Chicago Tribune

NFL power rankings for Week 5: Bears move back into the top 10 after their 3rd straight win

Last week's ranking in parentheses.

1. Patriots 4-0 (1)

New England is 4-0 for the fifth time under Bill Belichick, withstanding a late surge by the Bills on the road and intercepting backup quarterback Matt Barkley in the final two minutes to seal the victory. The Patriots might not be slowed down anytime soon as they face the Redskins, Jets and Giants in their next three weeks, games they must win in what could be a season-long race for the No. 1 seed in the AFC with the Chiefs.

2. Chiefs 4-0 (2)

Patrick Mahomes' streak of throwing two or more touchdown passes in 14 consecutive games came to an end Sunday in Detroit. He was held without a touchdown pass for only the fourth time in his career, but he still led a 78-yard scoring drive in the closing moments of a wild game that featured five lead changes in the second half. Mahomes has yet to throw an interception this season.

3. Saints 3-1 (6)

Teddy Bridgewater was far from great, but the Saints have found a way to win two straight games without starter Drew Brees, this time with a dominating defensive performance against the Cowboys. The Saints have to do a better job of protecting Bridgewater, who was sacked five times and doesn't get the ball out as quickly as Brees. Expect Bridgewater to play at least two more games, maybe more, while Brees' right thumb heals. The Saints have the Buccaneers at home Sunday.

4. Cowboys 3-1 (4)

With an opportunity to take a commanding lead in the NFC East and pull ahead of the rest of the conference, the Cowboys fell flat offensively in

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