2024 NFL Power Rankings: Week 6 Update

As we approach Week 6, 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 that have no chance to make the playoffs. These are the NFL Power Rankings going into week 6.

Table of Contents:

1. Tier 1: Top 5 Teams in the NFL
2. Tier 2: Super Bowl Dreamers
3. Tier 3: Sneaky Good Teams
4. Tier 4: Will Struggle Making Playoffs
5. Tier 5: It Will Take a Miracle
6. Tier 6: Worst Teams in the NFL

Tier 1: Top 5 Teams in the NFL

1. Kansas City Chiefs (5-0)

The Chiefs sit atop the NFL with an undefeated record, but there’s a sense that they haven’t even reached their peak. Despite key injuries to players like Rashee Rice and Isiah Pacheco, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce continue to fuel this offense, with Kelce remaining one of the most reliable receiving targets in the league. The defense, led by Chris Jones, has also quietly been solid, ranking in the top 10 in several key defensive categories. Head coach Andy Reid’s experience and Mahomes’ ability to make magic out of broken plays keep Kansas City a Super Bowl favorite. Even when they aren’t clicking on all cylinders, the Chiefs are still finding ways to win, which is a testament to their resilience.

2. Minnesota Vikings (5-0)

The Vikings have been one of the biggest surprises this season, with Sam Darnold at the helm leading a balanced offensive attack. Darnold, once written off by many, has been managing the game effectively, allowing the Vikings’ elite defense to shine. The real story in Minnesota is the defense, with Andrew Van Ginkel emerging as a star, notching his second pick-six of the season. Even when the offense isn’t firing on all cylinders, like it wasn’t against the Jets, the Vikings defense steps up and gets the job done. If they can keep Aaron Jones healthy and maintain this defensive dominance, Minnesota will remain a force in the NFC.

3. Detroit Lions (3-1)

The Lions are coming off their bye week and have solidified themselves as legitimate contenders. Jared Goff has been nearly flawless, especially in his last performance, where he completed all 18 of his pass attempts. Detroit’s offense is humming, and they’re getting solid production from their young defensive unit, though there are still concerns about consistency on that side of the ball. The next few weeks will be a true test for the Lions as they face playoff-caliber opponents like the Packers, Vikings, and Texans. However, with the offensive firepower they possess, led by Goff and a deep receiving corps, Detroit could potentially make a deep playoff run.

4. Houston Texans (4-1)

Houston has been one of the feel-good stories of the season, led by a suffocating defense and timely plays from Stefon Diggs. Despite the departure of key players over the last few seasons, the Texans have rebuilt into an AFC powerhouse under head coach DeMeco Ryans. They pulled off an impressive win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 5, showing that they can hang with the best in the conference. The offense, while inconsistent at times, has been just good enough to complement their defense. The biggest concern moving forward will be the health of wide receiver Nico Collins, who left the game with a hamstring injury. If Collins misses significant time, Houston may struggle to keep pace with teams like Kansas City and Baltimore.

5. Baltimore Ravens (3-2)

Lamar Jackson continues to dazzle, and his four-touchdown performance against the Bengals in Week 5 was a reminder of how dynamic he can be. However, the Ravens’ defense has shown cracks, particularly against the pass. In their OT win over Cincinnati, they allowed Joe Burrow to rack up 392 passing yards and 5 touchdowns. While Baltimore has won three straight, their secondary is still a concern and could hinder them in the long run. Nevertheless, Jackson’s ability to take over games and the Ravens’ run-heavy offense make them a team no one wants to face in January. If their defense can tighten up, Baltimore will be a serious threat in the AFC.

Tier 2: Super Bowl Dreamers

6. Green Bay Packers (3-2)

The Packers continue to be a tough team to figure out. Their defense, led by Xavier McKinney, has been stellar, and they’ve kept Green Bay in most games this season. However, Jordan Love’s inconsistency remains a concern. While Love has shown flashes of brilliance, he has also struggled with turnovers, including a pick-six in Week 5. The offense has yet to find a rhythm, but the Packers are still winning games thanks to their defense. If Love can clean up the mistakes, this team has the talent to go far in the playoffs.

