NFL Power Rankings Week 6: Falcons and Texans Make a Leap, Bills and Steelers Slip Back
As we approach the midway point of the 2024 NFL season, the league is taking shape with each passing week. Teams are establishing themselves as contenders, while others struggle to find their footing. In Week 6, the Atlanta Falcons and Houston Texans are two teams on the rise, while the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers are seeing their early momentum falter. Here’s a deep dive into this week’s power rankings and the key narratives shaping each team’s trajectory.
1. San Francisco 49ers (5-0)
The 49ers continue to dominate all comers with a perfect 5-0 start. Their defense has been the most complete unit in the league, and Brock Purdy continues to exceed expectations as a leader on offense. Christian McCaffrey’s MVP-level performances and a deep receiver group make San Francisco the team to beat in 2024. Barring injuries, they look unstoppable as they prepare for Week 6.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (5-0)
The Eagles remain unbeaten after another solid performance in Week 5. Jalen Hurts is proving once again why he’s one of the most versatile quarterbacks in the NFL. Behind a monstrous offensive line, Hurts has been delivering both through the air and on the ground. The defense, led by an intimidating front seven, has made life difficult for opposing offenses. They are closely chasing the 49ers in the NFC hierarchy.
3. Miami Dolphins (4-1)
The Dolphins dropped their first game of the season to Buffalo in Week 4 but bounced back with a high-octane performance in Week 5. Tua Tagovailoa is leading one of the most explosive offenses in the league, with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle continuing to shred secondaries. The Dolphins’ defense has been opportunistic, and with a potent offense, Miami stays in the top three.
4. Kansas City Chiefs (4-1)
The Chiefs survived a tough battle against the New York Jets in Week 5, keeping their status as one of the AFC’s elite. Patrick Mahomes continues to make jaw-dropping plays, but concerns remain over their receiver production beyond Travis Kelce. The defense, particularly the pass rush led by Chris Jones, has stepped up this season. They remain a formidable force despite some offensive hiccups.
5. Detroit Lions (4-1)
The Lions are one of the most exciting stories of the 2024 season. Led by an efficient offense powered by Jared Goff and an emerging star in rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit looks like a serious NFC contender. Their defense has shown marked improvement, with Aidan Hutchinson anchoring a unit that has managed to control the tempo in most games.
6. Atlanta Falcons (4-1)
The Falcons have become one of the surprise stories of the season after a hot 4-1 start. Quarterback Desmond Ridder has shown steady growth, and rookie running back Bijan Robinson has made an instant impact, both as a runner and receiver. The defense, led by Grady Jarrett and A.J. Terrell, has made significant strides. After years of rebuilding, Atlanta appears poised to make noise in the NFC South.
7. Baltimore Ravens (4-1)
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens have quietly climbed their way into the top 10 after a stellar start to the season. The new-look offense under offensive coordinator Todd Monken is starting to click, with Jackson spreading the ball around more effectively than in years past. The defense continues to be a strong point, thanks to a physical front seven and a healthy secondary.
8. Dallas Cowboys (3-2)
The Cowboys suffered a humbling loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5, but they remain one of the most talented teams in the league. While Dak Prescott and the offense struggled against the 49ers’ elite defense, the Cowboys’ own defensive unit led by Micah Parsons remains one of the best. A key bounce-back opportunity lies ahead as Dallas tries to correct their offensive issues.
9. Buffalo Bills (3-2)
After a red-hot start to the season, the Bills find themselves slipping down the rankings after a tough Week 5 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Josh Allen remains one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league, but consistency has been an issue. Injuries, particularly in the secondary, are beginning to mount, and the defense has struggled to get off the field on third downs. The Bills need to regroup quickly to avoid further slippage in a competitive AFC.
10. Houston Texans (3-2)
The Texans have turned heads in 2024, and they’ve officially leaped into the top 10 after a strong Week 5 win. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud has been nothing short of impressive, showing poise and decision-making well beyond his years. Stroud’s connection with receivers like Nico Collins and Tank Dell has rejuvenated the Texans’ offense, while DeMeco Ryans’ defense has shown tenacity. Houston is one of the most exciting young teams to watch this season.
11. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-2)
After an uneven start to the season, the Jaguars have won two straight, including a signature victory over the Bills in Week 5. Trevor Lawrence looked sharp, and the defense stepped up in critical moments to slow down Buffalo’s potent offense. Jacksonville is back on track and appears poised to contend in the AFC South.
12. Los Angeles Chargers (3-2)
Justin Herbert continues to light up the stat sheet for the Chargers, and despite some early-season bumps, Los Angeles finds itself back in the mix. The Week 5 win over the Broncos featured Herbert’s pinpoint passing and the return of star running back Austin Ekeler from injury. The Chargers’ defense, however, remains inconsistent, particularly in the secondary.
13. Seattle Seahawks (3-1)
The Seahawks climbed during their Week 5 bye, thanks to losses from teams ahead of them. Geno Smith has continued to play well, and the Seahawks’ young defense has been opportunistic, especially when it comes to creating turnovers. Seattle will face a major test in Week 6, but Pete Carroll’s squad is a legitimate playoff contender.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2)
The Steelers suffered a tough loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5, exposing some cracks in their armor. While the defense remains formidable, led by T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, the offense has struggled to gain traction. Kenny Pickett has had difficulty consistently moving the ball, and the running game has been ineffective. Pittsburgh needs to fix its offensive issues to remain competitive in a tight AFC North.
15. Cleveland Browns (2-2)
The Browns had a bye in Week 5 but remain a dangerous team thanks to a stout defense led by Myles Garrett. The big question mark for Cleveland is the health of quarterback Deshaun Watson, who missed their Week 4 loss due to a shoulder injury. If Watson returns healthy, the Browns have the talent to make a deep playoff run.
16. Green Bay Packers (2-3)
After a promising start, the Packers have dropped two straight games and face growing questions about their offense. Jordan Love’s development has been a bright spot, but inconsistency and a lack of chemistry with his receivers have plagued Green Bay. The defense has held its own, but Green Bay needs to clean up its offensive miscues to stay in the playoff hunt.
17. New Orleans Saints (3-2)
The Saints have been one of the most inconsistent teams in the league through five weeks. After a solid Week 4 win, they dropped a frustrating game in Week 5. The defense, led by Cameron Jordan, remains a strong point, but Derek Carr and the offense have yet to find a rhythm. New Orleans still has the talent to compete, but they need more production from their offense.
18. Los Angeles Rams (2-3)
The Rams’ Week 5 loss dropped them a few spots in the rankings, but there’s still reason for optimism in Los Angeles. Matthew Stafford has played well, and rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua has been one of the breakout stars of the season. However, the defense has struggled to get off the field in key situations, and the Rams will need a more balanced effort to stay relevant in the NFC playoff race.
19. Minnesota Vikings (2-3)
The Vikings managed to scrape by with a win in Week 5, but their overall play has been disappointing. After winning 13 games last season, Minnesota has been plagued by turnovers and defensive lapses in 2024. Kirk Cousins remains productive, but the Vikings need to clean up their mistakes if they hope to contend in the NFC North.
20. Tennessee Titans (2-3)
The Titans have been one of the more frustrating teams to watch this season. After a promising start, Tennessee has dropped three of their last four games. The offense, led by Ryan Tannehill, has been inconsistent, and the defense has struggled to get stops in key moments. Derrick Henry remains a bright spot, but the Titans need to find more balance on offense moving forward.
