"NFL Power Rankings: Week Six Pix"

Week five has concluded in the NFL; as teams have stated their case to 
be number one. Some new faces and others will have to prove me they 
belong on my list. Without further due, let's huddle up for our NFL Week 
Six Power Rankings.

1. Detroit Lions: 4-1 (Wk 5 ranking 3rd)
Finding their stride and moving up two spots, Detroit continues to bite a 
lot of kneecaps. You can't overlook this high potent offense led by 
quarterback Jared Goff. The dynamic duo of "Sonic & Knuckles," 
meshed with a little splash plays to their receivers, Detroit is going to 
stay afloat. I still worry about their bend but don't break defense, but it's 
doable enough to stay in games. Head coach Dan Campbell will keep 
roaring the loudest on fourth down.

2. San Francisco 49ers: 4-1 (Wk 5 ranking: N/A)
If you'd told me quarterback Mac Jones would overcome the deficit of 
injuries and keep this team afloat, I'd laugh. But hey, after his career 
night in Los Angeles versus the Rams last week, it was very impressive. 
Head coach Kyle Shannahan can make ANY QUARTERBACK work in 
this scheme. Minus just about every top player on offense with CMC 
running the ball, San Francisco can easily be undefeated. With healthy 
players coming back, the NFC West will be tighter as we sail along. 

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 4-1 (Wk 5 ranking- 5th)
Quarterback Baker Mayfield does it again with another clutch comeback
in Seattle. Outplaying his quarterback classmate from 2018 Sam
Darnold in arguably the best game from week 5. The receiving core has
been decimated by injuries to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin; enter
rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka who's starting to develop and be a
security blanket for Mayfield. Running back Bucky Irving is coming

along as scheduled and this team hasn't reached its potent high
offense. Defensively, middle of the road and still managing to keep this
team in games. With Mayfield being an early MVP candidate, Tampa
Bay can run away with the NFC South here in the next three weeks.

4. Los Angeles Rams: 3-2 (Wk 5 ranking 4th)
A bad loss to division rival San Francisco last Thursday night in SoFi
Stadium, the Rams need a few days to get back on track. It wasn't the
prettiest play call to go for it in overtime, but I understand the madness
of trying to win a nip and tuck ball game. In a division where they'll need
a couple games to get right, LA has the golden opportunity to buck
what's left of Baltimore this coming Sunday. Quarterback Matthew
Stafford is staying upright; while Puka Nucca is making his case for
Offensive Player of the Year. I still like this Rams defense, mainly the
front four but once October football starts, be on the lookout.

5. Philadelphia Eagles: 4-1 (Wk 5 ranking 1st)
Drama has been the story for Philly over a couple weeks as star wide
receiver AJ Brown's subliminal social media posts have become a
distraction. Suffering their first loss of the season, it's been a topic of
what's going on with the play calling. Conservative is an
understatement; as quarterback Jalen Hurts is now having to hear wide
receiver 1B Devonta Smith question "pre-snap communication." Are the
Eagles hitting the Super Bowl hangover in a quest to repeat? Running
back Saquon Barkley has been a non-factor and this team hasn't shown
their full arsenal. Defensively, secondary is suspect with second year
guys Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. No sense of urgency by any
means and internal conflicts may doom Philadelphia's chances of
getting back to the Super Bowl.

6. Buffalo Bills: 4-1 (Wk 5 ranking 2nd)

A disappointed loss to division rival New England Sunday night as the
Bills played catch-up most of the second half. Reigning MVP Josh Allen
can win a lot of games, but make the most right on cue throw for an
interception. After getting by with close wins to start the season, have
the Bills peaked too early or is this apart of staying on schedule? Either
way, some minor drama with second year receiver Keon Coleman which
can be addressed internally. I'm not a fan of this defense because once
we get to January, they can be exposed in the wrong matchup.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers: 3-1 (Wk 5 ranking 7th)
After a Mike Tomlin blunder two weeks ago which nearly cost the
Steelers a win, Pittsburgh sits still on a bye week. Solid play from
quarterback Aaron Rodgers, he can give you a couple good games of
turning back time and not the same a week later. Overall, a team whose
bread and butter is defense. With a gauntlet of games against
Cleveland, Cincinnati, Green Bay and Indianapolis; this will be part one
of two true tests for Pittsburgh. Can they reel off enough wins to keep
cushion in the AFC North? Will this defense play up to their competition
versus overlooking? If there's one thing we do know, Pittsburgh will do
enough to get by and still find a way to flame out in December.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: 4-1 (Wk 5 ranking 10th)
Two impressive wins at San Francisco and home to Kansas City, the
Jags leap two spots in this week's rankings. A gut it out win on Monday
night which included a 99 yard pick six by linebacker Devin Lloyd. In a
twist of events, quarterback Trevor Lawrence who's been subject of
criticism had one of the best touchdowns of 2025. Slip, fall and still
score the game winning points for Jacksonville. A statement win for a
team and send the Chiefs home with more concerns about their efforts.
This defense... Say what you want, but they'll fly around and compete
for sixty minutes. Can they build off this game and growl a little louder in
a very interesting AFC South?

9. Indianapolis Colts: 4-1 (Wk 5 ranking N/A)
The biggest surprise of 2025 is Indianapolis and a lot of credit to head
coach Shane Steichen. Entering a season of unknown and signing
quarterback Daniel Jones, this team has found themselves back in
playoff contention. A impressive win against Denver, a bonehead loss to
the LA Rams, Indy responded with a stomping over the Las Vegas
Raiders. Running back Johnathan Taylor is a top five running back
nobody talks about. A defense which has shown life and playing with
more confidence and a fan base which has something to cheer about.
The toughest part of their schedule will include: Arizona, LA Chargers,
Tennessee and Pittsburgh. Two of those four are very winnable games;
whereas the Chargers on a west coast flight and Pittsburgh who they'd
owned in the regular season.

10. New England Patriots: 3-2 (Wk 5 ranking N/A)
Making their 2025 debut on my power rankings, New England rounds
out the top ten. A statement road win for the Patriots in Buffalo, I was
pretty impressed with second year quarterback Drake Maye. In hostile
territory, Maye wasn't phased. A clean game and putting the team on his
back to lead it home. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs returning to old
stomping grounds reminded Buffalo what they missed. Defensively,
some cleaning up to do but hey; this team is takes on the image of their
coach Mike Vrabel. If New England can keep this up and build
momentum in October, the AFC East could be looking pretty doggone
nip and tuck staring into the eyes of Buffalo.