With Monday Night Football wrapping up on October 12, 2026, it’s time for the Week 6 NFL power rankings. These are my top ten teams through the first five weeks of the 2026 NFL regular season, based on performance, scoring margins, and offensive and defensive production. TeamRankings provided the average scoring and team turnover margins. Fox Sports supplied the defensive stats, while ESPN provided the offensive stats.
The Steelers hit the road in Week 6 to challenge the troubled Tampa Bay Buccaneers, hoping to buck a trend. The team is undefeated at home, but winless on the road. They have been average on both sides of the ball, so they’ll need to improve to climb the Week 6 NFL power rankings. Pittsburgh is coming off a 34-point performance against the Indianapolis Colts and hopes to get its season back on track.
After throwing just one touchdown and six interceptions through Week 3, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye seems to have found his rhythm. They’ll stay at Gillette Stadium this week, but will they remain sharp?
The Rams have been competitive against some of the NFL’s biggest powerhouses, but they need to turn those performances into wins as the season progresses. Their top-three defense is formidable, but their offensive struggles remain a concern. They lead the league in yards per game but score only 23.8 PPG. A negative turnover differential is certainly a key part of this issue.
The Lions’ offense is tied with the Bills for the league’s highest scoring average at 32.8 points per game, but it hasn’t always been enough to overcome their defensive struggles. If their defense could even become competent, Detroit could be a genuine Super Bowl threat. Until then, they’re good for an entertaining shootout.
The Seahawks’ elite defense from 2025 has carried over nicely into this season and is currently the league’s best. The offense, while not quite as menacing as last year, is certainly carrying its weight, scoring 26.8 PPG. Quarterback Sam Darnold still has some sharpening to do, with seven touchdowns and five interceptions in 2026.
The Jaguars have the league’s best run defense, while their scoring defense ranks second at 14.0 PPG. Their middle-of-the-pack offense has been consistent and reliable, helping produce the second-best scoring margin in the NFL. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has been steady, with ten touchdowns and 1,175 yards through Week 5.
Despite questions at quarterback, the Vikings remain undefeated after a 23-13 win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. Running back Aaron Jones has been a pillar of the offense, recording 97 carries for 410 yards. The defense, however, has inarguably been the foundation of the team, permitting a league-low 12.8 PPG.
The Chiefs may be coming off their bye week, but they remain one of three unbeaten teams and one of three with a double-digit average scoring margin. Rested and at home, they will host the struggling Los Angeles Chargers. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes is showing no sign of injury, with ten touchdowns and just two interceptions.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen finally broke his winless overtime curse with a thrilling 37-34 win over the Rams on Monday night. Allen dominated through the air and on the ground, leading the team with 210 passing yards and 121 rushing. Running back James Cook also scored two touchdowns in a game in which eight different receivers were targeted.
The 49ers are in beast mode. Their undefeated squad is one of three teams averaging more than 30 PPG, while their top-five scoring offense is complemented by a defense allowing just 18.6 PPG. After a 32-29 win over the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks, they return home for their Week 6 matchup on Monday Night Football.
Teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, and Las Vegas Raiders are knocking on the door of these NFL Week 6 power rankings. The Steelers, on the other hand, are most likely to fall from the group first.
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