NFL power rankings: Falcons in free fall?

They return from the bye week looking to get back star WR Dez Bryant.

3. Vikings (5-1)

The defense did its part at Philly but QB Sam Bradford flopped. They still were in it in spite of four giveaways.

4. Broncos (5-2)

Stopped a two-game skid with dominating effort against Texans Monday night. Coach Gary Kubiak returned after missing the loss vs. Chargers because of a health scare.

5. Packers (4-2)

The offense (missing RB Eddie Lacy) was a bit sluggish in a win at Chicago. But QB Aaron Rodgers has to be looking forward to seeing Falcons after what Philip Rivers did to them.

6. Seahawks (4-1-1)

They forged a tie at the Cardinals despite not scoring a touchdown. The offense still is looking pedestrian.

7. Eagles (4-2)

After Washington lit up their D last week the Eagles stymied Vikings QB Sam Bradford. Philly won in spite of two picks by QB Carson Wentz.

8. Raiders (4-2)

A visit to the Jags was just what bad Raiders D needed. The Raiders are 4-0 on the road.

9. Chiefs (4-2)

Their season looked to be in trouble when RB Jamaal Charles went down but Spencer Ware has been his equal. The defense is getting better, too.

10. Steelers (4-2)

QB Landry Jones was pretty good against the Pats so that gives them some hope they can stay afloat until Ben Roethlisberger returns. About that defense, though . . .

11. Falcons (4-3)

Coach Dan Quinn on that stretch play on the failed fourth-down play in OT: “We do what we do.” It probably works if left tackle Jake Matthews doesn’t fall down.

12. Bills (4-3)

The Dolphins lined up in a “big” package against the Bills and ran the ball down their throats.  Coach Rex Ryan: "They were the more physical team today, there's no doubt about that. They controlled the game."

13. Washington (4-2)

Washington scored just 17 points in snapping a four-game winning streak with an L at the Lions. At some point the offense has to do its part.

14. Lions (4-3)

They’ve pulled out Ws late in three straight weeks. This time QB Matthew Stafford found WR Anquan Boldin for a TD with 16 seconds left.

15. Cardinals (3-3-1)

Remember when they were supposed to be NFC contenders?

16. Giants (3-2)

They got four INTs at the Rams and still had to pull it out a W at the end.

17. Buccaneers (3-3)

Ex-Falcons RB Jacquizz Rodgers led them to a W at 49ers.

18. Dolphins (3-3)

RB Jay Ajayi has rushed for 200 yards two games in a row. But how far can they get with smashmouth and D?

19. Chargers (3-4)

They don’t have any great pass targets for QB Philip Rivers but they have a lot of pretty good ones.

20. Texans (3-3)

Broncos D constantly harassed QB Brock Osweiler in his return to Denver.

21. Ravens (3-4)

The defense did everything it could to win at the Jets but QB Joe Flacco threw two costly picks.

22. Bengals (3-4)

A home game against the Browns fixed what ails them.

23. Titans (3-3)

The offense finally came to life against the Colts only to see the D get carved up by QB Andrew Luck. They’ve lost 10 in a row to Indy.

24. Colts (3-4)

Colts rebounded from blown game at Houston with yet another W against the Titans.

25. Rams (3-3)

QB Case Keenum threw four INTs vs. Giants, including one in the end zone with less than a minute left.

26. Saints (2-4)

QB Drew Brees put up big numbers to rally them at Chiefs but couldn’t get it done.

27. Jets (2-4)

Benched QB Ryan Fitzpatrick relieved Geno Smith and led them to victory over Ravens. He’s still not the answer.

28. Jaguars (2-3)

Coach Gus Bradley could be in trouble after the third straight home loss featured two players ejected by officials.

29. Panthers (1-5)

They come out of the bye talking about turning things around but not sure if they really believe it.

30. Bears (1-6)

QB Brian Hoyer, filling in for Jay Cutler, broke his arm vs. Packers.

31. 49ers (1-6)

QB Colin Kaepernick was bad against Bucs and so was the defense.

32. Browns (0-7)

Could they get their first W against the Jets on Sunday?