In Week 4 of the 2024 NFL season, they delivered a major shakeup in our top 10, as several unbeaten teams crashed. The Bills, Steelers, and Seahawks all suffered their first losses, leaving the Kansas City Chiefs as the only remaining undefeated squad. The week’s biggest headline was the surging Baltimore Ravens, who delivered a primetime statement after a 0-2 start by dismantling the number two-ranked Buffalo Bills in a 35-10 blowout. Derrick Henry had his best game since joining the Ravens, racking up a league-high 199 rushing yards on 24 carries with a touchdown.
Related: NFL Power Rankings: Week 4
It was a performance that solidified Baltimore’s rise just in time for the heart of the season. Other notable teams that fell from the top 10 include the Saints, Packers, Eagles, and Jets. Meanwhile, rookie QB Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders continue to impress, securing their third consecutive win. After a standout Monday Night Football performance against the Bengals, Daniels and the Commanders dropped 42 points on the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5; with all the movement and standout performances, let’s dive into the NFL Power Rankings for Week 5.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (4-0) Once again, the Kansas Chiefs were able to endure another tough outing against their opponent. This time, it was the division foe, the Los Angeles Chargers. However, the injuries continue to mount. Wide receiver Rashee Rice suffered a serious knee injury in Sunday’s win over the Chargers. There are still ongoing reports on the extent of the injury.
2. Minnesota Vikings (4-0) Sam Darnold continues to thrive in Minnesota’s offense, utilizing the weapons around him like Justin Jefferson. The defense is making game-changing plays with sacks and takeaways, making Kevin O’Connell’s squad the best team in the NFC so far.
3. Buffalo Bills (3-1) The Bills had a tough loss against the Ravens, exposing some concerns about their run defense and short area pass coverage. Josh Allen still showed flashes of brilliance, but they’ll need to regroup quickly with matchups against the Texans and Jets.
4. Detroit Lions (3-1) The Lions high-powered offense was finally on full display for the first time this season. The team advanced to 3-1 on the season after dropping 42 points on the Seattle Seahawks. After the bye week, they head into two crucial games against the Dallas Cowboys and the NFC North-leading Minnesota Vikings.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) After a hiccup against the Broncos, the Buccaneers rebounded with a dominant win over the Eagles. Having Vita Vea back helped strengthen the defensive front while the offense imposed its will on Philadelphia.
6. Houston Texans (3-1): The Texans found their offensive rhythm, with C.J. Stroud leading the way to a key win over the Jaguars. With full control of the weak AFC South, Houston is primed to run away with the division.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) The Steelers struggled to get their offense going with Justin Fields against the Colts, while the defense had an off day. Pittsburgh will need a bounce-back game against the Cowboys to stay competitive in the AFC.
8. Seattle Seahawks (3-1) The Seattle Seahawks came down to earth after falling short to the Detroit Lions 42-27 on Monday Night Football. However, Seahawks fans should be encouraged by what they saw in Monday’s matchup. The current Seahawks squad can win the NFC West this season.
9. Baltimore Ravens (2-2) The Ravens rediscovered their dominant running game with Derrick Henry, Lamar Jackson, and Justice Hill leading the way. They’ll need to keep that momentum as they aim to recover from a slow start to the season.
10. Washington Commanders (3-1) Rookie QB Jayden Daniels continues to dazzle with his dual-threat abilities, inspiring both sides of the ball for the Commanders. Washington’s balanced attack has them flying high in the NFC East after a strong win over Cincinnati.
11. Los Angeles Chargers (2-2) The Chargers have struggled after a hot start, and their offense has cooled off. However, their defense continues to keep them in games. A bye week gives them time to address their offensive struggles.
12. San Francisco 49ers (2-2): The 49ers got key playmakers back in the lineup and returned to form against the Patriots, but they remain without Christian McCaffrey. A division-heavy slate against the Cardinals and Seahawks will be crucial.
13. Green Bay Packers (2-2) Jordan Love got into a rhythm late in the game against the Vikings, but shaky play early on hurt the Packers. Green Bay needs to protect the ball better if they want to make a playoff push.
14. Atlanta Falcons (2-2): The Falcons are still working out the kinks in their offense, but the defense has improved with some key additions. Kyle Pitts’ continued struggles are a concern.
