-
NFL Nation, ESPN
Welcome to Week 6 of the 2024 NFL season!
The Minnesota Vikings and the Kansas City Chiefs both secured victories, maintaining their undefeated statuses, while the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrated their first win of the season on Sunday.
In Week 5, the Miami Dolphins and the New York Giants rebounded with important wins. Conversely, the San Francisco 49ers and Cincinnati Bengals faced defeats, resulting in both teams falling below the .500 mark. How do all 32 teams currently compare in our Power Rankings?
Our NFL Nation reporters also weighed in on fantasy surprises for each team, identifying one player (either positive or negative) who has either exceeded expectations or struggled to start the season.
Let’s dive into the updated rankings from 1 to 32 below.
More than 80 writers, editors, and TV personalities from our power panel assess how NFL teams stack up against each other weekly, ranking them from 1 to 32.
Previous rankings: Preseason | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5
Jump to a team:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
Week 5 ranking: 1
Fantasy surprise: TE Travis Kelce
Kelce had a slow start, tallying eight receptions for 69 yards and no touchdowns in the initial three games. However, he rebounded with an impressive performance against the Chargers (seven catches for 89 yards) in Week 4 and added nine catches for 70 yards against the Saints on Monday. Following the injury of the Chiefs’ leading receiver Rashee Rice (knee), opponents may revert to their early-season strategies, directing coverage towards Kelce to limit his impact as a threat. — Adam Teicher
— Kevin Seifert
Editor’s Picks
1 Related
Week 5 ranking: 8
Fantasy surprise: WR Nico Collins
The Texans acquired running back Joe Mixon and former All-Pro wide receiver Stefon Diggs, leading to the belief that all targets would be evenly distributed. However, the reality has been quite different, as Collins has emerged as the primary playmaker for the Texans, currently leading the league in receiving yards with 567. Coach DeMeco Ryans referred to him as an “All-Pro,” while quarterback C.J. Stroud labeled him “the best receiver in the league.” — DJ Bien-Aime
Week 5 ranking: 4
Fantasy surprise: WR Jameson Williams
Initially hampered by an ACL injury and a gambling suspension, the 12th overall pick in 2022 is now enjoying a breakout season. After four games, Williams leads the Lions in receiving yards with 289 and in yards per catch at 22.2, while also being tied for the most receiving touchdowns with two. On track for his first 1,000-yard season, the Lions are utilizing him as a deep-threat option alongside All-Pro receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Coach Dan Campbell remarked, “He’s matured, he’s worked hard, and he wants it.” — Eric Woodyard
Week 5 ranking: 7
Fantasy surprise: TE Mark Andrews
After his best performance of the season with four catches for 55 yards, Andrews is yet to demonstrate his previous top-five tight end form. The Ravens’ shift to a run-heavy offense has resulted in fewer snaps for him, causing a drop to 28th among tight ends in PPR with 22 points.“`html
play
2:06
Stephen A.: Lamar faces ‘slim chances’ for MVP
Stephen A. Smith discusses how Derrick Henry’s impressive statistics might rob Lamar Jackson of the MVP award.
