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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Brendan Sugrue

NFL Week 5 Power Rankings: Bears fall back down to last

For all intents and purposes, we have reached the quarter point of the 2023 NFL season. How did we get here so fast? After four games, only two undefeated teams remain, while two winless teams are still looking for their first victory. In between them are 28 other teams whose season can still go one of two ways at this juncture.

But now into the first week of October, though, only about 7-8 teams can be considered as good, while the rest are average or below average. But who’s who?

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Each week of the season, Bears Wire will unveil power rankings of all 32 NFL teams. Here are the rankings entering Week 5.

1. San Francisco 49ers (4-0)

Oct 1, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) runs the ball against the Arizona Cardinals in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 4 result: 35-16 win vs. Arizona Cardinals
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 3

Christian McCaffrey cannot be stopped with the San Francisco 49ers and although they have played lesser competition to begin the season, they’re back at the top of the power rankings this week.

2. Philadelphia Eagles (4-0)

Oct 1, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back D’Andre Swift (0) avoids tackle by Washington Commanders linebacker Jamin Davis (52) in overtime at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 4 result: 34-31 win vs. Washington Commanders
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 2

The Eagles are undefeated, but had to gut out most of their wins up to this point. At some point that will catch up with them, but their talent and effective play calling keeps them rolling.

3. Buffalo Bills (3-1)

Bill quarterback Josh Allen runs out of the pocket and looks downfield against Miami.
  • Week 4 result: 48-20 win vs. Miami Dolphins
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 6

After an opening week clunker, the Bills are steamrolling opponents thanks to superb play on both sides of the ball. The season-ending injury to Tre’Davious White hurts the defense but they’re too good to be stopped right now.

4. Kansas City Chiefs (3-1)

Oct 1, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (98) leads his defense in celebrating a 4th quarter fumble recovery against the Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 4 result: 23-20 win at New York Jets
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 4

The Chiefs didn’t have the same easy victory in front of Taylor Swift like they had a week prior, but got out to a big enough lead to stave off any Jets comeback. Did they get some help from the refs? It’s a delicate conversation.

5. Dallas Cowboys (3-1)

Oct 1, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) celebrates with teammates after returning an interception for a touchdown during the first half against the New England Patriots at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 4 result: 38-3 win vs. New England Patriots
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 5

Dallas got back on track this week and did it against Bill Belichick. The Cowboys took it to New England and showed why they’re still legitimate contenders, even when they have a slip up.

6. Miami Dolphins (3-1)

Oct 1, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) is chased out of the pocket by Buffalo Bills defensive end Kingsley Jonathan (59) in the third quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 4 result: 20-48 loss at Buffalo Bills
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 1

We knew the Dolphins weren’t going to repeat their impressive outing last week, but their defense couldn’t stop Josh Allen and the Bills offense. They’re still a great team but it’s safe to say they came back to earth a bit.

7. Detroit Lions (3-1)

Detroit Lions cornerback Jerry Jacobs (23) celebrates with defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) after intercepting a pass against the Green Bay Packers during their football game on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Lions won the game, 34-20.Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
  • Week 4 result: 34-20 win at Green Bay Packers
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 8

The Lions are officially the team to beat in the NFC North. They won their fourth game in a row against the Packers and it wasn’t particularly close. They’re getting reinforcements back and will be a tough out this season.

8. Seattle Seahawks (3-1)

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) rushes with pressure from New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) in the first half at MetLife Stadium on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford.
  • Week 4 result: 24-3 win at New York Giants
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 7

Seattle’s defense is a scary unit after they buried Daniel Jones in the MetLife turf with 11 sacks. Devon Witherspoon is a dangerous defender and the Seahawks are off to another strong start for the second year in a row.

9. Baltimore Ravens (3-1)

Oct 1, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker (9) watches his extra point in the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 4 result: 28-3 win at Cleveland Browns
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 9

Cleveland’s defense has stymied opposing offenses all season, but Baltimore was able to break through. Lamar Jackson was efficient as can be and the Ravens defense made life difficult for a banged-up Browns offense.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2)

Oct 1, 2023; London, United Kingdom; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) carries the ball during the second half of an NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 4 result: 23-7 win vs. Atlanta Falcons (London)
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 14

Jacksonville still hasn’t reached its potential yet, but they got back on track in London against the Falcons to get back to .500. The Jaguars started slow last year so while they should be better, they can still get there.

