2021 NFL power rankings, Week 5: New York gets its first wins

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 03: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants scores the game winning touchdown in the game against the New Orleans Saints in overtime at Caesars Superdome on October 03, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 03: Sharrod Neasman #35 of the New York Jets celebrates after stopping Nick Westbrook-Ikhine #15 of the Tennessee Titans during overtime at MetLife Stadium on October 03, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

0-4. Previous: . Detroit Lions. 28. team. 50.

A year ago, the Lions allowed the second-most points in a season in NFL history. Entering the Week 4 meeting with the Bears at Lambeau Field, they had permitted 95 points – tied for the most in the league.

Chicago had few issues moving the ball against Aaron Glenn’s defense, especially in the first half as Detroit allowed 200 total yards. Detroit spotted the Bears a 21-0 lead and eventually made a game of it. And the Lions are the NFC’s lone winless team.

. 1-3. Previous: . New York Jets. 27. team. 30

The franchise formerly known as the Titans hosted the team currently known as the Titans as Robert Saleh’s club looked to bounce back from a shutout loss at Denver. The Jets totaled a mere 20 points during their 0-3 start.

But rookie quarterback Zach Wilson took advantage of Tennessee’s shaky defense – throwing for 297 yards and two TDs (1 interception). Saleh’s team was totaled a combined 17 points in the fourth quarter and OT for the victory.

team. 31. . 1-3. Previous: . New York Giants. 26

Big Blue made its way south to the Big Easy for the first time since 2015 looking for their first win of 2021. The club struck first and took a 7-0 second-quarter lead when Daniel Jones threw a 52-yard touchdown pass to speedster John Ross.

The Giants’ much-maligned signal-caller was picked off once but threw for 402 yards and two TDs. Running back Saquon Barkley scored on a 54-yard reception. And in overtime, his six-yard score won the game.

25. team. 59. . 1-3. Previous: . Miami Dolphins

The team had dropped two straight games following an opening weekend at Foxborough. And quarterback Jacoby Brissett would make his second straight start, this time against one of this former teams.

But Miami’s ground game managed only 35 yards and the Dolphins’ signal-caller couldn’t carry the load as Brian Flores’ offense was limited to only 203 total yards. And the team’s defensive unit had few answers for Carson Wentz and Jonathan Taylor.

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