2026 NFL Power Rankings: How all 32 teams stack up for Week 6

NFL teams are averaging 23.3 factors within the 2026 season. Though a few of these factors have come from defensive touchdowns and one punt return TD from the Vikings, it is largely an indicator that offenses are entering into scoring territory so much.

So why are defenses struggling a lot? In addition to our up to date 1-32 rankings, we requested our NFL Nation reporters to select the largest defensive challenge for every staff. From secondary depth to third-down protection, what’s inflicting every staff to falter?

To type the listing, our energy panel of greater than a dozen NFL analysts evaluates how all 32 teams stack up in opposition to each other. Here are just a few highlights from this week’s rankings:

• The Patriots have returned to the highest 10 after back-to-back wins over the Bills and Raiders. Sunday’s win was catalyzed by one other sturdy efficiency from quarterback Drake Maye, who led the staff to its most factors (45) and yards (536) in a recreation since 2021. The Patriots might proceed their sizzling streak with matchups in opposition to the Jets and Dolphins in two of the subsequent three weeks.

• The Packers are additionally climbing again up our listing after two losses of their first three video games. Green Bay entered Sunday’s matchup in opposition to Chicago as 1.5-point underdogs, but it surely utterly dominated the Bears to avenge its wild-card loss final season. Quarterback Jordan Love‘s 367 passing yards have been the second most by any QB in Bears-Packers sequence historical past, per ESPN Research.

• The backside three teams in our rankings (Chargers, Titans and Dolphins) are all 0-5. It’s the fifth time because the 1970 merger that three teams from the identical convention have began a season with that document, per ESPN Research. Los Angeles had essentially the most excruciating lack of the bunch this previous weekend, blowing a seven-point lead with 9 minutes left against the Broncos.

Let’s get into the total listing, beginning with the identical No. 1 staff from final week.

Previous rankings: Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5

Jump to a staff:
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 consequence: Beat the Seahawks 32-29
Week 5 rating: 1

Biggest challenge on protection: Third-down effectivity

Under new coordinator Raheem Morris, the Niners rank fifth in yards per play allowed (4.7) and have restricted huge performs in addition to any staff within the league. But they’ve struggled to get off the sphere persistently. The Niners rank twentieth in third-down protection, giving up a primary down on 40.8% of their alternatives. As a consequence, their protection has been on the sphere for 31 minutes, 12 seconds per recreation, which ranks twenty third within the NFL. — Nick Wagoner

Week 5 consequence: Bye
Week 5 rating: 2

Biggest challenge on protection: Not sufficient sacks

The Chiefs can generate stress on the quarterback, whether or not it is through Chris Jones, George Karlaftis or rookie R Mason Thomas. But they’ve one of many largest statistical anomalies of the 2026 season: zero sacks within the first month. Before their bye week, they could not put Raiders QB Kirk Cousins on the turf regardless of a season-high 21 pressures. If the Chiefs can begin gathering sacks, their protection might be a prime unit within the second half of the season. — Nate Taylor

Week 5 consequence: Beat the Rams 37-34 (OT)
Week 5 rating: 4

Biggest challenge on protection: Letting offenses off the hook

The Bills have not had a lot challenge pushing offenses backward on first down. But opponents have had far an excessive amount of success extending drives in second-and-long and third-and-long conditions. Plenty of this has to do with the Bills’ dwindling cornerback depth, however that is hardly an excuse for how C.J. Stroud, Jared Goff, Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford accomplished 74.6% of their passes for 558 yards and 5 touchdowns (posting a 80.8 QBR) on second downs in opposition to the Bills. — Nick Suss

Week 5 consequence: Lost to the 49ers 32-29
Week 5 rating: 3

Biggest challenge on protection: Not sufficient stops within the pink zone

The largest drawback for the Seahawks’ protection would possibly truly be their offense; the 44 factors they’ve given up off turnovers is tied for most within the NFL. You need to look exhausting to discover a true weak spot with a unit that ranks second in each defensive EPA and ESPN’s defensive effectivity metric, however the Seahawks are twenty seventh in opponent pink zone effectivity (75%) and tied for final in opponent goal-to-go effectivity (100%). Granted, they have not allowed offenses to get that far down the sphere usually — solely 12 instances inside their 20 (tied for fifth fewest) and 7 instances inside their 10 (tied for seventh fewest). — Brady Henderson

