CBS Sports released their week six NFL power rankings and while the top nine remained the same as last week, the next group of nine saw some significant change. The biggest rise belonged to the Cincinnati Bengals, who climbed from No. 22 to No. 18 on the back of a modest victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Their big rise was due in part to the losses around them more than the quality of their victory. Every victory counts, but beating the Jaguars doesn't carry a ton of cache at this point.
On the other hand, the 49ers and Raiders each moved up three spots on the back of huge wins this past weekend. The 49ers decimated a supposedly solid Tampa Bay Buccaneers squad, while the Oakland Raiders won an emotional last second victory over the Houston Texans. Both wins solidified each team's playoff positioning five games into the season.
As we look ahead to week six, the 49ers travel to face the Detroit Lions who sit at 5-0 and number two in the power rankings. The Raiders host a solid 2-2 Cleveland Browns squad that is No. 23 in the power rankings. Both teams could get some bounce from a win, but the 49ers would be the ones to get the significant bounce (thank you, Captain Obvious).
Here are the top fifteen in CBS Sports power rankings:
1. Green Bay Packers
2. Detroit Lions
3. New England Patriots
4. Baltimore Ravens
5. San Diego Chargers
6. New Orleans Saints
7. Houston Texans
8. Washington Redskins
9. Buffalo Bills
10. Pittsburgh Steelers
11. New York Giants
12. Dallas Cowboys
13. San Francisco 49ers
14. Oakland Raiders
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers