Joshua Bessex/AP; Mike Comer/Getty Images; Rachel Mendelson/Insider We’re on to Week 6 of the NFL season, and the Buffalo Bills still look like the team to beat. Meanwhile, the NFC East is shockingly the best division in football. Below, we rank every team through five games, as well as identify the biggest question facing each team for the rest of the season.
32. Carolina PanthersBaker Mayfield walks off the field after a loss to the San Francisco 49ers. AP Photo/Rusty JonesRecord: 1-4Week 5 result: Lost to the 49ers, 37-15Week 6 opponent: at Los Angeles RamsBiggest question moving forward: CJ Stroud or Bryce Young?The Panthers season is effectively over.
They fired head coach Matt Rhule; Baker Mayfield is down with injury; and the collective vibes in Charlotte are simply terrible. Even if they have a bit of a dead-cat bounce at some point this season, Carolina is clearly looking toward next year, when they will likely have a very high draft pick and with it the right to one of the talented quarterbacks expected to enter the NFL next year. Panthers fans who are tired of watching your team on Sunday, may I interest you in college football Saturdays?31.
Detroit LionsDan Campbell looks on during a game against the Seattle Seahawks. AP Photo/Paul SancyaRecord: 1-4Week 5 result: Lost to the Patriots, 29-0Week 6 opponent: ByeBiggest question moving forward: Where is the defense?Through four weeks, the Lions had the best offense in football — and the worst defense. Then last week, the offense disappeared.
The defense, however, was still terrible. If the Lions defense was just regular bad, they might be contending in a few games, but they are flat-out atrocious, giving up a league-high 34. 0 points per game.
The only other team even in the neighborhood is Seattle, averaging 30. 830. Houston TexansDavis Mills calls for the snap against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
AP Photo/Gary McCulloughRecord: 1-3-1Week 5 result: Beat the Jaguars, 13-6Week 6 opponent: ByeBiggest question moving forward: What year are we planning to contend?The Texans are clearly in a rebuild, and having dealt Deshaun Watson away and receiving a boatload of draft picks in return, they have the pieces to do it. But rebuilds are often far easier in theory than in practice. How should the team spend those draft picks? Is Davis Mills the quarterback this team wants to tie its wagon to for the foreseeable future? With this week off, the Texans have plenty of time to look towards the future, and while the future of Week 7 might not look so bright, the future of 2024 could be promising.
29. Washington CommandersCarson Wentz makes a throw against the Tennessee Titans. AP Photo/Alex BrandonRecord: 1-4Week 5 result: Lost to the Titans, 21-17Week 6 opponent: at Chicago BearsBiggest question moving forward: What’s next at quarterback?This week, Commanders head coach Ron Rivera threw quarterback Carson Wentz under the bus.
How he responds, and how the team moves forward at the position, remains the most pressing issue. 28. Pittsburgh SteelersMike Tomlin.
AP Photo/Justin BerlRecord: 1-4Week 5 result: Lost to the Bills, 38-3Week 6 opponent: vs. Tampa Bay BuccaneersBiggest question moving forward: How does Mike Tomlin find a way to a winning record from here?Part of Mike Tomlin’s legend has been that he has never had a losing season since taking over as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2007. He’s had some near misses, but always found a way to at least reach the .
500-mark. If he’s somehow able to do it this year, with a rookie quarterback going up against some of the best defenses in the NFL, it will be Tomlin’s most impressive coaching feat to date. I don’t think he can pull it off, but I’m excited to watch him try.
27. Chicago BearsJustin Fields kneels during a game against the Green Bay Packers. AP Photo/Mike RoemerRecord: 2-3Week 5 result: Lost to the Vikings, 29-22Week 6 opponent: vs.
Washington CommandersBiggest question moving forward: Can’t Justin Fields pass a little more?The Chicago Bears are throwing the ball just 17 times per game. Half of the NFL is averaging double that number. Whatever the team’s hesitancy, it’s hard to see this offense doing much damage unless Justin Fields is given a little more leeway to sling it.
26. Seattle SeahawksGeno Smith celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions. AP Photo/Duane BurlesonRecord: 2-3Week 5 result: Lost to the Saints, 39-32Week 6 opponent: vs.
Arizona CardinalsBiggest question moving forward: Can Geno Smith keep this up?After the departure of Russell Wilson, there wasn’t much hope for the Seahawks offense in NFL circles. But Geno Smith has come out of nowhere to establish himself as one of the most efficient and flat-out good quarterbacks in the league through five weeks. Smith currently leads NFL starters in completion percentage.
