Week 6 NFL Power Rankings: Denver, Pack, Miami Free-Fall

 After missing a week, I'm back with the power rankings! Following week 5, true contenders really seem to be emerging and it's exciting to see as we start to get into the dog days of the season. After a week off, let's get it.

1. Philadelphia Eagles (5-0)
Last Time: #1

It wasn't pretty this time, but the birds keep finding ways to win. Jalen Hurts played another incredible game despite a bit of a slugfest and the Eagles find themselves still the league's lone unbeaten. Their biggest test yet comes next Sunday night against the red hot Cowboys...

2. Kansas City Chiefs (4-1)
Last Time: #4 +

While it was undoubtedly not an easy win, a wins a win for the Chiefs. They came back down 17-0 to start the game and won by a single point. To make matters even better for them, they were facing both the Raiders and the refs in this one. Travis Kelce's 4 TDs on just 25 yards were too much for the Raiders to combat. 

3. Buffalo Bills (4-1)
Last Time: #3

Since the shocking last minute loss to the Dolphins two weeks ago, the Bills have been locked in and now find themselves sitting pretty at 4-1 following absolute domination over the Steelers. Josh Allen may have thrust himself back atop the MVP race.

4. Dallas Cowboys (4-1)
Last Time: #11 +

I am super high on Dallas right now. Ever since that week one loss to Tampa, these Cowboys may be the hottest team in the league. Cooper Rush has been dealing for them in Dak's absence. Micah Parsons also looks like the early front-runner from DPOY. Cowboy fans: Dak might be back for the SNF showdown against the Eagles, is that a good thing?

5. Baltimore Ravens (3-2)
Last Time: #5

In a gritty, grind it out game, the Ravens found a way to come out on top, once again behind the ever-accurate leg of Justin Tucker. Beating their division rival Bengals at this stage in the year is still a huge deal, especially doing so even with a pedestrian game from Lamar Jackson. These Ravens are just going to continue to get better as they year goes on. 

6. San Francisco 49ers (3-2)
Last Time: #16 +

Defense wins championships. That could be this team's claim to fame this year as they look like the lone bright spot in a wonky NFC West right now. DC DeMeco Ryans has his crew playing lights out, with All-NFL contributions from Nick Bosa, Talanoa Hufanga, Fred Warner, and more! Even if a hit or miss offense, this D is simply smothering enough to win them games outright!

7. Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)
Last Time: #8 +

This loss will definitely hurt for a bit, but it's not the end of the world for this team. Sure, they need to start piling up some wins in a row, but I'm really still not worried about this ultra talented team that lost just barely after playing a great football game against their rivals.

8. Los Angeles Chargers (3-2)
Last Time: #13 +

It's hard for me to envision a scenario where HC Brandon Staley DOESN'T get fired following this season. It would take a crazy playoff run maybe. This ultra talented Charger group continues to play close games against lesser competition for whatever reason, but it doesn't help when your HC makes some outrageous decisions as well. Staley almost cost them the game by going for a 4th down conversion in their own territory while up less than 3 points and a minute to go. If the Browns don't miss a game-winning FG, Staley would be all over social media right now.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)
Last Time: #7 -

This team still can't figure out how to get right. Tom Brady and the offense are in a weird lull right now and probably would have lost to the lowly Falcons if not for one of the worst calls I've ever seen (a not so rough roughing the passer that gifted the Bucs a game sealing first down). I don't see this team going far, even if it is Brady's last go.

10. Tennessee Titans (3-2)
Last Time: #17 +

The Titans may have figured out some of their issues. Shit was looking ugly for these guys through the first couple of weeks, but the team has rediscovered its identity and is running with that. Derrick Henry is officially BACK to his old ways and the Titans are riding on his coattails. The NFL is better when King Henry is rolling!

11. Minnesota Vikings (4-1)
Last Time: #12 +

Just like the Giants (who we will get to in a second), the Vikings are somehow, someway one of the best teams in the league after 5 weeks (record-wise). They almost lost to the lowly Bears if not for a terrible fumble by a backup Chicago wideout in the waning minutes of the game. I don't really know what to make of these guys.

12. Miami Dolphins (3-2)
Last Time: #2 -

After being one of the most shocking stories of the season by starting out 3-0, things couldn't have broken worse for this team. They've seen both starter Tua Tagovailoa and backup Teddy Bridgewater go down to injury and even were still in the game with 3rd string 7th round rookie Skylar Thompson playing this Sunday against the Jets. When Tua or Teddy is back for these guys, they should find their stride again, but for now, yeeeshhh. 

