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2021 NFL Power Rankings, Week 5: Cowboys make statement, Cardinals take the top spot

By Randy Gurzi

Oct 3, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals strong safety Budda Baker (3) recovers the fumble against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals strong safety Budda Baker (3) recovers the fumble against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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2021 NFL Power Rankings
Sep 26, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Darius Philon (96) celebrates in the second half against the Miami Dolphinsat Allegiant Stadium.The Raiders defeated the Dolphins 31-28 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Raiders. 2. team. 28. . . Previous: 2nd

(Plays on Monday Night Football vs. Los Angeles Chargers) — Entering the season, Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock were two men on the hot seat. They had yet to field a winning team and there were so many moves being made that were highly questionable that it became commonplace to ask if they were going to survive beyond 2021.

Now, it’s still early but so far, it looks as though they might have finally gotten things figured out in Las Vegas. The Raiders have a tough game ahead of them as they face off with the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football but they’re entering the game with an unblemished 3-0 record.

It’s been easy for some to shrug off their hot start as a fluke but it shouldn’t be. Derek Carr has found the right formula and is playing the best football of his life. Their running game also looks solid and they even had a great performance from veteran Peyton Barber in the absence of Josh Jacobs in their win over Miami.

Should they be able to move to 4-0 with a win over a very strong Chargers team, it should erase any doubt still left out there. Of course, even if they were to fall to 3-1, this is still a team that’s trending in the right direction.

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