Week 5 consequence: Beat the Eagles 19-17
Week 5 rating: 5

Biggest challenge on protection: Getting sacks from the sting

It’s nitpicky, contemplating the Jaguars are No. 1 in run protection and second in scoring protection, however they may do a greater job of getting sacks from their edge rushers. Their 80 QB pressures are tied for sixth and 11 sacks rank ninth, however edge rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker have solely 3.5 sacks mixed. They every had 1.5 sacks within the season opener against the Browns however a mixed half sack since (Walker on Sunday). Both are a big a part of the run protection (63.8 yards per recreation) by setting the sting, however their sack manufacturing wants to extend. — Michael DiRocco

Week 5 consequence: Beat the Saints 23-13
Week 5 rating: 9

Biggest challenge on protection: Depth not examined but

It’s not simple to discover a destructive indicator from a protection that has been the league’s finest this season, based mostly on NFL Next Gen Stats’ anticipated level common. But as a result of the Vikings have been virtually completely wholesome, their depth at a number of positions is untested. In reality, eight defensive gamers have been on the sphere for not less than 80% of the snaps. That does not imply the backups would falter in additional distinguished roles. It’s simply exhausting to guage based mostly on recreation reps. — Kevin Seifert

Week 5 consequence: Beat the Falcons 30-23 (OT)
Week 5 rating: 6

Biggest challenge on protection: Getting stops on third down

The Ravens are permitting teams to transform 41.5% of their third downs, which ranks twentieth within the NFL. It’s irritating as a result of Baltimore appears to be successful on the early downs earlier than giving up an enormous play on third down. Opposing quarterbacks are averaging 8.7 yards per try on third down, the fifth highest within the league. The Ravens gave up 9 third-down conversions Sunday, that are essentially the most they’ve given up in a recreation in two seasons. “It obviously feels a lot better fixing those mistakes with a win,” security Kyle Hamilton mentioned. “I might be a little too cynical or critical, but we can be better.” — Jamison Hensley

(*32*)

Week 5 consequence: Lost to the Bills 37-34 (OT)
Week 5 rating: 7

Biggest challenge on protection: Missing Myles Garrett

The Rams’ protection has been inconsistent at instances, and it has solely eight sacks this season (tied for sixth fewest within the NFL). But Los Angeles ought to get extra sack manufacturing as soon as the reigning Defensive Player of the Year is again on the sphere. Garrett, who had knee surgery in mid-September, is eligible to return to follow this week. Rams coach Sean McVay mentioned the staff is unlikely to open Garrett’s 21-day follow window this week, however the move rusher is making “good progress.” — Sarah Barshop

Week 5 consequence: Beat the Raiders 45-17
Week 5 rating: 14

Biggest challenge on protection: Cornerback depth

They performed with solely three wholesome CBs on Sunday, as starters Christian Gonzalez (shoulder) and Carlton Davis III (neck) have been inactive, and rookie backups Karon Prunty and Channing Canada have been unavailable due to hamstring accidents. When fill-in starter Charles Woods left the sport within the second half due to a shoulder harm, it additional thinned a dangerous CB scenario, leaving simply Marcus Jones and Kindle Vildor as out there choices. New England has allowed a 66% completion fee this season, which ranks twenty fifth within the NFL. — Mike Reiss

Week 5 consequence: Beat the Chargers 23-17
Week 5 rating: 10

Biggest challenge on protection: Missed tackles

For a protection that continues to flash its tooth when the Broncos actually need it — they gave the offense the ball in Chargers territory on 4 of their 5 scoring drives Sunday, together with three within the fourth quarter — missed tackles proceed to plague the group. From an astounding 19 missed tackles within the season opener to 3 missed tackles on Chargers operating again Kimani Vidal‘s 42-yard landing run Sunday, Denver might get again to elite standing if it cleans up its tackling. After giving up the second-fewest yards per recreation final season (278.2), the Broncos rank twenty second in 2026 (347.4). — Jeff Legwold

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Broncos protection shines in win over Chargers

Week 5 consequence: Beat the Cardinals 45-21
Week 5 rating: 16

Biggest challenge on protection: A depleted secondary

Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard was under fire after Detroit gave up not less than 30 factors in three of its first 4 video games, although the Lions loved a a lot better efficiency Sunday earlier than heading into their bye week. The largest struggles have been within the secondary, as they’ve given up a league-high 1,487 passing yards. It must be famous that the Lions entered the season with out Pro Bowl safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. And they’re lacking security Thomas Harper and defensive again Avonte Maddox, who’re on injured reserve. Branch ought to return for Week 7 after being sidelined since December due to a torn Achilles. — Eric Woodyard