11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1)

Oct 1, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (31) and other players celebrate a fumble caused by Winfield against New Orleans Saints fullback Adam Prentice (46) during the second quarter at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 4 result: 26-9 win at New Orleans Saints
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 15

Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 3-1. The offense works with him at quarterback and their defense continues to make plays that limit opposing teams from scoring. They were supposed to take a major step back without Tom Brady but they just keep moving along.

12. Green Bay Packers (2-2)

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) celebrates with wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during their football game Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
  • Week 4 result: 20-34 loss vs. Detroit Lions
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 10

If Green Bay was fully healthy, would they still have had such a poor performance against the Lions? The Packers quickly fell behind and never recovered against their division foe. A poor performance against the Raiders though will have them dropping much further next week.

13. Los Angeles Chargers (2-2)

Oct 1, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a pass in the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 4 result: 24-17 win vs. Las Vegas Raiders
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 19

The Chargers won’t get six(!) sacks out of Khalil Mack every week, but the aging pass rusher showed he can still get it done. The offense wasn’t as proficient without Mike Williams, but Brandon Staley’s team is finally stacking wins. If he can get out of his own way, they might actually be a good team.

14. Tennessee Titans (2-2)

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) barrels into Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson (55) during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023.
  • Week 4 result: 27-3 win vs. Cincinnati Bengals
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 26

Derrick Henry was back to his old self on Sunday as he powered the Titans offense to victory. But it’s their defense that showed out, holding the Bengals offense to just three points and stopping them on third downs. If the Titans are allowed to play their brand of football, they can be successful.

15. Cleveland Browns (2-2)

Oct 1, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) reacts after a play during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 4 result: 3-28 loss vs. Baltimore Ravens
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 12

Deshaun Watson’s absence came out of nowhere and all the progress the Browns made the last week was lost. Their defense also came back to earth at the worst possible time. Assuming Watson is able to come back after the bye, their offense should be able to rebound.

16. Houston Texans (2-2)

Oct 1, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) celebrates after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 4 result: 30-6 win vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 25

Are the Houston Texans for real? C.J. Stroud and the offense are firing on all cylinders, despite dealing with injuries. Their defense also is stepping up after they put the clamps on Pittsburgh. This could be a fun team to watch for the rest of the year.

17. Los Angeles Rams (2-2)

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) passes during the second half of the game on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Colts lost in overtime, 29-23.
  • Week 4 result: 29-23 win at Indianapolis Colts
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 23

The Rams are a resilient bunch this year, even when they falter late in games. They were cruising to an easy victory before Indianapolis stormed back to force overtime. But Puka Nacua continues to be a force and sealed the win, making them a scrappy team going into the second month of the season.

18. Atlanta Falcons (2-2)

Oct 1, 2023; London, United Kingdom; Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith reacts against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half during an NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 4 result: 7-23 loss at Jacksonville Jaguars (London)
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 17

Atlanta has a solid squad but Desmond Ridder is not the answer at quarterback. He’s holding this team back and they won’t be going anywhere with him as the starter. Whether Arthur Smith wants to admit it or not, it should be Taylor Heinicke time.

19. Washington Commanders (2-2)

Oct 1, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) throws pass under pressure from Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick (7) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 4 result: 31-34 loss at Philadelphia Eagles
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 16

Washington may not be a contender, but they’re going to give teams everything they got each week. They’ve had three solid games out of four and stormed back to force overtime against the Eagles, proving they can hang with (almost) anyone.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2)

Oct 1, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) attempts a pass during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 4 result: 6-30 loss at Houston Texans
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 11

The Steelers offense is a nightmare to watch and a dream to play against. Matt Canada is the bane of Steeler fans everywhere after they failed to score a touchdown, while the usually reliable defense laid an egg. It was a bad day all around for Pittsburgh.

21. Indianapolis Colts (2-2)

Los Angeles Rams linebacker Byron Young (0) tackles Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) as he gets rid of the ball during the second half of the game Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Colts lost in overtime, 29-23.
  • Week 4 result: 23-29 loss vs. Los Angeles Rams
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 20

Anthony Richardson has made some special plays, but is still in the process of putting it all together. Still, the Colts are ahead of schedule with the moments they’ve shown throughout the early part of the season, especially after clawing back to force overtime against the Rams.