7. Buffalo Bills (3-2)

After starting the season 3-0, the Bills have hit a rough patch, dropping two straight games. Josh Allen’s struggles are becoming more apparent, as he’s completed just 42.4% of his passes over the last two games. The lack of weapons around him, particularly in the receiving corps, is becoming a serious issue. While their defense remains strong, it’s clear that the Bills need to find more playmakers to support Allen. Their loss to the Texans was concerning, as Buffalo’s offense failed to generate any momentum in the second half. The Bills still have the talent to make a deep playoff run, but they need to address their offensive woes quickly.

8. San Francisco 49ers (2-3)

The 49ers have been a perplexing team this season, capable of dominating one week and collapsing the next. They’ve blown double-digit leads in their last two losses, which is uncharacteristic for a team that has prided itself on discipline under Kyle Shanahan. Injuries, particularly along the offensive line, have been a huge factor, and they’ve struggled to establish a consistent run game without Christian McCaffrey. Despite these issues, San Francisco has enough talent on both sides of the ball to turn things around, but they need to start finishing games if they want to keep pace in the NFC West.

9. Washington Commanders (4-1)

The Jayden Daniels experiment is paying off big time for the Commanders. Even when Daniels struggles as a passer, his ability to make plays with his legs adds a new dimension to Washington’s offense. Their defense has been formidable, helping them grind out wins against teams like Cleveland and Arizona. With four straight wins, Washington is one of the hottest teams in the NFC. Their Week 6 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens will be a true test of whether they belong among the NFC’s elite.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)

The Eagles are fresh off a bye and are hoping that the time off has allowed key players like A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Lane Johnson to recover from injuries. Jalen Hurts hasn’t looked like his MVP-caliber self this season, but much of that can be attributed to the absence of his top weapons. Defensively, the Eagles have been a mixed bag, showing flashes of brilliance but also giving up too many big plays. Their upcoming schedule is favorable, so Philadelphia has a chance to regain momentum, but they need to get healthy and find more consistency on both sides of the ball.

11. Atlanta Falcons (3-2)

Kirk Cousins delivered his best performance of the season in a thrilling overtime win against the Buccaneers, throwing for over 500 yards. The Falcons have been living dangerously, with all their games being one-possession affairs, but they’ve found ways to win. Their defense is still a question mark, particularly when it comes to generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. However, Cousins’ connection with his receivers and the Falcons’ ability to win close games makes them a dangerous team. They might not be elite yet, but they’re certainly trending in the right direction and are legitimate contenders in the NFC South.

Tier 3: Sneaky Good Teams

12. Chicago Bears (3-2)

The Bears have been quietly building momentum after a shaky start to the season. Caleb Williams, the rookie quarterback, has shown flashes of brilliance in the past two weeks, culminating in a career-best performance against the Panthers. Caleb Williams is starting to find his rhythm in the NFL and live up to the hype. The Bears’ defense, led by standout linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and TJ Edwards, has been solid, but the offense’s inconsistency remains a concern. While they’ve picked up two straight wins, those victories came against weaker competition. Chicago will face tougher tests soon, and Williams must continue developing for the Bears to truly threaten in the NFC.

13. Seattle Seahawks (3-2)

After a hot start, the Seahawks have come crashing down to earth with back-to-back losses. Geno Smith has struggled behind a porous offensive line that allowed seven sacks in their loss to the New York Giants. Their rushing attack, a hallmark of Pete Carroll’s teams, has been neutralized in recent weeks, and Seattle’s defense has been gashed, especially against the pass. Rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. embarrassed Seattle’s defense with 130 total yards and a score. The upcoming Thursday night game against the 49ers will be a chance for the Seahawks to prove they can bounce back, but they need to address their offensive line issues quickly if they want to stay competitive in the NFC West.