Fans that had called on the Seahawks to “Let Russ Cook” for years are getting Smith’s dishes instead. So far, it tastes pretty good. 25.
New Orleans SaintsTaysom Hill runs for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks. AP Photo/Gerald HerbertRecord: 2-3Week 5 result: Beat the Seahawks, 39-32Week 6 opponent: vs. Cincinnati BengalsBiggest question moving forward: How does Taysom Hill keep doing this?The NFL’s greatest gadget man has done it again.
Last week, Hill ran for 112 yards and three touchdowns, threw another touchdown, and made plays on special teams. Every time it feels like the league should have figured out Hill and the Saints, he has another breakout performance. 24.
Atlanta FalconsDesmond Ridder warms up before a game against the Los Angeles Rams. AP Photo/Kyusung GongRecord: 2-3Week 5 result: Lost to the Buccaneers, 21-15Week 6 opponent: vs. San Francisco 49ersBiggest question moving forward: When does Desmond Ridder get his shot?The Falcons have won two of their past three, but despite recent success, this is still very clearly a rebuilding year, and at some point, Atlanta is going to want to see what they have in rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder.
Having played four full seasons at Cincinnati, Ridder already has plenty of game experience compared to many QBs coming out of college. The Falcons play Carolina in Charlotte in Week 10 on Thursday night football. With a little extra time to prepare the following week, depending on Atlanta’s record after that game, don’t be surprised if Ridder gets a look in Week 11 against the Bears.
23. Indianapolis ColtsMatt Ryan warms up ahead of a game against the Kansas City Chiefs. AP Photo/Zach BolingerRecord: 2-2-1Week 5 result: Beat the Broncos, 12-9Week 6 opponent: vs.
Jacksonville JaguarsBiggest question moving forward: Are we contenders or pretenders?The Colts have some of the most puzzling results of the NFL season. They opened their year with a listless tie against the Texans and shut out loss to the Jaguars, only to then beat the Chiefs in Week 3. There is no division more winnable than the AFC South — do the Colts have what it takes to grab the title? With games against the Jaguars and Titans next on the schedule, they could make their case in the coming weeks.
22. Las Vegas RaidersDerek Carr looks to throw against the Los Angeles Chargers. AP Photo/Marcio Jose SanchezRecord: 1-4Week 5 result: Lost to the Chiefs, 30-29Week 6 opponent: ByeBiggest question moving forward: Why can’t this team win a close game?The Raiders have lost their four games on the year by a combined 14 points.
The biggest loss in that span — six points to the Cardinals — came in overtime. The pieces are there, and the talent is good, but the Raiders just aren’t getting over the finish line to win games. Whether it’s tough luck, coaching issues, or players missing the mark in key moments, these Raiders aren’t that far from a 4-1 team, but in the NFL, you are what your record says you are.
21. New England PatriotsBill Belichick. AP Photo/Adrian KrausRecord: 2-3Week 5 result: Beat the Lions, 29-0Week 6 opponent: at Cleveland BrownsBiggest question moving forward: Is Bill Belichick a literal wizard?Bailey Zappe started the year as the Patriots third-string quarterback.
He is now 2-0. Last week, Zappe could have gotten the win without recording a single point — the Patriots defense returned a fumble for a touchdown and didn’t allow the Lions to score at all. There are a lot of ways to win in the NFL, and no coach finds more of them than Bill Belichick.
20. Cleveland BrownsDeshaun Watson speaks at a press conference announcing him as the new quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. AP Photo/Ron SchwaneRecord: 2-3Week 5 result: Lost to the Chargers, 30-28Week 6 opponent: vs.
New England PatriotsBiggest question moving forward: What happens Week 13?Deshaun Watson will likely make his first start with the Browns in Week 13, when the team travels to Houston to take on Watson’s old team, the Texans. It should be quite a scene. 19.
Denver BroncosRussell Wilson and Nathaniel Hackett discuss a play against the Houston Texans. AP Photo/Jack DempseyRecord: 2-3Week 5 result: Lost to the Colts, 12-9Week 6 opponent: at Los Angeles ChargersBiggest question moving forward: Should Nathaniel Hackett really be coaching this team?Hackett has not exactly been impressive through his first five games with the Broncos, who hired him while still looking to trade for its next quarterback. Coming from the Packers, he had a good relationship with Aaron Rodgers, who appeared to be open to leaving in the off-season.
