1. Kansas City Chiefs 5-0 (-)
The Chiefs offense looked the best it has through five weeks totaling over 450 yards but still managed to struggle in the red zone. Juju Smith-Schuster stepped up with a big game and Kareem Hunt has been a great addition for them in the backfield. Once again, this week the defense was dominant as they limited the Saints offense for the majority of the night except for a few big plays. 11 straight wins now dating back to last season.
2. Minnesota Vikings 5-0 (-)
The Vikings found a way to win an ugly game against the Jets this week behind less than 300 total yards and 1 touchdown from the offense. The defense once again dominated as they forced 3 Aaron Rodgers interceptions. Hopefully, the injury to Aaron Jones is not serious because after he went out, the offense struggled to move the ball consistently.
3. Detroit Lions 3-1 (-)
BYE WEEK
4. Baltimore Ravens 3-2 (-)
The Ravens won a classic this weekend over the Bengals getting to above .500 for the first time this season. Lamar Jackson was stellar in this one totaling over 400 yards and 4 touchdowns. He is starting to make his way into the MVP conversation after his performances in the last few weeks. The passing defense is a big concern as Joe Burrow and company had their way with them.
5. Houston Texans 4-1 (+1)
The Texans made a statement on defense with their dominating win over the Bills. They held Josh Allen to 9 completions on the day and made it difficult for the Bills offense the whole game. CJ Stroud and Nico Collins are forming one of the best duos in the NFL on the offensive side of the ball. They have a ton of firepower and are only going to get better when Joe Mixon returns.
6. Washington Commanders 4-1 (+3)
The Commander’s offense just might be unstoppable. Their biggest test of the season was against the Browns defense which is one of the best in the league. They answered with 34 points and 215 rushing yards making a statement that their high-level play through the first few weeks is going nowhere. They now have a matchup with the Ravens next week that will be a bigger test for them.
7. Buffalo Bills 3-2 (-2)
The Bills have not looked the same in the last two weeks on offense after a hot start. Josh Allen has under 300 passing yards and 1 touchdown in the last two weeks while the offense has scored 30 total points. A healthy Khalil Shakir is needed to ignite the passing game for the Bills this week against the Jets.
8. Philadelphia Eagles 2-2 (+3)
BYE WEEK
9. Green Bay Packers 3-2 (+2)
The Packers got a gem in free agency when they signed Xavier McKinney who now has a takeaway in all five games this season. With Jordan Love shaking off some rust the last two weeks the Packers offense has looked average. A good matchup against the Cardinals should get this unit back on track.
10. San Francisco 49ers 2-3 (-3)
The 49ers are off to a slow start this season in large part due to their injuries and sloppy play in the 2nd half of games. Once again the 49ers started off hot exposing the Cardinals defense and then went out quiet in the 2nd half. Purdy has been inconsistent this season and needs to play better. Not too worried about them long term.
11. Atlanta Falcons 3-2 (+5)
The offensive breakout week finally happened! The Falcons are starting to play some good football on both sides of the ball and took down the Bucs on Thursday night. They need some more help off the edge to generate a pass rush. Potentially Haason Reddick?
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3-2 (-4)
The Bucs defense without Antoine Winfield Jr. played poorly against the Falcons on Thursday. Their inconsistency this season has been very notable and will play a factor down the stretch against a tough schedule. On the bright side, Baker Mayfield is playing like an MVP through five weeks.
13. Dallas Cowboys 3-2 (+1)
The Cowboys snuck away in Pittsburgh with a last-second victory over the Steelers. The offense is still lacking that established running back and 3rd option in the passing game. Defensively they are beat up and are in for a tough matchup against the Lions.
14. Seattle Seahawks 3-2 (-2)
The Seahawks offense is legit and one of the more surprising units in football this season. The other side of the ball couldn’t stop a nosebleed. They need to get healthier in their front seven as they have allowed both the Giants and Lions the last two weeks. If they have playoff aspirations, they are going to need to stop the run better against their division foes.
