If the Houston Texans were aiming to regain their offensive momentum, Week 5 proved to be a pivotal moment. Facing a significantly weakened Baltimore Ravens defense, quarterback C.J. Stroud showcased his talent by throwing for 245 yards and an impressive four touchdowns. His performance earned him the highest PFF grade of the season at 78.9, marking the most significant single-week upgrade for any team to date this year.
The New England Patriots are entering a highly advantageous period in their schedule. After pulling off a surprising upset against the Bills last week, they now face one of the easiest four-game stretches in the league, according to power ratings. This favorable schedule positions the Patriots well to capitalize on their recent success.
For those looking to gain a competitive edge, PFF+ offers a plethora of premium stats, in-season tools, and projections that can enhance fantasy performance and betting strategies. Weekly updates during the NFL season provide valuable market signals, with PFF’s power ratings serving as a crucial tool to differentiate between perception and reality in team performances.
This article highlights the three teams that have made the most significant gains following last week’s results. Additionally, we will evaluate upcoming schedule strength, focusing on identifying the softest and toughest slates, which is essential for recognizing potential overreactions in betting lines, totals, and futures.
The Houston Texans have shown a remarkable turnaround, particularly in Week 5. Stroud’s stellar performance against the banged-up Ravens defense signifies a potential resurgence for the team, as they continue to build on this positive momentum.
The Washington Commanders welcomed back quarterback Jayden Daniels, but it was rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt who stole the show with 111 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Most of Washington’s improvement stems from their defense, which kept Justin Herbert under duress, leading to an upset win as road underdogs in Los Angeles. Daniels faces a tougher challenge next with a prime-time matchup against the Bears on Monday Night Football.
The New Orleans Saints capitalized on their defensive strength, overpowering rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart to secure their first win of the season and the first victory of Spencer Rattler’s career. They aim to maintain this momentum as 3.5-point home underdogs against the Patriots in Week 6.
The Minnesota Vikings have a tough road ahead, with a bye week serving as a necessary respite before facing three consecutive opponents ranked in the top 10 of PFF’s power ratings. The potential return of J.J. McCarthy from injury could provide a much-needed lift.
The New York Giants are gearing up for a challenging week against the Eagles on Thursday Night Football, followed by a trip to Denver in Week 7 and a home game against the 49ers in Week 9, who will be traveling across the country for an early kickoff.
The Kansas City Chiefs can take solace in the fact that they will not leave Kansas City for the remainder of October. With three consecutive home games on the horizon, the only away trip before the bye week is a visit to Orchard Park.
The New England Patriots continue to benefit from an easy schedule. Following their upset of the Bills, they are positioned to face one of the lightest four-game stretches this season, which could be a game-changer for the team.
With an upcoming matchup against the Ravens, assuming Lamar Jackson is unavailable, the Los Angeles Rams have shifted from one of the hardest schedules last week to one of the easiest this week. They will remain on the East Coast before heading to London to face Jacksonville.
The Chicago Bears are preparing for a challenging Week 6 against the Commanders, followed by a tough stretch featuring games against the Saints and Ravens. Their performance in these games will be critical for their season trajectory.
By closely monitoring these developments, bettors can gain insights into which teams are improving, which are struggling, and where potential opportunities may lie in the ever-changing landscape of the NFL.
