NFL Elite Eleven (Week 5 Edition)
Four weeks deep and only two undefeated teams remain. One we expected: the Chiefs. The other: the Minnesota Vikings??! It’s the first week of byes this week so the Chargers, Lions, Titans and Eagles can all rest up. Let’s take a dive into the Elite Eleven teams heading into Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season.
NFL Elite Eleven (Week 4 Edition): Bye for now: Jets, Saints, and Eagles. Welcome (back) to the Party: SF, Tampa Bay, and Washington
#11. SF 49ers 2-2 (+300/+650) - A win against the Patriots doesn’t tell you too much but the offense is getting healthier and the defense looked sound. Next up a date with Arizona. Last Week’s Ranking: Unranked
#10. Washington Commanders 3-1 (+2000/+5000) -Yep, the Commanders. They are 3-1, the rookie QB is completing 80 percent of his passes and Dan Quinn has this defense playing sound football. Will it last? Let’s enjoy the ride. Last Week’s Ranking: Unranked
#9. Baltimore Ravens 2-2 (+350/+800) - The Ravens played like the more desperate team on Sunday night and manhandled the Bills. It doesnt get any easier for them this week when they travel to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals. Last Week’s Ranking: 11th
#8. Seattle Seahawks 3-0 (+1600/4000) - The Seahawks showed plenty of fight in the second half against Detroit. A questionable pass interference call may have kept them from getting all the way back in the game. They’ll host the Giants this week. Last Week’s Ranking: 4th
#7. Tampa Bay Bucs 3-1 (+2500/+5000) - The Bucs dominated the Eagles on Sunday much like they did in the playoffs. They even looked like they found some semblance of a running attack which could spell trouble for the NFC South. Big tilt in Atlanta on Thursday. Last Week’s Ranking: Unranked
#6. Detroit Lions 3-1 (+500/+1000) - The Lions’ offense was on full display against the Seahawks on Monday. When Goff is accurate and comfortable, they are tough to stop. They have a bye this week and will rest some weary bodies. Last Week’s Ranking: 6th
#5. Houston Texans 3-1 (+700/+1500) - The Texans are almost interchangeable with the Lions but I give them a slight nod due to Stroud. Mixon’s return at running back is important. This team was much more potent with him. They have a big matchup with Buffalo at home this week. Last Week’s Ranking: 10th
#4. Pittsburgh Steelers 3-1 (+2000/+4000) - The Steelers lost to the Colts but, in the process, their confidence may have grown in Justin Fields. He led them back on a furious comeback that fell just short and took the game over at times. They meet the Cowboys this week in what could be a classic in Pittsburgh. Last Week’s Ranking: 5th
#3. Buffalo Bills 3-1 (+400/+900) - Josh Allen wasn’t as sharp this week and the Bills’ run defense was a mess. They’ll get a chance to rebound this week but it won’t be easy on the road at Houston. Last Week’s Ranking: 2nd
#2. Minnesota Vikings 4-0 (+650/+1400) - The glass slipper still fits Sam Darnold and the Vikings roll on. They built a 28-0 lead at Green Bay on Sunday and held on for dear life to win 31-29. They travel across the pond to take on a desperate Jets team this week. Be wary of a trap game. Last Week’s Ranking: 5th
#1. Kansas City Chiefs 4-0 (+250/+500) - For the most part, the Chiefs have avoided devastating injuries during this Super Bowl run of three in five seasons. That run is over. WR Rice joins Brown on injury reserve to leave the team very light at WR. RB Pacheco is out for several weeks as well. Mahomes will now have to feature Kelce once again and likely Gray as well. Next up is New Orleans at home on Monday night. Last Week’s Ranking: 1st
Game of the Week: Buffalo Bills (-1) at Houston Texans
The Bills have their second straight tough game on Sunday as they take on the Texans in a battle of two of the best five AFC teams. The Texans looked very shaky against the pressure of the Vikings' defense and the Vikings' pass attack. Could we see a repeat performance here against a Bills’ team with similar traits?
*All odds courtesy of Draftkings.com
By Mark Ruelle
