Jaguars Rise, Dolphins Spiral in Week 5 NFL Power Rankings

The Jacksonville Jaguars are for real. After defeating the Kansas City Chiefs on “Monday Night Football,” they improve to 4-1 and are now firmly in the top 10 of the latest WRUF Power Rankings.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hold firm in the No. 4 spot, but their chances of moving up increased as both undefeated teams are undefeated no longer.

For the Miami Dolphins, a game that should have been a layup was instead smoked, leaving them spiraling back towards the bottom of the rankings.

1. Detroit Lions (4-1)

Last Week: 37-24 win at Cincinnati Bengals

The Lions continue to show off their collection of weapons on offense, with running back David Montgomery leading the way this week. He rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown, as well as throwing a touchdown pass. The defense put together another dominant outing, recording two sacks and three interceptions.

Up Next: at Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, 8:20 p.m.

2. Buffalo Bills (4-1)

Last Week: 23-20 loss vs. New England Patriots

Buffalo was handed its first loss of the season, with turnovers to blame. Quarterback Josh Allen threw an interception and lost a fumble. Wide receiver Keon Coleman also put the ball on the ground. For the first time this season, running back James Cook was kept out of the end zone.

Up Next: at Atlanta Falcons, Monday, 7:15 p.m.

3. Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Last Week: 21-17 loss vs. Denver Broncos

The mighty defense of the Eagles gave up 18 fourth-quarter points, leading to the loss. They held the Broncos to just three points through three quarters but could not stop them in the fourth. The Eagles still had chances, with missed opportunities by wide receivers Jahan Dotson and A.J. Brown on deep passes. A Hail Mary to end the game fell incomplete after Brown appeared to tackle fellow wide receiver DeVonta Smith.

Up Next: at New York Giants, Thursday, 8:15 p.m.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-1)

Last Week: 38-35 win at Seattle Seahawks

Tampa Bay once again found a way to pull out a victory. The 4-1 team with a plus-three point differential looked like they would need overtime to have a chance after a touchdown to tie the game with just over two minutes left in the game, until linebackers Lavonte David came up with an interception in Seattle territory. Three straight runs followed by a kneel down set up kicker Chase McLaughlin to hit the 39-yard game winning field goal. And of course rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka caught another touchdown.

Up Next: vs. San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m.

5. Indianapolis Colts (4-1)

Last Week: 40-6 win vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Jonathan Taylor is making his case for postseason awards. The running back scored three touchdowns on the ground, adding to his league-leading six. The whole team looked the part of a contender, with the defense recording four sacks and cornerback Mekhi Blackmon and defensive end Laiatu Latu each intercepting a pass.

Up Next: vs. Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 1 p.m.

6. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-1)

Last Week: 31-28 win vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Devin Lloyd may be mentioned in every power rankings this season. The linebacker once again came up with a big play, this time a 99-yard pick-6. If you were told before the game that the Jaguars would not sack Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, that Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence would only complete 18 passes, and that running back Travis Etienne Jr. would be held to 49 yards rushing, you would think the Jaguars got blown out. Instead, they made just enough plays to stay in the game, and Treveor Lawrence delivered with the ugliest game winning touchdown run ever.

Up Next: vs. Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 1 p.m.

7. Washington Commanders (3-2)

Last Week: 27-10 win at Los Angeles Chargers

Welcome back Jayden Daniels. After missing two games, the quarterback came back with a bang. Daniels threw for 231 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 39 yards. It was not all Daniels, as running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt had his coming out party. The rookie out of Arizona turned 14 carries into 111 yards and two scores. On defense, it was the old men leading the way. Linebacker Bobby Wagner,35, had 14 tackles, while 36-year old edge rusher Von Miller put up 1.5 sacks.

Up Next: vs. Chicago Bears, Monday, 8:15 p.m.

8. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)

Last Week: Bye

Who would have thought the one healthy quarterback in the AFC North would have been 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers. Coming out of their bye, Rodgers will look to lead the Steelers to victory against the dominant Cleveland defensive line. The Browns will be returning from London, giving the Steelers an even bigger advantage when it comes to rest.

Up Next: vs. Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m.

