Week 5 NFL Energy Rankings: 1-32 ballot, plus the most important problem on protection for each crew

Welcome to Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season. The Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings are the final undefeated groups remaining, and the Jacksonville Jaguars are the lone winless crew.

In Week 4, we noticed the Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens seize massive wins, the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers lose for the primary time this season, and the Atlanta Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints in a thriller. With all of this pleasure comes motion in our Energy Rankings.

We additionally requested our NFL Nation reporters to call the most important problem on protection for each crew. From third-down protection to forcing turnovers, we took a take a look at what’s troubling each crew’s D.

Let’s take a look at the brand new 1-32 rankings beneath.

Our energy panel of greater than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities evaluates how NFL groups stack up in opposition to each other, rating them from 1 to 32.

Earlier rankings: Preseason | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4

Soar to a crew:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH

Week 4 rating: 1

Greatest problem on protection: Move rush exterior of Chris Jones

Aside from Jones, the Chiefs don’t get sufficient strain on the opposing quarterback. They’ve sacks on simply 5.2% of opponents’ cross makes an attempt, rating close to the underside of the league. George Karlaftis and Mike Danna had been productive cross rushers final season, however they’ve simply 1.5 sacks between them this season. Jones had each of the Chiefs’ sacks in final week’s win over the Chargers. — Adam Teicher

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Week 4 rating: 3

Greatest problem on protection: Age/snap counts

Brian Flores’ protection has been one of many NFL’s finest tales this season, and there aren’t any obvious points. However after the group allowed 22 factors within the fourth quarter to the Packers, it is price fascinated by age and snap counts. Of the ten defensive gamers who’ve began all 4 video games, three are 30 or older and 6 are 28 or older. Thus far this season, the Vikings’ protection has performed the league’s third-most defensive snaps (272). Security Harrison Smith (35), cornerback Stephon Gilmore (34) and No. 3 nook Shaq Griffin (29) represent one of many NFL’s oldest secondaries. — Kevin Seifert

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Week 4 rating: 2

Greatest problem on protection: Sustaining the scheme with backups

After the Payments survived with many backups by means of the primary three weeks, their defensive shortcomings had been uncovered by Baltimore. The Ravens pressured the Payments out of their most popular nickel package deal, and every thing went downhill with three backup linebackers on the sector. The Ravens rushed for 217 yards earlier than contact, which was essentially the most the Payments had allowed in a recreation since 2012. Buffalo might get a possible increase within the coming weeks with the return of linebacker Terrel Bernard (pectoral) and nickel nook Taron Johnson (forearm). However the Payments ought to anticipate different groups to pressure them out of their scheme, they usually’ll want to regulate accordingly. — Alaina Getzenberg

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Week 4 rating: 5

Greatest problem on protection: Limiting QB effectivity

Though the Lions’ cross protection has solely allowed 4 touchdowns this season, Detroit’s protection might enhance at decreasing opponents’ complete QBR (55.6 by means of 4 video games), which ranks twenty second within the league. In Week 1, Matthew Stafford accomplished 34 of 49 passes for 317 yards and a landing. Baker Mayfield went 12-for-19 with a TD in Week 2, whereas Geno Smith went 38-of-56 for 395 yards and a landing on Monday. Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn stated they “plan on enhancing each week,” which they’re going to should do after surrendering 29 factors in opposition to Seattle. — Eric Woodyard

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Week 4 rating: 13

Greatest problem on protection: Constant strain

Up till Week 4, the Buccaneers had simply two sacks — the fewest within the NFL. They generated six of their 33-16 victory over the Eagles, however that was in opposition to a crew that allowed QB Jalen Hurts to get hit 44 instances within the first three video games. Will it proceed? The Bucs definitely received extra push up the center with the return of defensive sort out Vita Vea, who was out for one recreation to cope with an MCL harm, however they’re nonetheless with out 2023 first-round draft decide Calijah Kancey (calf). — Jenna Laine

