NFL Power Rankings Week 6: Where does every NFC team stand?

NFL Power Rankings change on a weekly basis. Where a team is in the Week 5 Power Rankings may be very different than where they are in Week 6. Game results play a major factor, but so does the way the result came about. Here are the NFC Power Rankings heading into Week 6 of the 2021 NFL season.

NFC Power Rankings Week 6: Teams struggling the most

#16 - Detroit Lions (0-5)

Last week: #16

Next week: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

The Detroit Lions are the only team in the NFC without a win, making them the easy choice for last place in the Power Rankings. They have been close several times this year but have not been able to finish with a win. Their losses against the Ravens and Vikings were a little unlucky but a loss is a loss in the NFL.

New head coach Dan Campbell has the Lions paying competitively. If he can keep them fighting, they will get their win eventually. It hasn't been shown in their record but they could be heading in the right direction.

#15 - New York Giants (1-4)

Last week: #13

Next week: vs. Los Angeles Rams

The New York Giants followed their huge upset win over the New Orleans Saints with a loss to the Dallas Cowboys. More concerning than the loss was all of the injuries that occurred during the game. Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley and Kenny Golladay were all hurt and unable to return.

The Giants already have several key players injured and unfortunately Week 5 made things even worse. They face a very challenging matchup with the Rams in Week 6.

#14 - Atlanta Falcons (2-3)

Last Week: #15

Next week: BYE

The Atlanta Falcons moved up one spot in the NFC Power Rankings after defeating the Jets in London last week. They started the game very strong, especially on offense, but faded as the game went on. They still found a way to hold on for victory.

The Falcons played without their top two wide receivers, Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage. They will look to get healthy on their bye week. The Falcons are hoping this win will get them moving in the right direction.

#13 - Washington Football Team (2-3)

Last week: #10

Next week: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

It was another disappointing performance for the Washington Football Team last week as they lost to the Saints. Their defense continues to give up a ton of points while playing far below their expectations this season. Their 155 points allowed is the most in the conference.

Things won't get any easier this week for Washington when they play Patrick Mahomes and the high scoring Chiefs offense. They will need a huge upset in Week 6 if they want to move up the Power Rankings.

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NFC Power Rankings Week 6: Teams that need to do better

#12 - Philadelphia Eagles (2-3)

Last week: #14

Next week: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Philadelphia Eagles moved up two spots in the Power Rankings after a solid victory last week. They trailed the Panthers for most of the game before quarterback Jalen Hurts brought them back for the win. He continues to be impressive this season as a passer, as well as the leading rusher for the team.

The Eagles have a difficult game in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They have a short week to prepare with the game being played on Thursday Night Football. Hurts will likely have to be spectacular again for the Eagles to continue climbing the Power Rankings.

#11 - Minnesota Vikings (2-3)

Last week: #12

Next week: vs. Carolina Panthers

Climbing one spot in the Power Rankings after a victory over the Lions is the Minnesota Vikings. Kirk Cousins put together a very late drive that set up a game-winning field goal over their divisional opponents in a clutch comeback victory.

The Vikings have been inconsistent this season. At times they look like playoff contenders while others, they look like a bottom ten team. They are the only NFC team with a losing record while maintaining a positive point differential.

#10 - San Francisco 49ers (2-3)

Last week: #8

Next week: BYE

The San Francisco 49ers fall two spots in the Power Rankings after losing to the Cardinals. Rookie quarterback Trey Lance started the first game of his career after Jimmy Garoppolo suffered another injury in their previous game.

Trey Lance was not great in his first start but he was not terrible either. The 49ers are on a bye this week, so they will have extra time to figure out their quarterback situation based on health and performance.

#9 - Seattle Seahawks (2-3)

Last week: #7

Next week: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Rounding out the bottom half of the NFC Power Rankings are the Seattle Seahawks. They suffered a tough loss in a competitive game against the Rams last week. A bigger loss than the game itself was the injury to superstar quarterback Russell Wilson.

Geno Smith will now take over as quarterback while Wilson recovers. His first start will be Sunday Night Football against the Steelers. This ends a long streak of consecutive starts for Wilson as the quarterback for the Seahawks.