Week 5 consequence: Beat the Dolphins 31-24
Week 5 rating: 15

Biggest challenge on protection: Stopping huge runs

It has been growth or bust for Cincinnati’s run protection. Though it has been good in spots, it has given up far too many huge performs. The Bengals lead the NFL in giving up 21 carries of 10 or extra yards, per ESPN Research. Seventeen of these have come the previous three weeks. Even in Week 5, the Bengals surrendered 217 dashing yards, together with 80 yards over expectation, per NFL Next Gen Stats. Improving the run protection will probably be essential with the Bengals set to face Derrick Henry and the Ravens after the upcoming bye week. — Ben Baby

Week 5 consequence: Lost to the Packers 31-7
Week 5 rating: 8

Biggest challenge on protection: The secondary is extra problematic than the move rush

The Bears’ preseason perception that their secondary could be the power of the protection has gone out the window. That unit allowed Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love to finish six passes for 25-plus yards and has been trending down since a shootout with the Panthers in Week 1. Rookie defensive backs Dillon Thieneman and Malik Muhammad II will understandably expertise rising pains, however the play of veteran cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson (77.3% of targets thrown into his protection have been caught) and Tyrique Stevenson Sr. (permitting a 140.7 passer ranking when focused) is a significant trigger for concern. — Courtney Cronin

Week 5 consequence: Beat the Bears 31-7
Week 5 rating: 23

Biggest challenge on protection: Injuries to the entrance seven

In back-to-back weeks, the Packers misplaced linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and defensive sort out Javon Hargrave to season-ending Achilles injuries. Cooper was their finest linebacker; Hargrave their most skilled defensive lineman. And who is aware of when edge rusher Micah Parsons will play? He hasn’t practiced since last year’s torn ACL in Week 15. While they’ve struggled to get off the sphere on third down and so they’ve been gashed on the bottom a few instances, the largest points are accidents and the corresponding absences of key gamers reminiscent of Cooper and Parsons. — Rob Demovsky

Week 5 consequence: Lost to the Buccaneers 24-16
Week 5 rating: 12

Biggest challenge on protection: Everything?

How do you decide only one challenge in the case of the Cowboys? They are giving up 27.2 factors per recreation, which ranks twenty sixth within the NFL. They are giving up 168.4 dashing yards per recreation, which is final within the league. They have recorded solely 5 sacks and do not need an interception this season. Opposing quarterbacks are finishing 72.3% of their passes. Through 5 video games, new coordinator Christian Parker’s protection may not be worse than it was underneath Matt Eberflus final season. But it’s not less than the identical and an enormous motive why Dallas is 2-3. — Todd Archer

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Stephen A. is all smiles over Michael Irvin’s Cowboys’ disappointment

Week 5 consequence: Lost to the Jaguars 19-17
Week 5 rating: 13

Biggest challenge on protection: Fourth-quarter effectiveness

There have been stretches in video games, together with Sunday, when coordinator Vic Fangio’s unit appears to be like as dominant as marketed. But the closing quarter has not been sort. Philly is final in opponent yards (648), thirty first in touchdowns allowed (six) and thirtieth in opponent success fee (52.5%) within the last body. The wrestle is sort of actually linked to how a lot the protection is on the sphere, working reverse an Eagles offense that leads the league in three-and-outs (20). This protection is tied for the second-most snaps (332) within the NFL and can proceed to put on down if that quantity of utilization continues. — Tim McManus

Week 5 consequence: Lost to the Patriots 45-17
Week 5 rating: 11

Biggest challenge on protection: Growing pains within the secondary are exhibiting

Rookie cornerback Hezekiah Masses had a robust begin, being named the AFC’s Defensive Player of the Week after the Raiders’ Week 2 win over the Chargers. But Masses has allowed 9 catches, 155 yards, two touchdowns and a 60% completion fee the previous three video games. Against the Patriots, the Raiders’ younger trio of defensive backs — Masses, rookie security Treydan Stukes and second-year cornerback Darien Porter — all struggled. Porter gave up a 49-yard reception to large receiver Kyle Williams. Stukes gave up three catches for 59 yards, together with a 35-yard landing within the first quarter. — Ryan McFadden

Week 5 consequence: Bye
Week 5 rating: 18

Biggest challenge on protection: Starting cornerbacks on IR

With Jaycee Horn (quad) and Mike Jackson (groin) on IR, the Panthers enter Week 6 with rookie Will Lee III and particular teams ace Akayleb Evans penciled in as their beginning cornerbacks. In their Week 4 win over the Lions, Evans allowed 12 catches for 208 yards and a landing (on 16 targets), in accordance with NFL Next Gen Stats. Lee had a greater outing (4 catches allowed for 47 yards on seven targets). The Panthers might use some assist on the place or a big switch-up within the beginning lineup. Chau Smith-Wade, a 2024 fifth-round decide, is an choice. — Mike Kaye