That deal fell through, however, and the Broncos settled on Russell Wilson as their new man under center. While Hackett’s hiring likely wasn’t solely a ploy to help the team get Rodgers, it was probably at least a factor, and given that the Rodgers ship has now sailed and the team seems to be floundering at many aspects related specifically to the job of the head coach, Hackett now is in a position where he needs to prove himself. 18.
New York JetsZach Wilson looks to throw against the Pittsburgh Steelers. AP Photo/Gene J. PuskarRecord: 3-2Week 5 result: Beat the Dolphins, 40-17Week 6 opponent: at Green Bay PackersBiggest question moving forward: Is Zach Wilson the guy?The Jets have a compelling young squad of talent, with rookies Garrett Wilson, Sauce Gardner, and Breece Hall looking like a solid frame for years to come.
What remains to be seen is if Zach Wilson is the quarterback the Jets want to be the foundation holding that frame up in the future. 17. Jacksonville JaguarsTrevor Lawrence celebrates a play against the Indianapolis Colts.
Peter Joneleit via APRecord: 2-3Week 5 result: Lost to the Texans, 13-6Week 6 opponent: at Indianapolis ColtsBiggest question moving forward: Why not us?Like the Colts, the Jaguars are a somewhat confounding team playing in an exceedingly winnable division. If they can beat Indianapolis this week, there’s no reason they couldn’t contend for a playoff spot this year. After how bad 2021 was with Urban Meyer at the helm, why not turn things around?16.
Arizona CardinalsKyler Murray walks off the field after a win against the Carolina Panthers. AP Photo/Rusty JonesRecord: 2-3Week 5 result: Lost to the Eagles, 20-17Week 6 opponent: at Seattle SeahawksBiggest question moving forward: Can Kyler Murray and Kliff Kingsbury get along?Kyler Murray and Kliff Kingsbury have had quite a dramatic off-season, and some of that drama has spilled over into the football year. While the duo could turn this into a “diamonds formed by pressure” situation, right now, it appears there’s still some petty snipes being thrown.
15. Los Angeles RamsCooper Kupp runs with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers. AP Photo/Jeff LewisRecord: 2-3Week 5 result: Lost to the Cowboys, 22-10Week 6 opponent: vs.
Carolina PanthersBiggest question moving forward: Is anyone other than Cooper Kupp alive on this offense?Cooper Kupp is averaging 105 receiving yards per game. That’s great production, but it does not make an entire offense. Allen Robinson has been a disappointment since arriving in Los Angeles.
Either a second-half rejuvenation from him, or a returning Odell Beckham Jr. , are likely the best remedies for what has been a stagnant offense thus far. 14.
Tennessee TitansMike Vrabel looks on before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders. AP Photo/John AmisRecord: 3-2Week 5 result: Beat the Commanders, 21-17Week 6 opponent: ByeBiggest question moving forward: Is this team really a factor in the AFC?The past few years of Tennessee Titans football have been befuddling. Last year, they were the top seed in the AFC heading into the postseason, but absolutely no one was picking them to go to the Super Bowl, and they wound up getting bounced from the playoffs in their first game against the Bengals.
The year before that, they were bounced in the wild card round by the Ravens. And the year before that, they made it all the way to the AFC title game before falling to the Chiefs. On paper, that’s a lot of success, but in practice, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a talking head pick the Titans to win the Super Bowl at any point during that span.
Compared to the other AFC contenders, quarterback is a weak point for the Titans. Ryan Tannehill will be the worse QB by a pretty wide margin in matchups against the Chiefs, Ravens, and Bills, to name a few. Derrick Henry is as dominant a running back as their is in the NFL, and Mike Vrabel has proven himself a great coach, but is that enough?13.
Cincinnati BengalsJoe Burrow signals after running for a first down against the Pittsburgh Steelers. AP Photo/Jeff DeanRecord: 2-3Week 5 result: Lost to the Ravens, 19-17Week 6 opponent: at New Orleans SaintsBiggest question moving forward: Where have all the big plays gone?Last year, the Bengals’ ability to create big gains on offense was key to their unlikely march to the Super Bowl, with 63 pass plays of 20+ yards on the season, good for fourth in the NFL. This year, they rank near the bottom of the league in terms of explosive plays.