9. Green Bay Packers (2-1-1)

Last Week: Bye

Sometimes the bye comes at the perfect time, and that is what happened for the Packers. After two dominant showings, the offense and defense began to crack. Factor in the first game out of the bye being against the Bengals and the Packers have the perfect opportunity to right the ship.

Up Next: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, 4:25 p.m.

10. San Francisco 49ers (4-1)

Last Week: 26-23 win at Los Angeles Rams

Credit needs to be given to coach Kyle Shanahan. The 49ers injury reports take about as long to read as War and Peace, and yet they keep finding ways to win. Tight end Jake Tonges caught another touchdown, Christian McCaffrey continues to do Christian McCaffrey things with 139 yards and a touchdown, and the defense makes plays when it matters most. Defensive tackle Alfred Collins forced and recovered a goal-line fumble to keep San Francisco alive. One more name to mention is Kendrick Bourne. The wide receiver looked fresh out of the Matt Damon movie franchise as he turned 10 catches into 142 yards.

Up Next: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m.

11. Kansas City Chiefs (2-3)

Last Week: 31-28 loss at Jacksonville Jaguars

Kansas City lost this game because it could not get a stop at the end of the game, but throwing a 99-yard pick six does not help. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw for 318 yards and a touchdown, as well as running one in. Still, his performance was offset by the costly goal-line interception. Tight end Travis Kelce had perhaps the most predictable big game following his birthday and his fiancé’s album release. Kelce recorded seven catches for 61 yards and a touchdown.

Up Next: vs. Detroit Lions, Sunday, 8:20 p.m.

12. Seattle Seahawks (3-2)

Last Week: 38-35 loss vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Throughout NFL history, there have been wide receivers and quarterbacks who are just on a different level together. Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne. Joe Montana and Jerry Rice. Matthew Stafford and whoever his top wide receiver is that season. Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba look on that level. Despite the loss they linked up eight times for 132 yards and a score. The most costly play of this game came from backup quarterback Jalen Milroe’s one snap. He fumbled an option pitch, giving the Buccaneers phenomenal field position for their first touchdown drive.

Up Next: at Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 1 p.m.

13. Dallas Cowboys (2-2-1)

Last Week: 37-22 win at New York Jets

All the talk about the lack of defense for Dallas appears to have lit a fire under the offense. It has now scored at least 37 points in three of its five games, and everyone is contributing. Quarterback Dak Prescott threw four touchdowns, two of them to tight end Jake Ferguson. Running back Javonte Williams went for 135 yards and a score on the ground, while the leading receiver was Ryan Flournoy with 114 yards on six catches. If you are asking “who is Ryan Flournoy?” you are not alone. He had 10 catches for 102 yards last season. Everyone ate on offense while the Jets had no answer.

Up Next: at Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 1 p.m.

14. New England Patriots (3-2)

Last Week: 23-20 win at Buffalo Bills

Knocking off the Bills is incredibly impressive. Doing it without a running game takes it to another level. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson lost another fumble, while his backfield mate Antonio Gibson also put the ball on the ground. The Patriots were able to recover Gibson’s. Gibson is now lost for the season with a torn ACL. Stevenson still had a productive day for fantasy managers, as he scored two touchdowns despite just 14 yards rushing. The star of the show was wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who recorded 146 yards on 10 catches in his return to Buffalo. 

Up Next: at New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m.

15. Denver Broncos (3-2)

Last Week: 21-17 win at Philadelphia Eagles

What a comeback from the Broncos. They trailed by 14 entering the fourth quarter before quarterback Bo Nix led three straight scoring drives to secure the victory. Linebacker Nik Bonitto had been slipping under the radar here in the WRUF Power Rankings, but no longer. The NFL leader in sacks added 2.5 more this week and wrecked the game for the Broncos. Bonitto is making his case for Defensive Player of the Year consideration in the first quarter of the season.

Up Next: at New York Jets, Sunday, 9:30 p.m. (London Game)

16. Los Angeles Chargers (3-2)

Last Week: 27-10 loss vs. Washington Commanders

Back-to-back losses against NFC East opponents brings into question how good the Chargers really are. Quarterback Justin Herbert was sacked four times and wide receiver Quentin Johnston reminded the world why they make fun of his hands as he fumbled. There was not a clear bright spot in a game where Trey Lance got snaps at quarterback. To add insult to injury, running back Omarion Hampton was placed on the IR after the game.

