Week four of the 2023 season lacked the drama showcased this previous Sunday that shaped the 2023 NFL’s power rankings in week 5. After clinching the top position in last week’s rankings, the Dolphins took a humbling blow, though they remain among the elite eight teams in the NFL. This week’s rankings also unveiled some contending teams with the potential to clinch the championship.
However, it is still premature to question the teams’ credentials in this first quartile, as some have shown the resilience to bounce back from failure with incredible performances. Therefore, writing off the Dolphins at this stage will be a fatal mistake. In this article, we dive deep into the progress of the top four elite teams in NFL power rankings in week 5.
1. San Francisco 49ers (4-0)
This team was ranked 2nd in week four power rankings, and it ascended to the top after beating the Arizona Cardinals 35-16. So far, the 49ers are well-defined by their lack of chaos. Christian McCaffrey, the team’s running back, has gained 36.5% of the 49ers’ scrimmage yards after having 177 yards of offense and 4 touchdowns on Sunday.
Brock Purdy had a 20-for-21 passing that averaged 13.5 yards for each attempt. McCaffrey and wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk (who made 6 catches and 148 yards on Sunday) account for 74.9% of this team’s yards this season. San Francisco appears formidable and ready to gain more wins. Next, they face the Dallas Cowboys at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (4-0)
In week 4 rankings, the Philadelphia Eagles ranked 4th and scaled to the 2nd position this week after thrashing Washington Commanders 34-31 in OT. So far, this team has proven to be steadier due to its formidable defensive and offensive lines.
Philadelphia Eagles’ rise to the top two has made it a safer bet for punters. Many bettors are now showing their support for the team by placing wagers on the top-rated sites that are found on The Sports Geek website. These sites have the best betting lines, top NFL-based bonuses, and exciting contests that suit all your wagering desires. The Eagles will face the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET.
3. Buffalo Bills (3-1)
Last week, this team was ranked five, but it ascended to position three after beating the Miami Dolphins 48-20. This season, the Bills have only lost to the New York Jets. Since that setback, they have won 3 games consecutively by 28 or more points. The only NFL team that achieved such a feat was the Chicago Bears in 1942.
The team’s QB, Josh Allen, has had an impressive run this season with a 76.1% completion rate, 8 touchdown passes, and 1 interception in 3 weeks. However, Sunday’s star was Stefon Diggs, a Dolphins nemesis, who got 6 catches for 120 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Buffalo Bills will be facing the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday in London at 9:30 a.m. ET.
4. Miami Dolphins (3-1)
The Miami Dolphins dropped in the week 5 power rankings from position one to four after losing to the Buffalo Bills 48-20. The Bill’s defense proved tough as it managed to contain Miami to 398 yards and 20 points. Despite the defeat, De’Von Achane, Dolphins novice RB, proved his worth by getting 8 carries for 101 yards on Sunday. Despite the humbling loss, there is hope for recovery for the Miami Dolphins. The team will face off with the New York Giants on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
In Conclusion
The 2023 NFL season is at its first quartile, and it is pretty hard to predict the team likely to clinch its championship. However, the week 5 NFL power rankings revealed the potential of unexpected teams likely to make history in the 2023/24 season, in case we don’t encounter any more surprises. Therefore, all we can do is wait and see how the action unfolds in the coming fixtures.
