NFL Power Rankings for Week 5
Week 4 in the NFL was a spectacle of shifting dynamics and burgeoning talents. After an explosive 70-point display against the Denver Broncos, the Miami Dolphins, our number two ranked squad, faced a reversal of fortunes on the road, clashing with division rivals, the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo emerged as the new torchbearers of the conference, handing the Dolphins a resounding 48-20 defeat. This twist was not isolated, as the Steelers, Saints, and Packers— all residing in our top 10—also tasted defeat in Week 4. However, one team seemingly rewriting their narrative is the Houston Texans. Evolving with each game in 2023, their rookie quarterback, C.J. Stroud, is etching his name in the history books.
With a record of throwing the second-most yards by a rookie through his first four games and setting a new standard with 151 pass attempts without an interception, he’s a beacon of promise for Houston. This newfound momentum was evident as they dominated the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-7 at home, with Stroud contributing 306 yards and two touchdowns. These unfolding dramas set the stage for a compelling reshuffle in the power dynamics as we step into Week 5.
Strike 7 Elite: Power Rankings 1-10
1. 49ers: 4-0
The San Francisco 49ers continue solidifying their stance atop our weekly NFL power rankings, delivering yet another commanding performance, dispatching the Arizona Cardinals with a decisive 35-16 victory. The exceptional Christian McCaffrey remains a driving force for the team, amassing 106 rushing yards and three touchdowns, complemented by his seven catches for 71 yards. Meanwhile, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk made his presence felt with six receptions totaling 148 yards, contributing to Sunday’s triumph over the Cardinals. However, the landscape is poised to be more challenging as they face their most significant season test in Week 5, clashing with another NFC powerhouse, the Dallas Cowboys. This impending battle promises to be a monumental showdown, potentially reshaping the NFC hierarchy and offering a glimpse into the resilience and adaptability of the reigning number one, the 49ers.
2. Bills: 3-1 (Previous Ranking 5th)
In the early unfolding of the season, the conjecture surrounding the duel between the Dolphins and the Bills was ripe, with many anticipating the victor to emerge as the AFC’s premier team. That illustrious title now adorns the Buffalo Bills, who dethroned the then-number two ranked Dolphins with a formidable 48-20 score line. Quarterback Josh Allen was the maestro of this triumphant day, launching 320 yards, four touchdowns, and maintaining a clean slate with no interceptions in Sunday’s monumental victory. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs was on the receiving end of three of Allen’s touchdown passes, concluding the day with six catches totaling 120 yards. This victory accentuates Buffalo’s ascent and raises the curtains on the potent synergy between Allen and Diggs, a combination that could spell doom for their adversaries.
3. Eagles: 4-0
The narrative penned by the Philadelphia Eagles in the season’s inaugural four weeks is a testament to their versatility and adaptive prowess in clinching victories. Their Sunday confrontation with their longtime division adversary, the Washington Commanders, was fraught with tension and adversity. Nevertheless, with their resilient spirit, the Eagles soared to a 4-0 record, overcoming the Commanders 34-31 in a nail-biting overtime finish. Wide receiver AJ Brown was instrumental in this victory, marking a season-high with 171 receiving yards and two touchdowns on nine receptions. This evolution of the Eagles underscores their multifaceted approach to the game, illustrating their capability to secure wins through varying game scripts and situations, positioning them as formidable contenders in our power rankings.
4. Chiefs: 3-1
There was a lot of buzz around the Chiefs’ Week 4 matchup against the New York Jets for reasons outside of football. The game was filled with explosive plays from both teams and a few controversial calls by the officials. Kansas City maintained its proficiency as one of the league’s best teams by defeating the Jets 23-20. Second-year running back Isiah Pacheco was the star of the night after rushing for 115 yards on 20 carries and one touchdown.