Week 5 ranking: 3
Fantasy surprise: WR Curtis Samuel
Samuel’s performance has been notably disappointing. After five games, he’s recorded nine catches on 13 targets, totaling 48 yards with no touchdowns. By joining the Buffalo team, he has reconnected with offensive coordinator Joe Brady, whom he worked with during the Panthers’ 2020 season. However, both the production and the opportunities have been lacking. In the absence of top receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) during the game against the Texans, coach Sean McDermott expressed gratitude for Samuel’s presence, although Samuel ended the match with a single reception and one carry for a loss of 1 yard, accumulating only 0.9 fantasy points. — Alaina Getzenberg
Week 5 ranking: 10
Fantasy surprise: QB Jayden Daniels
It was unexpected for Daniels to rank as the second-best fantasy quarterback (averaging 22.7 points) behind Lamar Jackson and Baker Mayfield. He is averaging 227.0 passing yards per game and is on track to throw for 14 touchdown passes alongside 14 rushing touchdowns. Projections suggest he could end up with over 3,800 passing yards and more than 1,000 rushing yards. This impressive dual-threat capability has made him a valuable fantasy player and a formidable quarterback overall. — John Keim
Week 5 ranking: 5
Fantasy surprise: QB Baker Mayfield
With an average of 21.9 fantasy points per week, Mayfield ranks third among NFL quarterbacks, trailing only Lamar Jackson and Jayden Daniels. Last year, he averaged 16.1 points per week. Many anticipated Mayfield would improve in his second year with the Buccaneers, but he has exceeded expectations, throwing for a total of 13 touchdowns (11 passing and 2 rushing) – the highest for any player across all positions. — Jenna Laine
Prior to the start of the season, Kraft may not have been viewed as the leading tight end for his team; that accolade likely belonged to Luke Musgrave. However, Kraft has emerged as one of the top-performing tight ends currently in the league. While his 16 receptions do not place him within the top 10 among tight ends for this season, his 218 receiving yards position him seventh and he has already surpassed his touchdown total from last season, scoring three compared to last year’s two. — Rob Demovsky
Week 5 ranking: 15
Fantasy surprise: WR CeeDee Lamb
Although Lamb concluded last season as the leading fantasy receiver and was widely regarded as the top WR in this year’s drafts, he currently ranks 13th after five weeks. To reclaim his status as an elite fantasy receiver, Lamb must become more integrated into the Cowboys’ offense, which has not occurred sufficiently this season. In 2023, he led the NFL in targets and catches, yet he is presently tied for 11th in targets (41) and 15th in receptions (25). Lamb has yet to achieve a 100-yard game this season after recording eight such performances last year, but it’s reasonable to believe his opportunity will arise. — Todd Archer
Week 5 ranking: 13
Fantasy surprise: QB Jalen Hurts
Hurts accumulated the fifth-most fantasy points in 2023 (357) and was ranked second among quarterbacks, trailing only Josh Allen. This season, however, his performance has been less impressive. Currently, Hurts holds the position of QB12 in average points per game (16.9). He has accounted for six touchdowns but also seven turnovers—ranking as the second-most giveaways in the NFL leading into Week 5. His two rushing touchdowns have stemmed from a combination of turnovers and the strong performance of running back Saquon Barkley, who has five total touchdowns. With star receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) anticipated to return to the lineup for the first time since Week 1, Hurts’ overall statistics are expected to improve. — Tim McManus
Week 5 ranking: 6
Fantasy surprise: RB Zach Charbonnet
The Seahawks’ second-string running back stepped up when Kenneth Walker III was sidelined for two games and part of a third due to an oblique injury. Taking on additional responsibilities beyond his regular role“`html
Week 5 ranking: 9
Fantasy surprise: RB Jordan Mason
While we acknowledge Jauan Jennings, who has also made significant contributions early in the season, Mason has demonstrated remarkable consistency stepping in for Christian McCaffrey (Achilles/calf), the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year. Mason currently ranks second in the NFL with 536 rushing yards and third in total scrimmage yards with 602. He has achieved three rushing touchdowns and has not recorded less than 77 rushing yards in any of his five games. Although McCaffrey’s return date remains uncertain, Mason has established himself as a reliable player deserving of continued playing time once McCaffrey is back. — Nick Wagoner
Week 5 ranking: 17
Fantasy surprise: WR Darnell Mooney
Mooney emerged as a favored target for quarterback Kirk Cousins during training camp, a trend that has carried into the regular season. The former Bears receiver had tallied only three receiving touchdowns over the last two years, but he has matched that this season alone. Mooney ranked as the third-highest scoring receiver (31 points) in ESPN Fantasy for Week 5 and is maintaining an average of 15 points per game. He stands 16th in the NFL with 40 targets, just four behind the Falcons’ top receiver, Drake London. — Marc Raimondi
Week 5 ranking: 12
Fantasy surprise: WR George Pickens
