2026 NFL Week 5 Power Rankings: Cowboys rise after latest win
A full month’s worth of NFL action is officially behind us. Somebody slow it all down.
Soon enough the actual clocks will literally do that. Pumpkins are all around, cooler weather is finally making its way throughout the country, the MLB playoffs are rocking and rolling, and yes, soon enough we will “fall back” once more.
In NFL terms that means that things are serious and such is the case for the Dallas Cowboys and their contemporaries. An argument can be made that the Cowboys are ascending, but what about everybody else? Who is rising? Who is falling?
Here are this week’s power rankings.
1 – San Francisco 49ers (LW: 2)
They look unstoppable right now. It sucks.
2 – Kansas City Chiefs (LW: 3)
Death, taxes, and the Chiefs being very good.
3 – Baltimore Ravens (LW: 4)
It would appear that Lamar Jackson is going to miss some time. We will see on that note, but when he is active and has Zay Flowers at his disposal… it is hard to make an argument against them.
4 – Buffalo Bills (LW: 1)
Last week was definitely a stumble. They looked so hot early on. It’s a marathon.
5 – Jacksonville Jaguars (LW: 5)
For some reason I don’t think people put them on the same tier as the rest of the AFC’s elite, but they should absolutely be there. They are one of the true contenders.
6 – Seattle Seahawks (LW: 6)
Their only issue right now is apparently how they used (or didn’t use) Kenneth Walker III in the past.
7 – Chicago Bears (LW: 7)
Ben Johnson is really proving his brilliance. They are going to be a force when Caleb Williams is back.
8 – Los Angeles Rams (LW: 11)
It was great to see them win in Philly last week. The start has been a bit bumpier than most expected, but they are settling in.
9 – New England Patriots (LW: 22)
If anyone is settling in it is clearly the reigning AFC Champions. They looked every bit as solid as last year during their win in Buffalo.
10 – Minnesota Vikings (LW: 13)
It is truly remarkable what Kevin O’Connell is doing right now. I don’t know how much I fear the Vikings, but I definitely respect what they have going on.
11 – Denver Broncos (LW: 8)
I’ve never been as much of a believer as others. Last week’s loss was tough, but they are definitely going to be among the teams most heavily in the mix.
12 – Dallas Cowboys (LW: 16)
Last week was great. Now build on it and use the mini bye to catch your breath.
13 – Atlanta Falcons (LW: 23)
How can we not take this team seriously right now? Their rushing attack is absurd.
14 – Carolina Panthers (LW: 17)
Maybe the NFC South is actually a gauntlet?!
15 – Philadelphia Eagles (LW: 9)
Such a shame!
16 – Cincinnati Bengals (LW: 10)
It is never fun when you drop a measuring stick game and that’s what happened here.
17 – Las Vegas Raiders (LW: 12)
There is no shame in being 3-1. Heads high, Raiders.
18 – New York Giants (LW: 21)
Who knows how long all of this is going to last, but however long it does… John Harbaugh is very clearly making this organization different. They are in no way the same ‘ol Giants.
19 – Indianapolis Colts (LW: 18)
This team is so boring.
20 – Detroit Lions (LW: 14)
They almost made it a race in Carolina. I have a hard time believing they can hang on across the entire season. We will see.
21 – Cleveland Browns (LW: 24)
Like with others… it is hard to see this lasting through the whole season. For now though, they have a right to stand tall.
22 – Green Bay Packers (LW: 25)
This team really feels like they are fading.
23 – New Orleans Saints (LW: 15)
Monday night was humbling to say the least.
24 – Pittsburgh Steelers (LW: 19)
Thanks for JPJ!
Seriously though, this franchise is a mess. It feels like they are close to combusting.
25 – Washington Commanders (LW: 20)
Injuries suck. I’m not sure how this is all going to magically come together for our old friend Dan Quinn.
26 – Houston Texans (LW: 26)
They put up such a strong fight. And C.J. Stroud has been fantastic. Unfortunately… 0-4.
27 – Arizona Cardinals (LW: 30)
Gross.
28 – New York Jets (LW: 29)
Gross, but the Jets.
29 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (LW: 27)
See you Thursday night.
30 – Los Angeles Chargers (LW: 28)
Who is going to answer for all of this? Jim Harbaugh? Will that fix everything? Anything at all?
31 – Tennessee Titans (LW: 31)
Also gross.
32 – Miami Dolphins (LW: 32)
Arch Manning?
ESPN: 12 (LW: 15)
So it begins.
Four words to describe the first four weeks: Lots of work needed.
The Cowboys’ offense can score on anyone (at least 31 points in three of four games). Their defense is still a work in progress (at least 20 points allowed in all four games). Special teams has also had issues (two blocked field goals and poor end-of-game management against Baltimore). In other words, this start looks a lot like the up-and-down ride from 2025, when they went 7-9-1. Early in the season, winning in any manner is what matters most as long as there is improvement. With their next games versus winless Tampa Bay and struggling Green Bay, the Cowboys need to show some progress. — Todd Archer
NFL.com: 8 (LW: 11)
Inside the top 10!
The “D” in Dallas stands for dichotomy. The 2026 Cowboys boast an incredibly explosive offense capable of carrying them to wins, but also must overcome their leaky defense. On Sunday, they managed to do so in thrilling fashion, scoring a final-minute touchdown to take down the Texans and win the battle of the Lone Star State. The ‘Boys are moving up this week because of how they impressed me with their mettle amid adversity — although I’m still highly concerned about their defensive liabilities.
USA Today: 18 (LW: 14)
Power rankings are not standings. And winning doesn’t automatically guarantee a rise while losing doesn’t automatically guarantee a loss.
That being said… this is a strange bit of movement. And it is hardly justified by the author.
After a strong debut Sunday, CB Joey Porter Jr. might be making the case he’s the ex-Steeler this team should re-sign given the significant drop in WR George Pickens’ production.
Yahoo: 12 (LW: 16)
This feels more logical.
CeeDee Lamb had a game for the ages Sunday. He had 17 catches, and only six times in NFL history has a player had more. Lamb had 189 yards, making him the only Cowboy to have 17 catches and 170 yards in a game. He also caught the game-winning touchdown against the Texans with 40 seconds left.
“CeeDee’s been great,” QB Dak Prescott said., via the team’s site.
Dallas still has a big defensive problem. The Cowboys are 31st in EPA allowed per play and there’s a big gap between them and the Bills at No. 30. But the offense has mostly been as good as expected. And with the rest of the issues around the NFC East, Dallas is looking like the best team in the division.
CBS Sports: 12 (LW: 16)
This is a pretty popular spot.
That was a big-time victory on the road at Houston. The Cowboys offense lit up a good Texans defense, which shows they can play with anybody.
The Athletic: 14 (LW: 17)
A small bump up.
Concern level: The defense can’t be this bad, can it?
Everyone knew the Cowboys offense was going to be their strength this season, and 17(!) catches from CeeDee Lamb helped illustrate that. But it’s not a great sign that they gave up 30 points and almost 400 yards to the Houston Texans.
ProFootballTalk: 18 (LW: 21)
And another.
They have a chance to start stacking wins, until the 49ers come to town in Week 10.
Week to Week Movement
Full Power Rankings
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