With the first month of the 2021 NFL season in the books, the contenders and pretenders are starting to separate themselves. The real trick now is to identify which teams had fluky starts and which ones are actually legitimate. With only four games of data, that can be a bit difficult to figure out. Which teams are for real and which ones aren’t? Here are the Week 5 power rankings and odds.
All playoff lines and odds used in the NFL power rankings series are provided via BetMGM Sportsbook as of Tuesday, October 5.
NFL Power Rankings for Week 5
32. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-4) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: +3000
- Super Bowl Odds: +200000
Trevor Lawrence played his best game as a pro in Week 4 and it appears he is becoming more comfortable in the offense. On top of that, the rushing game looks really good with James Robinson running hard. Still, this is a team that is a long way away from contending, and now they have the added off-the-field distraction of head coach Urban Meyer, who apparently has been trying to party away the failure.
31. Houston Texans (1-3) ⬇️ 2
- Playoffs Odds: +3000
- Super Bowl Odds: +200000
Things have progressively gotten worse for the Texans since Week 1. Teams are figuring out Davis Mills and his weaknesses and the offense can’t move the ball at all. This team might be able to function on offense when Tyrod Taylor returns to the lineup, but until then, things are going to be tough to watch in Houston.
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30. Detroit Lions (0-4) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds:+4000
- Super Bowl Odds: +150000
The Lions have yet to win a game, but they’ve been competitive every week. Dan Campbell has his team playing really hard, but they are just struggling to find wins. That might not happen much this year but look for Detroit to stay competitive under Campbell for the rest of the season.
29. New York Jets (1-3) ⬆️ 2
- Playoffs Odds: +2500
- Super Bowl Odds: +100000
The Jets did it! They won their first game of the season and Zach Wilson played very well. This is still a bad team with so many holes on the roster, but it was encouraging to see them finally win a game.
28. Miami Dolphins (1-3) ⬇️ 5
- Playoffs Odds: +210
- Super Bowl Odds: +12500
The Dolphins are one of the most disappointing teams in the league through four weeks. The offense is slow and doesn’t take enough shots down the field, and the defense has given up far too many points considering how talented they are in the secondary. The quarterback position remains a huge issue, but it certainly isn’t the only problem on this team.
27. Atlanta Falcons (1-3) ⬇️ 1
- Playoffs Odds: +700
- Super Bowl Odds: +15000
Atlanta’s defense was awful in Week 4 as they allowed Taylor Heinicke to total over 330 yards and three touchdowns against their defense. They just can’t create any pressure on the quarterback and the offense is too hit-or-miss to make up for their deficiencies on defense. Atlanta’s schedule gets easier over the next few weeks, but this team can lose to just about anybody.
26. New York Giants (1-3) ⬆️ 1
- Playoffs Odds: +700
- Super Bowl Odds: +25000
The Giants got their first win of the season in Week 4, but you can make a legitimate case that they should be 3-1. An offsides penalty against Washington and a field goal against Atlanta are the only things keeping this team from being tied with the Cowboys atop of the NFC East. Still, it’s hard to trust that this team will find ways to win at the end of games despite their Week 4 result.
25. Philadelphia Eagles (1-3) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: +350
- Super Bowl Odds: +10000
The Eagles hung around with the Chiefs for the better part of that game but were unable to get the defensive stops they needed. Jalen Hurts played well and that should be encouraging for Philadelphia fans.
24. Washington Football Team (2-2) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: +250
- Super Bowl Odds: +10000
In three starts this season, Taylor Heinicke has a passer rating of 103.9 and is averaging 8.14 yards per attempt. That is certainly good enough to win games, but the defense has to improve if they want to be viewed as legitimate contenders in the NFC East. They’ve allowed 30.5 points per game this season, the third most in the league. That is quite the disappointment considering all of the draft capital Washington has invested on defense this season.
23. Chicago Bears (2-2) ⬆️ 5
- Playoffs Odds: +400
- Super Bowl Odds: +15000
Justin Fields looked much more comfortable in his second start and Matt Nagy designed an offense that suited him. But will he be the starter going forward? Nagy is convinced that Andy Dalton is the better option despite the offense really struggling when he has played. The good news is that the defense is getting better as they’ve allowed just 19 points per game over the last three weeks. If that can continue, they might have a shot to make a little run regardless of who is under center.
22. Indianapolis Colts (1-3) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: +140
- Super Bowl Odds: +10000
The Colts finally got a win this season and they did so without several Pro Bowl players, who were out due to injury. Up next are the Ravens on Monday Night Football in Week 5. If the Colts have any hopes of stealing the division away from the Titans, they will need to pull off the upset next week. Otherwise, the season will start to get away from them.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-3) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: +500
- Super Bowl Odds: +10000
The Steelers have major problems on offense and the biggest is Ben Roethlisberger. It’s clear that he is no longer a starting-caliber quarterback in the NFL, but Pittsburgh doesn’t seem to be interested in pulling him from their lineup. The defense will keep them in games and maybe even win them a few, but this isn’t a playoff-caliber team.