During the loss to the Cowboys, Pickens played a career-low of 34 snaps, which coach Mike Tomlin described as “snap management.” He has yet to score a touchdown this season, falling short of the production needed from their WR1, particularly following a missed opportunity for a high-profile wide receiver trade in the offseason. The Steelers’ quarterback situation has been shifting due to Russell Wilson’s calf injury, but Pickens showed promising chemistry with Justin Fields throughout training camp and early in the season. However, that connection was missing against the Cowboys. — Brooke Pryor
Follow the NFL all season long
• Full schedule » | Standings »
• Depth charts for every team »
• Transactions » | Injuries »
Concerns surrounding Kamara this season arose due to his age and performance in the previous two years; however, he has successfully addressed them thus far. — Katherine Terrell
Week 5 ranking: 20
Fantasy surprise: RB D’Andre Swift
After a challenging start to the season, where he averaged just 1.8 yards per carry during Weeks 1-3, the Bears running back has turned his performance around. Swift’s surge began in Week 4 against the Rams when he rushed for 93 yards and a touchdown, in addition to catching a season-high seven passes for 73 yards. He continued his impressive play as Chicago’s primary back against the Panthers on Sunday, recording 21 carries for 72 yards and another touchdown. With 89 touches, Swift ranks ninth among running backs, and his 68.9 fantasy points place him at 17th overall. — Courtney Cronin
Week 5 ranking: 18
Fantasy surprise: QB Justin Herbert
Given the run-heavy approach of coach Jim Harbaugh’s teams, it was somewhat expected that Herbert’s passing statistics would be less impressive. However, his current numbers are even below those expectations. He has accumulated 578 passing yards this season, marking the lowest total in any four-game stretch of his career; his prior low was 785 yards over Weeks 11 to 14 last season. Some of these struggles may stem from a high right ankle sprain sustained in Week 2, as Herbert is averaging just 22.7 pass attempts per game, compared to his pre-season average of 39.1. — Kris Rhim
Week 5 ranking: 22
Fantasy surprise: WR Marvin Mims Jr.
Sean Payton, the coach, has consistently mentioned the need to create more opportunities for Mims, yet the receiver has logged only 59 snaps over five games, representing 18% of the team’s offensive plays. Mims was anticipated to take on the WR2 role left by Jerry Jeudy and contribute as a fantasy player. So far, he has made just three receptions on five targets. Known for his explosiveness, Mims showcased his potential impact on a struggling offense with a 17-yard run in Sunday’s victory against the Raiders, although this was one of only two touches he received in that game. — Jeff Legwold
Week 5 ranking: 16
Fantasy surprise: WR Allen Lazard
In an offense featuring running back Breece Hall and receiver Garrett Wilson, it was unexpected for Lazard to emerge as the team leader with four touchdowns. This is the same Allen Lazard who signed a four-year, $44 million deal last season yet found himself benched. With 240 receiving yards, Lazard is significantly outperforming last year. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has confidence in him, thanks to their established chemistry from their time in Green Bay. Although Lazard has had some missteps (including three drops on Sunday), he consistently receives a solid number of targets. — Rich Cimini
2:01
Is now the time for fantasy managers to trade Garrett Wilson?
Field Yates, Stephania Bell, and Daniel Dopp analyze Garrett Wilson’s fantasy potential in light of the Jets’ offensive challenges ahead.
Week 5 ranking: 19
Fantasy surprise: WR Alec Pierce
While his usage rate may not be overwhelming, Pierce is posting impressive statistics, currently leading the NFL with an average of 28.3 yards per catch, and he has already tied his career high with two touchdown receptions. He achieved a personal best of 134 receiving yards during Sunday’s loss to Jacksonville, capitalizing on his opportunities (three targets converted into three catches). — Stephen Holder
Week 5 ranking: 23
Fantasy surprise: WR Tyreek Hill
Hill kicked off the season with an impressive performance, tallying seven receptions for 130 yards in Week 1. However, in the following four games, he managed just 16 catches for 156 yards. With starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa now on injured reserve and building a rapport with new starter Tyler Huntley, Hill is projected to finish with 972 receiving yards, which would be his lowest total since joining the Dolphins. Currently ranking as WR26 in standard leagues—despite being
According to ESPN Research, when considering running backs in PPR leagues, Brown has emerged as a leading candidate. Over the past two weeks, he has registered three touchdowns and has been a significant playmaker on the ground for Cincinnati. Among those with at least 25 carries, Brown ranks second in the league for the percentage of runs that exceed 10 yards, achieving this on 22% of his attempts, second only to Tyler Allgeier of Atlanta. Within the organization, there’s optimism that the combination of Brown and Zack Moss will continue to improve as the season progresses. — Ben Baby
Top stories of the week from 
Gain exclusive access to thousands of premium articles each year from leading writers.
