The Buffalo Bills made a tremendous statement on Sunday Night Football, dominating the Kansas City Chiefs from start to finish. Even though the Arizona Cardinals won their game to remain the NFL’s lone undefeated team, Buffalo’s body of work is too hard to ignore. Once again, there is change at the top.
Here is a look at my power rankings heading into Week 6. Odds courtesy of DraftKings on Oct. 12.
1. Buffalo Bills (4-1)
Last Week: 2
Week 5 result: 38-20 win over the Chiefs
Week 6: Bills (-5.5) at Titans
STOP IT, JOSH. #BillsMafia
📺: #BUFvsKC on NBC
📱: https://t.co/6zBjGnL9LY pic.twitter.com/OTRsDYY7ML— NFL (@NFL) October 11, 2021
Super Bowl odds: +550
The Bills had a soft schedule to open the season, so it was legitimate to wonder if they were the real deal. There’s no questioning Buffalo after it outplayed the preseason Super Bowl favorites on the road. The Bills lead the NFL in both scoring and points allowed after five weeks, which is the recipe to move to the top spot of my power rankings.
2. Arizona Cardinals (5-0)
Last Week: 1
Week 5 result: 17-10 win over the 49ers
Week 6: Cardinals (+3) at Browns
Super Bowl odds: +1400
The Cardinals grinded out a tough home win against a quality San Francisco team, but needed multiple stops on fourth down — including a fantastic Isaiah Simmons goal-line stuff of Trey Lance — to stave off the 49ers. As always, style points count in these power rankings, which is why Buffalo moves ahead. Even so, Arizona remains the top team in the NFC based on what it has shown on both sides of the ball through five games.
3. Los Angeles Rams (4-1)
Last Week: 3
Week 5 result: 26-17 win over the Seahawks
Week 6: Rams (-10.5) at Giants
Super Bowl odds: +800
The injury to Russell Wilson took some sizzle out of the Thursday Night Football matchup, and the Rams did what they had to do for the win. Quarterback Matthew Stafford isn’t as blazing hot as he was to start the season, and with some defensive issues popping up, Los Angeles needs to find that gear again on offense.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-1)
Last Week: 4
Week 5 result: 45-17 win over the Dolphins
Week 6: Buccaneers (-6.5) at Eagles
Super Bowl odds: +500
Tom Brady threw for more than 400 yards and five touchdowns against a Dolphins defense that was expected to be pretty good heading into the season. Tampa Bay clearly has the most offensive firepower in the NFC. The pass defense remains the big question mark.
5. Dallas Cowboys (4-1)
Last Week: 9
Week 5 result: 44-20 win over the Giants
Week 6: Cowboys (-4) at Patriots
Super Bowl odds: +1500
The game turned into a laugher because New York lost a bunch of offensive firepower to injury, but the Cowboys just continue to play well. They look like a legitimate NFC contender, and quarterback Dak Prescott is playing at a near-MVP level.
6. Baltimore Ravens (4-1)
Last Week: 8
Week 5 result: 31-25 overtime win over Colts
I’ll just leave this here. pic.twitter.com/q3waQP3gSZ
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) October 12, 2021
Week 6: Chargers (+3) at Ravens
Super Bowl odds: +1200
The Ravens lived dangerously on Monday night, needing a furious comeback to beat the Colts in overtime. But it showed that Lamar Jackson can be effective while playing from behind and reinforced the team’s high-end potential.
7. Green Bay Packers (4-1)
Last Week: 6
Week 5 result: 25-22 overtime win over the Bengals
Week 6: Packers (-4.5) at Bears
Super Bowl odds: +1200
The Packers won a wild one in Cincinnati, as it took kicker Mason Crosby four tries to connect on a game-winning field goal. Green Bay is a heavy favorite to win the NFC North, but a negative-2 point-differential at this point is a bit of a concern. The Packers haven’t looked like last year’s juggernaut quite yet.
8. Los Angeles Chargers (4-1)
Last Week: 12
Week 5 result: 47-42 win over the Browns
Week 6: Chargers (+3) at Ravens
Super Bowl odds: +2500
Justin Herbert already looks like a star, and coach Brandon Staley seems to be pushing all the right buttons with his analytics-savvy approach. The Chargers have put themselves into AFC contender status with this hot start.
9. Kansas City Chiefs (2-3)
Last Week: 5
Week 5 result: 38-20 loss to the Bills
Week 6: Chiefs (-7.5) at Washington
Super Bowl odds: +750
Despite the 2-2 start, Kansas City stayed near the top of the power rankings because of its pedigree, but it’s clear the Chiefs have some serious issues on defense. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes makes every game winnable, and the oddsmakers still have Kansas City among the favorites to win the Super Bowl, but the No. 1 seed in the AFC is now a longshot, which will make the path a tough one.
