Bye week causes a slip in Power Rankings for the St. Louis Rams

The St. Louis Rams had the week off because of the bye, but it seems the time off didn’t do them any favors in the Power Rankings as they fell for the second consecutive week. Coming off another disappointing loss in week 5 to the Green Bay Packers was deflating, but looking ahead to Week 7 brings the Cleveland Browns to town.

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Cleveland, at the beginning of the year, was probably viewed by most fans as an easy win. However, the Browns have averaged almost 24 points per game this season, good enough for 12th in the league. They have also played their last three games to a finish within three points including a win over Baltimore and an overtime loss to the undefeated Broncos. Needless to say, Cleveland will provide a greater challenge than once thought.

ESPN: Ranked 18th (Last Week 17)

Todd Gurley is clearly this teams quarter-mark MVP, and he’s only appeared in three games. Through those three games, Gurley has amassed 314 rushing yards and has been the lone bright spot for the Rams. He now gets to face the Cleveland Browns and their league worst run defense. It looks like Gurley will continue his explosive start, but the question is whether or not the rest of the St. Louis offense can get it together. (Division Rivals: Seattle 12, Arizona 4, San Francisco 19)

Pete Prisco @ CBSSports.com: Ranked 18th (Last Week 18)

Pete Prisco introduces the idea of sitting quarterback Nick Foles. Given the immediacy of the Rams situation and the need to string to gather some wins for more important reasons than team morale, maybe he’s right. What’s the danger in asking Case Keenum to fling the pig skin against a weak defense in the visiting Browns? Maybe he strikes up some momentum and starts something big in St. Louis, or maybe we stick with Foles because he’s the only worthwhile NFL QB on the roster. (Division Rivals: Seattle 14, Arizona 8, San Francisco 22)

Oct 4, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) reacts after beating the Arizona Cardinals 24-22 at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Dan Schneier @ FOXSports.com: Ranked 11th (Last Week 15)

Finally, a little credit where credit is due. This Rams’ team will go as far as their defense can take them, and based on the early parts of the season, that’s pretty far if the offense can get things together. The defense has kept this team in games they had no business being in, and the sudden emergence of rookie Todd Gurley should help this team down the stretch. The second half should be much better than the first. (Division Rivals: Seattle 19, Arizona 10, San Francisco 18)

Frank Schwab @ Yahoo Sports: Ranked 15th (Last Week 15)

No movement here isn’t surprising. However, coming in above both the Seattle Seahawks and San Diego Chargers is promising. Just about every ranking notes Todd Gurley in some form and Schwab at Yahoo doesn’t break the trend. Gurley is looking like a once in a generation player, but were only three games into his young career. Let’s keep thing sin perspective, but embrace the exciting start. (Division Rivals: Seattle 16, Arizona 9, San Francisco 28)