by Michael DeLuca
Miami upsets, Philadelphia disappoints, Detroit blows, and the intrigue grows. Gotta love this game, here are your NFL Power Rankings heading into week 6. 
1. New York Giants (4-0) - No Burress, no problem. The Giants rolled to a 44-6 victory over the Seattle Seahawks and solidified their stronghold on the #1 spot in the power rankings. They haven’t seemed to miss a beat on defense despite the losses of Michael Strahan to retirement and Osi Umenyiora to a season ending injury.
2. Tennessee Titans (5-0) – Best defense in the league thus far continued to roll against the Baltimore Ravens, limiting them to just 285 total yards on offense and 2 turnovers. Albert Haynesworth is a beast and Cortland Finnegan is gaining prominence as one of the league’s top cover corners. Chris Johnson is a lightning bolt. Kerry “Cocktail” Collins makes this offense more stable, allowing the defense to do what it do.
3. Dallas Cowboys (4-1) – They beat the Bengals, but it wasn’t as easy as some would like. Overall, they look to be losing a bit more mojo from week to week. Their dominating performance in Cleveland in week 1 was followed up by a week 2 shootout victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. In week three they traveled to Green Bay, where they had never won a game, and took it to the Packers for an impressive victory. Rookie Felix Jones has established himself a dynamic playmaker, but inexplicably didn’t receive a single touch in the week 4 loss to the Washington Redskins. Against the Bengals, Jones was once again involved and his 9 carries for 96 yards and a touchdown proved to be the difference.
4. Washington Redskins (4-1) – They took it to the Cowboys, in their own house and then came back the following week to do the very same thing to the Philadelphia Eagles! Jason Campbell is the only quarterback to start the season that has yet to throw an interception.
5. Carolina Panthers (4-1) – In week 5 the Panthers rolled to a 34-0 victory over the hapless Kansas City Chiefs. Even more staggeringly they outgained them by 315 yards. In week 1, this team went to San Diego and beat a good Chargers team and then followed up with a hard fought victory against the Chicago Bears. In week 3, Minessota’s home field advantage was too much to overcome. A week 4 victory over the Atlanta Falcons was expected, but nonetheless was an excellent display of football fundamentals. They suffered some big injuries up front that will be worth keeping an eye on, but their backups have filled in very well to this point.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) – Ben Roethlisberger returned to form in an impressive victory Sunday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Taking out the Ravens last Monday night was a big test for this squad. Offensive line problems were compounded ten fold with the week 4 loss of guard Kendall Simmons to an Achilles injury, he’s already been placed on injured reserve and is out for the season.
7. Buffalo Bills (4-1) - Trent Edwards was knocked out on the third play of the game and replaced by JP Losman. The injury to Terrance McGee proved fatal, as the Bills had no defense for Arizona’s air attack. They’re still a solid all around team and will have their ups and downs. Mcgee’s importance to the defense cannot be understated.
8. Denver Broncos (4-1) – They passed a big test this week against Tampa Bay, but winning in Denver is expected. Kansas City has historically been a tough place to play, but Denver should have been able to take out the Chiefs in week 4 if they truly want to be considered one of the league’s elite. The offense continues to be explosive, while the defense is downright atrocious. Brandon Marshall may have taken over as the premier wide receiver in the NFL. Jay Cutler continues to show poise in the pocket, a rocket arm, and deadly accuracy.
9. Chicago Bears (3-2) – Kyle Orton throws for 334 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 34-7 rout of the Detroit Lions. This team went 13-3 and appeared in the Super Bowl just two years ago. Their two losses were late game nailbiters and this team could easily be 5-0. Greg Olsen is emerging as a weapon in the passing game and his evolution could really help an offense that has been stagnant for over a decade.
10. New England Patriots (3-1) – Brutal home loss to the Miami Dolphins in week 3, but I told you Bellichek wouldn’t fold up the tent. A week 5 road win in San Francisco indicates this team will remain competitive. Tom Brady’s season ending injury obviously hurts this team, but they do still have a lot of playmakers on offense as well as a top 5 offensive line. With the best head coach in the NFL leading the charge, the Patriots will find ways to win football games and keep themselves relevant.
11. Indianapolis Colts (2-2) – This team was 4 minutes away from being ranked in the 20′s.
12. Arizona Cardinals (3-2) – After starting off 2-0, Arizona fell to the Washington Redskins and then the New York Jets. In Week 5 they rebounded with a strong performance against the previously undefeated Buffalo Bills, despite playing without star wideout Anquan Boldin. Adrian Wilson played only a handful of plays, including Buffalo’s third offensive attempt in which he knocked Trent Edwards out of the game. His health is vital to this team’s defense.
