2024 NFL Power Rankings: Week 5 Update

As we approach Week 5, NFL teams have started to settle into their identities. While some teams have cemented themselves at the top, others have struggled to find consistency. Below, we’ve broken down the current NFL landscape into six tiers, ranging from the league’s elite to teams needing a miracle to turn their seasons around.

Tier 1: Top 6 Teams in the NFL

1. Kansas City Chiefs (4-0)

The Chiefs remain at the top of the rankings, boasting a 4-0 record despite not playing at their full potential. Rashee Rice’s injury is a major blow, but Patrick Mahomes continues to make things work. Kansas City’s defense has quietly become one of the league’s most reliable units, allowing only 224 yards in their Week 4 win against the Chargers. The Chiefs have proven that even without offensive fireworks, they are tough to beat.

2. Minnesota Vikings (4-0)

Minnesota has shot up the rankings thanks to an undefeated start. Sam Darnold is playing the best football of his career, and the Vikings have dominated quality opponents. Their offense has been firing on all cylinders, and while their defense allowed over 400 yards against the Packers, four forced turnovers helped them maintain control. The Vikings look like a serious contender as they head to London for their international game.

3. Detroit Lions (3-1)

The Lions have stayed consistent at No. 3, thanks in large part to the stellar play of Jared Goff. Goff made NFL history with 18 consecutive completions, and Detroit’s offense continues to impress. However, their defense is still a work in progress, allowing over 500 yards in their win over Seattle. Detroit has the potential to be a juggernaut, but they need more from their young defense to solidify their status as an NFC favorite.

4. San Francisco 49ers (2-2)

The 49ers bounced back with a huge win over the Patriots, showcasing their offensive firepower with all key players back. Nick Bosa had a standout performance with seven pressures, and Fred Warner’s pick-six gave the defense some much-needed energy. With a favorable schedule ahead, San Francisco looks poised to climb even higher as they face divisional foes and a weakened Cowboys squad in the coming weeks.

5. Baltimore Ravens (2-2)

After an 0-2 start, the Ravens have surged up the rankings, riding the league’s top rushing attack. Lamar Jackson looks comfortable again, and the Ravens’ ground game is averaging an astounding 220.3 yards per game. Their defense has stepped up, particularly against Buffalo, where they limited Josh Allen to under 200 yards. If Baltimore can continue to dominate in the trenches, they’ll be a force to be reckoned with.

6. Buffalo Bills (3-1)

The Bills took a hit this week, dropping three spots after their blowout loss to the Ravens. Buffalo’s struggles against the run were on full display as Derrick Henry gashed them for over 200 yards. Josh Allen was out of sync, and without their usual defensive stalwarts, the Bills looked vulnerable. They’ll need to regroup quickly as they face two tough road matchups in the next few weeks.

Tier 2: Super Bowl Dreamers

7. Green Bay Packers (2-2)

The Packers struggled in their loss to the Vikings, but Jordan Love showed promise in garbage time, nearly leading a comeback. Green Bay’s offense has the potential to be dangerous, especially with Love regaining form, but their defense continues to be inconsistent. They have a favorable schedule ahead, which could help them right the ship.

8. Houston Texans (3-1)

Houston’s win over Jacksonville wasn’t pretty, but they got the job done. C.J. Stroud continues to impress in his rookie season, and despite some penalties and inefficiencies, the Texans are finding ways to win. Their upcoming matchup with the Bills will be a litmus test to see if they’re contenders or just the best team in a weak division.

9. Seattle Seahawks (3-1)

Seattle’s defense was exposed against the Lions, but Geno Smith put up impressive numbers. The Seahawks have a high-powered offense that can compete with anyone, but their defense needs to improve if they want to be a true contender. With some winnable games coming up, Seattle has a chance to make a statement.

10. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)

The Steelers were dealt their first loss of the season, but Justin Fields showed enough flashes to keep hope alive in Pittsburgh. His second-half performance nearly brought the Steelers back from a large deficit. Pittsburgh’s defense had an off game, but they remain a tough out with Fields’ dual-threat abilities under center.

11. Washington Commanders (3-1)

Jayden Daniels is rewriting the rookie quarterback playbook with his historic accuracy and poise. He’s led the Commanders to an impressive start, and the defense showed some life in their win over Arizona. Washington is quietly emerging as one of the better teams in the NFC, and if Daniels keeps this up, they’ll continue to climb the rankings.

12. New York Jets (2-2)

Aaron Rodgers and the Jets fell to the Broncos in a messy, rain-soaked game. The offensive line has to protect Rodgers better, and the team needs to clean up its penalties. With London on deck, the Jets will need to regroup quickly. If Rodgers can get back to his MVP level, they still have a shot at making noise in the AFC.

13. Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)

The Eagles were decimated by injuries and fell to the Buccaneers in Week 4. Jalen Hurts continues to struggle with turnovers, and the defense hasn’t stepped up in the absence of key players like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Philadelphia’s bye week couldn’t come at a better time, as they need to get healthy and fix their offensive issues.

Tier 3: Sneaky Good Teams

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1)

Baker Mayfield has resurrected his career in Tampa Bay, leading the Bucs to a strong start. With a top-10 pass defense, Tampa has the potential to stay in games and capitalize on mistakes from their opponents. However, they’ll need to prove themselves against tougher teams if they want to remain in the top half of the rankings.

15. Cincinnati Bengals (1-3)

The Bengals finally got their first win of the season, and Joe Burrow showed signs of life. While their defense still has glaring issues, Cincinnati’s offense appears to be turning the corner. If they can tighten things up defensively, the Bengals could go on a run and sneak into the playoff picture.

