NFL Power Rankings: Vikings and Chiefs remain undefeated; Steelers, Packers and Jets are out in Week 5

There are always surprises in Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season.

The NFC has several shockingly outstanding teams – namely the Vikings and Commanders – while the AFC has many of its best teams, such as the Ravens, who offer a more in-form rounding out. Everything seems to be on the table, although some disappointing teams still have plenty of time to turn things around.

Based on what happened in the first four games of the season for all 32 teams, here’s how they stack up against each other heading into the upcoming first round of byes.

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NFL Power Rankings Week 5

1. Kansas City Chiefs 4-0 (previous ranking: 1)

The Chiefs used defense and the running game to outscore the Chargers, but still found plenty of passing options with Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy after the tough loss of Rashee Rice (knee). Somehow, beating Kansas City seems to get more and more difficult with each game.

MORE: Rashee Rice injury update | The Chiefs will need more from Travis Kelce

2. Minnesota Vikings 4:0 (4)

Sam Darnold maximized offensive pop with Justin Jefferson and the other receivers. The defense continues to dictate terms with big plays, sacks and takeaways. Kevin O’Connell has by far the best team in the NFC so far.

MORE: Sam Darnold plays like MVP ahead of ‘revenge game’ against Jets

3. Detroit Lions 2-1 (6)

The Lions may get a little too aggressive with Jared Goff, as their winning identity now relies more on their dominant running game and improved defense. Detroit can make a big statement at home against Seattle on Monday night before its Week 5 bye.

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4. Houston Texans 3-1 (7)

The Texans started their real offense with CJ Stroud and his talented support to earn a decisive victory over the Jaguars. They are in full control and can run away from the weak AFC South.

5. Buffalo Bills 3-1 (3)

The Bills had a poor night in Baltimore, leaving major concerns about their run defense and short-area pass coverage. Before the tough road trip, however, they were on the road with Josh Allen and now have a chance to make a statement with the Texans and Jets over the next two weeks.

MORE: How Josh Allen’s fumble stopped Bills’ comeback against Ravens

6. Baltimore Ravens 2-2 (8)

The Ravens find their dominant running game again with Derrick Henry, Lamar Jackson and Justice Hill. Their defense also found pressure and coverage with a 1-2 punch. They’ve learned how to shut down Buffalo after struggling with major lead problems the last two weeks.

MORE: Derrick Henry nearly sets NFL record against Bills | Henry’s speed impressed on the 87-yard TD run

7. Pittsburgh Steelers 3-1 (2)

The Steelers slowed down their offense with Justin Fields and ran out of time to score enough points to beat the Colts after TJ Watt and the defense had a poor afternoon. They can’t have something like this again with the Cowboys at home.

8. San Francisco 49ers 2-2 (9)

The 49ers got all of their key playmakers back except for Christian McCaffrey, so Brock Purdy was able to play well again against the Patriots. Next, they should make a divisional toss with the Cardinals and Seahawks.

MORE: Latest injury update for Christian McCaffrey

9. Seattle Seahawks 3-0 (12)

The Seahawks have made major schematic changes overall to complement OC Ryan Grubb’s uptempo offense. They unlock all their weapons to achieve great success in time.

10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3-1 (15)

The Buccaneers weathered the Broncos’ hiccups and imposed their offensive will on the Eagles’ defense. It was also nice to have Vita Vea back to strengthen the defense.

MORE: Tom Brady fires back at Baker Mayfield over ‘joy’ comment

11. Washington Commanders 3-1 (16)

Offensively, the Commanders are in complete control, with Jayden Daniels rushing and playing at will. It inspires the defense now to know they can play with an edge.

MORE: Did the Bears make a mistake by passing on Jayden Daniels with the No. 1 overall pick?

12. Philadelphia Eagles 2-2 (5)

The Eagles tried to operate without key wide receivers for Jalen Hurts, but never really had a chance as the defense regressed and collapsed again for Vic Fangio against Baker Mayfield. They have a mix of good and bad under Nick Sirianni, and their departure in Week 5 is much needed.

MORE: Is Nick Sirianni on the hot seat?

13. Green Bay Packers 2-2 (10)

Jordan Love got going late against the Vikings, but looked a little shaky as he tried to get too much out of the struggling defense. The Packers can’t win if they can’t protect the ball.

MORE: Fans joke about Jordan Love’s tribute to Brett Favre | Update on Christian Watson’s injury

14. Atlanta Falcons 2-2 (17)

The Falcons’ offense is still trying to figure out its pass and rush flow, but they have to be pleased with how some late additions on defense are starting to make an impact.

MORE: Kyle Pitts went without a catch against the Saints

15. Dallas Cowboys 2-2 (18)

The Cowboys had a good game for Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb against the Giants, but the more important development was that they had a much more functional defense under Mike Zimmer after three shaky games.