20. Tennessee Titans (2-2) ⬇️6
- Playoffs Odds: -250
- Super Bowl Odds: +4000
The Titans had one of the worst losses in Week 4, falling to the Jets in overtime. They are still on top of the AFC South, which is starting to look like the worst division in football. If the Titans don’t quickly solve some of their defensive issues, there is a chance a lesser team in the division could replace them in the playoffs.
19. Denver Broncos (3-1) ⬇️ 3
- Playoffs Odds: -140
- Super Bowl Odds: +4000
The Broncos finally played a decent team in Week 4 and they were embarrassed. Teddy Bridgewater was knocked out of the game due to a concussion and Drew Lock reminded us why he didn’t win the starting quarterback job for Denver. The schedule gets much tougher for the Broncos going forward and they will need to rely on their defense to win games until Bridgewater and Jerry Jeudy return to the lineup.
18. New Orleans Saints (2-2) ⬇️ 3
- Playoffs Odds: +115
- Super Bowl Odds: +4000
The Saints are one of the most difficult teams in the NFL to figure out. They blew out the Packers but were then dominated by the Panthers. Now, they are coming off an overtime loss to the Giants at home. One thing is for certain and that is that the offense has to be better. Until that happens, this is just going to be a middle-of-the-pack team in the NFC.
17. New England Patriots (1-3) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: +260
- Super Bowl Odds: +6600
The Patriots have to be feeling good about themselves despite a loss in Week 4. They went toe-to-toe with the Buccaneers and the game was decided by just a missed field goal. More importantly, Mac Jones did not appear to be afraid of the big moment.
The offense needs to get better, but this team should be very optimistic about their chances of making a late-season run.
Mac Jones stood toe-to-toe with Tom Brady in the New England Patriots’ matchup with their former franchise quarterback, which kept them in place in the Week 5 NFL Power Rankings. (Image: USA TODAY Sports)
16. Minnesota Vikings (1-3) ⬆️ 3
- Playoffs Odds: +200
- Super Bowl Odds: +5000
The Vikings have lost three games this year by a combined 11 points. They have been in every game this season and you can make a case that they should have won them all. Their schedule does soften up a bit, starting with the Lions in Week 5.
Minnesota probably isn’t a playoff team, but they are much better than their 1-3 record indicates. The defense did a great job of holding down the Browns in Week 4.
15. Cincinnati Bengals (3-1) ⬆️ 3
- Playoffs Odds: +300
- Super Bowl Odds: +15000
The Bengals are one of the best stories of the NFL season so far. Joe Burrow has not only returned from his awful knee injury, but he is thriving. The Bengals appear to have a defense that is capable of making stops and the offense has weapons all over the place. Cincinnati might still be a year away from making a playoff push, but this is a team on the rise.
Cincinnati Bengals Bet Tip: The Bengals are +900 to win the AFC North. They don’t have a perfect roster, but neither do the Ravens or the Browns. It’s a good value bet now and might look even better if they can pull off the home upset against the Packers in Week 5.
14. Seattle Seahawks (2-2) ⬆️ 6
- Playoffs Odds: -165
- Super Bowl Odds: +2500
Russell Wilson is averaging a career-high 9.6 yards per attempt this season and has yet to throw an interception. He leads the NFL in passer rating at 129.9 and they are coming off a huge win against the 49ers. In one of the most competitive divisions in sports, the Seahawks feel like a real sleeper with a future Hall of Fame quarterback playing the best football of his career.
Seattle Seahawks Bet Tip: The Seahawks have never won fewer than nine games during the Wilson era. I don’t think they are going to snap that streak now, so don’t hesitate to bet on them to make the playoffs this season despite a 2-2 start.
13. Carolina Panthers (3-1) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: +140
- Super Bowl Odds: +6600
Carolina’s No. 1 ranked defense got exposed in Week 4, but this is still a very talented team. They were missing several key starters on defense and superstar running back Christian McCaffrey. They are still a fringe playoff team, but the Panthers are headed in the right direction under Matt Rhule.
12. Las Vegas Raiders (3-1) ⬇️ 5
- Playoffs Odds: +110
- Super Bowl Odds: +5000
The Raiders did not play well in Week 4, but there are at least some legitimate excuses. The team was without three starting defensive backs and several offensive guards. This is still a good team, but it’s fair to wonder if they have the depth on defense to survive a 17-game schedule. It was nice to see Josh Jacobs return to the field and he should have a bigger workload next week against Chicago.
