The first five weeks of the 2018 NFL Season has already come and gone. We have a pretty good idea of what teams are good (Rams, Chiefs), what teams are bad (Falcons, 49ers), and which coaches should get canned (too many to list). We are lumping in Week 5 into the first quarter of the season to get some more info on these teams.
Agree, disagree? We want to hear your thoughts! Comment below or hit us up on social media on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
NFL Tiers
Tier 2 – Pretty, Pretty Good (3-8)
Tier 4 – These Teams Are Not Good (19-26)
Tier 5 – Dumpster Fires (27-32)
Check out our Week 1 Power Rankings
Tier 1 – Never Lost
1. Los Angeles Rams 
Record: 5-0, 1st in NFC West
Next 5: @ DEN, vs SF, vs GB, @ NOR, vs SEA
Week 1 Rank: 5
Brandon’s Thought: The Rams have looked like the best team in the league by far since day one. They are averaging 34.6 ppg & are outscoring their opponents by 75 points through five games. They have all but clinched the division, and now have their sights set on 16-0.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
Record: 5-0, 1st in AFC West
Next 5: @ NE, vs CIN, vs DEN, @ CLE, vs ARI
Week 1 Rank: 17
Brandon: We’ve seen this story before: Chiefs go 5-0, 7-0, and then flame out. The KC defense is vulnerable at times, however the offense scores 35 a game, so it’s hard to keep up with that. Patrick Mahomes has been fantastic so far, and faces Brady and Belichick next. They are 5-0, but I am still in wait-and-see mode with this team.
Tier 2 – Pretty, Pretty Good
3. Cincinnati Bengals
Record: 4-1, 1st in AFC North
Next 5: vs PIT, @ KC, vs TB, vs NO, @ BAL
Week 1 Rank: 30
Brandon: Well, I was 100% wrong on the Bengals. Though it’s early, they have looked fantastic so far. The question remains, can this team get it done when it really matters. As a Andy Dalton fantasy owner, I say Yes!*
*Do not trust any statement from someone who relies on Andy Dalton to win fantasy games.
4. New England Patriots 
Record: 3-2, T-1st in AFC East
Next 5: vs KC, @ CHI, @ BUF, vs GB, @ TEN
Week 1 Rank: 1
Brandon: The Patriots have turned it around the last couple weeks, and now that Edelman is back, I fully expect this team to be in the top tier soon. Brady still continues to look spry, but has 6 interceptions already (he had 8 all season last year).
5. New Orleans Saints
Record: 4-1, 1st in NFC South
Next 5: (Bye), @ BAL, @ MIN, vs LAR, @ CIN, vs PHI
Week 1 Rank: 6
Brandon: The Saints put a whooping on Monday Night Football to cap off Drew Brees magical night. The Saints look good early on, and could have a huge lead in the division soon. Drew is campaigning for MVP, and why not.
6. Chicago Bears
Record: 3-1, 1st in NFC North
Next 5: @ MIA, vs NE, vs NYJ, @ BUF, vs DET
Week 1 Rank: 29
Brandon: The Chicago Bears are the Cinderella story of the season so far. The QB play has been extremely inconsistent, but the addition of Khalil Mack has been franchise-changing. The have a good chance to put a stranglehold on the division, as long as Trubisky remembers what team he plays for.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
Record: 3-2, T-1st in AFC South
Next 5: @ MIA, vs NE, vs NYJ, @ BUF, vs DET
Week 1 Rank: 9
Brandon: The Jaguars are the same team they were last year, only this year they have more injuries (Fournette fantasy owners are crying). This team will go as far as Bortles takes them, which could be the AFC title game, but probably won’t be.
8. Carolina Panthers
Record: 3-1, 2nd in NFC South
Next 5: @ WAS, @ PHI, vs BAL, vs TB, @ PIT
Final 2017 Rank: 10
Brandon: The Panthers have had some nice performances by Cam and McCaffrey, but the team in general is far to inconsistent, as they were a 63 yard FG away from losing to the Giants.
Tier 3 – Meh
9. Los Angeles Chargers
Record: 3-2, 2nd in AFC West
Next 5: @ CLE, vs TEN, @ SEA, @ OAK, vs DEN
Week 1 Rank: 13
Brandon: The Chargers are almost good. Beating the Browns this week would add them to the good teams, which is a pretty astounding statement to make. Melvin Gordon could be a sneaky MVP candidate.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers
Record: 2-2-1, T-3rd in AFC North
Next 5: @ Cin, (Bye), vs CLE, @ BAL, vs CAR, @ JAX
Week 1 Rank: 4
Brandon: The Pittsburgh Steelers. So much drama. No Le’Veon, no problem? The offense is finally starting to figure it out, but their defense is just getting shredded. If Le’Veon comes back, this team could win a Super Bowl. If they trade him, I think so.
11. Cleveland Browns
Record: 2-2-1, T-3rd in AFC North
Next 5: vs LAC, @ TB, @ PIT, vs KC, vs ATL
Week 1 Rank: 32
Brandon: The Browns have been impressive so far, despite bonehead plays and coaching blunders. Baker Mayfield seems to get things done, and the defense is no joke. Big game next week against LA. The Browns aren’t sneaking up on anyone anymore, well maybe except Hue Jackson.
12. Baltimore Ravens
Record: 3-2, 2nd in AFC North
Next 5: @ TEN, vs NOR, @ CAR, vs PIT, (Bye), vs CIN
Week 1 Rank: 24
Brandon: Even though Baltimore has a better record, they just lost to the Browns, so they drop. Baltimore’s point differential is still incredible (+55), but they still have Flacco, who is not incredible. Late division games will determine the Ravens fate, per AFC North usual.
13. Washington Football Team
Record: 2-2, 1st in NFC East
Next 5: vs CAR, vs DAL, @ NYG, vs ATL, @ TB
Week 1 Rank: 18
Brandon: The Deadskins got the crap kicked out of them on Monday Night Football, but still looks like a team that could win some games. Alex Smith doesn’t turn it over much, but the defense can’t give up 40+ and expect to win. The NFC East is up for grabs, and the skins could grab the title.
14. Green Bay Packers
Record: 2-2-1, T-2nd in NFC North
Next 5: vs SF, (Bye), @ LAR, @ NE, vs MIA, @ SEA
Week 1 Rank: 8
Brandon: The Packers are one of those teams that always seem better than they actually are. Aaron Rodgers is still magical at times, and is getting healthier every week. Tough slate of games ahead will determine if they can keep up with the Bears (yes, the Bears).
15. Minnesota Vikings
Record: 2-2-1, T-2nd in NFC North
Next 5: vs ARI, @ NYJ, vs NOR, vs DET, (Bye), @ CHI
Week 1 Rank: 3
Brandon: The Vikings are a very confusing team. They are like the stock market, that no one wants to invest in. Kirk Cousins is putting up numbers, but there is no running game. I also can’t forget about that beat-down the Bills laid on the Vikings. I think we are looking at a .500 team.
16. Philadelphia Eagles
Record: 2-3, T-2nd in NFC East
Next 5: @ NYG, vs CAR, @ JAX, vs DAL, @ NOR
Week 1 Rank: 2
Brandon: The Eagles are in a little bit of trouble. Lucky for them the division stinks at the moment. The defense is not as motivated or as good, Jay Ajayi is out of the year, and rumors are swirling about a Shady McCoy reunion. There is a lot of pressure on the shoulders of Carson Wentz to get the job done, with a team that is not as good as last year.
17. Tennessee Titans
Record: 3-2, T-1st in AFC South
Next 5: vs BAL, @ LAC, (Bye), @ DAL, vs NE, @ IND
Week 1 Rank: 21
Brandon: The Titans somehow won three games. Every year we all fall for this with Mariota. He makes some amazing plays ONE week and we all buy in. Yet somehow, this team will end up with 9 or 10 wins.
18. Miami Dolphins
Record: 3-2, T-1st in AFC East
Next 5: vs CHI, vs DET, @ HOU, vs NYJ, @ GB
Week 1 Rank: 27
Brandon: The Dolphins are coming back down to earth after their 3-0 start. This team isn’t awful, and can win some games. They should hover around .500 most of the year. Hopefully Tannehill can stay healthy for the full slate.
Tier 4 – These teams are not good
19. Denver Broncos
Record: 2-3, 2nd in AFC West
Next 5: vs LAR, @ ARI, @ KC, vs HOU, (Bye), @ LAC
Week 1 Rank: 14
Brandon: The Broncos are just not a good team. They are still a QB away, and aren’t any closer to fixing their issues. Keenum is a backup, and the defense isn’t elite anymore. They will be lucky to win 8 games.
20. Seattle Seahawks
Record: 2-3, 2nd in NFC West
Next 5: @ Oak, (Bye), @ DET, vs LAC, @ LAR, vs GB
Week 1 Rank: 22
Brandon: The Seahawks aren’t that great, but actually have a shot at the playoffs. They have looked better in the last couple weeks, but still are nowhere near they used to be. Russell Wilson still has to do so much for this team to win.
21. Detroit Lions
Record: 2-3, 4th in NFC North
Next 5: (Bye), @ MIA, vs SEA, @ MIN, @ CHI, vs CAR
Week 1 Rank: 20
Brandon: The Patricia-era did not start off with a bang, but two straight wins is a nice band-aid. Still, they have a crazy tough slate of games ahead, and Stafford is throwing more than ever. Lions fans should think about next year, because I think this is as close as they will be in 2018.
22. Houston Texans
Record: 2-3, 3rd in AFC South
Next 5: vs BUF, @ JAX, vs MIA, @ DEN, (Bye), @ WAS
Week 1 Rank: 15
Brandon: The Texans are the bad team with the most potential. It’s safe to say the Deshaun Watson isn’t the savior we all thought, but he is looking better lately after a rough first few. The Texans could make a run, mainly because the Titans, Jags, and Colts are in their division.
23. New York Jets
Record: 2-3, T-3rd in AFC East
Next 5: vs IND, vs MIN, @ CHI, @ MIA, vs BUF
Week 1 Rank: 25
Brandon: The Jets have looked impressive at times, and awful at times, as expected when a rookie is the starter. It’s hard to cross them off if they can run the ball like they have, but they can’t fall far behind and expect Darnold to carry them home.
24. Dallas Cowboys
Record: 2-3, T-2nd in NFC East
Next 5: vs JAX, @ WAS, (Bye), vs TEN, @ PHI, @ ATL
Week 1 Rank: 12
Brandon: The Cowboys are not a good team, and they’re boring. What is irritating is they shouldn’t be. We’ve been saying it for a while now, but it’s time for the 👏 to go. The Cowboys have a pretty good line and an elite RB, there are no excuses, especially in a division that is extremely winnable.
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Record: 2-2, 3rd in NFC South
Next 5: @ ATL, vs CLE, @ CIN, @ CAR, vs WAS
Week 1 Rank: 31
Brandon: The Bucs are in store for a wild 2018. Through five weeks we’ve had the rise-and-fall of Fitzmagic, a bye week, and now Jameis Winston is back as the starter. Despite the obvious Jameis hate, Fitzpatrick showed us all what this offense is capable of, so Winston has all the tools to move Tampa back up the ranks.
26. Buffalo Bills 
Record: 2-3, T-3rd in AFC East
Next 5: @ HOU, @ IND, vs NE, vs CHI, @ NYJ
Week 1 Rank: 26
Brandon: I want to give a quick shout-out to us for getting this right on the money. Bills are 26 for back-to-back rankings, but let’s be real, we really thought they would be 0-16. The fact that this team squeaked out two wins is pretty remarkable. Josh Allen has made some plays, but there isn’t much talent there.
Tier 5 – Dumpster Fires
27. Atlanta Falcons
Record: 1-4, 4th in NFC South
Next 5: vs TB, vs NYG, (Bye), @ WAS, @ CLE, vs DAL
Week 1 Rank: 7
Brandon: The Falcons stink. Plain and simple. Their defense allows 33 ppg. Their offense should be incredible, given the weapons they have. Julio Jones can’t find the endzone, but is 3rd in the league in rec yards. This teams needs a do-over. The schedule might allow them back in the mix, but can they get it done?
28. New York Giants
Record: 1-4, 4th in NFC East
Next 5: vs PHI, @ ATL, vs WAS, (Bye), @ SF
Week 1 Rank: 19
Brandon: The Giants are a lost team. They should have drafted a QB, but then they wouldn’t have Barkley. There is a piece of me that believes in Eli, but their record speaks for itself. The Gmen have had trouble scoring, however finally getting 30+ last week, in a loss.
29. Indianapolis Colts
Record: 1-4, 4th in AFC South
Next 5: @ NYJ, vs BUF, @ OAK, (Bye), vs JAX, vs TEN
Week 1 Rank: 28
Brandon: The Colts have some potential, but that is solely because of Captain Andrew Luck. I believe in Luck, and but it’s hard to think the Colts can win many games with Luck throwing 60+ times a game. For now, Colts fans should just follow @CaptAndrewLuck on twitter.
Dearest mother —
I have received your care package of peppered skunk tails and dried mouse ankles. The unit reached New York only to be informed the Aircraft men want to battle in New Jersey. Frustrating. Their indecisiveness may be due what I am told is severe gangrene.
— Andrew— Capt. Andrew Luck (@CaptAndrewLuck) October 10, 2018
30. Oakland Raiders
Record: 1-4, 4th in AFC West
Next 5: vs SEA, (Bye), vs IND, @ SF, vs LAC, @ ARI
Week 1 Rank: 16
Brandon: The Raiders/Gruden are awful so far in 2018. Let’s elaborate: They (not the fans) trade their best player for nothing. Star QB Derek Carr has regressed in a year where he should not. Amari is still a no-show 60% of the time, and the defense gives up 30 points a game. I’m sure the players are excited to move to a football field that doesn’t have 2nd base on it.
31. Arizona Cardinals
Record: 1-4, T-3rd in NFC West
Next 5: @ MIN, vs DEN, vs SF, (Bye), @ KC, vs OAK
Week 1 Rank: 23
Brandon: Just when I think the Cardinals have a shot to 0-for-the season, they get it done on the road. Josh Rosen looks highly inaccurate, but he has guts. The Cardinals are 100% not a good football team, but at least they got a win in there.
32. San Francisco 49ers
Record: 1-4, T-3rd in NFC West
Week 6: Mon, 10/15 @ Packers
Week 1 Ranking: 11
Brandon: Well, here we are. I didn’t think that we would end up back here so soon. The Niners have been plagued with injuries, from Jerrick McKinnon, Marquise Goodwin, to Jimmy G, and now Matt Breida. Regardless, the Niners are atrocious on defense. There is good news though, they should be a lock for a top-2 pick.
Thank you for reading our Power Rankings for the first quarter of the season. Stay tuned for the next power rankings, in a few weeks.
– Brandon, Erick & Mike
SHOUT OUTS
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-Fin-
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