Packers Remain in Top 5 of Latest On SI NFL Power Rankings

GREEN BAY; Wis. – The Green Bay Packers didn’t get many style points for holding off the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, but at least they won.

The top three teams in last week’s On SI NFL Power Rankings lost in Week 6, meaning the Tampa Bay Buccaneers moved from No. 5 to No. 1 in our new Week 7 rankings, which are voted on by our team publishers.

After four wins by a combined nine points, the Buccaneers handled the 49ers 30-19 last week to improve to 5-1.

The Philadelphia Eagles, who were No. 1 last week, lost at the New York Giants. They fell to No. 3.

The Buffalo Bills, who were No. 2 last week, lost at the Atlanta Falcons but stayed at No. 2.

The Detroit Lions, who were No. 3 last week, lost at the Kansas City Chiefs and dipped to No. 6.

The Packers, meanwhile, held steady at No. 4 after beating the Bengals 27-18. Their once-vaunted defense allowed Joe Flacco to lead three consecutive scoring drives in the second half to pull the Bengals within 6 points. Green Bay responded with a field goal on a drive highlighted by Jordan Love’s 31-yard pass to Matthew Golden on third-and-8.

Coach Matt LaFleur said he felt “a sense of relief” after the game.

“It’s a long season, it’s a very competitive league (and) you see it a lot of these games are going down right to the wire, so you’ve got to find a way,” LaFleur said. “And I think sometimes going through some tough moments and getting punched in the face and having that no-flinch mentality and finding a way makes you better down the stretch. Because when you get down the stretch, a lot of those games are like that.”

The Packers will play at Arizona on Sunday; the Cardinals are No. 23. After that, it’s a date against Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are No. 10.