sports or his favorite game show, Vinnie is probably watching a DC, Marvel or Star Wars-related TV or movie.