22. New Orleans Saints (2-2)

Oct 1, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) pulls off his sleeve in frustration after a sack and fumble by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 4 result: 9-26 loss vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 18

Derek Carr isn’t healthy enough to start and should have sat this game out. The Saints had very little offense, even with the return of Alvin Kamara, and squandered a 2-0 start to fall back to .500. This could have been a prime opportunity to take an early lead in the division but that’s all gone.

23. Cincinnati Bengals (1-3)

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) looks to pass against the Tennessee Titans during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023.
  • Week 4 result: 3-27 loss at Tennessee Titans
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 13

It’s officially time to be concerned about the Bengals. They have the lowest points scored in the AFC despite having stars across their offense. Joe Burrow isn’t healthy and they’re a shell of the group that went to the last couple AFC Championship games.

24. New York Jets (1-3)

Oct 1, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (17) can not hold on to a pass against the Chiefs at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 4 result: 20-23 loss vs. Kansas City Chiefs
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 24

The good news for the Jets? Zach Wilson finally looked like a competent quarterback. The bad news? It didn’t matter because it was against the Chiefs. Perhaps the Jets can build off this momentum and move past the fact that officiating played a role in their loss.

25. Minnesota Vikings (1-3)

Oct 1, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) catches a touchdown pass as Carolina Panthers cornerback D’Shawn Jamison (29) defends in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 4 result: 21-13 win at Carolina Panthers
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 27

Minnesota finally got back in the win column, but still don’t look like a competitive team. Beating the lowly Panthers only moves you up so far and until they can string victories together, the Vikings will remain as one of the bottom-tier teams.

26. New England Patriots (1-3)

Oct 1, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 4 result: 3-28 loss at Dallas Cowboys
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 21

Is Bill Belichick officially on the hot seat? One of the greatest coaches of all time is suffering through his worst season in over 20 years with no sign of things getting better. Mac Jones looks worse than he did last year and the defense got worked on Sunday. It’s usually pretty this time of year in New England, but not in 2023.

27. Arizona Cardinals (1-3)

Oct 1, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) catches a pass in front of San Francisco 49ers cornerback Isaiah Oliver (26) in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 4 result: 16-35 loss at San Francisco 49ers
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 30

The Cardinals were supposed to be bad, but at least they’re getting solid play out of their young playmakers. We’ll see if this level of play continues as the season progresses, but they’re not the automatic out that people thought, even against the best teams.

28. New York Giants (1-3)

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Michael Jackson (30) tackles New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) in the second half. The Seahawks defeat the Giants, 24-3, at MetLife Stadium on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford.
  • Week 4 result: 3-24 loss vs. Seattle Seahawks
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 22

By the time you’re reading this, stadium officials will have removed only half of Daniel Jones’ body off of the MetLife stadium turf field. The Giants offense didn’t score a touchdown for the second game this year and look lost on all fronts.

29. Las Vegas Raiders (1-3)

Oct 1, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell (4) throws against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 4 result: 17-24 loss at Los Angeles Chargers
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 29

Frustration is starting to mount for the Raiders and their star players. Josh Jacobs and Davante Adams are growing weary of losing and now that they’ve lost three in a row, there’s no sign Las Vegas is going to climb out of that hole anytime soon.

30. Denver Broncos (1-3)

Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson passes as Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards (53) defends during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley) ORG XMIT: CXB161
  • Week 4 result: 31-28 win at Chicago Bears
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 32

The Broncos still had many of the same issues that plagued them in Week 3, but their offense was able to mount a 21-point comeback to win late, ending their losing streak. They’re still not good, but they’re not the worst anymore! Baby steps, people.

31. Carolina Panthers (0-4)

Oct 1, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) passes the ball in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 4 result: 13-21 loss vs. Minnesota Vikings
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 28

Bryce Young can’t grow in this Panthers offense that lacks a true WR1 and a rough ground game. He’s not the problem for Carolina, but they aren’t giving him the tools to be a solution, either. This is going to be a long season for them.

32. Chicago Bears (0-4)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 01: Khalil Herbert #24 of the Chicago Bears walks off the field after the game against the Denver Broncos at Soldier Field on October 01, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775992302 ORIG FILE ID: 1712039168
  • Week 4 result: 28-31 loss vs. Denver Broncos
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 31

The Bears offense finally broke out, but a blown 21-point lead ruined any chances of them climbing out of the basement. The Bears are held back by their coaching and lack any cohesion at this point in the season.

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