• Predicting 11 NBA breakout players »
• CFB: Every conference sleeper, long shot »
• UFC 307: Grades for Pereira-Rountree »
More ESPN+ content »
Week 5 ranking: 28
Fantasy surprise: WR Malik Nabers
Although it was clear that the rookie wide receiver would be talented, few anticipated that Nabers would average 13 targets and 22.9 fantasy points per game—an impressive feat. He currently holds the second-most targets over the first five weeks (with only the Jets’ Garrett Wilson ahead), despite missing one game. Even during Nabers’ absence due to a concussion, his importance to the Giants’ offensive strategy was evident; Darius Slayton received 11 targets and surpassed 100 yards filling in for him against the Seahawks. — Jordan Raanan
Week 5 ranking: 21
Fantasy surprise: TE Brock Bowers
The Raiders had somewhat elevated expectations for Bowers when they selected him with the No. 13 pick, but leading all tight ends in fantasy points (66.5) after just five weeks was unforeseen, particularly with uncertainty at quarterback prior to the season’s start. Bowers has emerged as the most reliable target for the Raiders, recording 28 receptions for 313 yards. With receiver Davante Adams potentially leaving the team, Bowers is likely to become an even more appealing option for both Raiders quarterbacks and fantasy players alike. — Paul Gutierrez
Week 5 ranking: 25
Week 5 ranking: 29
Fantasy surprise: QB Will Levis
Levis seemed poised for a significant leap this season, especially with new coach Brian Callahan’s commendable record working with quarterbacks alongside his offensive strategy. The acquisition of wide receivers Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd as free agents further raised expectations for a breakout year. However, the situation has since deteriorated. Over the first four games, Levis has thrown for merely 604 yards, achieved four touchdown passes, and averaged a disappointing 7.8 fantasy points. He is currently leading the NFL in turnovers (nine) and is tied for the most interceptions (six). — Turron Davenport
Week 5 ranking: 30
Fantasy surprise: RB Tank Bigsby
The Jaguars intended for Bigsby to serve as a supportive back to Travis Etienne Jr., but he has outperformed him by 42 rushing yards after five games. Bigsby leads the NFL with an impressive 8.0 yards per carry. Over the last two weeks, he has recorded runs of 58 and 65 yards, along with two touchdowns. He is coming off a career-high performance, scoring 25.9 points against the Colts. — Michael DiRocco
Week 5 ranking: 27
Fantasy surprise: WR Amari Cooper
After achieving a career-high of 1,250 receiving yards in 2023, Cooper has faced challenges in maintaining a solid connection with quarterback Deshaun Watson, contributing to some crucial dropped passes. His total of 20 receptions across five games ranks as the third lowest in his career, and his 4.4 yards per target mark is the second lowest among qualifying receivers this season. Currently, Cooper’s average of 10.6 fantasy points per game puts him 46th among wide receivers. – Daniel Oyefusi
6:38
Should the Browns bench Deshaun Watson?
Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe and Dan Orlovsky discuss Deshaun Watson’s future with the Browns.
