The Week 5 Power Rankings are here -- and so is some serious movement. Yes, at the quarter pole, we're reshuffling the deck. Hey, but that's what makes this whole deal fun, right? Almost as fun as poring over the fine print in the NFL rulebook ...
Agreed on the first point. The Lions had 55 minutes to do something on offense. And yes, we'll never know what would've happened from the 1-yard line. Oh, and I'm going with mint-chocolate ice cream cake, maybe with a plastic Sylvester Puddy Tat on top -- instead of the SpongeBob piece Baskin-Robbins always puts on there nowadays. No SpongeBob.
Detroit wasn't the only team to experience misfortune in Week 4.
And they are down two more players -- ugh.
Yes, you will find that those Cowboys dropped more than a couple spots, based on more than just losing to one of the NFL's weaker teams. In fact, they were leapfrogged by a division rival in the process, keeping the NFC East's highest-ranked team parked squarely at 15. (At least it's the top half, right?)
For the full hierarchical breakdown, take a look below. Feel free to share your take: @HarrisonNFL is the place. If you decide to hold out on leaving a comment, make sure you at least get more money.
Let the dissension commence!
NOTE: The lineup below reflects changes from our Sept. 29 Power Rankings.
Ravens fans hop on Twitter as much, but in their case, it's more
*"Hey, we're still kinda good!"* or -- a favorite --
*"Your (sic) an idiot."*
Truth is, New England is a premier team right now -- and surprisingly, the defense is a large reason for that. The unit might not be setting the world on fire, but 17th in points allowed is solid enough for Tom Brady, who, well, is setting the world on fire.
On a day when the Falcons racked up 48 points, how in the world did Julio Jones only catch four passes for 38 yards? If you're a Jones fantasy owner, seeing the final score and then seeing Jones' output must have been like getting excited after finding the four quarters you need to wash your underwear ... only to learn your landlord suddenly changed the price to five quarters. Not to be too specific or anything. Not like I recommended Jones in daily fantasy last week on national TV or anything.
For now, Arizona is 3-1 with a clear lead in the NFC West. The Cards have the Lions, Steelers, Ravens and Browns heading into their Week 9 bye. When they travel to Seattle in Week 10, Bruce Arians could be 6-2 and fighting for first place. Don't want to look ahead, but we're looking ahead.
The biggest area to improve going forward? Limiting big plays in the passing game.
**Side note 1:**
Ziggy Ansah is a difference maker.
**Side note 2:**
"Brand New Lover" was DJ's song of choice.
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**Random thought:**
Blake Bortles showed signs of being the QB the franchise was hoping for, but I still wish he used his legs even more.
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The offense? 3.9 yards per play. No more commentary needed. Or wanted, I bet.
And hey, if you are going to rip Jay Cutler on a routine basis, you'd better give him credit when he goes 5 for 8 while driving the team nearly 50 yards in the two-minute drill, setting up Gould for the game-winning boot. (Oh, and that included a bad drop, too.)
Follow Elliot Harrison on Twitter @HarrisonNFL.