NFL Power Rankings and Awards: Week 5

44. Atlanta has now defeated every team in the NFC East, along with the Houston Texans. Although this team has yet to play a top team this season, it’s clear that the Falcons have drastically improved since flopping last year. Even when the Redskins locked <a href=. (5-0). Previous: 7th. Atlanta Falcons. 6. team

team. 46. <a href=. (3-2). Previous: 9th. Indianapolis Colts. 7

Carolina Panthers. 8. team. 87. Fresh off a bye, the Panthers will have a chance to prove themselves in Week 6 when they take on the Seahawks in Seattle. Carolina always manages to play Seattle tough, but somehow <a href=. (4-0). Previous: 8th

36. So much for <a href=. (2-3). Previous: 6th. Seattle Seahawks. 9. team

55. Pittsburgh was severely outplayed in San Diego, but it somehow managed to come back on the Chargers and pull off the victory. This win was huge for the Steelers, as it keeps Pittsburgh in the race for the division. If the Steelers lost on Monday night, Cincinnati would have a three-game lead in the North and would have all but won the division before it even hit the halfway point of the season. Tomlin’s game-winning play call was one of the gutsiest calls of the season: a <a href=. (3-2). Previous: 11th. Pittsburgh Steelers. 10. team

Buffalo Bills. 11. team. 16. The 3-2 Bills have been one of the nicer surprises of this NFL season. Buffalo’s defense has been as dominant as expected, its running game is loaded with weapons and <a href=. (3-2). Previous: 12th

team. 60. Minnesota benefits from Kansas City’s drastic plummet, landing at 12th place. Next up on the docket, ironically: the Kansas City Chiefs. It will be interesting to see if <a href=. (2-2). Previous: 13th. Minnesota Vikings. 12

Previous: 15th. New York Jets. 13. team. 30. The Chiefs’ and Chargers’ respective losses helped the Jets climb two spots in the Power Rankings on their bye week. New York’s defense is fantastic, and its power running game, led by <a href=. (3-1)

(3-2). Previous: 20th. New York Giants. 14. team. 31. Don’t look now, but the 3-2 Giants are the lone team in the NFC that boasts a winning record; as of now, New York controls its own destiny. This team has been hot, winning each of its past three games. <a href=