Week 5 consequence: Tied the Commanders 27-27
Week 5 rating: 17

Biggest challenge on protection: Interior defensive position depth

The Giants are skinny on the inside of their defensive position, so it is no marvel they’re ranked twenty fifth in run protection (127.6 dashing yards allowed per recreation), and thirtieth in yards allowed per carry (5.19). On the Commanders’ first two lengthy landing runs Sunday, beginning defensive linemen DJ Reader and Shelby Harris have been off the sphere, changed by Darius Alexander and CJ Okoye. New York goes to want to discover a extra palatable rotation. — Jordan Raanan

Week 5 consequence: Beat the Colts 34-22
Week 5 rating: 20

Biggest challenge on protection: Lack of secondary depth

The Steelers’ secondary has been in flux since Joey Porter Jr. started the hold-in throughout coaching camp that finally ended with his trade to the Cowboys. As a consequence, the Steelers’ secondary has been plagued with inconsistent play and busted coverages. Porter’s absence and departure, coupled with Jamel Dean‘s ankle harm, pressured rookie Daylen Everette into extra motion. And Asante Samuel Jr. hasn’t replicated his coaching camp efficiency. At security, starter DeShon Elliott unexpectedly started the season on IR whereas nonetheless recovering from his 2025 knee injury, and free agent acquisition Jaquan Brisker has underperformed. Rookie Robert Spears-Jennings has proven promise, however he is nonetheless younger. — Brooke Pryor

Week 5 consequence: Beat the Titans 26-3
Week 5 rating: 24

Biggest challenge on protection: Health at all three ranges

The Texans have handled accidents to key gamers. Pro Bowl linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair sat out time due to a groin harm. Nickelback Jalen Pitre simply sustained a shoulder harm in opposition to the Titans, defensive sort out Kayden McDonald was on IR because of a quad injury to start out the season, and linebacker Henry To’oTo’o landed on IR after Week 1 due to a shoulder injury. That has factored into their protection giving up 234 passing yards per recreation (twenty third). Overall, Houston is tied for fifteenth in scoring protection (22.4 per recreation) after rating second final season (17.4). — DJ Bien-Aime

Week 5 consequence: Lost to the Ravens 30-23 (OT)
Week 5 rating: 25

Biggest challenge on protection: Not sufficient takeaways

The Falcons have made nice enhancements in opposition to the run in comparison with final season. And Atlanta’s move rush has been higher than anticipated regardless of the lack of edge rushers Jalon Walker (torn ACL) and James Pearce Jr. (suspension). But the Falcons’ secondary has been banged up, with prime cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. (groin) on injured reserve and substitute C.J. Henderson (groin) being injured in Sunday’s loss. Atlanta has just one interception this season; 27 teams have extra. Coach Kevin Stefanski has preached successful the turnover battle, which implies the Falcons must generate extra takeaway alternatives. — Marc Raimondi

Week 5 consequence: Lost to the Jets 17-12
Week 5 rating: 19

Biggest challenge on protection: Run protection

The Browns’ protection rebounded after giving up 34 factors to the Jaguars in Week 1, however the incapacity to cease the run has been a constant theme this season. Cleveland is giving up 4.5 yards per try, the ninth-worst mark within the NFL. And its success fee on opponent rushes (52.8%) is the second-worst mark within the league. Tackling has been a difficulty; opponents are averaging 2.53 yards after contact per rush, which ranks thirtieth. — Daniel Oyefusi

Week 5 consequence: Lost to the Steelers 34-22
Week 5 rating: 22

Biggest challenge on protection: Poor tackling

The Colts have a litany of points on protection, however tackling is a basic drawback that impacts many areas. Consider: They rank twenty eighth in yards allowed after contact (482). That confirmed up repeatedly Sunday, together with on a 50-yard landing run from Steelers operating again Jaylen Warren. It’s not a coincidence the Colts are thirty first within the league in yards allowed per play (6.2). Most accountable for this challenge are the staff’s underwhelming linebackers. — Stephen Holder

Week 5 consequence: Beat the Browns 17-12
Week 5 rating: 26

Biggest challenge on protection: Interceptions are uncommon

The frequency is roughly the identical as a time period within the House of Representatives: each two years. The Jets have intercepted just one move prior to now 22 video games, with security Minkah Fitzpatrick ending a historic 20-game drought in last week’s loss to the Bears. On Sunday, he had an opportunity to make it two video games in a row, however he dropped a would-be decide. The Jets are enjoying extra zone than man-to-man this season, which makes the low whole much more perplexing. The Cowboys are the one staff with zero interceptions. — Rich Cimini

