Thursday, October 7, 2021

Las Vegas Raiders Week 5 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Las Vegas Raiders rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 10.8 (11th)
  • Best ranking: 10th (ESPN)
  • Worst ranking: 11th (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 5 roundup for the Raiders in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 10

Biggest surprise: The Raiders' defense

Why it's a surprise: A season ago, late collapses against the Chiefs, Chargers and Dolphins were the difference between an 11-5 playoff season and the middling 8-8 the Raiders finished with. Yeah, four weeks is a small sample size, but defensive coordinator Gus Bradley's re-imagined scheme is getting off the field and, yes, making plays. The best benefit for Las Vegas -- the improved play on the defensive side of the ball is helping quarterback Derek Carr, too. -- Paul Gutierrez

NFL.com -- Rank: 11

The Raiders have been slow starters all season, and on Monday night, they dug a hole they were unable to climb out of. Playing in front of a sellout crowd made up mostly of Silver & Black fans in Los Angeles, the Raiders spotted the Chargers 21 points before finally getting on the board in the third quarter. A Derek Carr touchdown pass to Darren Waller brought Vegas within a touchdown, but the Bolts pulled away late to grab a share of the AFC West lead. The Raiders' offense was humbled for the first time, setting season lows in points, total yards and first downs in the loss. "We cannot come out and take that many punches in the first round," Jon Gruden said after the game. "That was ridiculous."

CBS Sports -- Rank: 11

Their prolific offense was shut down against the Chargers. Was that an aberration or a sign of things to come?

USA Today -- Rank: 11

Probably not a bad thing they got a reality check from the Bolts. But team from Sin City still in position to craft itself a welcome reality given it's likely to be playing with house money against next four opponents.

The Athletic -- Rank: 11

The Raiders and quarterback Derek Carr had a difficult time handling the Chargers' pass rush Monday night, and it led to their worst offensive performance of the season. Carr threw for just 196 yards, fewer than half of what he had been averaging per game through the first three weeks. Was Carr truly "shook," as Joey Bosa described? He was sacked four times, and you can be sure future opponents will be trying to see if they can copy what Brandon Staley's defense did to disrupt Carr and company.

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