Weekly NFL Power Rankings Week 6: Can Anyone Top the 49ers?

It feels like there are only five or six truly great teams in the NFL right now. And every week, my stance on so many teams changes, making this article both difficult and very fun to write.

Oh well. Here it goes. Time to make some more fan bases mad. Here are the Week 6 NFL power rankings.

NFL Power Rankings Week 6

1. San Francisco 49ers (5-0)

No change

We know this offense is going to be among the best in the league. And despite still playing through a rib injury, Mike Evans posted his most dominant game as a member of the 49ers. But the defense continues to make key plays, especially the pass rush. Injuries continue to plague this wide receiver room, but it doesn’t ever seem to matter. A road win in Seattle is about as impressive as it gets.

2. Kansas City Chiefs (4-0)

No change

The red-hot Chiefs had the week off, hopefully giving Rashee Rice time to recover from his hamstring injury. Each week the case for Kansas City remains the same: Patrick Mahomes paired with an elite run game is about as scary a situation for opposing defenses as you can find.

3. Seattle Seahawks (3-2)

No change

My top three from a week ago doesn’t change, as Seattle, despite coming off their second loss of the season, remains at the three spot. Losing to the top team in the league in a close game shouldn’t result in your ranking plummeting, but Sam Darnold absolutely needs to start taking better care of the football. He’s now thrown five interceptions over his last three games.

4. Buffalo Bills (4-1)

No change

Buffalo is coming off the early-season game of the year on Monday, surviving a back-and-forth overtime thriller against the Rams. Despite the win and a 4-1 record, the Bills have a lot of things to clean up.

For starters, the pass defense is atrocious. Countless times, members of the secondary are absolutely lost in zone coverage, and outside of Christian Benford, this unit really lacks truly reliable players. Unless Greg Rousseau or Deone Walker generates pressure, opposing passing attacks can have their way with this defense.

Of course, it isn’t all on them. Josh Allen was magical during the second half against the Rams, but he has not played his best ball over the last three weeks. He needs to start taking the easy throws when they’re available. And finally, James Cook is one of the hottest running backs in the league (again), but ball security is a concern.

The ceiling for this team is still a Super Bowl berth, but they need to fix some things to get there.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-1)

No change

I'll be honest. Liam Coen is very lucky to be 4-1 right now. Despite facing a depleted Eagles team, Jacksonville needed a great Ameer Abdullah return and a walk-off 57-yard field goal from Cam Little to secure the win in London. Overall, I still like the defense (especially against the run), and Trevor Lawrence has been one of the best quarterbacks in football since the second half of last year.

But please, Liam. Stop getting so cute at the goal line and give the ball to Bhayshul Tuten.

6. Baltimore Ravens (4-1)

No change

Baltimore’s road win against Atlanta was their most impressive of the season. They limited Bijan Robinson and the rushing attack on defense, and on offense, Tyler Huntley was surgical on the team’s overtime drive. It was a hell of a job from Jesse Minter and Declan Doyle, who continue to emerge as one of the league’s brightest HC/OC combinations.

7. Minnesota Vikings (5-0)

Change: +6

You know, I’m honestly not sure if the 5-0 Vikings are the seventh-best team in the league. But after the top six teams, I really don’t feel super strongly about anyone else right now. The offense finally showed some signs this past Sunday, and given how elite this defense is, Kyler Murray and company just have to be competent to give this team a chance to win each and every week.

8. Los Angeles Rams (2-3)

Change: -1

I know what you’re thinking. A 2-3 team ranked eighth in football seems absurd. But again, there are very few truly elite teams in football, and while other teams have a better record, I still trust the Rams' coaching and talent much more.

They probably should have beaten the Bills on Monday, but special teams issues continue to hurt them. We still haven’t seen what this defense can look like with a healthy Myles Garrett and a warmed-up Aaron Donald, while there is zero mystery with the offense. Perhaps this team isn’t as super as they were originally deemed, but I still see the upside here.

9. New England Patriots (3-2)

Change: +8

What a difference a few weeks makes.

The Patriots continue to rise more than any other team in the rankings. Back-to-back impressive wins will do that, as New England walked into Buffalo and won before dismantling the surprise Raiders this past weekend. After a concerning start, Drake Maye looks like MVP candidate Drake Maye, even more exciting considering AJ Brown is on his way back. The secondary is extremely banged up, and it looks like Will Campbell will miss some time. But this team is clearly confident right now.

10. Cincinnati Bengals (3-2)

Change: -1

It wasn’t perfect, but the Bengals improved to 3-2 on Sunday. Joe Burrow had a great bounce-back performance, and now Cincinnati will get the bye week for Tee Higgins to get fully healthy. The defense is starting to give up a handful of explosive runs, but they mostly have come with Dexter Lawrence off the field.

I’m shocked.

11. Denver Broncos (3-2)

Change: -1

After weeks of speculation, Sean Payton took over playcalling duties against the Chargers this weekend. Unfortunately, you wouldn’t have noticed. Denver’s offense continues to struggle, as the Broncos averaged an ugly 3.9 yards per play. Bo Nix threw for just 123 yards on 27 attempts, as he continues to look like one of the worst quarterbacks in the league. The pocket presence has been terrible, and he’s simply not taking middle-of-the-field throws when they are available.

A Thursday night test against the defending Super Bowl champions is the ideal time for a statement game.

12. Detroit Lions (3-2)

Change: +3

It was just the Cardinals, so let’s not overreact, but the Lions defense finally showed up, playing sticky man coverage against Trey McBride and Michael Wilson, thus helping the pass rush. And with Brian Branch nearing a return, the defense can only improve. The offense, meanwhile, remains elite, ranking top-three in the NFL in success rate, EPA/play and points per drive.

13. Chicago Bears (3-2)

Change: -5

After a two-week stretch of fun backup quarterback play, it turns out the Bears are actually better off with Caleb Williams under center.

Who would have thought?

Tyson Bagent was awful in Sunday’s blowout loss against the Packers, while Case Keenum wasn’t much better in relief. Williams is set to return in Week 6, but the overperforming defense showed its true colors, giving up explosive play after explosive play to Jordan Love and company.

14. Carolina Panthers (2-2)

No change

Carolina is coming off their bye, so my stance on them hasn’t really changed. I still think it’s possible that this is a boom/bust, inconsistent team each week. But Bryce Young is playing the best football of his career, the run game with Chuba Hubbard is improved, and the duo of Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker creates mismatches all over the field. This team is fun.

15. Green Bay Packers (3-2)

Change: +9

Did Green Bay need that game against the Bears or what? Jordan Love flashed his upside, constantly attacking Chicago downfield. The run game, while still poor, has shown some signs as of late, and the defense forced a ton of turnovers. I still have some concerns with this team, but Micah Parsons’ return will go a long way.

16. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2)

Change: +7

The Steelers are the most Jekyll and Hyde team in the league right now. Some weeks Aaron Rodgers will attack the ball down the field, while others will see him checking the ball down over and over. But the emergence of Jaylen Warren is massive for an offense that needs more playmakers. With the defense providing a strong floor most weeks, this team intrigues me.

17. Dallas Cowboys (2-3)

Change: -6

The Cowboys are coming off an unacceptable loss last Thursday, dropping a home game against an undrafted rookie quarterback. Of course, the defense remains putrid, but Dak Prescott looked really uncomfortable against the blitz, which is rare. This offense is so good that if the defense can just become league-average, the Cowboys should win the NFC East. But that seems like a difficult task at the moment.

18. Atlanta Falcons (2-3)

Change: -2

Atlanta would probably be ranked much lower if Michael Penix were set to miss time, but it sounds like he should play on Sunday. That’s good news because this offense has been great since he returned, while the defense is better than you think.

19. Las Vegas Raiders (3-2)

Change: -7

After a 3-0 start where the Raiders looked like the surprise team of the season, they surprised us again on Sunday by getting dismantled by the Patriots 45-17. There were blown coverages all over the secondary in this game, while the run game continues to offer very little. Ashton Jeanty, who missed Friday’s practice and was questionable to play, clearly isn’t 100% healthy.

20. New York Giants (3-1-1)

Change: -1

Five weeks in and I still have zero idea what to make of the Giants. And to make it even more difficult to pinpoint this team, they tied on Sunday. At the end of the day, they have a higher floor with John Harbaugh, but I’m not buying this team as the best in the NFC East.

21. Philadelphia Eagles (2-3)

Change: -3

The Eagles continue to fight through adversity and absolutely should have left London with a 3-2 record. But a late-game collapse led to their demise. Injuries have impacted this team more than anyone in football this season, and if Saquon Barkley doesn't return on Sunday, the Eagles will be down to their fourth-string running back in Dameon Pierce.

22. Houston Texans (1-4)

Change: +3

Houston didn't move up three spots because they handled the Tennessee Titans. Even amidst their struggles, that’s what they’re supposed to do. But even though teams like the Browns and Jets have better records, I still believe that if all three teams reach their ceiling, the Texans are simply better. C.J. Stroud is quietly having a nice bounce-back season and is set to get more help following the addition of Marvin Harrison Jr.

23. New York Jets (2-3)

Change: +4

A rainy game between the Jets and Browns went about as you’d expect. But the Jets got the win, led by rookie David Bailey and the pass rush accumulating eight sacks. Braelon Allen has filled in admirably for Breece Hall, while Garrett Wilson remains one of the most underrated wideouts in the game.

24. Cleveland Browns (3-2)

Change: -3

Despite the flashes from Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion, this offense is still pretty bad. Meanwhile, the defense, a unit they’ll have to lean on, is dealing with more and more injuries each week. It feels like the bottom is starting to fall out from under Cleveland.

25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-4)

Change: +5

The Bucs were very impressive last Thursday. Todd Bowles’ defense made life very difficult for Dak Prescott, while Jalon Daniels and the offense had sustained, successful drives. Through two weeks, Daniels has been solid, and if he can keep playing well in Baker Mayfield’s absence, who knows? Maybe Tampa Bay can make some noise in a wide-open NFC South after all.

26. Indianapolis Colts (2-3)

Change: -6

I’m just so unimpressed by this team right now.

Sure, Daniel Jones didn’t turn the ball over last week, but the pass game doesn’t instill any fear in opposing defenses, which is even more troubling in games like Sunday where Jonathan Taylor is held in check. The defense, meanwhile, continues to cough up far too many explosive plays.

27. Washington Commanders (1-3-1)

Change: +1

Jayden Daniels returned on Sunday and immediately reminded everyone of his ceiling, rushing for over 100 yards and two touchdowns. The offense obviously has a much higher ceiling with Daniels under center, but the overtime collapse is very difficult to overlook.

28. New Orleans Saints (1-4)

Change: -6

It seems like forever ago (and a fluke) that the Saints went into Baltimore and beat the Ravens. Tyler Shough looked lost against Brian Flores’ defense on Sunday, failing to reach 100 passing yards and throwing two interceptions. I was high on this team to open the year, but it’s tough to take the Saints seriously right now.

29. Miami Dolphins (0-5)

Change: +2

Miami has yet to win a game, but they have been in every game outside of Week 2 against San Francisco. It is a bit frustrating to watch the Dolphins continue to pound the rock in the fourth quarter when trailing by two scores, but the players are playing hard each week, especially rookie linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, who leads the league in tackles.

30. Los Angeles Chargers (0-5)

Change: -1

Get ready to start dreaming about Jeremiah Smith, Chargers fans.

Seriously. At this point, just embrace the tank. All hope is lost in Los(t) Angeles. The offensive line and pass-catchers are depleted, and Justin Herbert, who is already playing poorly, is pressing, forcing him to make some truly awful decisions. They could have easily beaten the Broncos on Sunday, but turnovers gave Denver multiple short fields. But don’t worry. Adam Gase might be taking over the offense.

Sheesh.

31. Arizona Cardinals (1-4)

Change: -5

After a fun Week 1 win over the Chargers, which was an upset at the time, Arizona has reverted back to a bad team. They struggled to consistently move the ball against a weak Lions defense on Sunday. Enough said.