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NFL Power Rankings: Division rankings after Week 5

By Brad Rowland

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs with the ball against the Washington Redskins in the first quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs with the ball against the Washington Redskins in the first quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (94) touches Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) after he was sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The New York Giants defeated the Atlanta Falcons 30-20.Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (94) touches Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) after he was sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The New York Giants defeated the Atlanta Falcons 30-20.Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

7) NFC South

The NFC South was one play away from a 1-3 week in which two of its teams faced off against each other, but even with Carolina’s ability to slither off the hook against the Chicago Bears, this division takes a tumble. The Atlanta Falcons simply can’t stop anyone, and as a result, they are 2-3 with a suddenly massive contest against the aforementioned Bears upcoming. Gone is the optimism for Matt Ryan’s club, and if they cannot step up their performance on the defensive side of the ball, things could snowball in a hurry in Atlanta.

New Orleans did secure a win on Sunday, but it was probably the worst win imaginable. The Saints needed overtime to topple the Bucs at home, and frankly, they had no business winning the game. Conventional wisdom seemed to lean toward the Saints as a great home team that struggles away from their own building, but if they can’t dominate Tampa Bay at home, what do we really know?

Both Carolina and Tampa Bay are who we thought they were, as the Panthers needed a 10-point fourth quarter push to grab a win and the Bucs had the aforementioned choke job in New Orleans. I firmly believe that the Panthers are a decent team, but no one would be surprised if they finished 8-8, and without a legitimate playoff lock, it is tough to forecast the NFC South in a positive light.

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