NFL power rankings: Close isn't enough for 49ers entering Week 5

NFL power rankings: Close isn’t enough for 49ers entering Week 5

CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: D.J. Reed #32 of the San Francisco 49ers fumbles the ball during a kick return as he is tackled by Michael Davis #43 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the fourth quarter of the game at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

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GREEN BAY, WI – SEPTEMBER 30: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills runs past Kyler Fackrell #51 of the Green Bay Packers during the third quarter of a game at Lambeau Field on September 30, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

5. team. 49. . W, 22-0 vs. Bills. Previous: . Green Bay Packers

Anytime you record a shutout, it’s impressive. Even if that’s against a lowly opponent like the Bills.

The Packers seemed to have turned a page on their earlier woes, which led them to the 1-1-1 record before Week 4. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers managed to find tight end Jimmy Graham, which Packers fans have been waiting for all season long. And while that was Rodgers’ lone touchdown pass of the day, he was nevertheless as effective as we’d expect.

But, of course, Green Bay’s star of the game was its defense. Granted, Buffalo’s offensive line is terrible, yet the Packers took full advantage of this, sacking Josh Allen seven times on the day, including three from linebacker Kyler Fackrell.

Overall, the Bills managed just 11 first downs and went a lowly 3-of-16 on third-down tries.

Even though Buffalo’s offense is bad, give credit to Green Bay’s defense for asserting itself here.