Up Next: at Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 1 p.m.

17. Los Angeles Rams (3-2)

Last Week: 26-23 loss vs. San Francisco 49ers

The Rams have good offensive players. The wide receiver tandem of Davante Adams and Puka Nacua combined for 15 catches for 173 yards and a score, while running back Kyren Williams rushed for 65 yards, plus another 66 through the air and a score. With that, you cannot turn the ball over, especially not in the red zone. The Rams did just that, with WIlliams losing a fumble on the goal line that would have given Los Angeles the lead late in the fourth quarter.

Up Next: at Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, 1 p.m.

18. Minnesota Vikings (3-2)

Last Week: 21-17 win at Cleveland Browns (London Game)

Minnesota’s defense has shown it has a knack for forcing turnovers, but was unable to find any in London. Even against a rookie quarterback, the Vikings mustered just five tackles for loss, including two sacks. That’s not to say the defense played poorly, as they held the Browns to 17 points. However, it seems like the perfect time for a bye as the defense can catch its breath following two straight games across the pond.

Up Next: Bye

19. Atlanta Falcons (2-2)

Last Week: Bye

Playing a great team right after they lose is not a spot a team wants to find themselves in, yet the Falcons have no choice. Coming off their bye, they play host to the Bills, who just suffered their first loss of the season. To make matters worse, the rest advantage is lessened by a Monday night game. Expect the Falcons to be further down the WRUF Power Rankings next week.

Up Next: vs. Buffalo Bills, Monday, 7:15 p.m.

20.Chicago Bears (2-2)

Last Week: Bye

Giving one of the best offensive minds in the game two full weeks to script a drive is going to lead to fireworks. Expect coach Ben Johnson to have a few tricks up his sleeve early in the Week 6 matchup with the Commanders. Remember, this game last year was the turning point for both teams, as the Bears’ season fell apart following the Hail Mary from the Commanders, while the win served as a spring board for the rest of Washington’s season.

Up Next: at Washington Commanders, Monday, 8:15 p.m.

21. Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Last Week: 44-10 loss vs. Houston Texans

Every alarm is going off in Baltimore. It is one thing to see the defense struggle against Lions, Bills and Chiefs. Giving up 44 points against the Texans is something else entirely. Injuries are one thing, as quarterback Lamar Jackson and safety Kyle Hamilton both missed the game, but 44 points by a team whose previous high this season was 26 against the Titans is an embarrassment. The only reason the Ravens are this high in the power rankings is because of Jackson’s potential return.

Up Next: vs. Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 1 p.m.

22. Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

Last Week: 22-21 loss vs. Tennessee Titans

“How to Lose a Game in 10 Ways,” starring the Arizona Cardinals is coming to a stadium near you. The Cardinals had no business losing this matchup, but complete failure across multiple fronts will lead to defeat. First it was Emari Demercado. The running back broke free for what should have been a 72-yard touchdown run, except he dropped the ball at the one-yard line. That means that for the second straight week a player has fumbled what should have been a touchdown out the end zone for a touchback. Then came a play so stupid that if it happened in Madden people would have been complaining about how unrealistic it is. Titans quarterback Cam Ward ran around in the backfield before throwing an interception to safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson. This should have iced the game. Instead, Taylor-Demerson fumbled, the ball bounced around and ended up in the hands of Titans wide receiver Tyler Lockett in the end zone. This was one of the worst losses, if not the worst, the NFL will see this season. 

Up Next: at Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m.

23. Houston Texans (2-3)

Last Week: 44-10 win at Baltimore Ravens

It looks like the Texans solved all their problems. Following an 0-3 start, they have won two straight. C.J. Stroud threw it back to his rookie season, throwing for 224 yards and four touchdowns. At least the Iowa State wide receivers in the NFL showed up, with Xavier Hutchinson and Jaylin Noel combining for three touchdowns. Safety Jalen Pitre picked off two passes, bringing his total on the season to three, and corner back Kamari Lassiter got his hands on one as well. 

