When the Seattle Seahawks edged the Arizona Cardinals 23-20 in a gritty, off-script win, few expected them to surge into the top 10 of the NFL’s Week 5 power rankings. But that’s exactly what happened. After a slow start to the 2025 season, the Seahawks jumped to ninth in ESPN’s rankings — and eighth in ThatsGoodSports’ YouTube analysis — while the Kansas City Chiefs soared from 12th to seventh after crushing the Baltimore Ravens 37-20. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baltimore Ravens tumbled, their early momentum crumbling under injuries, poor execution, and a brutal upcoming schedule. The Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills remain undefeated at 4-0, holding the top two spots, but the real story this week isn’t just who’s on top — it’s who’s rising, who’s falling, and why it matters.
The Rise of the Seahawks and Chiefs
The Seattle Seahawks didn’t win pretty. They won ugly — and that’s exactly what made it impressive. Quarterback Sam Darnold made three critical plays outside the pocket in the final minutes, including a 22-yard scramble on 3rd-and-8 that sealed the game. His poise under pressure, combined with a defense that held Arizona to just 10 points after halftime, turned heads. But here’s the twist: Seattle leads the league in runs that gained zero or negative yards — 33 of them so far this season. That’s not a quirk. It’s a red flag. Their offensive line is inconsistent, and their run game often looks like a train wreck in slow motion. Yet somehow, they’re 3-1. The formula? Darnold’s improvisation, a top-5 pass rush, and opponents underestimating them. The Kansas City Chiefs are a different kind of puzzle. After a 0-2 start, they’ve won two straight — both by double digits. Their 37-20 demolition of the Ravens wasn’t just about Patrick Mahomes (who threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns). It was about rediscovering their identity. The Chiefs averaged just 3.8 yards per carry in their first three games. Against Baltimore? 5.1. That’s not a fluke. It’s a shift. The offensive line finally started pushing, and rookie running back Isaiah Likely broke loose for 89 yards and a touchdown. The concern? Depth. Their backfield is thin. If Likely gets hurt, they’re back to relying on Mahomes to do everything.The Fall of the Bucs and Ravens
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in freefall — not because of one bad game, but because of a pattern. Under head coach Todd Bowles, the Bucs have gone 11-5 in their first four games over the last three seasons. But in the next four? 2-10. That’s not coincidence. It’s a structural flaw. This year’s team started 3-1, but their wins came against the Panthers, Commanders, Falcons, and Jets — all bottom-half teams. Now, their next four opponents? The Seahawks, 49ers, Lions, and Saints. That’s a gauntlet. Their defense is porous. Their offensive line is decimated. And their quarterback, Baker Mayfield, has thrown six interceptions in the last three games. They’re not just losing ground — they’re slipping into irrelevance. The Baltimore Ravens are a cautionary tale. They entered Week 4 as a top-five team, boasting the league’s most efficient offense. Then they faced Kansas City. And collapsed. Lamar Jackson was held to 178 passing yards, two interceptions, and a fumble. Their running game — once unstoppable — gained just 68 yards on 22 carries. The problem? Overreliance on Jackson. When he’s contained, they have no Plan B. Their offensive coordinator, Mike Macdonald, hasn’t adapted. And now, with a tough stretch ahead — including games against the Bills and Bengals — they’re no longer a title contender. They’re a team trying to avoid a 5-7 collapse.
Surprises and Struggles
The Los Angeles Rams are 3-1, but their third-down woes are terrifying. At 19-for-47 (40.4%), they’re 27th in the league. Against the Eagles and Colts, they went a combined 7-for-22. That’s not sustainable. Their offense is built on big plays — but if they can’t convert on third-and-5, they’ll never make the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars are quietly becoming the most dangerous team in the AFC. Their defense has forced three or more turnovers in four straight games — a feat not seen since the 2019 Titans. Linebacker Foyesade Oluokun is tied for second in forced fumbles. Rookie wideout Parker Washington added a punt-return touchdown against San Francisco. And running back Travis Etienne has 394 rushing yards — third in the NFL. They’re not flashy. But they’re relentless. The New York Giants defense deserves a standing ovation. In their 27-20 win over the Chargers, defensive ends Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Abdul Carter combined for 20 pressures and two sacks. Justin Herbert was sacked four times and threw three picks. But here’s the catch: they lost wide receiver Malik Nabers to injury. Without him, their offense becomes predictable. Their next game? The winless Saints. A win here feels inevitable. But after that? The 49ers, Cowboys, and Bills. That’s a wall.
What’s Next?
The bye week is coming for half the league. That means the teams still playing — especially those on the rise or decline — have a narrow window to prove they belong. The Seahawks? They’ve got to fix their run game before facing the 49ers. The Chiefs? They need to develop a reliable second running back. The Buccaneers? They’re on the brink. One more loss, and the season starts to unravel. The Eagles and Bills remain the class of the league. But the real drama? It’s happening below the top two. The teams clawing their way up — and those slipping down — are the ones that will define this season’s playoff picture.Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the Seahawks ranked higher despite leading the league in negative runs?
The Seahawks’ ranking reflects their ability to win close games through quarterback improvisation and a dominant pass rush, not efficiency. Their 33 negative runs are a major concern, but their offense has found ways to compensate — especially with Sam Darnold’s clutch plays and a defense that forces turnovers. Until they fix their run blocking, though, their ceiling remains capped.
What’s wrong with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ late-season slump?
Under Todd Bowles, the Buccaneers consistently perform well early (11-5 in first four games over three years) but collapse after the bye (2-10 in next four). This year, injuries to their offensive line, inconsistent quarterback play, and a lack of offensive creativity have exposed their weaknesses. With a brutal schedule ahead — including Seattle, San Francisco, Detroit, and New Orleans — they’re in danger of missing the playoffs entirely.
Can the Kansas City Chiefs sustain their recent success?
Yes — but only if they develop depth at running back. Patrick Mahomes is carrying the offense, and rookie Isaiah Likely has shown promise. But if Likely gets hurt, the Chiefs have no proven backup. Their offensive line must stay healthy, and their defense needs to improve against the run. They’re still the team to beat in the AFC, but their margin for error is razor-thin.
How important is the Giants’ defensive performance against the Chargers?
It’s huge. The Giants’ defense, led by Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, recorded 20 pressures on Justin Herbert — one of the league’s most elusive QBs. That performance proves they’re no longer a rebuilding team. But with Malik Nabers out, their offense lacks explosiveness. If they can’t score more than 20 points in their next two games, their win streak will end — even with a top-5 defense.
Why are the Ravens falling despite having a top offense last year?
The Ravens’ offense is too dependent on Lamar Jackson. When he’s contained — as he was by Kansas City — they have no Plan B. Their running game collapsed, their receivers dropped key passes, and their offensive line failed to create lanes. Unlike teams like Buffalo or Philadelphia, they don’t have multiple playmakers who can carry the load. Without adjustments, they’re headed for a 7-9 season.
Who are the real contenders in the NFC right now?
Philadelphia and Detroit are clear frontrunners. But the Seahawks, 49ers, and Giants are lurking. The 49ers still have a dangerous offense. The Giants’ defense is elite. And the Seahawks? They’re dangerous in close games. The NFC is wide open — but only teams with balanced offenses and resilient defenses will survive the playoff gauntlet.
