AFC power rankings, no. 13-10:
13. Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins got shelled in Week 5 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and things are looking awful for Brian Flores' team. Tua Tagovailoa was already a shaky option for the Dolphins and Jacoby Brissett may not be much better.
The Dolphins would be 0-4 if it was not for a Damien Harris fumble in Week 1. It has been rough for a team that many had making noise in 2021.
12. Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts showed a lot of heart on Monday Night Football in the loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Surprisingly enough, Carson Wentz has been pretty decent for the Colts and the rest of the team around him has not been that great.
If you would have told me that Carson Wentz was putting up these numbers (they are not amazing, but they are not bad at all) then I would have expected the Colts to be 3-2 at least at this point in the season. Instead, they are 1-4.
11. New England Patriots
Bill Simmons picking the New England Patriots to make it to the Super Bowl and face off against Tom Brady and the Buccaneers might be one of the coldest takes from before the season. Simmons has since gone back on his take, which is telling of the Patriots' status as a mediocre football team with a young quarterback that they don't fully trust yet.
10. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos continue to prove that their 0-3 start to the season was a bit fraudulent as they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5 for the team's second loss in a row. However, they do still deserve some credit for beating the teams in front of them in Weeks 1-3.
Next up, the 9th through 6th-ranked teams in the AFC.