10. Cleveland Browns (3-2)
Last Week: 8
Week 4 result: 47-42 loss to the Chargers
Week 5: Browns (-3) vs. Cardinals
Super Bowl odds: +1600
The Browns lost a back-and-forth shootout to the Chargers on Sunday but don’t fall too far in the rankings. They have an important game on Sunday against Arizona because another loss would make it tough for them to keep pace with the Ravens in the division.
11. San Francisco 49ers (2-3)
Last Week: 11
Week 5 result: 17-10 loss to the Cardinals
Week 6: Bye
Super Bowl odds: +4000
The 49ers lost another close one on Sunday, but were competitive from start to finish against the undefeated Cardinals. San Francisco needs to start winning some of these games, but a wild card playoff berth is still very realistic.
12. Tennessee Titans (3-2)
Last Week: 15
Week 5 result: 37-19 win over the Jaguars
Week 6: Titans (+5.5) vs. Bills
Super Bowl odds: +4000
The Titans got back on track against the Jaguars last time out. The Colts were threatening to make this a more interesting divisional race, but they blew a big lead in Baltimore, and now Tennessee has a nice cushion early in the year heading into a showdown with Buffalo.
13. New Orleans Saints (3-2)
Last Week: 17
Week 5 result: 33-22 win over Washington
Jameis Winston's Hail Mary 49-yard TD to Marquez Callaway at the end of the first half had a 9.9% completion probability, the most improbable completion in the NFL this season.
🔹 Winston under pressure
🔹 Air Distance: 57.2 yds
🔹 Target Separation: 0.5 yds#NOvsWAS | #Saints pic.twitter.com/zMqr6PCHZ7— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) October 10, 2021
Week 6: Bye
Super Bowl odds: +3000
The Saints put together a solid showing in their double-digit win over Washington. While a division title will be hard to ask because Tampa is so good, New Orleans certainly looks playoff-caliber in the earlygoing.
14. Cincinnati Bengals (3-2)
Last Week: 19
Week 5 result: 25-22 overtime loss to the Packers
Week 6: Bengals (-3.5) at Lions
Super Bowl odds: +15000
The Bengals went toe-to-toe with the Packers, and even though they lost in overtime, it was an encouraging showing. Cincinnati looks like one of the most improved teams in the NFL this season.
15. Denver Broncos (3-2)
Last Week: 13
Week 5 result: 27-19 loss to the Steelers
Week 6: Broncos (-4) vs. Raiders
Super Bowl odds: +5000
The Broncos have now dropped two in a row as the schedule has gotten tougher. The offense only managed six points in the first three quarters against Pittsburgh after being shut down by Baltimore a week earlier.
16. Carolina Panthers (3-2)
Last Week: 14
Week 5 result: 21-18 loss to the Eagles
Week 6: Panthers (+1) vs. Vikings
Super Bowl odds: +10000
The Panthers seemed to have their game in control against the Eagles but were outplayed in the second half of a 21-18 loss. Carolina traded for star cornerback Stephon Gilmore and is trying to make a playoff push, but results like this one really hurt the cause.
17. Minnesota Vikings (2-3)
Last Week: 18
Week 5 result: 19-17 win over the Lions
Greg Joseph FOR THE WIN
📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/mQusgLQ1CG
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 10, 2021
Week 6: Vikings (-1) at Panthers
Super Bowl odds: +8000
It was not a pretty showing, but the Vikings did manage to squeak past the Lions on a last-second field goal. Minnesota has been inconsistent this season and must play better, because the schedule is tough all year, including a road tussle this week with the Panthers.
18. Philadelphia Eagles (2-3)
Last Week: 23
Week 5 result: 21-18 win over the Panthers
Week 6: Eagles (+6.5) vs. Buccaneers
Super Bowl odds: +10000
The Eagles captured a solid road win over the Panthers. They have been pretty competitive this season, which is a good step in the right direction under new coach Nick Sirianni, but will have their hands full on Thursday Night Football against Tampa.
19. Las Vegas Raiders (3-2)
Last Week: 16
Week 5 result: 20-9 loss to the Bears
Week 6: Raiders (+4) at Broncos
Super Bowl odds: +10000
Raiders coach Jon Gruden abruptly resigned on Monday night after the New York Times unearthed a slew of racist, homophobic and transphobic emails he sent between 2010 and 2018. Las Vegas lost its game against the Bears on Sunday and now must attempt to regroup amid the turmoil.
20. Seattle Seahawks (2-3)
Last Week: 10
Week 5 result: 26-17 loss to the Rams
Week 6: Seahawks (+5) at Steelers
Super Bowl odds: +8000
Not only did Seattle fall to the Rams on Thursday night, but it lost star quarterback Russell Wilson to a finger injury for the next several weeks. The Seahawks’ season is hanging on by a thread. Backup quarterback Geno Smith must play really well to keep Seattle afloat.
