NFL Power Rankings Week 5: Where does every NFC team stand?

NFC Power Rankings: Teams that could trend either way

#8 - San Francisco 49ers (2-2)

Next week: at Arizona Cardinals

The San Francisco 49ers are on the cusp of the top half of the NFC Power Rankings. Interestingly, they have won both of their road games while losing two at home. Their defense has not been as reliable as it has been for the past few years, but their running game is still one of the best.

Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo suffered an injury in the first half of their Week 4 game. Trey Lance will now be their starting quarterback. He is an upgrade athletically from Garoppolo and has infinite potential. He will try to help the 49ers climb the NFC Power Rankings.

#7 - Seattle Seahawks (2-2)

Next week: vs. Los Angeles Rams

The Seattle Seahawks are a difficult team to judge. Some weeks they look like legitimate Super Bowl contenders, while in others they barely look like a playoff team. If they can find a way to be more consistent, they can climb higher in the NFC Power Rankings.

One player they have been able to rely on is their superstar quarterback, Russell Wilson. He has been incredible so far and is an early candidate for the NFL MVP award. He can take them to the very top of the NFC Power Rankings when he is rolling.

#6 - Carolina Panthers (3-1)

Next week: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

The lowest of the 3-1 teams in the NFC Power Rankings is the Carolina Panthers. They started the season by winning their first three games against three of the worst teams in the NFL. Their first real test was in Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys, and they suffered their first loss of the season.

There is reason to be skeptical about the Panthers because of what their schedule has looked like so far. They are without their superstar, Christian McCaffrey, so newly acquired quarterback Sam Darnold will try to lead them to a higher place in the NFC Power Rankings.

#5 - Green Bay Packers (3-1)

Next week: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

After being comfortably beaten by the New Orleans Saints in Week 1, the Green Bay Packers have won three games on the trot. They are the only 3-1 team in the NFC Power Rankings with a negative points differential. This can be credited to the Week 1 disaster.

The Packers have looked impressive in their past three games. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks like himself again, joining wide receiver Davante Adams and running back Aaron Jones to form one of the best trios in the NFL.