Week 5 ranking: 32
Fantasy surprise: RB Rhamondre Stevenson
With a team averaging only 12.4 points per game, the selection of positive options is limited. Stevenson began the season as the 24th-ranked RB and was considered a fantasy sleeper. Currently, however, he ranks as the 20th RB in scoring over the first five weeks, averaging 13.3 points. His performance has been inconsistent, presenting little reliability for fantasy players. He kicked off the season strongly, tallying 46 carries for 201 yards and two touchdowns in Weeks 1-2, but then experienced a downturn in Weeks 3-4, managing only 19 carries for 66 yards with no touchdowns. Despite this inconsistency, Stevenson managed to shine as one of the few highlights in Week 5, recording 89 yards and a touchdown, even though he came off the bench. — Mike Reiss
2024 NFL Week 6 Power Rankings: Undefeated Teams Shine and Fantasy Surprises Unveiled
Current Standings Overview
The 2024 NFL season is heating up as we enter Week 6, showcasing several undefeated teams and surprising fantasy football performances. Here’s a detailed look at the current power rankings, highlighting standout teams and players to keep an eye on.
Power Rankings for Week 6
| Rank | Team | Record | Previous Rank | Key Player |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kansas City Chiefs | 5-0 | 1 | Patrick Mahomes |
| 2 | Minnesota Vikings | 5-0 | 2 | Justin Jefferson |
| 3 | Baltimore Ravens | 4-1 | 3 | Lamar Jackson |
| 4 | Detroit Lions | 4-1 | 4 | Jared Goff |
| 5 | Atlanta Falcons | 4-1 | 10 | Bijan Robinson |
| 6 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 4-1 | 6 | Mike Evans |
Undefeated Teams Making Waves
This season, two teams remain undefeated: the Kansas City Chiefs and the Minnesota Vikings. Both teams have displayed impressive performance on both sides of the ball.
Kansas City Chiefs
Led by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have not only been winning but dominating their opponents. With a potent offensive strategy and a solid defense, they are the team to beat this year.
Minnesota Vikings
Quarterback Kirk Cousins, along with standout receiver Justin Jefferson, has elevated the Vikings’ game, making them a formidable opponent each week. Their ability to score consistently keeps them in the playoff conversation.
Fantasy Football Surprises
Week 6 has unveiled some surprising performances in fantasy football. If you haven’t adjusted your lineup yet, consider these players:
Breakout Players
- Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons): Robinson has established himself as a must-start player, consistently racking up yardage and touchdowns.
- Jordan Addison (Minnesota Vikings): With his emerging role in the Vikings’ offense, Addison is making a case for more attention in fantasy leagues.
- Rashod Bateman (Baltimore Ravens): Bateman has become a favorite target for Lamar Jackson, showcasing his potential to score big.
Waiver Wire Additions
As we look ahead to the coming weeks, here are a few players to consider adding to your roster:
- Sam Howell (Washington Commanders): Howell is stepping up and can be a solid QB2 or streaming option.
- Tyler Allgeier (Atlanta Falcons): His running ability makes him a valuable asset, especially in deeper leagues.
- Michael Wilson (Arizona Cardinals): With increasing targets, Wilson is showing he can be a reliable option moving forward.
Key Matchups to Watch in Week 6
| Matchup | Date | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos | October 12, 2024 | 8:15 PM |
| Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears | October 13, 2024 | 1:00 PM |
| Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals | October 14, 2024 | 4:25 PM |
| Detroit Lions vs. New York Giants | October 15, 2024 | 1:00 PM |
Player Performances to Monitor
As we progress in the season, certain players are expected to maintain or elevate their performances:
- Patrick Mahomes: Continues to be a top performer, both in real life and in fantasy.
- Lamar Jackson: His running ability adds a significant dimension to the Ravens’ offense.
- Jared Goff: Goff’s ability to lead the Lions in scoring makes him a valuable asset.
Fantasy Football Strategy Tips
Whether you’re at the top of your fantasy league or looking to make a comeback, consider these strategic tips:
- Stay Updated: Monitor player injuries and changes in depth charts regularly to adjust your lineup accordingly.
- Handcuff Your Stars: Ensure you have backup options for your key players to mitigate injury risks.
- Trade Smart: Look for opportunities to trade underperforming players for those on the rise.
Conclusion
Week 6 of the NFL season is shaping up to be an exciting chapter as teams clash and players strive to outperform. Keep an eye on the power rankings and make strategic decisions in your fantasy leagues to capitalize on this thrilling season.