5. Cowboys: 3-1 (Previous Ranking 6th)
The Dallas Cowboys recovered quickly from last week’s shocking loss to the highly competitive Arizona Cardinals by dispatching the New England Patriots 38-3. Their first of many big games of 2023 awaits them when they go on the road to take on the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5. The contest is a rematch from last season’s divisional-round matchup that San Francisco won 19-12.
6. Dolphins: 3-1 (Previous Ranking 2nd)
Without question, we all know that the Miami Dolphins are the National Football League’s premiere offensive unit. However, defensively, they are not playing consistently up to their potential. And that’s with one of the best minds in the league regarding defense in coordinator Vic Fangio. The unit’s latest mishap came on Sunday against longtime division rival the Buffalo Bills. The Miami defense surrendered 424 yards of total offense in Week 4’s 28-point loss to Buffalo. The loss was their first of the season, but they are still tied with the Bills for control of the AFC East. Two winnable games lie ahead when they take on the Giants and Panthers before their showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles.
7. Seahawks: 3-1 (Previous Ranking 11th)
The Seattle Seahawks put on one of their best performances of the season when they defeated the New York Giants 24-3 on ESPN’s Monday Night Football. Their defense took advantage of a battered offensive line by sacking QB Daniel Jones 11 times. Rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon intercepted and scored on a 97-yard interception late in the third quarter that would put the game out of reach for the Giants. It’s not mentioned much, but the NFC West is starting to become a division stacked with competitive teams.
8. Ravens: 3-1 (Previous Ranking 10th)
The Browns were without their starting QB Deshaun Watson when they hosted the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4, which showed on the field. The Ravens took advantage of the mismatch by winning 28-3. Quarterback Lamar Jackson accounted for four touchdowns, two through the air and two on the ground. With the Bengals struggling to regain their identity and the Browns’ inability to be consistent, the Ravens can assert themselves as the class of the division.
9. Lions: 3-1 (Previous Ranking 13th)
I say this with confidence. The Detroit Lions are in total control of the NFC North this season. Their Week 4 Thursday night matchup with arch-rival, the Green Bay Packers, was a clear indicator of that notion. Returning to their Week 18 finale last season, the Lions continued their dominance of the Packers again. The Lions went into Lambeau Field and left with a 14-point victory over a Packers team that seemed to be in transition with Jordan Love under center.
10. Rams: 2-2 (Previous Ranking 25th)
The Los Angeles Rams, joining the ranks of the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks, have cemented their position within the top ten of our Strike 7 Elite Power Rankings. Their recent clash against the Indianapolis Colts was a suspense-filled encounter that extended into overtime. Yet, the Rams showcased their tenacity, emerging victorious with a 29-23 scoreline. The spotlight, however, shone brightest on rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua. Touted as the steal of the 2023 NFL Draft, this fifth-round gem from BYU clinched the game-winning touchdown, marking the Rams’ second win of the campaign. Nacua’s outstanding tally of 39 receptions and 501 receiving yards stands unprecedented, setting a record for a player in their first four games.
Second Tier: NFL Power Rankings 11-20
11. Buccaneers: 3-1
12. Jaguars: 2-2
13. Titans: 2-2
14. Chargers: 2-2
15. Texans: 2-2
16. Commanders: 2-2
17. Falcons: 2-2
18. Saints: 2-2
19. Browns: 2-2
20. Colts: 2-2
Bottom Tier: NFL Power Rankings 21-32
21. Steelers: 2-2
22. Packers: 2-2
23. Vikings: 1-3
24. Broncos: 1-3
25. Jets: 1-3
26. Cardinals: 1-3
27. Giants: 1-3
28. Raiders: 1-3
29. Bengals: 1-3
30. Patriots: 1-3
31. Bears: 0-4
32. Panthers: 0-4
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Meet Derrick Branch, the founder and chief wordsmith at Strike 7 Sports. With a sharp focus on the NFL and the NBA, Derrick's expertise in sports is matched only by his passion for sharing it with others. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communications from the prestigious University of Arizona Global. Let his insightful and engaging writing take you to the heart of the action.