With a year of tape to study and dissect, opposing teams may have adjusted to counter the Bengals triumvirate of talent at receiver, but that just means head coach Zac Taylor needs to find a zig to the defenses’ zag. Their season depends on it. 12.
Green Bay PackersAaron Rodgers reacts after a play against the Minnesota Vikings. AP Photo/Abbie ParrRecord: 3-2Week 5 result: Lost to the Giants, 27-22Week 6 opponent: vs. New York JetsBiggest question moving forward: Who can Aaron Rodgers rely on after the departure of Davante Adams?Aaron Rodgers needs some help.
As of now, Allen Lazard is the team’s top receiver, and with all due respect to Lazard, he is not Davante Adams. It’s possible the Packers’ attempt to piecemeal a receiving corps works out eventually, but through five weeks, early results are not promising. Randall Cobb has been fine.
Rookie receivers Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson have each had their moments. But if the Packers are going to be a force in the NFC, all three of them need to step it up. 11.
Los Angeles ChargersKhalil Mack brings down Davis Mills for a sack. AP Photo/Eric Christian SmithRecord: 3-2Week 5 result: Beat the Browns, 30-28Week 6 opponent: vs. Denver BroncosBiggest question moving forward: Can this defense be good enough to make a run?The Chargers offense is good enough to take this team pretty far, but just how far will likely come down to the other side of the ball.
As things stand, the Los Angeles defense is giving up more than 27. 2 points per game — more than any team in the league outside Detroit and Seattle. Especially concerning is the Chargers’ inability to stop the run, with the Browns, Texans, and Jaguars all tearing them up in recent weeks.
They don’t have to be great, but this defense still has a lot of work to do before they reach “good enough. “10. Miami DolphinsMike McDaniel talks to Tua Tagovailoa on the sidelines.
AP Photo/Rebecca BlackwellRecord: 3-2Week 5 result: Lost to the Jets, 40-17Week 6 opponent: vs. Minnesota VikingsBiggest question moving forward: What happens next with Tua?Tua Tagovailoa’s concussions brought the NFL world to a momentary halt and very quickly shut down the good vibes emanating from the Dolphins through the early weeks of the season. If the quarterback is able to make it through concussion protocols at some point later this year, what happens next? Concussion expert Chris Nowinski told Insider that Tagovailoa should sit out for the rest of the season after how Miami mishandled his safety.
Given the long-term repercussions another head injury could have on his health, is that option on the table?9. New York GiantsDaniel Jones hands the ball off to Saquon Barkley during a game against the Carolina Panthers. AP Photo/John MunsonRecord: 4-1Week 5 result: Beat the Packers, 27-22Week 6 opponent: vs.
Baltimore RavensBiggest question moving forward: How far can Daniel Jones take this team?Head coach Brian Daboll is putting on quite a show in his debut season in New York. The Giants are off to a 4-1 start and have exemplified the idea that a team can be greater than the sum of its parts. Some of the Giants parts are solid enough — Saquon Barkley is looking like a dominant running back again, and the defense has played extremely well as a collective unit.
The biggest question mark is at quarterback. The Giants already showed they had their eye on an exit ramp with regard to Daniel Jones when they didn’t pick up the final year of his rookie deal, but if he can keep New York rolling, he might even get the chance to up his worth to the team. 8.
San Francisco 49ersJimmy Garoppolo fakes a hand-off against the Denver Broncos. AP Photo/Jack DempseyRecord: 3-2Week 5 result: Beat the Panthers, 37-15Week 6 opponent: at Atlanta FalconsBiggest question moving forward: What happens if this team is great?This was supposed to be the year that Trey Lance took over the 49ers offense. Instead, injury ended his season at the start of September, leaving San Francisco to turn once again to Jimmy Garoppolo.
Garoppolo has already brought this team to the Super Bowl once in his tenure, and it wasn’t enough for him to hold onto the starting job. But if he makes another deep run in the playoffs, and Lance still hasn’t proven himself on the field, there’s going to be some difficult questions being asked in the 49ers front office. 7.
Tampa Bay BuccaneersTom Brady signals to his teammates during a game against the Green Bay Packers. AP Photo/Alex MenendezRecord: 3-2Week 5 result: Beat the Falcons, 21-15Week 6 opponent: at Pittsburgh SteelersBiggest question moving forward: Tom Brady?Save for a 41-point shelling at the hands of Kansas City, the Buccaneers defense has looked every bit the Super Bowl-caliber unit they have been in the past few years. But on offense, Tom Brady and his carousel of receivers have yet to truly hit their stride.
