NFL Power Rankings (Week 5): How high can the Philadelphia Eagles fly?

NFL Power Rankings: Tier 2 (just outside the top five)

Lamar Jackson’s 13 total touchdowns are more than he had during the first four games of his MVP-winning season in 2019. The Ravens may be 2-2, but close losses to the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills aren’t what you would describe as ugly losses. Sure, the second-half collapses have to end, but this is still one of the NFL’s top ten teams.

The Minnesota Vikings have become one of the best teams in the NFL so far in 2022. They’re 3-1 after a month with a signature win coming by way of blowing out the Green Bay Packers. They’re ranked behind the Pack here because, in some ways, the Packers are heating up while the Vikings are slowing down.

The Vikes were blown out by the Eagles and lost to the Lions by four points. We aren’t close to the finish line, but for now, this is Green Bay’s division until Minnesota proves otherwise.

Matthew Stafford hasn’t been impressive early on in the Rams’ Super Bowl title defense. He’s thrown four touchdowns and five interceptions, and 25 starting quarterbacks have thrown for more yardage. Losing to the San Francisco 49ers may not be too telling, but there are concerns despite L.A.’s 2-2 record.

The Los Angeles Chargers are one of the most fun teams to watch in the NFL. Derwin James plays like an animal on defense. Justin Herbert is also cementing himself as a top-five NFL quarterback, already throwing for over 1,200 yards and nine TDs on the year. The questions are about whether or not this team can beat the Chiefs.

Tom Brady may have chosen to join the broadcasting booth a year sooner had he known things would go the route that they have. His supporting cast can’t stay healthy, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 2-2 and play in the NFC South with the division’s best coaching staff, so you have to believe that, at some point, things will turn.