13. Philadelphia Eagles (2-3) - Despite injuries to Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook, the Eagles held on for a hard fought victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 3 when Jim Johnson’s defense did what they do best, blitz. Week 4 and Week 5 losses to Chicago and Washington were both winnable, but Andy Reid’s teams have never been able to manage a play clock or come from behind. Westbrook now adds two broken ribs to his injury woes. He’s the key to their offense and as his health goes so will their postseason chances.
14. San Diego Chargers (2-3) – LaDainian Tomlinson clearly isn’t himself, Phillip Rivers isn’t what many wanted to believe he is, and Norv Turner is….well, Norv Turner.
15. Minnesota Vikings (2-3) – Brad Childress is a terrible coach. The Bryant Mckinnie return definitely helps. Week 6 will provide some relief with a home game against the Detroit Lions.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2) – Blah.
17. New York Jets (2-2) - No team in the NFL is more difficult to get a read on right now. Just as it seemed Brett Favre was going to be unable to gel with this team, he comes out and throws 6 touchdowns against a formidable Cardinals defense. Even more promising, he’s hitting his primary receivers. Leon Washington got the start over Thomas Jones, though Jones did get more carries. Keep an eye on this situation as Washington could become the featured back if Jones continues to struggle.
18. New Orleans Saints (2-3) – Drew Brees is an elite quarterback that can keep this team in any game. With Colston and Shockey out, Lance Moore and Robert Meachem have stepped up. The offensive line has performed admirably despite some injuries and the suspension of LG Jamar Nesbit.
19. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-3) – Injuries continue to haunt this squad. On Sunday Night, Jacksonville was without some key members of their secondary and Ben Roethlisberger picked them apart for 309 yards and three touchdowns. All three interior offensive linemen are out and that will continue to hurt. Garrard shows flashes of being a playmaker and as I have stated for weeks, he needs to take off more often when the pocket collapses. He did so against the Houston Texans in week 4 and it was the difference in the game. Designing some run plays for him might help free up this offense.
20. Atlanta Falcons (3-2) – Falcons notched their biggest win to date with their upset of the Green Bay Packers. This is a young team that will have it’s ups and downs all season long. This team does have playmakers and will surprise any team that sleep on them. Roddy White has become one of the league’s elite receivers.
21. Baltimore Ravens (2-2) – Despite the loss, it’s hard to come out with anything but positives from the Ravens’ loss to the Tennessee Titans. The defense is playing fantastic football, this week limiting the Titans to just 210 yards and forcing two turnovers. The offense struggled in this one, but was expected to against the league’s top defense. Overall, Joe Flacco continues to develop a nice rapport with Desmond Mason but will have to start finding some other receivers, starting with tight end Todd Heap.
22. Green Bay Packers (2-3) – This is a young team that went 13-3 last year. Tough week 3 loss to the Dallas Cowboys was followed by an ugly defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in which Aaron Rodgers went down with a shoulder injury late in the fourth quarter. He returned valiantly in week 5 to throw for 313 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Falcons, but the team still lost. Green Bay’s main problems are on defense, where injuries to Al Harris and Cullen Jenkins have set this squad back. Middle linebacker, Nick Barnett, does not appear to be himself this year.
23. Miami Dolphins (2-2) - I expected the win at home this week against San Diego and I don’t care who you are, you had to be excited about what the Dolphins were able to do in New England week 3 where Ronnie Brown scored five touchdowns, 1 passing and 4 rushing. The playcalling has been oustanding this Dolhins’ squad has to be riding high and believing that anything is possible.
24. San Francisco 49ers (2-3) – Mike Martz is a knucklehead. The playcalling on both sides of the ball is atrocious. J.T. O’Sullivan should be replaced in the red zone.
25. Oakland Raiders (1-3) - Who knows what happens now with Tom Cable as head coach. The defense seems to have gotten on track after a week 1 embarrassment to the Denver Broncos. They are the strength of this team and should be able to keep them in any game.
26. Cleveland Browns (1-3) - They beat the Bengals without Carson Palmer, that shouldn’t count. Despite the win, Derek Anderson had another poor performance and should be replaced by Brady Quinn. Crennell won’t do it.
27. Seattle Seahawks (1-4) - Deion Branch and Bobby Engram returned…and Branch quickly went down once again. Mike Holmgrem’s going to regret coaching this one last season.
28. Houston Texans (0-4) - This team should be 2-2 but has fallen apart in each of their last two games. This recent loss to Indianapolis is inexcusable. The lone positive is that Andre Johnson finally got involved in the offense.
29. Cincinatti Bengals (0-5) - Ocho didn’t get to kiss the star. A couple weeks ago this team was 0-3, but had to feel positive after a near road victory against the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. They had a home game coming up against the 0-3 Cleveland Browns. Things were looking up. Then Carson Palmer came up with a gimpy elbow and was unable to play. Palmer returned for a gutsy performance against the Dallas Cowboys, but once again the Bengals came up short. Chris Perry has 5 fumbles in 5 outings. Cedric Benson may soon be the starting halfback.