Week 5 consequence: Lost to the Vikings 23-13
Week 5 rating: 21

Biggest challenge on protection: Interior defensive position

The Saints’ defensive position has been complicated this season. Their depth points began when Bryan Bresee sustained a torn ACL in training camp, but rookie second-round decide Christen Miller has barely been on the sphere. That lack of depth confirmed up Sunday, when two defensive linemen have been inactive attributable to illness and the staff allowed a 100-yard rusher for the second straight recreation. The Saints rank thirtieth in dashing yards allowed and have not had a lot of an inside move rush this season. — Katherine Terrell

Week 5 consequence: Beat the Cowboys 24-16
Week 5 rating: 30

Biggest challenge on protection: Inconsistency

You do not know who or what you are going to get with the Bucs proper now. Take inside linebacker Alex Anzalone, who struggled mightily early within the season however was a standout Thursday night time together with his game-sealing interception. There was a motive he was examined so many instances by Dak Prescott over the center. When the offense does not flip the ball over, and the protection can get some takeaways of its personal, the Bucs could make sufficient performs to win video games. The key’s doing it on a play-by-play and week-to-week foundation. — Jenna Laine

Week 5 consequence: Tied the Giants 27-27 (OT)
Week 5 rating: 27

Biggest challenge on protection: Performing within the second half

The Commanders are final in second-half factors allowed per recreation (19) and twenty eighth in second-half yards allowed per recreation (151.2). They have given up 20 or extra factors after halftime in every of the previous 4 video games, which features a blown two-touchdown lead Sunday. One huge challenge has been a scarcity of stress. Washington ranks twenty eighth in sacks per dropback within the second half. Their secondary has performed higher, but it surely lacks playmakers. That challenge, mixed with little stress, is why the Commanders are permitting a 53.1 third-down conversion fee after halftime. — John Keim

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Schefter: Everyone deserves blame for Commanders clock administration fiasco

Week 5 consequence: Lost to the Lions 45-21
Week 5 rating: 29

Biggest challenge on protection: Defending the move

The various reply was all the things, and although which may sound hyperbolic, it is not removed from the reality. Arizona is giving up a league-high 32.4 factors per recreation and has the second-worst level differential within the NFL (minus-54). But the core of the Cardinals’ defensive points are coming in opposition to the move. Arizona is giving up a league-worst 8.5 web yards per try and 236.8 passing yards per recreation (twenty fifth within the NFL). And when it comes time to cease landing passes, the Cardinals proceed to wrestle, with opposing quarterbacks finishing 10.1% of their passes for touchdowns (the best fee within the NFL). — Josh Weinfuss

Week 5 consequence: Lost to the Broncos 23-17
Week 5 rating: 28

Biggest challenge on protection: Allowing factors in short-field conditions

According to defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary, a key emphasis for the Chargers throughout follow final week was the protection needing to rise up in opposition to a “sudden change opportunity.” But they gave up factors thrice in 4 post-turnover possessions Sunday (a landing and two discipline objectives) and the fourth was a missed discipline aim try. It’s not a straightforward activity; with the offense giving freely a league-high 13 turnovers, quick fields have gotten frequent. — Anthony Gharib

Week 5 consequence: Lost to the Texans 26-3
Week 5 rating: 31

Biggest challenge on protection: Poor communication on the again finish

Coach Robert Saleh’s scheme has been powerful for the secondary to know up to now. That has been proven on some blown coverages resulting in touchdowns this season. Some of it has been so simple as figuring out which receiver is No. 1 on a specific facet of the formation. Other instances, it has been miscommunication in telling one of many defensive backs the place to go in his deep a part of the zone. Saleh has preached the way it will take time for his gamers to grasp his scheme, however the clock is ticking because the losses hold accumulating. — Turron Davenport

Week 5 consequence: Lost to the Bengals 31-24
Week 5 rating: 32

Biggest challenge on protection: Rushing the passer

It took the Dolphins till the primary snap of their fourth recreation of the season to document their first sack; they’ve the NFL’s second-worst sack fee. Their points pressuring opposing quarterbacks has compounded into simple completions — Miami ranks final in each opposing QBR and completion proportion. Going into the season, the Dolphins have been skinny at move rusher behind Chop Robinson, however the 2024 first-round decide additionally began gradual. With one of many NFL’s youngest secondaries, Miami will proceed to wrestle in opposition to the move till it may influence opposing QBs extra persistently. — Marcel Louis-Jacques