After defeating a winless Los Angeles Chargers team in Week 4 by using a strong rushing attack to run out the clock in a "home" game in Carson, California, the Eagles traveled back to Lincoln Financial Field for a matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. The Birds used a brilliant performance from Carson Wentz to blow out the Cardinals, 34-7.

Wentz finished with 304 passing yards and four touchdowns - his best performance of the season so far.

A victory over the Cardinals puts the Birds' record at 4-1. They now hold the top spot in the division with a 1.5-game lead over the Redskins, who are coming off of a bye at 2-2.

Now the Eagles shift their attention to another 4-1 team in the Panthers, who are coming off of a 27-24 victory over the Lions.

Before the Eagles travel to Carolina on Thursday night, here's a roundup of where they landed in this week's national power rankings:

ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio: Up four spots to No. 5
Florio wrote, "Get used to the Eagles getting off to great starts to the season."

It's true - the Birds are a combined 8-2 in their first five games in 2016 and 2017. Last year's 4-1 start didn't turn out well as the Eagles lost eight of their last 11. The Eagles must continue to trust the run game and let Wentz be Wentz to continue their success thus far.

NFL.com's Elliot Harrison: Up one spot to No. 2
Harrison wrote, "About the only thing that didn't come to fruition in the Eagles' most impressive win of the season was the huge outing predicted for Corey Clement, who was mostly a non-factor."

Clement was supposed to see an uptick in production with Wendell Smallwood out because of a knee injury. All in all, he only registered seven carries for 17 yards. This week may also be tough for Clement with a Panthers team ranked ninth in the NFL in rushing defense.

I think the No. 2 ranking is a little ambitious considering what happened last season. I just don't see them being better than the Packers and Panthers at this point. Aaron Rodgers is playing his best football and Cam Newton, aside from all of his attention in the media for the wrong reasons, has beaten the Patriots in Foxborough and found his rhythm after a slow start. Thursday night is a big game in that aspect.

USA Today: Up three spots to No. 5
USA Today wrote, "Carson Wentz deserves accolades coming his way. But credit offense that holds ball nearly 36 minutes per game, 2 minutes more than any other team."

Last week, USA Today dropped the Eagles down three spots after a victory over the Giants. This week, they have realized that error and made the proper correction. Now the Eagles are ranked among the top five teams in the league.

One game at a time should be Doug Pederson's motto moving forward. If this team gets ahead of itself, the Eagles could find themselves in the same position as last year when the playoffs start.

Yahoo! Sports' Frank Schwab: Up two spots to No. 4
Schwab was very impressed with the Eagles and wrote, "They're even getting big contributions from players like Nelson Agholor, who looked like a sure bust before this season. This is the best team in the NFC East."

Agholor has proved to Eagles fans that he belongs in the league after a horrid year of drops in 2016. This shows the confidence Howie Roseman and staff had in him to trade Jordan Matthews in the offseason for Ronald Darby.

CBS Sports' Pete Prisco: Stayed at No. 3
Prisco wrote, "They've won three straight heading to a big NFC battle with the hot Panthers in Carolina Thursday night. They still need more consistency from Carson Wentz, despite his good start."

Thursday night will be the biggest test of the season for the Birds. Yes, playing Kansas City in Arrowhead was a huge challenge but I don't think many Eagles fans thought they would win that game. Thursday night, the offensive line will be tested with the possibility of Lane Johnson being out due to a concussion. Julius Peppers looks to have been reborn in his second stint with the Panthers and poses a threat on the edge.

The Washington Post's Mark Maske: Up two spots to No. 3
Maske wrote that the Eagles' schedule will get tougher but, "Win or lose against the Panthers, the Eagles have shown enough to prove they should have staying power. Carson Wentz is legitimate, making the Eagles a factor in the division chase all season."

Look at the next five games for the Eagles - at Carolina, vs. Washington, vs. San Francisco, vs. Denver and at Dallas. Four of those games on paper will be tough. Washington walloped Oakland and should have beat the Chiefs in Arrowhead. The 49ers should be no problem. Denver's defense is scary regardless of whether they are on the road or at home, and Dallas could have Ezekiel Elliott or not depending on an official ruling on his suspension. We will know who the Birds really are after this key stretch. 

ESPN: Up four spots to No. 4
ESPN wrote the Eagles have the best odds to make the playoffs in the NFC with an 86 percent chance, "What has the Eagles soaring? Ball control. They've converted a league-best 53 percent of third downs, and they've averaged a league-best 35 minutes, 32 seconds of possession this season."

It is no secret - the Eagles are at their best when they are running the football effectively. LeGarrette Blount has found his footing in Philadelphia and the best way to keep pressure off of Wentz is a solid rushing attack.