13. Green Bay Packers (3-2)
Last Time: #6 -

Shocker across the pond. The heavily favored Green Bay Packers fell to the upstart New York Giants. This loss further confirms that these Packers are not the juggernaut they once were, even just last season. Davante Adams being gone clearly has this team in shambles and I'm not sure they will be in contention for a Super Bowl by any means this year. 

14. Cleveland Browns (2-3)
Last Time: #14

These Browns continue to impress me. Aside from one really bad redzone INT, Jacoby Brissett has truly been lights out for this team in Deshaun Watson's absence. This team continues to shoot itself in the foot late in games and could really be 5-0 right now if not for some unreal collapses. Just wait til Watson's back!

15. New Orleans Saints (2-3)
Last Time: #21 +

Despite missing numerous star players due to injury, the Saints looked mostly awesome on Sunday as they picked up a very needed win over a surging Geno Smith. They were definitely aided by some awful calls by the refs throughout this one, but Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill went OFF which was a welcome sign and Chris Olave continued to shine. When Jameis is back, this team might get fully back on track! 

16. New England Patriots (2-3)
Last Time: #28 +

Ever since Mac Jones went down two weeks ago, the Patriots have actually found themselves a bit. Third string rookie QB Bailey Zappe has been forced into action due to multiple injuries at the QB spot and he has looked awesome. The Pats are back to running the ball, playing elite defense, and beating teams with intermediate throws. Who knows how long this will last, but I'm liking this team right now!

17. Los Angeles Rams (2-3)
Last Time: #9 -

It is panic time in LA. Aside from Cooper Kupp and Aaron Donald with their usual dominance, this team cannot buy points even if they wanted to. This offense looks broken and the defense isn't anywhere near as dominant as last season. I foresaw a Super Bowl hangover coming for these guys, but man, not this much of one...

18. New York Giants (4-1)
Last Time: #19 +

Not really sure how, but the Giants continue to win games. Their win this weekend in London was their best yet, taking down Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. In Saquon they trust. I won't fully believe it til I see it continue for a long stretch.

19. Indianapolis Colts (2-2-1)
Last Time: #18 -

Boy that was ugly. I'm surprised anyone won that TNF game. The Colts outlasted the Broncos in one of the worst football games you will see. Despite how badly they've been playing of late, the Colts find themselves right in the mix still in the AFC South with basically a .500 record through 5 games. Matt Ryan needs to step it up and this team desperately needs Jonathan Taylor to get back from his injury.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-3)
Last Time: #10 -

When the Jags dominated the Chargers two weeks ago, I thought they finally turned a corner that they've been looking to turn for years. Since then though, it's been back to square one with back-to-back ugly losses. I understand losing to the Eagles in a heavy rain game (and they played them close), but losing to the Texans while playing AT HOME is a tough pill to swallow. I hope this team can figure it out because boy they are fun to watch when they are hot. They need to find an effective mix between running and throwing.

21. Seattle Seahawks (2-3)
Last Time: #29 +

It hurts to see Seattle continue to lose because of their defense, because Geno Smith is genuinely balling. He has been an easy top 5 QB in the league through the first 5 games and would probably be ATOP the MVP discussion if not for his team being below .500. The Seahawks won't win games, even with this offense playing so well, with how bad this defense is. Another sad wrinkle, RB Rashaad Penny is out for the season again after suffering an injury vs the Saints.
P.S. incoming "random" drug test for Smith

22. New York Jets (3-2)
Last Time: #31 +

The Jets are impossible to predict right now. They can get crushed one week and then crush another team the next. Zach Wilson has been super up and down in his first two starts of the year, but the Jets happen to be 2-0 in those games. Through it all, the best part for the Jets is that three of their prized rookies have been AMAZING through 5 games. Garrett Wilson looks like their WR1 of the future, Sauce Gardner may already be a top 10 CB in the NFL, and Breece Hall is on his way to being a top dual threat back in the league (200 scrimmage yards on Sunday)! We will see what happens next with these guys.

23. Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)
Last Time: #24 +

It hurts to see this from the Raiders. They are just such a talented team that keeps coming up just short in games they should win. To be fair, new HC Josh McDaniels has made questionable call after questionable call, but losing this one with some of the leads and moments of possesion they had is inexcusable. I'm not sure if McDaniels will even make it to Thanksgiving. It will start looking a lot like Tanksgiving by then...