30. Kansas City Chiefs (1-4) – This team should win at home, so you can’t get overly excited with their lone victory over the Broncos. Damon Huard is definitely the best of their bunch and should remain the starter, but KC will be going back to Brodie Croyle following their bye week. Croyle is 0-7 in his career starts. This team is clearly in rebuild mode and should get what they can for Tony Gonzalez and maybe even Larry Johnson.
31. Detroit Lions (0-4) - Dumping Matt Millen can’t help until the offseason!
32. St. Louis Rams (0-4) – The worst coach currently in the NFL has been replaced with the worst coach in NFL history. Good luck with that one.
I think the Skins are better than the boys, and at the very least have more momentum.
Yeah, I had a tough time with that one and just barely gave the Boys the edge. Defensively, Terence Newman will be returning for the Cowboys and that will help. Offensively, you still have to give the edge to the Cowboys. They have the better line, QB, backs, and tight end. I’ll say a tie at receiver, since the Boys don’t have a solid #2.
I liked that guys comment…haha. Serious, how do you rank the Boys ahead of the Skins Duke ?????
I think I just explained it in the previous comment. Is there anything there you disagree with?
Yeah, If their offense was better, they would have scored more points then the Skins. The Skins have good WR, a solid QB and a real good RB . In football its not who is better at skill positions anyway, its what team is better, and the Skins beat them on their home field. If they won in Washington, then yeah, your argument could be a bit more valid. But if you go into Dallas and win, you deserve to be ahead of them.
So it is your opinion that when they meet in Washigton, the Redskins should have an easy time with them. I’ll take note of that and get back to you later.
I’ll also remind you that after the first week you said the Redskins were the worst team in football.
It was also your opinion last week that momentum played a big factor in your rankings. Washington just beat Dallas and Philly on the road and Dallas lost at home and struggled with Cincy…how do they have more momentum????
And right, after week one Washington looked to be terrible, I am able to admit I am wrong…step up and do it yourself.
What am I wrong about? It’s my opinion that Dallas is a better team than Washington. Again, momentum is not the only factor. As I said, I struggled with the decision, but I feel I made the right one. I think Dallas will beat Washington when the teams meet in Washington. I think Dallas will end up better in the division. If I turn out to be incorrect, so be it. I’ll then rank Washington above Dallas. For now, I think Dallas is the better team.
If I used your argument, I’d have to rank Miami ahead of New England. They beat them on their home field and have more momentum. It’s not that simple.
Funny Duke, you wrote this at me in week 4
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Jets beat Miami and therefore can’t be ranked ahead of them is completely flawed logic. By the same train of thought, Miami beat New England in New England, while the Jets lost to the Patriots at home. Neither of these are the reason for ranking the Dolphins higher than the Jets. Momentum is.
So that week Momentum was paramount, this week its secondary ?
And again, momentum isn’t the only factor.
Hmmm…Am I reading your writing wrong them ?
Yes, you are.
Did you not say this?
Neither of these are the reason for ranking the Dolphins higher than the Jets. Momentum is.
I did say that. I’m not using a mathematical equation. I’m not seeding these teams for the playoffs. In that particular instance I saw the two teams as deadlocked and gave the edge to Miami because their momentum seemed to be headed in the right direction, while the Jets’ seemed to be going in the wrong direction. I give the edge to Dallas here because I think when the day is done, I think they’re the better football team.
Your lucky I read your site and comment…and you just wont admit your wrong huh ?
I thought Wes Chamberlain was going to be a really good baseball player and bought 100′s of his rookie card, I was wrong.
I thought Stuck On You was going to be a good movie. I watched it, I was wrong.
I ate a half a casino pizza, an order of shrimp jammers, and a dozen beers or so on Saturday and thought I might get away without explosive diahrrea…I was wrong.
I’m having trouble understanding how I can be wrong when the basis of this list is my opinion, which I fully acknowlege will change from week to week…thus “weekly rankings”. I’m not claiming it to be right or wrong, just my current opinion of the 32 teams in the NFL from first to worst.
Dallas will beat Washington when they meet again.
@ DeLuca
Thats fine, just dont justify it by saying one week a teams momentum played a factor, then 2 weeks later, it has no barring, thats all I am saying pal.
Never said it had no bearing, just not a tiebreaker for me in this particular situation. Again, it’s not a formula, it’s opinion.
Great fodder fellas, I give the W to Kenny in this one, I have to agree, cant use momentum as part of your formula one week and then discount it two weeks later bro…good work Kenny!
“it’s not a formula”
Don’t mind them, they’re both obviously dimwits and just trying to get under your skin.
I know that, but the crappy part is that now that Newman has a sports hernia and Pacman’s in more trouble, I might have to move Washington ahead of Dallas.
I dont think Newmen helps that much anyway, the Cowboys pass D is awful with or without him in there. If he is the line reason you thought Dallas was better then Washington you need to re-evaluate that decsion.