21. New England Patriots (2-3)
Last Week: 21
Week 5 result: 25-22 win over the Texans
"One play at a time, right? 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝗮 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲."
Behind the scenes of Sunday's comeback win. pic.twitter.com/YKaFaaTCoP
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 12, 2021
Week 6: Patriots (+4) vs. Cowboys
Super Bowl odds: +8000
The Patriots fell way behind the Texans but managed to rally for the win. New England was missing several starting offensive linemen, but the showing was still concerning.
22. Indianapolis Colts (1-4)
Last Week: 21
Week 5 result: 31-25 overtime loss to the Ravens
Week 6: Colts (-9.5) vs. Texans
Super Bowl odds: +10000
A win on Monday night over the Ravens would have boosted the Colts to 2-3 on the year and in shouting distance of the Titans in the putrid AFC South. Instead, Indy drops to three games below .500, as its playoff hopes seem to be fading fast.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-3)
Last Week: 24
Week 5 result: 27-19 win over the Broncos
Week 6: Steelers (-5) vs. Seahawks
Super Bowl odds: +15000
The Steelers’ defense dominated the Broncos on Sunday. Pittsburgh’s ceiling is not high this year because of its poor passing game, but the defense does have the ability to lead the way to victories on occasion. The Steelers catch a break on Sunday Night Football as they won’t have to face Russell Wilson.
24. Chicago Bears (3-2)
Last Week: 26
Week 5 result: 20-9 win over the Raiders
Week 6: Bears (+4.5) vs. Packers
Super Bowl odds: +20000
Chicago picked up a nice road win last time out, as the defense had a strong performance against the Raiders. The Bears are somehow above .500 on the season but still aren’t getting much love in these power rankings.
25. Miami Dolphins (1-4)
Last Week: 22
Week 5 result: 45-17 loss to the Buccaneers
Week 6: Dolphins (-4) at Jaguars
Super Bowl odds: +10000
Things are unraveling quickly in Miami. The Dolphins have looked terrible since starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa went down and will need to turn things around quickly to have a postseason shot.
26. Washington Football Team (2-3)
Last Week: 25
Week 5 result: 33-22 loss to the Saints
Week 6: Washington (+7) vs. Chiefs
Super Bowl odds: +15000
The Washington defense struggled again on Sunday, which included allowing a Hail Mary touchdown to end the first half. It’s going to take a huge turnaround for this team to compete for a playoff spot.
27. Atlanta Falcons (2-3)
Last Week: 28
Week 5 result: 27-20 win over the Jets
Week 6: Bye
Super Bowl odds: +40000
The Falcons jumped out to a big lead and then held off the Jets on Sunday in London. Scintillating stuff, I guess.
28. New York Giants (1-4)
Last Week: 27
Week 5 result: 44-20 loss to the Cowboys
Week 6: Giants (+10.5) vs. Rams
Say what you want about the @Giants but so far this season
Daniel Jones
Saquon Barkley
Kenny Golloday
Sterling Shepard
Kadarius ToneyHave played 17 snaps together. 17.
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) October 11, 2021
Super Bowl odds: +50000
Not only did the Giants drop a road contest on Sunday to the Cowboys, their offensive players dropped like flies. Running back Saquon Barkley, quarterback Daniel Jones and wideout Kenny Golladay all left the game with injuries, while rookie wideout Kadarious Toney got ejected for throwing a punch. The Giants have the talent to be higher than this in the rankings, but are in disarray.
29. Houston Texans (1-4)
Last Week: 29
Week 5 result: 25-22 loss to the Patriots
Week 6: Texans (+9.5) at Colts
Super Bowl odds: +100000
The Texans battled well against the Patriots before falling short in the end. It was certainly an encouraging showing from rookie quarterback Davis Mills, who will aim to prove he deserves a look as the starter moving forward.
30. New York Jets (1-4)
Last Week: 30
Week 5 result: 27-20 loss to the Falcons
Week 6: Bye
Super Bowl odds: +100000
The Jets were unable to build on their win over the Titans, as they looked lackluster for most of the contest against the Falcons. Quarterback Zach Wilson has to be better to give his team a chance on a weekly basis.
31. Detroit Lions (0-5)
Last Week: 31
Week 5 result: 19-17 loss to the Vikings
Week 6: Lions (+3.5) vs. Bengals
Super Bowl odds: +100000
Poor Lions. They lost another heartbreaker on Sunday to the Vikings and remain down in the depths of the power rankings.
32. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-5)
Last Week: 32
Week 5 result: 37-19 loss to the Titans
Week 6: Jaguars (+4) vs. Dolphins
Super Bowl odds: +100000
Just seems like we are counting the days until Urban Meyer gets fired.
