Welcome back to this Week 5 edition of NFL Power Rankings. Last week the Cleveland Browns fell in the eighth overall spot after a dominant win over the Tennessee Titans (a team that just dismantled the Cincinnati Bengals, by the way). This week, however, they are coming off of a loss to the Baltimore Ravens in a game where Deshaun Watson did not play and Dorian Thompson-Robinson struggled.
The past is the past, but the Browns have a golden opportunity out of the bye week as they take on the undefeated San Francisco 49ers. If they want to prove they are legitimate contenders, the Browns need to play competitive football against the cream of the crop.
Buy Browns TicketsHow heavily should this loss be weighed when reevaluating power rankings? Does a loss with a backup quarterback move the needle at all? Take a look here at this Week 5 edition of NFL Power Rankings.
32
Chicago Bears (0-4)
Similar to the Hue Jackson Browns, this team finds new ways to lose.
31
Denver Broncos (1-3)
Congrats on beating the Bears!
30
Las Vegas Raiders (1-3)
Who is coaching this team next year?
29
Carolina Panthers (0-4)
The Young/Reich era is not off to a fast start. Rome was not built in a day.
28
Arizona Cardinals (1-3)
Please do not trick yourself into thinking this is actually a good football team.
27
Atlanta Falcons (2-2)
More like Desmond Midder, am I right? Actually, mid is very generous.
26
Minnesota Vikings (1-3)
It took a dog fight to beat the 0-4 Panthers.
25
New York Giants (1-3)
The Giants owe Daniel Jones $82 million in guaranteed money.
24
New York Jets (1-3)
You can’t fool me. I am familiar with your game.
23
New England Patriots (1-3)
Bring back the “Fire Belichick!” signs from 1995.
22
Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2)
Stinky.
21
Indianapolis Colts (2-2)
The flashes are there for Anthony Richardson and the Colts. But the substance is not quite there yet.
20
Green Bay Packers (2-2)
Maybe Jordan Love just isn’t very good.
19
Cincinnati Bengals (1-3)
Is Cincinnati’s offense salvageable?
18
New Orleans Saints (2-2)
Does anybody know what to make of this team?
17
Tennessee Titans (2-2)
Are the Browns that good or are the Bengals that bad?
16
Washington Commanders (2-2)
The schedule makers have not been kind to the Commanders over the last two weeks.
15
Los Angeles Rams (2-2)
You won’t catch me betting against Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay.
14
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2)
Doug, please take back over playcalling.
13
Houston Texans (2-2)
C.J. Stroud has arrived.
12
Los Angeles Chargers (2-2)
Justin Herbert playing like this year’s MVP is the only thing keeping this team afloat.
11
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1)
Questions are being asked.
10
Cleveland Browns (2-2)
Take a deep breath about a game with your backup quarterback. This team is good.
9
Detroit Lions (3-1)
Ben Johnson, YOU are an NFL head coach next season.
8
Seattle Seahawks (3-1)
He’s still not writing back.
7
Dallas Cowboys (3-1)
Let Dak cook.
6
Miami Dolphins (3-1)
This offense has looked defendable two of the last three weeks. They won’t play Vance Joseph every week.
5
Baltimore Ravens (3-1)
The pairing of Lamar Jackson and Todd Monken has gone as expected. Lamar’s MVP season is in full effect.
4
Philadelphia Eagles (4-0)
Jalen Hurts has regressed a bit this season, but until they prove they are not contenders, the Eagles are contenders.
3
Buffalo Bills (3-1)
The Bills have gotten elite Josh Allen of late instead of braindead Josh Allen. Check back in next week.
2
San Francisco 49ers (4-0)
The Browns have the chance to make a statement out of the bye.
1
Kansas City Chiefs (3-1)
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are king until they are not.
