Niner Noise
FanSided

NFL power rankings: Week 5 sees 49ers stay low, a new team at No. 1

By Peter Panacy

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 01: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers shake hands after overtime of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. Arizona won 18-15. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 01: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers shake hands after overtime of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. Arizona won 18-15. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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FOXBORO, MA – OCTOBER 01: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots reacts during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA – OCTOBER 01: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots reacts during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /

team. 47. . 2-2. . New England Patriots. 3

Here’s another thing we thought we’d never hear four weeks into the regular season — the Patriots are third in the AFC East.

The Pats are leaking oil on defense, sitting dead last in yards against (1,827) and 31st in points allowed (128). Those are uncharacteristic numbers from head coach Bill Belichick, and it’s hard to find a reason to suggest he’ll rectify things anytime soon.

Sure, the Patriots are going to remain Super Bowl contenders within the top five of our NFL power rankings as long as quarterback Tom Brady is doing his thing.

He did in Week 4, throwing for over 300 yards with two touchdowns, but those passes don’t help on the defensive side of the ball. At least not in terms of making plays.

We’d like to throw in the proverbial “the Pats will get things right” chatter, as that always seems to be the case anytime New England is struggling on one side of the ball.

Right now, though, Brady and Co. are expected to put up at least 33 points a game.

Giving up an average of 32.25 points per contest will do that to you.