NFL Power Rankings: Week 5

player. 47. This isn’t the Patriots we are used to seeing. They seemed to have a down year last year, despite making the AFC championship game. This year, you can tell that they are. Ineffective drafting, poor offensive line play, and the defense looking a lot better only on paper, the Patriots just are not good. They almost lost to the Radiers and were beat down when playing a good defense. Sunday night against the Cincinnati Bengals is arguably the biggest game for them this year.. 2-2. AFC East. New England Patriots. 15

14. player. 123. The Cowboys have found their identity quickly. After a horrible start, the Cowboys are relying on DeMarco Murray and it’s working extremely well. Murray has been tearing every defense apart and this opens up the field for Tony Romo. They’re quietly a 3-1 team, but could start to make noise very soon. Defense is still a question mark, but using the “ground and pound” approach will keep the defense on the sideline.. 3-1. NFC East. Dallas Cowboys

This team is very up and down. Jay Cutler has struggled all year while Matt Forte finally had a good game. The defense just isn’t the hard-hitting kind we have seen in the past, but they have tightened up against the run. The Bears have to find their identity soon or this could be a very rough few games ahead of them.. 2-2. NFC North. Chicago Bears. 13. player. 57

124. Alex Smith looks pretty good, huh? With Jamaal Charles and Knile Davis becoming a very good running back duo, the Chiefs offense can create mismatches. The defense came alive on Monday night and has shown they can tear offensive lines apart. Andy Reid deserves credit for pushing his team forward rather than hitting the panic button.. 2-2. AFC West. Kansas City Chiefs. 15. player

player. 50. The defense is the strength of this team and no one saw that coming. They are becoming a solid, complete team while having the makings of a balanced team. Calvin Johnson is still Calvin Johnson, so whether he throws up eye-popping stats or not, he still sets a tone for this offense. Jim Caldwell has shown he can get them to play as a complete football team.. 3-1. NFC North. Detroit Lions. 11

49. Everyone pushing the panic button on the Packers can stop that now. Aaron Rodgers has found his groove once again and though Eddie Lacy has been disappointing, they stick to the run and keep teams honest. They stopped a good offense in the Bears and have a short week against the Minnesota Vikings.. 2-2. NFC North. Green Bay Packers. 10. player

46. The Colts needed these two wins after losing two very close games. Andrew Luck is back into a rhythm and has the team gaining momentum. Luck has been a touchdown throwing machine, but that defense is so lackluster. Having no real pass-rusher is going to continue to hurt them when playing against teams with good quarterback play. The Colts will go as far as Andrew Luck will take them, is that too big a burden?. 2-2. AFC South. Indianapolis Colts. 9. player

NFC West. San Francisco 49ers. 8. player. 42. They got back to .500 after destroying a very good Eagles’ run game. The Eagles didn’t run a play in 49ers territory until late into the 4th quarter. They are getting back to the 49ers’ way by running the ball and being physical. Colin Kaepernick needs to improve reading the defense while avoiding staring down receivers, but there’s absolutely no denying that Kaepernick’s arm is one of the strongest in the NFL. Rewatch his throw to Frank Gore across the field.. 2-2