Rams see big jump in Week 5 Power Rankings

The St. Louis Rams defeated the Arizona Cardinals 24-22 on Sunday and earned their best victory of the year. Now, a quarter of the way through the 2015 season, the Rams sit at 2-2 overall, and 2-0 in division play. The defense was spectacular once again against Arizona, limiting them to just one touchdown in five trips to the redzone. More importantly, the offense made it’s first appearance since their 34-point showing in Week 1. Rookie running back Todd Gurley carried St. Louis through the second half with 144 rushing yards letting the NFL know, he has arrived.

ESPN: Ranked 11th (Last Week 19th)

The aforementioned Gurley made his presence felt after debuting last week against Pittsburgh to an abysmal nine rushing yards. It was a different story on Sunday when Gurley finished the day with 146 yards on the ground. Maybe more impressive was this young player’s football IQ and having enough sense to go down in bounds on multiple long runs. This type of performance is exactly what Jeff Fisher and Les Snead envisioned when they took the workhorse back 10th overall in this year’s draft. Division Rivals: Seattle 7, Arizona 4, San Francisco 27.

Pete Prisco at CBSSports.com: Ranked 17th (Last Week 28)

The offense continues to surprise, and let us down, but we’ll take the surprise this week. Tavon Austin’s two touchdown performance may have been overshadowed by Todd Gurley’s big day, but it cannot be ignored. Austin put the Rams up in the opening minutes as he and Nick Foles connected from 12-yards out. Another diving touchdown later in the game gave the Rams a comfortable lead, and they never looked back. (Division Rivals: Seattle 8, Arizona 7, San Francisco 26)

Oct 4, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Stedman Bailey (12) reacts after catching a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Rams won 24-22. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Dan Schneier at FOXSports.com: Ranked 14th (Last Week 21)

The talk is all Todd Gurley, and he earned it. Gurley stepped right in on Sunday and showed not only his raw ability, but his uncommon skill set, football intelligence and helped a very suspect offensive line look better than it really is. Gurley was able to overcome just two rushing yards in the first half to finish with 146. Quarterback Nick Foles also helped the cause throwing downfield, including a very nice play-action touchdown to Stedman Bailey in the second half.                                                  (Division Rivals: Seattle 9, Arizona 8, San Francisco 31)

Mike Florio at Profootballtalk.com: Ranked 10 (Last Week 17)

With the Rams highest ranking comes the most doubt. Have to admit though, this smells of typical St. Louis Rams if there ever was such a smell. A team that has risen to the occasion in the past to play good team hard, but follow things up with a disappointing loss. They did it against the Redskins, and might be primed to do so against the another team this season. Week 5 brings the Green Bay Packers, a tough challenge for any team. (Division Rivals: Seattle 8, Arizona 6, San Francisco 31)

Elliot Harrison at NFL.com: Ranked 12th (Last Week 17)

Enjoy your debut Todd Gurley because you earned it. The praise for Gurley knows no bounds across the internet power rankings this week as he carried the Rams offense late in the game in their win against Arizona with big gains and key first downs. His explosiveness and big-play ability was front and center on Sunday, even bearing the presence of mind to stay inbounds late in the game to eat up valuable clock. Gurley is the future in St. Louis.                                                                                       (Division Rivals: Seattle 8, Arizona 6, San Francisco 29)