NFC Power Rankings Week 6: Contending teams

#8 - New Orleans Saints (3-2)

Last week: #9

Next week: BYE

Starting off the top half of the Power Rankings is the New Orleans Saints. They have been one of the most inconsistent teams this season, since they had a dominating victory over the Packers but also a disappointing home loss to the Giants.

Their offense has been very slow at times as they continue to figure things out in their first season without Drew Bress, who retired this year. Their defense has been great, allowing the third-fewest points in the NFC conference through five games.

#7 - Carolina Panthers (3-2)

Last week: #6

Next week: vs. Minnesota Vikings

The Carolina Panthers continue to fall in the Power Rankings after losing two consecutive games. They have been winless since losing superstar Christian McCaffrey to an injury. They hope to have him back this week when they play the Vikings in Week 6.

The Panthers started the season with a perfect 3-0 record and looked like one of the best teams in the NFC. They will try to get back to form and move up the Power Rankings.

#6 - Chicago Bears (3-2)

Last week: #11

Next week: vs. Green Bay Packers

The Chicago Bears made the biggest jump in the Power Rankings this week. They are one of only five teams in the NFC who have won consecutive games. Their last two victories were both in double digits, including an impressive road win last week over the Raiders.

The Bears defense has been solid this year. They are ranked in the top ten in the NFL in both yards and points allowed and held a strong Raiders offense to just nine points last week. The Bears will need to be at their best this week when Aaron Rodgers and the Packers come to Chicago.

#5 - Green Bay Packers (4-1)

Last week: #5

Next week: vs. Chicago Bears

Rounding out the top five of the Power Rankings is the Green Bay Packers. They have now won four straight games after being destroyed by the Saints in their first game of the season. The chemistry between Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams looks as good as ever as they continue to carve up defenses.

The Packers have a rivalry game this week with the Bears. It will be an important matchup for the NFC Power Rankings as well as the NFC North division standings.

NFC Power Rankings Week 6: Top teams

#4 - Dallas Cowboys (4-1)

Last week: #4

Next week: vs. New England Patriots

The Dallas Cowboys hold their spot for fourth in the Power Rankings after a fourth straight victory. Quarterback Dak Prescott has their offense rolling right now. They have scored the most points in the NFC Conference so far this season and Ezekiel Elliot has revived himself as one of the top running backs once again.

The Cowboys defense has improved this season and it's a big reason why they are so high on the Power Rankings. Rookie Micah Parsons has been an excellent addition, while Trevon Diggs is an early Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Diggs has led the NFL in interceptions so far.

#3 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-1)

Last week: #3

Next week: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Remaining in the top three of the Power Rankings is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They have one of the top offenses in the NFL and one of the best rushing defenses as well. Their only issue has been their passing defense, which ranks 32nd.

They did sign veteran cornerback Richard Sherman to help with the issue, but the problem has not yet been solved. That has not stopped them from winning four of their five games. Tom Brady is playing like an NFL MVP candidate once again.

#2 - Los Angeles Rams (4-1)

Last week: #2

Next week: vs. New York Giants

The Los Angeles Rams' only loss this season came to the only team above them in the NFC Power Rankings. They have been one of the most impressive teams this season on both offense and defense, making them one of the most balanced teams in the NFL.

Trading for Matthew Stafford this offseason elevated the Rams. He is an upgrade from Jared Goff and has looked great in head coach Sean McVay's system. His ability to throw the deep ball adds another element to the offense. The Rams have been Super Bowl contenders through five games.

#1 - Arizona Cardinals (5-0)

Last week: #1

Next week: vs. Cleveland Browns

The Arizona Cardinals are the last remaining undefeated team in the NFL. That makes them an easy choice for the top spot in the Power Rankings. Their offense has been electric, led by early NFL MVP favorite Kyler Murray. They have scored the third-most points in the NFC.

Adding to their top tier offense has been their surprising defense. They have played much better defensively through five games than they were projected to this season. They have allowed the third-fewest points in the conference. The Cardinals are the undisputed top-ranked team in the NFC Power Rankings.