24. Denver Broncos (2-3)
Last Time: #15 -

The AFC West that was supposed to be the toughest and most loaded division of all time is not seeing great early results for many of its teams. The Broncos find themselves even below the one win Raiders with how awful they have been as well. Russell Wilson has been a shell of his former self as this offense which was supposed to be bombs away is simply non-existent. This is another club that could be without their opening day head coach by Thanksgiving. Seattle gets their pick too...

25. Arizona Cardinals (2-3)
Last Time: #22 -

I do commend the Cardinals for making it close against the #1 ranked Eagles, but they fell short due to a missed kick and thus find themselves dangerously close to the bottom. Kliff Kingsbury is yet another coach here that is feeling his seat getting hot. This team needs a win in Seattle this weekend.

26. Atlanta Falcons (2-3)
Last Time: #25 -

These birds really aren't as awful as we all anticipated. They've already won multiple games and have been IN every game, including losses to the defending champ Rams and also the Bucs this weekend. They maybe should have won this weekend too, if not for a downright egregious "roughing the passer" call on Grady Jarrett. These guys should have their heads up right now!

27. Houston Texans (1-3-1)
Last Time: #32 +

Like Atlanta, Houston has been in EVERY game this season. They have found ways to stay competitive and despite getting their first win of the season this past week (all the way in week 5), I really don't think this is a horrible team. The rookies on this club are balling and it has been a fun watch. I could watch Dameon Pierce channel Beastmode on that 31-yard run over and over again.

28. Washington Commanders (1-4)
Last Time: #26 -

I've pretty much lost all hope in Carson Wentz, which is a big deal for me to say because I'm a huge believer in him and have stuck by his side since he started slumping towards the end of his Philly days. He just can't adjust to pressure and make the right reads. It continues to cost this talented Commander team. Both Wentz and Ron Rivera might be reaching the ends of their leashes in Landover.

29. Detroit Lions (1-4)
Last Time: #20 -

Maybe it's the injuries piling up, but the early season potential we saw from Detroit is starting to look like it was a mirage. Aside from maybe Seattle, this is the worst defense in the league. Not even Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, D'Andre Swift, and others can't overcome that right now. I thought this could be the year for them that they return to the post-season.

30. Chicago Bears (2-3)
Last Time: #23 -

Hats off to the Bears for staying in it with the Vikings all game long and probably honestly deserving to win. However, they did not, and I'm not confident this team will ever figure it out with the current roster. David Montgomery is great, but that's really about it. Get Darnell Mooney a QB!!

31. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-4)
Last Time: #27 -

This Steeler season is derailing quicker than anyone could have imagined. For the first time in his career, Mike Tomlin may have a losing record on a season...

32. Carolina Panthers (1-4)
Last Time: #30 -

Baker Mayfield was not proving to be the answer at QB for this team and now even he's down with an injury. HC Matt Rhule was fired this week. This is the worst team in football by a wide margin right now. Time to start thinking of draft prospects!

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JKNFLFOOTBALL Week 5 Honors

Offensive Player of the Week: Taysom Hill, QB/TE/RB, New Orleans Saints
Statline: 9 carries for 112 yards, 3 TDs rushing | 1 pass for a 22-yard TD

Defensive Player of the Week: Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback, Indianapolis Colts
Statline: 5 tackles, 2 pass deflections, 1 INT, Game-Winning Pass Breakup in Endzone on 4th

Special Teams Player of the Week:
Justin Tucker, Kicker, Baltimore Ravens
Statline: 4/4 FGs, 1/1 XPs, 13 total points, 58 LONG, Game-Winning FG

Rookie of the Week: Breece Hall, Running Back, New York Jets
Statline: 18 carries for 97 yards, 1 TD rushing | 2 receptions for 100 yards receiving

Team of the Week: Kanas City Chiefs (4-1)
Beat Las Vegas Raiders 30-29 (came-back from down 17-0)

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Week 6 Official Game Picks
Last Week's Record: 12-4
2022 Season Overall: 37-26-1

Commanders over Bears (20-12)
Ravens over Giants (33-20)
Colts over Jaguars (16-13)
Browns over Patriots (29-27)
Bengals over Saints (34-32)
Buccaneers over Steelers (28-27)
49ers over Falcons (30-27)
Jets over Packers (28-24)
Dolphins over Vikings (25-18)
Rams over Panthers (37-20)
Cardinals over Seahawks (24-18)
Bills over Chiefs (33-30)
Cowboys over Eagles (27-24)
Chargers over Broncos (24-16)