15. New Orleans Saints (2-2) The offense was not in quicksand compared to what was on display last week, but the New Orleans Saints continue to find ways to lose despite being granted the opportunities to defeat their opponents. With looming games against the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, what looked to be a promising season is slowly slipping away.
16. Philadelphia Eagles (2-2) Injuries at wide receiver left Jalen Hurts with limited options, and the defense struggled to stop the Buccaneers. With an inconsistent start to the season, the Eagles will look to reset during their Week 5 bye.
17. Dallas Cowboys (2-2): The Cowboys ended their two-game losing skid when they defeated the New York Giants 20-15. However, there where injuries to key players Michah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence. With upcoming games against the Steelers, Lions, 49ers, and the Falcons, the month of October will be about survival for the Cowboys.
18. Denver Broncos (2-2) Bo Nix and the Broncos found their stride offensively, while the defense continued overachieving. With two key division games coming up, Denver has a chance to make some noise in the AFC West.
19. Indianapolis Colts (2-2) In the Steelers versus Colts matchup, we saw a familiar scenario again. Veteran QB Joe Flacco stepped in for an injured Anthony Richardson to guide the Colts to a 27-24 victory over the Steelers. The latest report on Richardson’s injury is that it’s not a “huge injury” but day-to-day. If Richardson is out for an extended period, can Flacco know what occurred in Cleveland when he led the Browns to the playoffs?
20. Chicago Bears (2-2) Caleb Williams continues to impress as the Bears figure out how to best utilize their offensive weapons. The defense has kept them in most games, allowing Chicago to compete in the NFC North.
21. Cincinnati Bengals (1-3): The Bengals finally notched their first win against the Panthers, showing glimpses of their potential. However, their injury-riddled defense remains a significant concern.
22. Las Vegas Raiders (2-2) Despite missing Maxx Crosby, the Raiders outlasted the Browns with gritty defensive play. Antonio Pierce’s squad is playing with renewed intensity as they move up in the rankings.
23. New York Jets (2-2) The Jets’ offense struggled without Breece Hall’s contributions, leading to a disappointing performance against the Broncos. Robert Saleh must find a way to jump-start the offense and capitalize on the defense’s strengths.
24. Tennessee Titans (1-3) The Titans finally got their first season victory when they went on the road to defeat the Miami Dolphins 31-12. Backup QB Mason Rudolph stepped in for the injured Will Levis and successfully managed the Titans’ offense in Monday’s matchup. With a bye week on the horizon, the Titans have an opportunity to get healthy and prepare for a strong push to save their season.
25. Los Angeles Rams (1-3): The Rams’ offense is doing its best to stay afloat with Matthew Stafford and Kyren Williams, but the defense is struggling to keep pace. Injuries to key receivers are also limiting their production.
26. Cleveland Browns (1-3): Deshaun Watson and the Browns’ offense remain out of sync, and the defense isn’t getting enough support to carry the team. Cleveland needs a major turnaround to salvage their season.
27. Miami Dolphins (1-3) The Dolphins fall from the NFL’s elite continues as their offense looks pedestrian without the presence of Tua Tagovailoa under center.
28. Carolina Panthers (1-3) Andy Dalton and Chuba Hubbard have added some spark to the Panthers’ offense, but their depleted defense couldn’t hold up against the Bengals. Carolina will look to regroup before facing Caleb Williams and the Bears next week.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-4) It may be time to sound the alarm on what’s occurring in Jacksonville. It wasn’t too long ago that the Jaguars were turning things around under the watch of head coach Doug Pederson.
30. New York Giants (1-3): The Giants couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities against the Cowboys, and mistakes continue to haunt them. While there’s no QB change yet, the pressure on Daniel Jones is mounting.
31. Arizona Cardinals (1-3): The Cardinals’ defense has struggled to support Kyler Murray and the offense, putting Arizona in a tough spot in the NFC West. Injuries and poor defensive play remain major hurdles. La
32. New England Patriots (1-3) The Patriots are stuck in a downward spiral with both sides of the ball struggling. It may be time for New England to look toward the future, with a potential quarterback change looming.