16. New Orleans Saints (2-2)

The Saints have been plagued by injuries, and it showed in their loss to Atlanta. Despite controlling most of the game, a couple of fluky plays sealed their fate. Derek Carr has been solid, but New Orleans will need to find a way to overcome their health issues to stay competitive.

17. Dallas Cowboys (2-2)

The Cowboys got a much-needed win, but it came at a high cost. Injuries to Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence could leave Dallas’ defense vulnerable in the coming weeks. If their defense falters, Dak Prescott will need to step up and carry the offense in order to keep the Cowboys’ playoff hopes alive.

18. Los Angeles Chargers (2-2)

The Chargers have been decimated by injuries, but Justin Herbert is doing everything he can to keep them competitive. With key players returning soon and a favorable schedule ahead, the Chargers could still make a push for the playoffs.

19. Arizona Cardinals (1-3)

The Cardinals were blown out by Washington, but they’ve shown flashes of competitiveness in their other games. If they can string together a few wins, Arizona could become a dangerous team later in the season.

20. Atlanta Falcons (2-2)

The Falcons have found ways to win close games, but their offense remains inconsistent. Atlanta’s defense and special teams have bailed them out in tight situations, but they’ll need more production from their offense if they want to remain in playoff contention.

Tier 4: Will Struggle Making Playoffs

21. Chicago Bears (2-2)

Caleb Williams is improving every week, and the Bears’ defense has been solid. However, Chicago’s offense needs to find more consistency if they want to stay in the playoff hunt. With two winnable games coming up, the Bears have a chance to get over .500.

22. Indianapolis Colts (2-2)

The Colts pulled off an upset against the Steelers, with Joe Flacco stepping in for the injured Anthony Richardson. Indianapolis’ offense looked competent with Flacco, but their long-term success hinges on Richardson’s health. The Colts have shown resilience, but they’ll need their young QB back soon if they hope to stay competitive in the AFC.

23. Denver Broncos (2-2)

Denver’s win over the Jets wasn’t pretty, but Bo Nix showed just enough in the second half to pull off the upset. While Nix continues to develop, the Broncos’ defense remains their calling card. If they can protect Nix better and improve on offense, Denver has a shot at sneaking into the playoff picture.

24. Las Vegas Raiders (2-2)

The Raiders managed to pull off a win against a banged-up Browns team, but they still have a lot of holes to fill. Gardner Minshew stepped up in place of Jimmy Garoppolo, but the offense remains inconsistent. The Raiders’ defense has been solid, but they’ll need more from their offense to have any hope of making the playoffs.

25. Los Angeles Rams (1-3)

The Rams have been decimated by injuries, and their lack of offensive firepower has caught up with them. Matthew Stafford has struggled without key receivers, and the defense hasn’t been able to compensate. The Rams are heading into a tough stretch, and it’s hard to see them making a playoff push unless they can get healthy quickly.

26. Tennessee Titans (1-3)

Will Levis finally got his first win as a starter, but he was injured in the process, leaving the Titans in limbo. Mason Rudolph wasn’t much better in relief, but Tennessee’s defense did just enough to secure the win over the Dolphins. With Levis injured and Rudolph under center, the Titans will struggle to remain competitive.

Tier 5: It Will Take a Miracle

27. Cleveland Browns (1-3)

The Browns are falling apart quickly, with injuries ravaging both their offensive line and receiving corps. Deshaun Watson has been inconsistent, and the team has struggled to protect him. Cleveland’s defense has also been disappointing, and unless they can turn things around soon, this season is likely a lost cause.

28. New York Giants (1-3)

The Giants’ offense continues to sputter without Saquon Barkley, and Daniel Jones has failed to elevate his play. The defense has kept them in games, but New York’s offensive woes are glaring. With little improvement on the horizon, it’s hard to imagine the Giants climbing out of the bottom of the NFC standings.

29. Carolina Panthers (1-3)

Andy Dalton has kept the Panthers competitive, but the team is still struggling on both sides of the ball. Chuba Hubbard has provided a spark in the run game, but the defense has been a major liability. With Bryce Young still on the sidelines, the Panthers look like a team in need of a full rebuild.

30. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-4)

The Jaguars have been one of the biggest disappointments of the season. Despite high expectations, Trevor Lawrence has regressed under Doug Pederson, and the team is now 0-4. The offense has been inconsistent, and Pederson’s comments about his players have raised questions about team morale. Jacksonville’s playoff hopes are fading fast.

Tier 6: Worst Teams in the NFL

31. Miami Dolphins (1-3)

The Dolphins’ quarterback carousel continues, and the offense has been abysmal since Tua Tagovailoa went down. Miami’s defense hasn’t been able to hold up, and they’re now looking at a lost season. The team may need to consider shutting down Tua for the season and regrouping for 2025.

32. New England Patriots (1-3)

The Patriots are in freefall. Jacoby Brissett’s limitations at quarterback have left the offense stagnant, and the defense isn’t good enough to make up for it. Rookie Drake Maye may be the future, but for now, New England looks like one of the worst teams in the league. It’s going to be a long season in Foxborough.

Final Thoughts

As the 2024 season progresses, the NFL landscape will continue to shift. Teams like the Vikings and Ravens are surging, while others like the Dolphins and Jaguars are on the verge of collapse. Keep checking back for weekly updates on our power rankings as the season unfolds.

2024 NFL Power Rankings: Week 5 Tier List

Breaking Down the NFL’s Top Teams, Super Bowl Contenders, and Dark Horses After Week 5