Up Next: Bye

24. Carolina Panthers (2-3)

Last Week: 27-24 win vs. Miami Dolphins

There were questions about why the Panthers went out and signed running back Rico Dowdle this offseason. They returned Chuba Hubbard and drafted Trevor Etienne, so why would they bring in another running back, especially one that struggled to score touchdowns? This week showed why. With Hubbard out, Dowdle turned 23 carries into 206 yards and a touchdown. Rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan did his part as well. The depleted Dolphins secondary could not contain him, as he went for 73 yards on six catches.

Up Next: vs. Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 1 p.m.

25. Cleveland Browns (1-4)

Last Week: 21-17 loss vs. Minnesota Vikings (London Game)

Dillon Gabriel got the first start of his career, and the rookie quarterback looked … good? His ball security was great, not turning the ball over. He also threw two touchdown passes. It seems that as long Gabriel is playing, tight ends are going to get targeted. David Njoku and Harold Fannin Jr. combined to see 14 targets and catch two touchdowns. The rookie success does not end with Gabriel, as running back Quinshon Judkins had another game over 100 yards on the ground.

Up Next: at Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, 1 p.m.

26. New Orleans Saints (1-4)

Last Week: 26-14 win vs. New York Giants

Welcome to the win column New Orleans. Rashid Shaheed was the story on offense, catching four passes for 114 yards, including an 87 yard touchdown. The defense was the reason for the victory, forcing five turnovers. Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry picked off two passes, while three different Saints defenders recovered fumbles.

Up Next: vs. New England Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m.

27. New York Giants (1-4)

Last Week: 26-14 loss at New Orleans Saints

All the momentum the Giants had is now gone. It looked like the momentum would carry over, as they scored on their first two drives. Unfortunately, they were shut out for the rest of the game. Quarterback Jaxson Dart threw two interceptions and lost a fumble, running back Cam Skattebo lost a fumble as well, and there was no progress from the offense. The defense did not hold up either, forcing no turnover and recording no sacks.

Up Next: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, 8:15 p.m.

28. Miami Dolphins (1-4)

Last Week: 27-24 loss at Carolina Panthers

Darren Waller may be back. He is now up to three touchdowns in two games after catching another one this week. Along with wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, Waller led the way for the offense that looked passable without Tyreek Hill. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw for 256 yards throwing to mostly his tight end, Waddle and running back De’Von Achane. While the defense could not get enough stops, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick picked off his first pass since returning to the Dolphins.

Up Next: vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 1 p.m.

29. Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Last Week: 40-6 loss at Indianapolis Colts

Quarterback Geno Smith struggled again. He threw two interceptions and did not lead a single touchdown drive. It was not just Smith struggling, as the defense was lifeless. No sacks, no turnovers, and giving up 40 points. Not a recipe for success.

Up Next: vs Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 4:05 p.m.

30. Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

Last Week: 37-24 loss vs. Detroit Lions

Ja’Marr Chase is good at football. Six catches for 110 yards and two touchdowns with Jake Browning as his quarterback. Chase also added three tackles, one after each of Browning’s interceptions. The Bengals are going to continue to struggle on both sides of the ball. Trey Hendrickson continues to be the one bright spot on the defense. The defensive end picked up two sacks against the Lions.

Up Next: at Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m.

31. Tennessee Titans (1-4)

Last Week: 22-21 win at Arizona Cardinals

Quarterback Cam Ward did not play well, even with the win. He threw for 265 yards but threw an interception. His five carries went for a loss of six yards. Wide receiver Calvin Ridley had his best game of the season, and if you had to put the win on one player it would be him. Ridley went for 131 yards on five catches. 

Up Next: at Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, 4:05 p.m.

32. New York Jets (0-5)

Last Week: 37-22 loss vs. Dallas Cowboys

The Jets are now the last winless team in the NFL. Stat-wise, they played well, with Justin Fields throwing for 283 and two touchdowns. The quarterback connected with wide receiver Garrett Wilson and full back Andrew Beck for his touchdowns, while tight end Mason Taylor had nine catches for 67 yards. The defense allowed Dallas to do whatever it wanted, and it was only two fourth quarter touchdowns by the Jets that made this game look somewhat close.

Up Next: vs. Denver Broncos, Sunday, 9:30 a.m (London Game)

Category: Atlanta Falcons, Football, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, NFL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers