• Falcons on the rise: A dominant defensive showing in Minnesota vaulted the Falcons up this week’s power ratings. Atlanta sacked J.J. McCarthy eight times and never let the outcome—or the spread—hang in the balance. As 3-point underdogs, they cruised to a 19-point cover.
• The Rams have a tough stretch ahead: The Rams are on the second leg of a back-to-back road trip, this week making the full trip to the East Coast for an early 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff. That role will reverse in Week 6 as they host the Ravens, with some additional rest as they’ll play the 49ers on Thursday Night Football.
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Every week of the NFL season delivers new market signals, and few tools are sharper than power ratings for cutting through the noise. PFF’s updated ratings don’t just show who’s playing well — they reveal where perception and reality may be drifting apart.

In this article, we highlight the three teams that gained the most ground after last week’s results. We’ll also examine schedule strength over the next four weeks, spotlighting the softest and toughest upcoming slates, a crucial lens for identifying potential overreactions in lines, totals and futures. The goal: give bettors a forward-looking edge on who’s climbing, who’s facing headwinds and where opportunity may still be hiding.

Top 3 Risers

Atlanta Falcons +1.5 

A dominant defensive showing in Minnesota vaulted the Falcons up this week’s power ratings. Atlanta sacked J.J. McCarthy eight times and never let the outcome—or the spread—hang in the balance. As 3-point underdogs, they cruised to a 19-point cover.

Seattle Seahawks +1

Kenneth Walker led the charge in Pittsburgh with a 91.0 PFF grade, racking up 8.1 yards per carry in a dominant rushing performance. Seattle’s defense also came to play, pressuring Aaron Rodgers on nearly 40% of his dropbacks. The Seahawks will look to carry that momentum into Week 3 when they host the Saints.

Detroit Lions +.9

The Lions delivered an emphatic win over former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears, bouncing back from a shaky opener with a performance more reminiscent of their 2024 form. Jared Goff was efficient behind a clean pocket, consistently connecting with Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Hardest Upcoming Schedules

Los Angeles Rams (Avg Opp PR of 3.6)

W3: @PHI (6) | W4: IND (-.2) | W5: SF (2.4) | W6: @BLT (6.1)

Schedule notes: The Rams are on the second leg of a back-to-back road trip, this week making the full trip to the East Coast for an early 1:00 kickoff. That role will reverse in Week 6 as they host the Ravens, with some additional rest as they’ll play the 49ers on Thursday Night Football.

Cincinnati Bengals (Avg Opp PR of 2.7)

W3: @MIN (-.1) | W4: @DEN (1) | W5: DET (4) | W6: @GB (5.8)

Schedule notes: After losing Joe Burrow for the next three months, the Bengals were downgraded by 4.6 points. That setback comes just as they enter their toughest four-game stretch until Week 12 — a brutal run that includes three road games and a matchup against the Packers coming off their bye. They’ll face backup QB Carson Wentz in Minnesota, but that offers little relief amid this challenging slate.

Baltimore Ravens (Avg Opp PR of 2.6)

W3: DET (4) | W4: @KC (3.8) | W5: HST (-.3) | W6: LA (3)

Schedule notes: The one silver lining for the Ravens in their upcoming stretch is that three of the next four games will be at M&T Bank Stadium. Their only road trip — a tough matchup against the Chiefs — comes with a slight rest disadvantage, as Baltimore plays the Lions on Monday Night Football this week. However, that’s offset in Week 6, when they’ll host the Rams on extra rest following a Thursday Night Football appearance. Night Football game. 

Easiest Upcoming Schedules

Buffalo Bills (Avg Opp PR of -3.5)

W3: MIA (-3.1) | W4: NO (-8.1) | W5: NE (-2.5) | W6: @ATL (-.3)

Schedule notes: It’s a short week for the Bills, who host the Dolphins on Thursday Night Football. They’ll then remain in Buffalo for two more home games before hitting the road in Week 6 to face a well-rested Falcons team coming off a bye.

Green Bay Packers (Avg Opp PR of -3.3)

W3: @CLV (-5.1) | W4: @DAL (-1.7) | W5: BYE | W6: CIN (-3)

Schedule notes: Despite playing back-to-back road games, the Packers will head to Cleveland with three extra days of rest and preparation. That edge grows even more in Week 6, when they’ll come off a bye to face a Bengals team wrapping up a tough four-game stretch.

Minnesota Vikings (Avg Opp PR of -3)

W3: CIN (-3) | W4: PIT (-1) | W5: CLV (-5.1) | W6: BYE

Schedule notes: While the Vikings’ upcoming stretch features softer opponents, it won’t be easy logistically. They’ll become the first team in NFL history to play back-to-back games in different countries (Ireland and England), spending nearly two weeks overseas. However, by the second leg of the trip, Minnesota could have a real edge over the Browns, who will be adjusting to the travel. A well-earned bye awaits in Week 6.