15. Chicago Bears 3-2 (+5)
The Bears have taken care of business the last two weeks behind the improved play of the offense. Caleb Williams had another 300-yard passing game while D’Andre Swift was effective on the ground. The defense is what can carry them to the playoffs with a cupcake schedule ahead.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers 3-2 (-3)
The Steelers offense never got in a rhythm against the Cowboys in their loss. The Steelers need to move on from the Justin Fields experience. Fields has yet to develop as a passer and continues to fumble the ball when faced with any pressure. They either need to utilize Fields legs more or move on to Wilson.
17. Denver Broncos 3-2 (+5)
The Broncos are on a winning streak behind the improved play of Bo Nix and their stellar defense to start the season. The Chargers will be a good test for their front seven trying to stop the run. I do like them this week to jump to 4-2 and potentially join the playoff conversation.
18. New York Jets 2-3 (-3)
Robert Saleh is out the door, but does this really change anything? They have been great on defense and held the Vikings offense to 1 touchdown with under 300 total yards. Offensively they keep shooting themselves in the foot with the turnovers. Is Aaron Rodgers washed? He might have regressed but he can still be average to above average if he starts making better decisions.
19. Arizona Cardinals 2-3 (+4)
The Cardinals seem to turn things up against their division rivals defensively with wins now over the 49ers and the Rams. I am concerned about this offense though as they are averaging under 200 passing yards per game this season.
20. Los Angeles Chargers 2-2 (1)
BYE WEEK
21. Cincinnati Bengals 1-4 (-2)
The Bengals need to tighten things up defensively because Joe Burrow is playing at an MVP level right now. I still see them as a playoff team this season despite the early struggles with their schedule getting easier down the stretch. It’s now or never for them these next few weeks
22. New Orleans Saints 2-3 (-5)
The Saints got bullied by the Chiefs on Monday night. Their defense struggled giving up 450+ yards but was stingy in the red zone keeping the game within reach. On offense, they had no answer for the Chiefs defense and Derek Carr struggled all night. This team’s ceiling is capped with Carr at quarterback
23. Indianapolis Colts 2-3 (-5)
The Colts defense lets the Jags work them on Sunday for 37 points. Joe Flacco was good in the loss throwing for 300 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Colts success relies on their defense turning their play around.
24. New York Giants 2-3 (+2)
The Giants pulled off the upset in Seattle behind the brilliant play calling of Brian Dabol and the league’s best pass rush. The trio of Dexter Lawrence, Kyle Thibodeaux, and Brian Burns is a nightmare for offenses. They are starting to feel like a frisky team in the NFC
25. Los Angeles Rams 1-4 (-1)
The Rams desperately need a win this week against the Raiders to stay in the mix. Stafford has done the most he can with a depleted offense, and they are hoping to get Cooper Kupp back this week.
26. Las Vegas Raiders 2-3 (-1)
The quarterback situation, as predicted, in Las Vegas is a mess. Both Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell have struggled this season. Outside of Maxx Crosby this team has played bad football all season. Let’s see what they get in a trade for Davante Adams
27. Tennessee Titans 1-3 (+1)
BYE WEEK
28. Cleveland Browns 1-4 (-1)
It’s time for the Deshaun Watson era in Cleveland to come to an end after Sunday’s performance. Another game under 20 points against the 31st defense in the NFL. Amari Cooper will also be traded in a few weeks.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars 1-4 (+3)
The Jags got in the win column behind an impressive offensive performance from Trevor Lawrence and Tank Bigsby against the Colts. With the Jets firing Saleh, you have to imagine Doug Pederson is walking on thin ice in Jacksonville.
30. Miami Dolphins 2-3 (+1)
The Miami Dolphins won without Tua! They managed to score 15 points behind their 193 rushing yards to help get the win. The bye week gives them a chance to regroup and potentially get Tua back soon.
31. Carolina Panthers 1-4 (-2)
The Panthers offense took a step back this week against an elite Bears defense. Chuba Hubbard is starting to turn into a solid option at RB. When Jonathan Brooks returns they could form a solid duo in Carolina.
32. New England Patriots 1-4 (-2)
They are making a switch at QB and rookie Drake Maye is getting his 1st NFL start this week against the Texans. Don’t love the timing considering the Texans have two elite EDGE rushers and the Patriots have one of the worst offensive lines in football