MORE: Micah Parsons injury update

16. New York Jets 2-2 (11)

What was that? The Jets lost their rushing mojo with Breece Hall, which led to some key loss and limitations in the Broncos’ defense. Robert Saleh should expect to win if the defense keeps a rookie quarterback like that in check.

MORE: Penalties and poor pass protection doom Jets vs. Broncos

17. Los Angeles Chargers 2-2 (13)

The Chargers have faded since their hot start against weaker teams, but their defense will hold them in most games. They just need to score more points sooner rather than later after their Week 5 bye.

MORE: Justin Herbert takes out his frustration on his helmet during loss to Chiefs

18. New Orleans Saints 2-2 (14)

The Saints offense has cooled down significantly with Derek Carr, and their defense is slowly settling down with some injury issues with Dennis Allen. The mood of the first two weeks has turned 180 degrees.

MORE: Taysom Hill injury update

19. Miami Dolphins 1-2 (21)

The Dolphins wisely tapped former Ravens super sub Tyler Huntley at QB to transition to a more run-heavy offense with the departure of Tua Tagovailoa (header). That should pay off immediately for Mike McDaniel against the Titans.

MORE: Raheem Mostert injury update

20. Denver Broncos 2-2 (23)

The Broncos have gone from a compressed, uninspiring offense with Bo Nix to more than adequate as their defense is outstanding for Sean Payton. They can make some noise in the division in the next two games before facing Payton’s old team, the Saints.

MORE: Tyler Badie injury update after scary sideline incident | Bo Nix throws for -7 yards in the first half against the Jets

21. Cincinnati Bengals 1-3 (22)

The Bengals got off the mat by playing other Cats in Carolina and showing off their high ceiling with Joe Burrow versus their previous high floor with Andy Dalton. However, the defense still has significant injury-related problems.

22. Indianapolis Colts 2-2 (24)

The Colts have rallied defensively over the past two weeks to get back on their feet. 500, but their offense still has some finishing issues with Anthony Richardson (hip) and Jonathan Taylor (ankle) injured.

MORE: Anthony Richardson injury update | Jonathan Taylor Injury Update | Should Joe Flacco start for Colts?

23. Chicago Bears 2-2 (26)

The Bears continue to find new offensive answers around Caleb Williams as they figure out how to streamline all of their weapons and find balance. Meanwhile, the pass defense continues to have flexibility to keep them in most games.

MORE: Comparing Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels’ stats over 4 games

24. Las Vegas Raiders 2-2 (30)

The Raiders, after being challenged by coach Antonio Pierce, attacked deep and outplayed the Browns with intense, defensive play despite missing Maxx Crosby (ankle).

25. Arizona Cardinals 1-3 (19)

The Cardinals defense is showing its true colors under Jonathan Gannon, putting a little too much pressure on Kyler Murray and the offense.

26. Los Angeles Rams 1-3 (20)

The Rams can do their best to keep up offensively with Matthew Stafford and Kyren Williams even if their top two wide receivers are unable to, but the overall defense is making that increasingly difficult.

27. New York Giants 1-3 (25)

The Giants missed many opportunities to defeat the Cowboys through a series of self-inflicted mistakes. They aren’t making any changes at QB yet, but the leash has gotten a lot shorter.

MORE: Drops – not Daniel Jones – Downfall Giants vs. Cowboys | Update on Malik Nabers’ injury

28. Carolina Panthers 1-3 (27)

Andy Dalton and Chuba Hubbard have added much-needed oomph to the offense under Dave Canales, but it’s difficult to compensate for a weakened defense when facing an explosive team like the Bengals. Unfortunately, they’ll get a good look at Caleb Williams next week in Chicago with Bryce Young on the bench.

29. New England Patriots 1-3 (29)

The Patriots defense is not what it was under Bill Belichick as it has many holes under Jerod Mayo. They need to think about signing Drake Maye as their QB as the season appears to be lost for the offense after the Week 1 upset in Cincinnati.

MORE: Rob Gronkowski says Drake Maye shouldn’t start before Jacob Brissett

30. Cleveland Browns 1-3 (28)

Deshaun Watson, Amari Cooper and the rest of this offense are chaotic and dysfunctional. The defense is doing its best but isn’t getting good help.

MORE: Deshaun Watson and Jameis Winston yell at teammates vs. Raiders

31. Jacksonville Jaguars 0-4 (31)

The Jaguars showed a lot more fight in Houston and the division’s desperation set in, but injuries and inconsistency continue to hurt both the offense and defense.

32. Tennessee Titans 0-3 (32)

The Titans want to remain patient with Will Levis in a new offense, and what would help is more diversification in the passing game. Unfortunately, there are now major defensive concerns ahead of a Week 5 bye.