NFL: Week Six NFL Power Rankings
By Steven Kriz
5. Seattle Seahawks (5)
The Seahawks got to enjoy a nice week off, and in doing so moved their way into first place in the NFC West with a Rams loss. The Seahawks offense had a miserable opening two weeks but fared very nicely in weeks three and four. With a week off to heal his ailments, Russell Wilson may be ready to set the league on fire post-bye week.
6. Atlanta Falcons (9)
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If there were any questions about the Falcons offense being elite, they put them to bed on the road against the defending champs. What makes the Falcons so dangerous is not necessarily Matt Ryan and Julio Jones; it’s the combination of Matt Ryan and Julio Jones mixed with the duo of Devontae Freeman and Tevin Coleman in the backfield. These two running backs are not only great runners, but also great in the passing game as well. If the Falcons can continue to pressure the quarterback the way they did in Denver, they will have to be taken seriously in the NFC.
7. Denver Broncos (1)
Paxton Lynch certainly didn’t have the game he was hoping to in his first career start. While it was hardly all on the QB, his play certainly validated head coach Gary Kubiak’s decision to roll with Trevor Siemian as the starter over the first round pick. While the Broncos defense didn’t have a horrible day, limiting the Falcons to 15 points under their season average, there were some weaknesses exposed. To add insult to injury, Coach Kubiak was hospitalized after the game due to what is being described as a “complex migraine.” The Broncos will have only three days to prepare with an interim head coach, and questions about the QB situation linger, as it is unclear yet if Trevor Siemian will be ready to start.
8. Oakland Raiders (10)
The Raiders are 4-1, and due to having played, and won a division game currently sit atop the AFC West. The Raiders still have some questions left to answer—while they are 4-1, they only have a +5 scoring margin on the year. Subsequently, the Chargers who held a lead against the Raiders for much of the day are 1-4, and have a +10 scoring margin for the year. This can be credited to some good fortune, but also to some clutch fourth quarter play and solid coaching decisions. The Raiders defense has not been a bright spot however, and will need to clean up their act if they want to continue winning close games once the weather turns.