NFL Power Rankings: Week 5

26. Steve Smith brought a whole new attitude to this team and he has put on a show. He’s made clutch plays when they needed him and that takes a lot of pressure off of Joe Flacco. The defense is getting back to its old ways and stopping teams in the redzone. Their secondary play has been in question all year, but they can make a statement against a very good passing attack with the Colts and Andrew Luck.. 3-1. AFC North. Baltimore Ravens. 7. player

3-1. NFC East. Philadelphia Eagles. 6. player. 54. Injuries to the offensive line have crippled their ability. LeSean McCoy was a non-factor and they allowed Nick Foles to be under pressure early and often. Foles also missed several throws as he has all season. The offense has been a strong suit all season, but their defense kept them in the 49ers game. Chip Kelly has his hands full if his offense falters like it did this past week.

32. A bye week came at the right time as the Cardinals need Carson Palmer back in the lineup. This team has survived through solid quarterback play from Drew Stanton, due in large to the fact that there are so many weapons on offense. But the strength of this team is their defense, arguably the best against the run and with one of the best cornerbacks in Patrick Peterson. With Carson Palmer back, this team will be even more deadly.. 3-0. NFC West. Arizona Cardinals. 5. player

San Diego Chargers. 4. player. 13. Can we finally admit it? Philip Rivers has been the MVP thus far this season. He went against the Seahawks’ and Cardinals’ defenses and played extremely well. Throw in the fact that they lost their first and second running backs and it’s even more amazing what Rivers has done. There’s other bright spots on this team, yes, but Rivers has done magnificent and deserves recognition. The Denver Broncos should be afraid.. 3-1. AFC West

45. Coming off of a bye, the Broncos can get back to their winning ways by playing the woeful Jets. They have a stretch of games following that against the 49ers, Chargers, and Patriots. The defense has allowed some teams to stay in games, but have come up clutch when it mattered the most. Peyton Manning gets all the glory and shame, but this defense has to pull its weight against these quality opponents coming up if the Broncos are to find success.. 2-1. AFC West. Denver Broncos. 3. player

AFC North. Cincinnati Bengals. 2. player. 56. This bye week was huge for the Bengals as they get back Marvin Jones and Vontaze Burfict. This team has downright destroyed teams and came through in the clutch against a very good Ravens team. This upcoming primetime game against the Patriots will be huge. Andy Dalton has never won a road primetime game and the Patriots could very well be in desperation mode. This will show if the power has finally shifted in the AFC.. 3-0

player. 36. The reigning Super Bowl champions are going back at it following their bye week against the  Washington Redskins. With a primetime game on Monday night, the Seahawks can once again show how good they are. The defense is their strength, everyone knows that. But we have to point out that Russell Wilson’s game has greatly improved and brings a whole other aspect to this team’s strengths. The Seahawks are the best team in the NFL right now.. 2-1. NFC West. Seattle Seahawks. 1