Atlanta Falcons continue to “Rise Up” power rankings entering Week 6
Once again, the Atlanta Falcons remain undefeated. This past week the Falcons faced a tough task battling the Washington Redskins in the Georgia Dome. The Redskins fought for four quarters and then some before running out of gas on a Kirk Cousins to Robert Alford pick-six to end the game in overtime.
Atlanta is now 5-0 and one of six remaining undefeated teams in the league. With their gutsy performance on Sunday they continue to “rise up” the rankings. Here’s how the Falcons rank heading into Week 6.
FanSided – 5
Last week: 6
Differential: +1
"The Atlanta Falcons are undefeated through five weeks and have reached 5-0 for the second time in franchise history. The last time they were 5-0 to start a season was back in 2012, when they went to the NFC Championship Game. Getting that fifth win wasn’t pretty. Their game against the lowly Washington Redskins went to overtime and they nearly lost the game. Fortunately the Redskins managed to muster up some typical Redskins magic and Kirk Cousins threw an interception that was returned 59 yards for a gmae-winning touchdown. A little too close for comfort, but a win is a win."
NFL.com – 5
Last week: 5
Differential: —
"Some queasy stomachs in Atlanta late Sunday, until Kirk Cousins gave everyone in red and black — including the Coach of the Year Through Five Weeks (not that that is an award or anything) a huge gift: the old chuck-and-duck. Robert Alford’s pick-six saved the day in a game where the Redskins were game. That’s alright. A win is a win is a win. #5-0"
ESPN – 3
Last week: 6
Differential: 3
"Three defensive touchdowns for the Falcons in the past two weeks, including the game-winning score Sunday. The Falcons had three defensive touchdowns in their previous 29 games."
CBS Sports – 5
Last week: 5
Differential: —
"Rookie coach Dan Quinn has the Falcons at 5-0, and the next four games come against teams with a combined 5-14 record, including two division opponents."
Bleacher Report – 4
Last week: 5
Differential: +1
"Freeman tore up the Washington Redskins for 197 yards from scrimmage Sunday. He’s started three games since fellow running back Tevin Coleman went down with a rib injury. During those games Freeman has averaged (averaged!) 179.7 total yards."
Last week: 5
Differential: —
"LT Jake Matthews has the fifth-best run block grade among tackles. Last year, he owned the worst grade among tackles in this area."
Week 2 Average Ranking – 4.5
Last week: 5.3
This week the Falcons will defend their undefeated record against the division rival New Orleans Saints. The Saints are facing a down year losing many key players that Falcons fans have come to know through the rivalry, most notably Jimmy Graham. Look for the Falcons to travel to New Orleans and unleash the league’s leader in rushing TDs on a defense that ranks 30th.