NFL Top 10: Week 5
Week 5 of the NFL season has concluded, with just one team remaining undefeated. Last week’s number one team in our rankings, the Los Angeles Rams, were among the sixteen teams who took a loss this week, raising the question: Who is the best team in football?
Let’s check out the top ten.
1. Arizona Cardinals (4-0)
The Cardinals are off to a blazing hot start, and they are the only undefeated team remaining. In a loaded NFC West, winning divisional games will be significant, and beating the Rams this week put the rest of the league on notice.
Behind Kyler Murray, Arizona has the potential to make some noise in the NFC.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1)
Tom Brady taking on the Patriots in New England surely did not disappoint. In a rainy, defensive battle, the Buccaneers held on, solidifying Brady as the fourth quarterback in NFL history to defeat all 32 teams at least once.
Tampa Bay should continue winning over the next few weeks as they face the Dolphins, Eagles and Bears.
3. Buffalo Bills (3-1)
Ever since their Week 1 loss to Pittsburgh, the Bills have been rolling on both sides of the ball. The offense has posted at least 35 points in three straight games, and the defense put up its second shutout of the year against the Texans this week.
A rematch of last year’s AFC Championship Game on Sunday night could go a long way towards Buffalo proving themselves as the AFC’s best squad.
4. Los Angeles Rams (3-1)
The Rams were looking unstoppable after their win over Tampa Bay, but they fell back down to earth this week against the Cardinals. The Matthew Stafford-Cooper Kupp connection wasn’t at the same level as we’ve seen in the first three weeks.
Los Angeles is still a premiere team, but as mentioned, the divisional regular season games in the NFC West will be make-or-break.
5. Baltimore Ravens (3-1)
After handing the Broncos their first loss of the year this past week, Baltimore is rolling. They now have a three-game win streak, and Lamar Jackson has improved as a passer.
They take on the Indianapolis Colts in a Monday Night Football matchup in Week 5.
6. Cleveland Browns (3-1)
The Browns have taken care of business since their Week 1 loss en route to a 3-1 record. Behind its rushing attack and strong defense, Cleveland should be in contention for the AFC North title.
Sunday’s game against the Chargers will be a matchup between two AFC playoff hopefuls.
7. Green Bay Packers (3-1)
It has been a confusing start to the year for Green Bay. After getting blown out in their first game, the Packers once again look like the favorites to take the NFC North amid a three-game win streak.
Green Bay also has some easier matchups over the next three weeks, so a six-game win streak is not out of the question.
8. Kansas City Chiefs (2-2)
Kansas City bounced back this week against the Eagles with a 42-30 victory. Two losses early in the season have knocked them back in the rankings, but the Chiefs are still one of the most talented teams in football.
One way or another they will be Super Bowl contenders, but the defense must start getting stops.
9. Dallas Cowboys (3-1)
The two biggest question marks surrounding the Cowboys heading into the season were the health of Dak Prescott and the defense. So far, both have been excellent, leading Dallas to a 3-1 record.
Trevon Diggs has been a playmaker on defense with his league-leading five interceptions, and Prescott and the offense are a threat for 30+ points every game.
10. Los Angeles Chargers (3-1)
The Chargers have now taken back-to-back victories over AFC West rivals, which could make a huge difference down the stretch. Austin Ekeler has been terrific at running back, ranking fifth in the league in yards from scrimmage.
Despite being handed a tough schedule to start the season, Los Angeles is off to an excellent start.
Daniel Mader is a second-year student majoring in digital/print journalism. To contact him, email dbm5725@psu.edu.