14. Dallas Cowboys (3-2)

The Cowboys narrowly avoided disaster in their Sunday night victory over the Steelers, largely thanks to Dak Prescott’s awareness to recover his own fumble late in the game. While Prescott struggled with three turnovers, Dallas’ running game came alive, with Rico Dowdle rushing for 114 total yards. The Cowboys’ defense has been hit hard by injuries, particularly in the pass rush, which has hindered their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Despite their issues, Dallas remains in the thick of the NFC playoff race, but they’ll need to clean up their turnovers and improve their pass rush if they want to contend with the top teams in the conference.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)

Baker Mayfield continues to be a polarizing figure for the Buccaneers. On one hand, Mayfield posted an impressive 137.5 QB rating against the Falcons with 3 touchdowns; on the other, costly mistakes led to a heartbreaking overtime loss. The Buccaneers’ defense was clearly missing key players like Antoine Winfield Jr. and Calijah Kancey, as they struggled to stop Kirk Cousins’ aerial assault. Tampa Bay’s ground game finally found some success, but they’ve got some work to do if they want to be serious contenders in the NFC South. Getting Winfield and Kancey back healthy will be key for the Bucs to reach their potential.

16. Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals have been one of the league’s scrappiest teams, pulling off surprising wins against top-tier teams like the 49ers and hanging tough in most of their games. Kyler Murray, though not fully back to his old self, has been the engine behind the Cardinals’ offense, with his dual-threat ability making Arizona tough to defend. In their win over San Francisco, Arizona’s defense completely shut down the 49ers in the second half, showing that they can rise to the occasion when needed. While this team likely won’t make a playoff run, they’re competitive and well-coached under Jonathan Gannon, making them a tough out each week.

17. New York Jets (2-3)

The Aaron Rodgers experiment in New York has been underwhelming so far, with the veteran QB struggling to find chemistry with his receivers and dealing with poor offensive line play. The Jets’ run game, a strength last season, has fallen off a cliff, with Breece Hall and Braelon Allen combining for just 36 rushing yards in Week 5. There’s also growing concern over Rodgers’ health, as he’s been dealing with a low ankle sprain. At 2-3, the Jets need to figure things out quickly if they want to stay in the playoff race, and that might involve making a splash trade for a wide receiver like Davante Adams. However, if the offensive line doesn’t improve, Rodgers may not survive the season.

18. Los Angeles Chargers (2-2)

The Chargers desperately needed their Week 5 bye, and they got it at just the right time. Justin Herbert has been nursing a high ankle sprain, and key offensive linemen Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt have been dealing with injuries. The Chargers have been inconsistent through the first month of the season, showing flashes of their potential but failing to close out games. The upcoming matchup with the Broncos will be crucial for their playoff hopes, as Denver has shown that their defense is capable of stifling even high-powered offenses. The Chargers have the talent to compete in the AFC, but they need to stay healthy and figure out how to finish games if they want to make a deep run.

19. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2)

The Steelers are a team in flux, with head coach Mike Tomlin facing mounting pressure to consider a quarterback change. Justin Fields struggled mightily against the Cowboys, failing to move the ball effectively. Pittsburgh’s defense, which had been a strength early in the season, was unable to stop Dallas’ running game and collapsed late in the game. The Steelers’ 3-0 start feels like a distant memory, and with Russell Wilson waiting in the wings, it might be time for Tomlin to make a switch at quarterback. Pittsburgh’s upcoming schedule is brutal, with games against the Lions, Falcons, and Eagles, so they’ll need to right the ship quickly.

Tier 4: Will Struggle Making Playoffs

20. Cincinnati Bengals (1-4)

Joe Burrow’s post-game comments after the loss to the Ravens summed up the Bengals’ season perfectly: “We’re not a championship-level team right now.” Burrow has been carrying this team on his back, throwing for 5 touchdowns and 392 yards in Week 5, but his late-game interception cost Cincinnati the win. The Bengals’ defense has been a major liability, allowing over 365 yards per game and struggling to contain opposing quarterbacks. Zac Taylor’s coaching decisions have also been questioned, particularly his handling of late-game situations. With tough games ahead and key players like Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson likely leaving in 2025, this was supposed to be the Bengals’ all-in year. At 1-4, the playoffs are looking like a long shot.

