NFL Power Rankings Week 5: Eagles and Bills Stand Tall Amid Early-Season Upheaval

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Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season left fans reeling with a series of upsets, shocking comebacks, and injury setbacks that reshaped the league’s landscape. Four undefeated teams stumbled, clearing the path for the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills to emerge as the league’s only perfect squads at 4-0. From surprising rookie performances to star injuries, the NFL continues to demonstrate that early-season dominance does not guarantee long-term security. As we head into Week 5, the playoff picture is still far from clear, and the top-tier teams are facing the kind of tests that will define their seasons.

Top 10 Power Rankings – Week 5

1. Philadelphia Eagles (4-0, NFC East)

The reigning Super Bowl champions remain flawless, with a 31-25 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers highlighting their resilience and depth. Jalen Hurts continues to play with a blend of poise and improvisation, connecting on clutch passes when it matters most. Philadelphia’s defense is formidable, ranking third in the league in points allowed (17.5 per game), while their special teams have consistently turned field position into scoring opportunities. Week 5 brings a key matchup against the Denver Broncos, testing whether the Eagles’ offensive line adjustments and defensive schemes can withstand a physical AFC contender.

2. Buffalo Bills (4-0, AFC East)

Buffalo continues to look like a team built for a deep playoff run. Josh Allen’s efficiency—boasting a 10:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio—combined with James Cook’s punishing ground game, has led the Bills to a 28-13 win over the New Orleans Saints. Defensively, Buffalo has limited opponents to under 300 total yards twice in the last three weeks and boasts the AFC’s best point differential (+67). Week 5 against the New England Patriots promises to be a measuring stick for their championship aspirations, with the Pats’ aggressive front seven challenging Buffalo’s offensive line.

3. Detroit Lions (3-1, NFC North)

The Lions are firing on all cylinders. Jared Goff’s precise passing and the defense’s ability to stifle opponents enabled a 34-10 rout over the Cleveland Browns, giving Detroit points over their last three games. Despite losing former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, the team’s offensive chemistry remains intact. Detroit now looks poised to maintain dominance in the NFC North as they prepare for a showdown with the Chicago Bears.

4. Kansas City Chiefs (2-2, AFC West)

Patrick Mahomes’ 300-yard, 13 touchdowns to 3 interceptions in six games against Ravens signaled a return to form for Kansas City. With Xavier Worthy emerging as a deep threat, the Chiefs’ offense regained its explosive identity. Their defense, rejuvenated and opportunistic, helped secure a statement win. Kansas City’s upcoming schedule is home-heavy, which could help the team climb the rankings, but maintaining consistency remains a challenge in a competitive AFC.

5. Los Angeles Rams (3-1, NFC West)

Matthew Stafford has developed a strong rapport with Davante Adams, resulting in a thrilling 37-34 upset of the Indianapolis Colts. The Rams’ balanced attack positions them as serious NFC West contenders, though inefficiencies in the red zone (converting only 50% of opportunities) and lingering questions about Stafford’s health remain concerns heading into Week 5.

6. Baltimore Ravens (1-3, AFC North)

The Ravens’ early-season struggles continue as Lamar Jackson’s hamstring injury sidelined him during a 37-20 loss to Kansas City. Baltimore’s defense allowed over 400 yards in that matchup, highlighting weaknesses that were previously masked by Jackson’s dual-threat capabilities. With Jackson’s mobility in question, the Ravens face a difficult road ahead as they attempt to climb out of a deep early-season hole in a competitive AFC North.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1, NFC South)

Baker Mayfield nearly engineered a miraculous comeback from a 21-point deficit, ultimately falling short against the Eagles. Tampa Bay’s offensive efficiency remains among the league’s best, but a slim +5 point differential suggests underlying vulnerabilities. The Buccaneers remain favorites in the NFC South, though Atlanta’s resurgence poses a looming threat.

8. Indianapolis Colts (3-1, AFC South)

Anthony Richardson’s dynamic 320-yard performance could not prevent a 37-34 loss to the Rams. Despite the setback, Indianapolis’ +47 point differential among 3-1 teams shows that they remain strong contenders in the AFC South. Their Week 5 matchup against the Titans will serve as a key indicator of whether they can compete against the league’s upper echelon.

9. Green Bay Packers (2-2, NFC North)

Jordan Love delivered heroics in overtime, salvaging a 40-40 tie with Dallas, but Green Bay’s offensive rhythm remains inconsistent. Micah Parsons continues to anchor the defense with impactful plays, yet turnovers and clock management issues highlight areas in need of improvement. Facing the Lions in Week 5 will be a crucial test for the Packers’ viability in the North.

10. Seattle Seahawks (3-1, NFC West)

Sam Darnold’s efficient passing (65% completion rate, seven total TDs) combined with a defense allowing just 18 points per game enabled Seattle to topple the injury-plagued 49ers. Mike Macdonald’s defensive schemes have been pivotal in controlling games, positioning the Seahawks as strong NFC West contenders. The Giants await in Week 5 for a potentially high-stakes matchup.

