NFL power rankings for Week 6: Commanders, Broncos, Bears surge behind rookie QBs

Who said you have to ease in a rookie quarterback?The Commanders’ Jayden Daniels, Broncos’ Bo Nix and Bears’ Caleb Williams all have been starters since Week 1, and their 10 combined wins are the second most by a rookie quarterback class through the first five weeks of the season since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.It makes you wonder when the Patriots – who have fallen to new lows with a four-game losing streak – might make a switch from veteran Jacoby Brissett to rookie Drake Maye, especially if owner Robert Kraft is looking around with envy at other franchises getting a jumpstart from their young quarterback.The surging Vikings and Falcons have the luxury of rookie quarterbacks J.J.McCarthy (injured) and Michael Penix Jr., respectively, waiting in the long-term plans.Here are The Post’s NFL power rankings for Week 6:Unsigned until Sept.

17, Kareem Hunt cemented his place as the top running back for as long as Isiah Pacheco is sidelined by carrying 27 times for 102 yards in a 26-13 win against the Saints.Patrick Mahomes threw for 331 yards and helped the Chiefs have about an 18-minute advantage in time of possession.

Harrison Butker kicked four field goals.Sam Darnold did not torch his former team.And Aaron Jones left injured.

So, the Vikings relied on their defense to intercept Aaron Rodgers three times in a 23-17 victory over the Jets in London.Andrew Van Ginkel returned his pick for a touchdown and Stephon Gilmore sealed the win with his in the red zone in the final minute.Was it a bad time to have a bye? After going 2-1 in one-score games to start the season, the Lions’ offense was clicking on all cylinders in a 42-point outburst against the Seahawks in Week 4.

But the defense is doing its part, too, with Aiden Hutchinson’s 6.5 sacks and Kerby Joseph’s three interceptions.Ka’imi Fairbairn’s tie-breaking 59-yard field goal as time expired helped ease the pain of blowing a 17-point lead and punctuated a 23-20 win against the Bills.Fairbairn...