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Week 4 rating: 4

Greatest problem on protection: Lack of takeaways

Earlier than a rash of accidents up entrance caught as much as the Seahawks on Monday night time at Detroit, their protection had been among the many finest within the NFL, permitting the fourth-fewest factors over the primary three weeks. The one space that is been persistently missing is takeaways. Seattle has pressured solely three takeaways regardless of going through a smooth quarterback schedule and producing loads of cross rush. — Brady Henderson

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Week 4 rating: 12

Greatest problem on protection: Giving up massive passing performs

The Ravens have allowed an NFL-worst 10 completions on passes which have traveled not less than 20 yards within the air. Groups have been pressured to stretch the sector as a result of Baltimore has jumped out to massive leads early. However these massive passing performs have enabled foes to chop their deficits. This should not be a season-long drawback for Baltimore: The Ravens primarily have the identical secondary that gave up solely 18 completions on throws of 20 yards or longer all of final season, the seventh fewest within the league. — Jamison Hensley

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Week 4 rating: 8

Greatest problem on protection: Safeties in protection

Houston’s safeties are getting picked on by opposing offenses. The Texans run Cowl 4 on 34% of first and second downs. So, groups run play-action to make the safeties cowl vertical routes, which is a part of why the Texans have allowed the second-most yards off play-action on early downs (337). Additionally, foes are placing their higher huge receivers within the slot to match them up in opposition to these safeties. That group has given up 4 touchdowns in protection, in accordance with NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. — DJ Bien-Aime

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Week 4 rating: 9

Greatest problem on protection: Third-down protection

The 49ers did a significantly better job of getting off the sector on third down in opposition to New England, however they will see significantly better offenses and should discover a solution to get stops persistently. The Niners rank twenty sixth within the NFL in third-down conversions allowed (46%). What’s worse is that they are final in third-and-long (7-plus yards) conversions yielded (50%). — Nick Wagoner

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Week 4 rating: 19

Greatest problem on protection: Run protection

Washington ranks thirty first in yards per carry (5.3) and twenty seventh in yards per recreation (357). Previously three outings mixed, it has allowed 5.9 yards per carry. Gaps have been too huge, as tackles are getting nudged out or others try to keep away from blocks. And at instances, the sting is not being set sturdy sufficient to pressure working backs exterior. The excellent news for Washington is that within the subsequent six weeks it performs solely two groups — Baltimore (No. 1) and Pittsburgh (No. 10) — ranked within the high 10 in dashing. — John Keim

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Week 4 rating: 11

Greatest problem on protection: Affecting the quarterback

Whereas the Packers have pressured opposing quarterbacks 49 instances (sixth most within the NFL by means of Week 4, in accordance with ESPN Analysis), they don’t seem to be essentially shifting these signal-callers off the spot or dashing up their launch. Passers have averaged 2.71 seconds contained in the pocket, essentially the most within the league, they usually’re averaging 3.04 seconds earlier than throwing, second most within the league. Inexperienced Bay’s cross rush win charge of 27.3% is the bottom within the league. — Rob Demovsky

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Week 4 rating: 7

Greatest problem on protection: Giving up chunk passing performs

The Steelers gave up six passing performs of 15 yards or extra to Indianapolis on Sunday — together with 4 within the first half — after solely permitting 12 such performs by means of the primary three weeks. Previous to that Week 4 loss, the Steelers had been limiting opponents to eight.6 factors per recreation. However they yielded 27 factors to the Colts by giving up giant chunk performs. “That was one in every of our targets, to attenuate the chunk performs, and we went on the market and we simply weren’t capitalizing — whether or not we had been being out of place, we weren’t making a play on the ball,” Pittsburgh security DeShon Elliott stated. — Brooke Pryor

