Taking a look at the TOP 10 teams heading into Week 5 of the NFL regular season. There have been some big surprises, but no one has been more eye-opening than the Commanders and rookie QB, Jayden Daniels!
No. 10: Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders have a superstar in the making. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels had a historically good first month of his NFL career and has led his team to a 3-1 record behind a three-game win streak. Daniels is completing a ridiculous 82.1% of his passes this season with 897 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, and an additional 218 yards and four touchdowns rushing. Daniels and the Commanders’ offense is red hot and this team is looking like the best in its division.
No. 9: San Fransisco 49ers
The San Fransisco 49ers are likely a better team than their 2-2 record suggests, however, injuries could hold them back. They beat the New England Patriots in Week 4 as expected, however, the limitations of their offense without RB Christian McCaffery have been highlighted this season. The 49ers’ defense is still a powerhouse but the team is more limited than it has been in previous seasons.
No. 8: Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks took a tumble down the power rankings this week after losing a shootout on the road to the Detroit Lions, but they still appear to be one of the strongest teams in the NFL. Their defense is still among the league’s best and their offense is still putting up a high volume of points every week. In a competitive NFC West, the Seahawks seem ready to make a run this season.
No. 7: Houston Texans
C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans continue to find ways to win. They are now 2-0 against the division after a close win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2. They are well on their way to winning the AFC South this season with a high-octane offense and a defense that has playmakers at all three levels.
No. 6: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers bounced back with a crucial win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4. Their Week 3 loss to the Broncos was embarrassing, but now looks to be a one-off blip. Baker Mayfield once again led a high-scoring attack from the Bucs’ offense while their defense suffocated Jalen Hurts and the Eagles. If these kinds of performances become a regular occurrence for Tampa Bay, they could be one of the more dangerous teams in the NFC by season’s end.
No. 5: Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills got blown out by the Ravens in Week 4 but are still one of the league’s best teams after three blowout wins to start the season. Josh Allen came back down to earth momentarily against Baltimore, but he is still one of the favorites to win the league’s MVP this season. Finding more consistency on both side sides of the ball will be the key for Buffalo.
No. 4: Baltimore Ravens
After a shaky 0-2 start to the season, the Ravens have bounced back to 2-2, emphatically winning their last two games against some of the NFL’s best. Their Week 4 blowout win over the Bills put the league on notice and reminded everyone while Lamar Jackson was the MVP last season. Now with Derrick Henry in the backfield, the Ravens’ offense looks like an unstoppable rushing attack that could run them deep into the playoffs.
No. 3: Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions made a statement on Monday Night Football. They won a shootout over the previously undefeated Seattle Seahawks behind and incredible, perfect performance from quarterback Jared Goff. He went 18-18 with 292 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Lions’ defense forced two turnovers. The Lions are now 3-1 and looking like Super Bowl contenders again.
No. 2: Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are legit. Sam Darnold could be the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores could be the Assistant Coach of the Year. And, of course, Kevin O’Connell could be the Head Coach of the Year. It’s still early but the Vikings are one of just two undefeated, 4-0 teams in the NFL. If they maintain their shape this season, they will be discussed as legitimate Super Bowl contenders near the end of the year.
No. 1: Kansas City Chiefs
It hasn’t been the prettiest start to the season for the reigning champs, but nonetheless, the Kansas City Chiefs are 4-0. Patrick Mahomes has had an up-and-down start to the 2023-24 season, however, he is still finding ways to lead his team to wins. The Chiefs will be shorthanded for the rest of the season, however, with WRs Hollywood Brown and Rashee Rice both likely out for the year with injuries. Will Mahomes magic and the Chiefs’ defense be enough to keep the champs on top?