21. New Orleans Saints (2-3)

The Saints have regressed significantly after their hot 2-0 start, largely due to a deteriorating offensive line and inconsistent play from quarterback Derek Carr. Carr left Week 5 with an injury, and even if he’s healthy enough to return soon, his play has been underwhelming. The Saints’ defense remains strong, but without better quarterback play, this team will continue to struggle. The offensive line issues, in particular, have been a major problem, as they’ve been unable to protect Carr or establish a consistent running game. With tough divisional matchups ahead, New Orleans needs to find answers quickly or risk falling out of playoff contention.

22. Denver Broncos (3-2)

The Broncos’ defense, led by Pat Surtain II, has been the backbone of their success this season. Surtain’s 100-yard pick-six in Week 5 was a game-changer, and his ability to lock down opposing receivers has been key for Denver. However, Bo Nix, the rookie quarterback, has been inconsistent, and while he’s shown flashes of potential, he’ll need to protect the football better if the Broncos want to stay competitive. Denver’s upcoming games against the Chargers and Saints will be a litmus test for how far this team can go. If the defense continues to dominate and Nix avoids costly mistakes, Denver could make a push for a wildcard spot, but they’ll need to step up against better competition.

23. New York Giants (2-3)

The Giants pulled off one of the most shocking upsets of Week 5, defeating the Seattle Seahawks despite being without their top playmakers, Malik Nabers and Devin Singletary. Daniel Jones played his best game of the season, leading an offense that put up over 400 yards. Rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. has been a revelation, rushing for 129 yards and adding a spark to the Giants’ ground game. While the win was impressive, the Giants still have a lot of work to do if they want to climb back into playoff contention. The NFC East is looking stronger than expected, so New York will need to string together a few more upsets if they want to stay in the race.

24. Indianapolis Colts (2-3)

The Colts are in the middle of a quarterback conundrum, as rookie Anthony Richardson has struggled mightily with a 49.3% completion rate and a 32% third-down conversion rate. In contrast, veteran Joe Flacco has brought stability to the offense, converting over 40% of third downs and generating more scoring opportunities. While Richardson is undoubtedly the future of the franchise, sitting him for a few more weeks to learn under Flacco might be the best move for the Colts in the short term. Injuries to key players like Jonathan Taylor and DeForest Buckner have hurt Indianapolis, and with a tough schedule ahead, the Colts will need to find some consistency if they hope to sneak into the playoffs.

25. Tennessee Titans (1-3)

The Tennessee Titans are at a crossroads, particularly with their quarterback situation. Will Levis, who has struggled through the first part of the season and suffered a shoulder injury, is expected to return soon. Head coach Brian Callahan has reiterated his belief in Levis as the starter when healthy, but with Levis’ erratic play, some are wondering if it’s time for the Titans to turn to Mason Rudolph. The Titans boast a strong defense, anchored by pass-rusher Harold Landry, and a running game led by Pollard and Spears that can be dominant when given the chance. However, the inconsistency at quarterback is holding this team back. If Levis continues to struggle, Tennessee might be better off looking toward the 2025 NFL Draft for a long-term solution under center.

26. Los Angeles Rams (1-4)

The Los Angeles Rams have been one of the most difficult teams to predict this season. Despite their 1-4 record, they’ve been competitive in almost every game. Injuries to key offensive linemen and wide receivers have hindered their ability to close out games, but Matthew Stafford has still shown flashes of his old self. Rookie receiver Jordan Whittington has been a bright spot, stepping up with 89 yards in their close loss to Green Bay. While the Rams’ defense has been inconsistent, they’ve been able to hang tough against some of the league’s better teams. With Cooper Kupp expected back after the bye week, there’s hope that the Rams can turn things around, but they’ll need to find a way to win close games if they want to salvage their season.