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Week 4 rating: 6

Greatest problem on protection: Edge rushers

The defensive group entered Week 4 with zero sacks and at last received on the board with takedowns by Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat in opposition to Tampa Bay. At age 36, Graham has been the very best of the bunch, which is an efficient story but additionally problematic when projecting out a 17-game season. The Eagles signed Bryce Huff to a three-year, $51 million contract in free company to be an impression three-down participant, however he hasn’t been dependable in opposition to the run, particularly. Barring a big uptick in play from Huff or 2023 first-round decide Nolan Smith Jr., this unit could possibly be a problem all season. — Tim McManus

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Week 4 rating: 10

Greatest problem on protection: Final-minute errors

The Saints’ protection has made vital errors late up to now two video games. Gamers bumped into one another and allowed a 61-yard acquire by the Eagles with 1:13 left in Week 3’s contest, establishing Philadelphia’s profitable landing. And whereas the D solely gave up 12 factors in Sunday’s loss to the Falcons, a 30-yard defensive cross interference penalty arrange the profitable 58-yard subject aim. — Katherine Terrell

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Week 4 rating: 16

Greatest problem on protection: Stopping the run

Simply because the Giants ran for under 26 yards on 24 carries doesn’t suggest the Cowboys’ run protection is fastened. It’s going to take a number of weeks for the Cowboys to clear up the 464 dashing yards they yielded to New Orleans and Baltimore. Three of their subsequent 4 opponents have working video games ranked inside the highest 10. And Dallas could possibly be with out Micah Parsons (ankle) and DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) for not less than two of these contests. The Cowboys have allowed a landing on each 15.88 carries, which is twenty ninth within the league. Their defensive complete rush anticipated factors added is minus-13.21; the Rams are thirty first at minus-7.43. — Todd Archer

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Week 4 rating: 14

Greatest problem on protection: Just one interception

The Jets have an efficient cross rush (14 sacks) and play good cross protection, so they need to have a couple of decide. The one participant with an interception is backup nickelback Brandin Echols, who made his play as an harm substitute in Week 2. Not one of the regulars has an interception, together with All-Professional cornerback Sauce Gardner, whose drought is as much as 28 video games. All of that is head-scratching as a result of the Jets must be in a perfect place to make interceptions as a zone-heavy crew. — Wealthy Cimini

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Week 4 rating: 21

Greatest problem on protection: Getting off the sector

The Falcons have the second-worst allowed time of possession (35:28) within the league. Atlanta’s protection has been “bend-don’t-break” for essentially the most half and has stored the crew in video games. Nevertheless it has to get off the sector sooner to present the offense time to get right into a rhythm. Opponents have considerably extra offensive performs (a median of 276 in comparison with the Falcons’ 215) and first downs (85 in comparison with 70) than the Falcons. And whereas the secondary has performed nice (solely the Seahawks have allowed fewer cross performs of greater than 20 yards), Atlanta has allowed the seventh-most dashing yards within the NFL (582). — Marc Raimondi

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Week 4 rating: 15

Greatest problem on protection: Absent stars

The Chargers have been one of many NFL’s finest defenses, permitting the fewest factors per recreation by means of 4 weeks (12.5). Nonetheless, this protection has been with out two of its finest gamers. Exterior linebacker Joey Bosa (hip) has performed simply 16 snaps since Week 1 and missed Week 4. The NFL suspended Security Derwin James Jr. in opposition to the Chiefs after he was flagged for pointless roughness for a helmet-to-helmet hit in Week 3. With these gamers again, the Chargers protection could be an much more formidable unit. — Kris Rhim

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Week 4 rating: 24

Greatest problem on protection: Third-down protection

Stopping groups on third down continues to be a problem for Indianapolis. Statistically, the Colts have been one of many worst third-down models, permitting a 49.2% conversion charge. The sensible impression of this was evident throughout Sunday’s win over the Steelers when the Colts allowed QB Justin Fields and the Pittsburgh offense to transform 5-of-8 third-down makes an attempt. That helped erase a 17-3 halftime lead and turned a lopsided affair into an in depth recreation. Fields was 4-of-5 (80%) for 43 passing yards and a landing on third downs within the second half. — Stephen Holder

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Week 4 rating: 26

Greatest problem on protection: Run protection

The Bears protection has been excellent this season, so any points are extra doubtless addressed by fine-tuning somewhat than wholesale modifications. Chicago ranked No. 1 in opposition to the run in 2023 and is permitting 121 dashing yards and 4.5 yards per carry per recreation, which ranks 18th and tenth, respectively. Whereas the Bears have solely allowed one 100-yard rusher (Jonathan Taylor in Week 3) and struggled to take down Kyren Williams (5.0 yards per carry in Week 4), discovering methods to enhance in opposition to the run will get Matt Eberflus’ unit one step nearer to its aim of top-five standing. — Courtney Cronin

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Week 4 rating: 22

Greatest problem on protection: Getting dwelling

Certain, backup edge rusher Chris Snowden’s last-minute takedown of QB Deshaun Watson closed out the Raiders’ white-knuckle win over the Browns Sunday. Nevertheless it was simply Las Vegas’ eighth sack of the season, tied for the fifth-fewest variety of sacks within the NFL by means of 4 video games. To be honest, beginning DE Malcolm Koonce was misplaced for the yr with a knee harm earlier than the season opener, and Maxx Crosby missed the Browns recreation with a left high ankle sprain. However others must step up. — Paul Gutierrez

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Week 4 rating: 27

Greatest problem on protection: Consistency in opposition to the run

It is a little bit of a nit-pick, because the run protection has improved since permitting greater than 140 dashing yards in every of Denver’s first two video games. However in comparison with the place the Broncos rank in different classes (they lead the NFL in sacks per cross try and are high 4 in purple zone protection, complete protection, passing protection and third-down protection), their present No. 12 rating in rush protection is one thing to work on. Vance Joseph’s unit has gotten higher, surrendering solely 155 dashing yards the previous two weeks, however additional enchancment will make the Broncos much more stifling than they already are. — Jeff Legwold

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Week 4 rating: 20

Greatest problem on protection: Defending the run

The Dolphins had been the seventh-best run protection a season in the past however have allowed 119.5 yards per recreation on the bottom this season (ranks sixteenth within the NFL). They’re but to permit a 100-yard rusher this season, however Zach Charbonnet and James Cook scored a number of touchdowns in opposition to this protection in consecutive weeks. The Dolphins have allowed seven dashing touchdowns, which is tied for the second-worst mark within the league. Miami’s gradual begin this season has extra to do with a struggling offense than shortcomings of its protection, however the Dolphins can nonetheless enhance in controlling their opponents’ run recreation. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

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Week 4 rating: 24

Greatest problem on protection: Line of defense

Whether or not it is within the run or the cross, the Bengals’ defensive position has been a nonfactor this yr. Cincinnati is thirty first within the league in run cease win charge (28.5%) and in sacks per dropback (3.8%). These two issues are a significant motive why the protection is likely one of the worst models within the league. Accidents to 4 defensive tackles — starters Sheldon Rankins (hamstring) and BJ Hill (hamstring); rookies Kris Jenkins Jr. (thumb) and McKinnley Jackson (knee) — have performed a job in that. However regardless of the well being points, Cincinnati wants extra manufacturing from its defensive entrance. — Ben Child

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Week 4 rating: 18

Greatest problem on protection: Defending the run

The Rams entered the week ranked thirty first in defensive rush DVOA (defense-adjusted worth over common) and confronted a Bears offense that ranked thirtieth in offensive rush DVOA. However in Week 4, Bears working again D’Andre Swift recorded extra dashing yards in opposition to the Rams (93) than he did within the Bears’ first three video games mixed (68). Coach Sean McVay stated he thought the Rams did a “actually good job all through the course of the sport, after which the important thing drive that we needed to have they ended up popping a protracted one which Swift ended up scoring from 36 yards out.” — Sarah Barshop

