The Eagles surprised the NFL world when they took down the Carolina Panthers 21-18 on Sunday. Going through a very up and down season, many still don’t know if this team can make a playoff push or not.

Regardless, almost everyone thinks better of Philadelphia currently than they did before week five. Last week, the Eagles hovered around the mid-20s in power rankings, but things look much better going into Thursday night.

CBS: 20th (Previously 27th)

“That was a tough, impressive road victory at Carolina. They made some big plays late to win it. Jalen Hurts rallied after a slow start.”

NFL: 20th (Previously 25th)

“The Eagles were in desperate need of a big play late in Sunday’s matchup against the Panthers. They got one in each phase of the game during the final five minutes of a 21-18 win. T.J. Edwards’ blocked punt, Jalen Hurts’ 6-yard touchdown run and a Steven Nelson interception of Sam Darnold turned a five-point deficit into a three-point victory that snapped a three-game losing streak. Next up for the Eagles is a huge measuring-stick game against the reigning champion Bucs on Thursday night. It will take more than a strong finish to beat Tampa Bay.”

USA Today: 21st (Previously 25th)

“DT Javon Hargrave has six sacks in five games, best among the league’s interior linemen. He averaged 3.8 sacks over his first five seasons and has never had more than 6½ in any of them.”

Washington Post: 21st (Previously 29th)

“The victory at Carolina was a badly needed boost. Jalen Hurts delivered in crunchtime and the Eagles avoided a 1-4 start. They have a chance to emerge as the NFC East’s second-best team, however little that might mean.”

The Ringer: 22nd

Bleacher Report: 22nd (Previously 25th)

“It was an admittedly gutsy victory that puts the Eagles within a game of .500. But getting their record evened out isn’t going to be easy. Philly’s next game comes on a short week against the defending Super Bowl champions.”

Yahoo: 22nd (Previously 27th)

“Darius Slay deserves the game ball for the Eagles. His two interceptions were a huge difference in a 21-18 win. The Eagles did not play well and probably didn’t deserve to win, but they stole one thanks to their top cornerback.”

NBC Sports: 23rd

“A lucky W is still a W, but there still isn’t much to like about this Eagles team.”

ESPN: 24th (Previously 25th)

“Javon Hargrave has been the Eagles’ best player through five games. He already has six sacks on the season, which is tops among defensive tackles and third overall in the NFL. It’s also a half-sack less than his career high. Hargrave, 28, had four quality seasons with the Steelers before joining the Eagles in 2020. He was limited due to injury last season, but has turned into a dominant force in his second year in green.”

Sports Illustrated: 25th

“The Eagles are right where most of us figured they would be—young and retooled at a lot of spots, with some strength on the lines, and a young quarterback they have to find out about over the next three months.”

There were several significant jumps here, with the Eagles going from the low to high 20s in several of these rankings. A loss against Tampa Bay on Thursday likely won’t change anyone’s opinion on this team, but there could be another jump if they keep it close or pull off an upset.

Mandatory Credit: CBS Sports