NFL Elite Eleven (Week 5 Edition)
Five weeks into the season and we still have two undefeated teams in the Vikings and Chiefs. We also had our first coach firing as the Jets look to regroup. Let’s take a dive into the Elite Eleven teams heading into Week 6 of the 2024 NFL season.
NFL Elite Eleven (Week 4 Edition): Bye for now: San Francisco, Pittsburgh, and Seattle. Welcome (back) to the Party: Dallas, Denver, and Atlanta.
#11. Dallas Cowboys (+1100/+2200) - The Cowboys have been road warriors this season but things still seem off in Big D. Lamb and Prescott don’t seem to be on the same page and this team needs consistency on the ground. A huge win at Pittsburgh, however, gets them back in the Elite Eleven. Tough home tilt against Detroit this week. Last Week’s Ranking: Unranked
#10. Tampa Bay Bucs 3-2 (+2500/+5000) - The Bucs lost a back-and-forth game in Atlanta and could easily be 4-1 heading into this week. They get a break this week, facing the Saints in New Orleans without QB Carr available. Last Week’s Ranking: 9th
#9. Atlanta Falcons 3-2 (+1500/+3000) - The Falcons’ offense looked like what the team likely envisioned when they signed Kirk Cousins. They get set to take on the improved Panthers this week. Last Week’s Ranking: Unranked
#8. Denver Broncos (+4000/+9000) - After back-to-back losses to open the season, the Broncos have reeled off three straight wins and look every bit like a team that can make the playoffs. They have the defense and now must trust in rookie QB Nix to do his part. They host the Chargers this week. Last Week’s Ranking: Unranked
#7. Buffalo Bills 3-2 (+425/+1100) - Has to be a little concerning that Josh Allen looked less like Superman and more like Clark Kent for the second straight week in a loss to the Texans. In fairness, horrific clock management likely cost this team the game. This one is on the coaching staff. They get the struggling Jets on the road this week. Last Week’s Ranking: 3rd
#6. Baltimore Ravens 3-2 (+300/+750) - The Ravens outlasted the Bengals on Sunday and now find themselves back at the top of the AFC North. They host the surprising Commanders this week hoping to make it four straight wins. Last Week’s Ranking: 9th
#5. Washington Commanders 4-1 (+1500/+3000) - The Commanders don’t appear phased by their great start. QB Daniels stared down the fearsome Browns’ defense and didn’t blink. Let’s see if he blinks this week against the Ravens. Last Week’s Ranking: 7th
#4. Detroit Lions 3-1 (+450/+1000) - There’s no doubt that the Lions head back to Dallas this year with a chip on their shoulders and a long memory after last year’s controversial loss. They are fresh after a bye week and a win here would push them toward the top of the NFC. Last Week’s Ranking: 6th
#3. Houston Texans 4-1 (+550/+1200) - The Texans likely stole one last week against the Bills and now get a much easier opponent this week when they travel to New England and take on rookie QB Drake Maye. Last Week’s Ranking: 5th
#2. Minnesota Vikings 5-0 (+350/+1100) - The Vikings went to London and did just enough to down the Jets and Aaron Rodgers. They were particularly tough on defense, picking off the future Hall-of-Famer three times. They will stay unbeaten this week as they get a bye. Last Week’s Ranking: 2nd
#1. Kansas City Chiefs 5-0 (+250/+450) - With a reduced receiving group, QB Mahomes had his biggest night of the season. The addition of RB Hunt looks like a quality pickup and Travis Kelce seems to be finding his stride. Like the Vikings, the Chiefs will remain unbeaten with a bye week in week 6. Last Week’s Ranking: 1st
Game of the Week: Washington Commanders at Baltimore Ravens (-6.5)
The Commanders have won four straight games after dropping their season opener at Tampa. The Ravens have now won three straight games after losing each of their first two games. Can the Ravens dial up some confusing coverages for rookie QB Daniels? And can the Commanders contain Ravens QB Jackson? I’m leaning more toward the former than the latter.
*All odds courtesy of Draftkings.com
By Mark Ruelle