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Week 4 rating: 17

Greatest problem on protection: Secondary

The Cardinals are ranked second-to-last within the NFL in passing yards allowed per play at 8.1, which has contributed to them being ranked twenty eighth general in complete yards allowed per play at 5.8. The Cardinals have one way or the other not allowed a 100-yard receiver this season. However 18 gamers have caught not less than 20 yards in opposition to Arizona in 4 contests. — Josh Weinfuss

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Week 4 rating: 23

Greatest problem on protection: Missed tackles

The Browns protection hasn’t appeared just like the elite unit it was in 2023 and missed tackles have performed a giant function. The problem has turn out to be particularly problematic on the bottom, as Cleveland is permitting 2.24 yards after contact per rush, the worst mark within the NFL. “A whole lot of guys are entering into with their shoulder attempting to put that massive hit … first man’s received to wrap up and gradual the runner down and cease his momentum,” defensive finish Myles Garrett stated after the Browns allowed greater than 150 dashing yards to the Raiders Sunday. — Daniel Oyefusi

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Week 4 rating: 30

Greatest problem on protection: Cornerbacks in run assist

It is easy to have a look at the Giants’ run protection — the place they’re permitting 4.7 yards per rush (twenty fourth in NFL) — and blame the defensive position. However plenty of the harm is approaching the surface. Groups are averaging over 5.6 yards per rush working huge proper. They’re averaging over 6.0 yards working exterior the left sort out. The Giants’ cornerbacks, significantly Deonte Banks and Cor’Dale Flott, want to assist higher on the perimeters if this crew goes to repair the issue. — Jordan Raanan

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Week 4 rating: 32

Greatest problem on protection: Forcing turnovers

The Titans protection did not pressure a turnover till Monday night time’s win in Miami and have solely pressured one this season. Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson introduced an excessive concentrate on takeaways with him when he took the job. As secondary coach, Wilson’s models helped the Bears tie for second with 18 interceptions final season and the Eagles tie for third with 17 in 2022. Normally, groups produce what they emphasize. Wilson preaches “attacking the ball with aggressiveness” and “populating to the soccer.” However that hasn’t occurred thus far. Tennessee’s protection is final within the NFL with a minus-8 turnover ratio. — Turron Davenport

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Week 4 rating: 28

Greatest problem on protection: Move rush

The Jaguars rank twenty ninth in QB pressures (41) and twenty ninth in strain share (25.9%). That is regardless of taking part in video games in opposition to a Cleveland crew that did not have both beginning offensive sort out and a Houston crew that misplaced its finest offensive sort out for an prolonged time frame Sunday. Josh Hines-Allen and Arik Armstead have one sack and Travon Walker — whom the Jaguars took first general over Aidan Hutchinson in 2022 — has two. — Michael DiRocco

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Week 4 rating: 31

Greatest problem on protection: Pressuring the QB

Accidents could possibly be the reply right here as a result of LB Shaq Thompson is now out for the remainder of the season with a torn Achilles, and the Panthers had been already down three starters — DE Derrick Brown (knee), DT Shy Tuttle (foot) and S Jordan Fuller (hamstring). However strain was a priority heading into the season, and it was magnified Sunday in opposition to the Bengals. QB Joe Burrow was pressured on simply 4 of 32 dropbacks, the third-lowest he has confronted in his profession. Carolina has nobody exterior of LB Jadeveon Clowney who can persistently get to the QB. — David Newton

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Week 4 rating: 29

Greatest problem on protection: Permitting QBs out of the pocket

There is not an official statistic for blown edges, but when it existed, the Patriots would possibly lead the league. As coach Jerod Mayo stated after Sunday’s loss to the 49ers, “Holding the quarterback within the pocket continues to be a problem.” The Patriots allowed Brock Purdy to flee the pocket thrice on the primary drive to increase passing performs or use his legs, which was alarming as a result of it was a high level of emphasis after Geno Smith and Aaron Rodgers had related success. Mayo stated that if defenders proceed to make the identical errors, they may lose taking part in time because of it. — Mike Reiss