11. San Francisco 49ers (2-2) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: -145
- Super Bowl Odds: +2000
Jimmy Garoppolo is set to miss the next few weeks with a calf injury and that means it’s Trey Lance time in San Francisco. That actually might help this offense, which could use his rushing ability. The 49ers are still trying to solve some issues on defense, but they remain a good team that can’t be overlooked.
10. Dallas Cowboys (3-1) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: -300
- Super Bowl Odds: +1600
The Cowboys got a convincing win against the 3-0 Panthers in Week 4 and have now won three straight games. The defense continues to create turnovers and they are rushing the ball better than just about anyone in the NFL. The NFC East finally has a competent team.
9. Kansas City Chiefs (2-2) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: -500
- Super Bowl Odds: +600
The Kansas City Chiefs have some major problems on the defensive side of the ball. They can’t stop the run and teams are now gashing them through the air. But if Patrick Mahomes continues to play as well as he did in Week 4, those issues won’t matter. He’s the great equalizer and the offense is just far too good.
8. Baltimore Ravens (3-1) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: -500
- Super Bowl Odds: +1600
Don’t look now, but the Baltimore Ravens are 3-1 with another impressive win in Week 4. They completely dominated the Broncos in Denver and the game wasn’t all that close. Lamar Jackson threw for over 300 yards against one of the best secondaries in the NFL. If they can find a way to get a little healthier on the offensive line and in the secondary, this will be another legitimate contender in the AFC.
7. Cleveland Browns (3-1) ⬇️ 3
- Playoffs Odds: -300
- Super Bowl Odds: +1200
The Browns won an ugly game in Week 4, thanks almost entirely to their defense. However, they slide down some on our list due to an less-than-impressive performance by Baker Mayfield. While this might be the most talented roster in the NFL, the Browns need Mayfield to play better if they want to be taken seriously in the AFC.
6. Los Angeles Chargers (3-1) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: -200
- Super Bowl Odds: +1600
The Chargers were completely dominant in Week 4 as Justin Herbert continues to play like a superstar. Over the last two weeks (against AFC West opponents), he’s thrown for 503 yards and seven touchdowns with no interceptions. If he continues to play at or near this level for the rest of the season, this might be the team to beat in the AFC West. Yes, you read that correctly.
Los Angeles Chargers Bet Tip: The Chargers are +250 (BetMGM) to win the AFC West after four games, despite two wins already inside the division. For a team that is 1.5 games up in the division and with a budding star at quarterback, that is too much value to pass up.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) ⬇️ 3
- Playoffs Odds: -1200
- Super Bowl Odds: +650
The Buccaneers got the win in Week 4 against the Patriots, but it was not an impressive one. The defense continues to lose important secondary players every week and the offense just wasn’t clicking. They are still a legitimate Super Bowl contender, but they have some pretty big weaknesses on the roster. This is far from a flawless team.
4. Los Angeles Rams (3-1) ⬇️ 3
- Playoffs Odds: -350
- Super Bowl Odds: +900
The loss to the Cardinals in Week 4 was certainly disappointing. That is a game the Rams have won basically every year since 2017, but the Cardinals might just be better. Still, this is a legit Super Bowl contender with a potential MVP candidate at quarterback. Don’t overreact too much to a divisional loss.
3. Green Bay Packers (3-1) ⬆️ 2
- Playoffs Odds: -450
- Super Bowl Odds: +1200
Since their Week 1 blunder, Aaron Rodgers has been absolutely dominant for the Packers. He’s thrown eight touchdowns with no interceptions and is playing some of the best football of his career. Green Bay has a few big injuries on the offensive line and in the secondary, but it hasn’t mattered. They just continue to beat good teams with excellent quarterback play.
2. Buffalo Bills (3-1) ⬆️ 1
- Playoffs Odds: -1200
- Super Bowl Odds: +700
The Bills don’t have the No. 1 spot in our rankings, but this is the most complete team in the NFL. They did exactly what they should have in Week 4, shutting out the Houston Texans at home. Their defense is phenomenal and they have a chance to show that they should be the favorites in the AFC in Week 5 as they will take on the Chiefs on Sunday Night Football.
1. Arizona Cardinals (4-0) ⬆️ 11
- Playoffs Odds: -375
- Super Bowl Odds: +1400
Do I think the Cardinals are going to win the Super Bowl this year? Probably not. But how can you not put them at No. 1 after a blowout win on the road against the Rams? Kyler Murray is playing sensational right now and is probably the MVP of the league. Until they lose, they have to be at No. 1. Their win against the Rams was among the most impressive victories of the year.
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