Further, Brady’s future is clearly uncertain — after last year’s near-retirement, a true hanging up of his cleats feels all but inevitable in the coming off-season. Is this Brady’s last year? And can he once again pull off another magical postseason run? 6. Minnesota VikingsJustin Jefferson celebrates a first down against the Green Bay Packers.
AP Photo/Abbie ParrRecord: 4-1Week 5 result: Beat the Bears, 29-22Week 6 opponent: at Miami DolphinsBiggest question moving forward: Can the Vikings hold on and win the division?Minnesota hasn’t taken home a division title since 2017. Right now they are in pole position, and with the Packers struggling to find their rhythm, the Vikings could build a sizable lead in an eventual playoff race. The Vikings finish their season with road trips to two divisional foes — the Packers and Bears.
Ideally, they’d like the NFC North to be settled before their January trip to the Lambeau tundra. 5. Dallas CowboysDak Prescott.
AP Photo/Ron JenkinsRecord: 4-1Week 5 result: Beat the Rams, 22-10Week 6 opponent: at Philadelphia EaglesBiggest question moving forward: Can Dak Prescott keep the good times rolling?Let us be perfectly clear: There is no quarterback controversy in Dallas. When Dak Prescott is fully healthy, he will be the man under center. That said, Cooper Rush is 4-0 as the Dallas starter and has done well enough to keep the offense moving.
The defense, however, has proven to be the heart of this team so far, with no opponent yet hitting 20 points against them. But their success will only put more pressure on Prescott to perform well once he’s back on the field. If he does, this team is a Super Bowl contender.
4. Baltimore RavensDevin Duvernay celebrates a touchdown with quarterback Lamar Jackson. AP Photo/Adam HungerRecord: 3-2Week 5 result: Beat the Bengals, 19-17Week 6 opponent: at New York GiantsBiggest question moving forward: When are you going to pay Lamar Jackson?Lamar Jackson is in the midst of another potential MVP season.
While the rest of the Ravens roster sits somewhere between fine and good enough, Jackson stands out as a superstar. He’s set to be a free agent at the end of this season, having failed to agree to an extension with Baltimore last year. So this season is a gamble for both sides, and so far, Jackson’s bet is looking good.
Pay the man his money. 3. Kansas City ChiefsPatrick Mahomes looks to throw against the Arizona Cardinals.
AP Photo/Matt YorkRecord: 4-1Week 5 result: Beat the Raiders, 30-29Week 6 opponent: vs. Buffalo BillsBiggest question moving forward: Which receiver steps up?The Kansas City offense is still moving (and scoring) quite well, thanks to the efforts of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce. But after the departure of wide receiver Tyreek Hill in the off-season, the Chiefs opted to replace him with several moving parts.
Wide receivers Marquez Valdes-Scantling, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Mecole Hardman have all played well enough, but through five games, the trio has combined for just one touchdown. Kelce has scored seven. Eventually, teams are going to overcommit to stopping Kelce, and one of the three receivers is going to have to step up.
All three are capable, but someone needs to answer the call. 2. Philadelphia EaglesJalen Hurts celebrates after a win against the Washington Commanders.
AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr. Record: 5-0Week 5 result: Beat the Cardinals, 20-17Week 6 opponent: vs. Dallas CowboysBiggest question moving forward: Is Jalen Hurts not just the future, but an MVP?Heading into the year, this felt like a “prove it” year for Jalen Hurts, and prove it he has.
Hurts is the heart of this Eagles team that has been a force to start the season. It feels pretty clear at this point that Hurts will be the guy in Philadelphia moving forward. Now the team is not just looking to build out its Super Bowl window, but actually win one this year.
1. Buffalo BillsJosh Allen steps out onto the field ahead of a game against the Tennessee Titans. AP Photo/Jeffrey T.
BarnesRecord: 4-1Week 5 result: Beat the Steelers, 38-3Week 6 opponent: at Kansas City ChiefsBiggest question moving forward: Is this the year?Through five games, the Buffalo Bills have scored more points than any other team in the NFL and held opponents to fewer points than any other team in the NFL. Quarterback Josh Allen is the leading candidate for MVP, and his receiving corps can tear apart opposing defenses at every level. Maybe it’s not a question for the Bills, but a question for the rest of the league — who is going to stop them?Read the original article on Insider.
From: insider
URL: https://www.insider.com/nfl-power-rankings-week-6-2022-10