Tier 5: It Will Take a Miracle

27. Las Vegas Raiders (2-3)

The Raiders are in a precarious position after another mistake-laden game, this time a blowout loss to the Denver Broncos. Gardner Minshew was benched after throwing two interceptions, and head coach Antonio Pierce has been noncommittal about who will start at quarterback going forward. The Raiders’ offensive line has been a disaster, and Minshew’s gunslinger mentality has led to far too many turnovers. With Aidan O’Connell waiting in the wings, it seems likely that the Raiders will make a switch soon. Regardless of who starts at quarterback, the Raiders are a team without an identity, struggling on both sides of the ball. At this point, it’s hard to see them digging out of this hole and making a serious playoff push.

28. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4)

The Jaguars finally got their first win of the season, but it came against a depleted Indianapolis Colts team, and there are still major concerns surrounding this squad. Trevor Lawrence played his best game of the season, throwing for over 300 yards and two touchdowns, while rookie running back Tank Bigsby had a breakout performance with 129 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns. However, Jacksonville’s defense has been decimated by injuries, and they allowed nearly 450 yards of offense to the Colts. The Jaguars have a long road ahead of them if they hope to climb out of the AFC South basement, but at least for now, they have something to build on with Lawrence and Bigsby showing signs of improvement.

29. Cleveland Browns (1-4)

The Browns are a mess, and it starts with quarterback Deshaun Watson. Despite another abysmal performance in Week 5, head coach Kevin Stefanski has stubbornly stuck with Watson as the starter. Watson’s confidence seems shattered, and he’s been unable to lead the Browns to even 20 points in a game this season. The offensive line hasn’t helped matters, as Watson has been sacked seven times in the last two games, but much of the blame falls on the quarterback’s poor decision-making and hesitation in the pocket. Cleveland’s defense has been unable to compensate for the offense’s struggles, and the Browns are now looking like one of the worst teams in the NFL. A change at quarterback could shake things up, but it seems the Browns are committed to Watson for the long haul, for better or worse.

30. Miami Dolphins (2-3)

While the Dolphins picked up a win in Week 5, it was more a reflection of the Patriots’ ineptitude than any significant improvement from Miami. The Dolphins’ offense was anemic, converting just 18.2% of their third-down attempts and turning the ball over twice. The absence of Tua Tagovailoa continues to loom large over this team, as the offense has been unable to find any consistency with him sidelined. Rookie running back Jaylen Wright showed flashes, but the Dolphins’ rushing attack remains underwhelming. With tough games against the Colts, Cardinals, and Bills coming up, Miami could easily find themselves at 2-6 before Tagovailoa is eligible to return, and by then, it might be too late to save the season.

Tier 6: Worst Teams in the NFL

31. Carolina Panthers (1-4)

The Panthers are once again near the bottom of the NFL standings, thanks in large part to the league’s worst defense. Bryce Young’s benching after another poor showing might have seemed harsh, but head coach Dave Canales has made it clear that Andy Dalton will be the starter going forward. Young returned in garbage time last week, but the Panthers’ offense remains anemic regardless of who’s under center.

32. New England Patriots (1-4)

The Patriots are the worst team in the NFL, and their Week 5 performance against the Dolphins only solidified that position. Jacoby Brissett took nine hits and two sacks, as the offensive line completely collapsed. The Patriots are in a tough spot—rookie quarterback Drake Maye has been on the bench to avoid the disastrous situation, but without a competent offensive line, throwing him into the fire now would be dangerous. New England’s defense is the only part of the team that’s been even moderately competent, but they can’t hold up for 60 minutes when the offense is unable to move the ball. The Patriots’ future is murky, and with no clear path forward, it’s going to be a long season in New England.

NFL Tier List – 2024-25 Power Rankings going into Week 6

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