AFC Analysis: Bills Rise, Ravens Slide

The AFC landscape is shaping up around Buffalo’s dominance. Their undefeated record and robust point differential place them firmly in the conversation for conference supremacy. Kansas City’s recent triumph over Baltimore demonstrates the Chiefs’ resurgence, powered by Mahomes’ arm and a formidable pass rush that has sacked quarterbacks 12 times over the past two weeks.

The middle of the AFC is a mix of unpredictability. The Los Angeles Chargers’ shocking loss, coupled with injuries to key linemen like Joe Alt, has dampened early-season optimism. Indianapolis, despite their loss, remains atop the AFC South but faces questions about consistency against top-tier competition. Baltimore’s 1-3 record, exacerbated by Jackson’s injury, has opened the door for Pittsburgh and an inconsistent Cincinnati Bengals squad to jockey for position. The AFC East remains Buffalo’s domain, though New England’s 2-2 record after a victory over Carolina adds a layer of intrigue.

NFC Analysis: Eagles Dominate, Parity Emerges

Philadelphia continues to set the standard in the NFC, their perfect record reflecting both offensive ingenuity and defensive rigor. Special teams contributions, including blocked punts and field-position plays, have provided tangible scoring advantages. Detroit’s offensive explosion cements their place in the North, but parity is evident elsewhere.

The NFC West has become a battleground: the Rams’ upset over Indianapolis and Seattle’s win over the 49ers illustrate that no team is safe. Tampa Bay remains atop the South, though Atlanta’s resurgence after a 435-yard performance against Washington keeps the division competitive. The NFC East sees Washington holding firm with backups like Marcus Mariota performing admirably, while Dallas’ 40-40 tie with Green Bay shows high-scoring potential paired with red-zone inefficiency. Six teams across the NFC hold 3-1 or 2-2 records, emphasizing the competitive balance and making Week 5 matchups pivotal.

Rookie Spotlight: Dart, Egbuka, Jeanty Shine

Week 4 was a reminder that rookies can dramatically influence outcomes. Giants QB Jaxson Dart’s debut, featuring 13-of-20 passing for 111 yards with a touchdown and rushed for 54 yards and another score against the Chargers. His emergence has fans buzzing about potential Offensive Rookie of the Year implications.

Meanwhile, Bucs WR Emeka Egbuka’s touchdown explosion—cut short by an ankle injury—positions him as the NFC’s top rookie receiver. Las Vegas Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty’s  138 rushing yards and two receiving touchdowns against the Chicago Bears. On defense, Eagles LB Jihaad Campbell’s red-zone interception strengthened his case for Defensive Rookie of the Year, while Jaguars CB Travis Hunter’s pick-six illustrates versatile rookie contributions.

Injury Report: Stars Sidelined, Depth Tested

Week 4 inflicted substantial injuries that could alter playoff trajectories. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson’s hamstring strain leaves Baltimore in flux, forcing Cooper Rush into action and exposing the team’s reliance on Jackson’s mobility. Giants WR Malik Nabers’ ACL injury ends his season prematurely, placing additional pressure on Dart to maintain offensive production. Chargers OT Joe Alt’s high-ankle sprain and Rashawn Slater’s lingering ankle issues threaten Justin Herbert’s protection.

Elsewhere, the 49ers are navigating Nick Bosa’s recovery from a previous ACL rupture, weakening a critical pass rush, while WR Jauan Jennings’ ankle and shoulder injuries have hampered San Francisco’s offensive balance.

Week 5 Outlook: High Stakes, Critical Matchups

Week 5 offers crucial tests for top contenders and mid-tier teams alike. The Eagles’ clash with the Broncos promises to test Philadelphia’s depth and adaptability, while Buffalo faces a defining matchup against the Patriots to measure playoff readiness. Rookies are expected to continue influencing outcomes, while injuries will demand adjustments across rosters. The Bills and Eagles may be the only undefeated teams, but the volatility of the NFL ensures that the coming week could reshape rankings and playoff implications dramatically.

Conclusion

Through four weeks, the 2025 NFL season has underscored the league’s unpredictable nature. The Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills currently lead the charge, but injuries, rookies, and close contests demonstrate that no lead is safe. As teams enter Week 5, the league’s power dynamics are fluid, emphasizing that adaptability, depth, and star performance will determine which franchises sustain success through the season. Fans should expect more surprises, breakout performances, and storylines that will continue to define the NFL in the early months of 2025.

FAQ – NFL Week 5 Power Rankings

Q1: Who are the only undefeated teams in Week 5?
A: The Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills, both 4-0.

Q2: Which rookies are making the biggest impact?
A: Jaxson Dart (Giants), Emeka Egbuka (Bucs), and Ashton Jeanty (Colts).

Q3: Which key injuries could affect Week 5 matchups?
A: Lamar Jackson (Ravens), Malik Nabers (Giants), Joe Alt & Rashawn Slater (Chargers), Nick Bosa (49ers), Jauan Jennings (49ers), and Tyreek Hill (Dolphins).

Q4: Which games are most critical in Week 5?
A: Eagles vs. Broncos, Bills vs. Patriots, Chiefs vs. Jaguars, Lions vs. Bengals.

Q5: How is NFC parity shaping the rankings?
A: Multiple teams at 3-1 or 2-2 show unpredictable outcomes and tight divisional races.