NFL Power Rankings: Ranking Teams After Week 5 and 10 Random Thoughts

By Justin Schultz , Correspondent
Oct 10, 2012

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NFL Power Rankings: Ranking Teams After Week 5 and 10 Random Thoughts

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It's a new week which means a new list of NFL Power Rankings.

Week 5 of the NFL season got off to a nice start when the St. Louis Rams upset the then-undefeated Arizona Cardinals.

The Houston Texans and Atlanta Falcons continued their path for undefeated glory with victories over the New York Jets and the Washington Redskins. They are the two best teams in the NFL—yes, even better than the 49ers.

Here are ten things I think after Week 5.

1. The Green Bay Packers are in trouble. Aaron Rodgers doesn't look like himself at all. His passes aren't as crisp or as accurate as they usually are and his decision making is questionable. They have a tough game on Sunday night at the Houston Texans. If the Packers lose, making the playoffs would require a miracle.

2. One of the two undefeated teams will lose in Week 6. The Packers could easily come into Houston and knock the Texans out and the Raiders could run wild on the Falcons defense with Darren McFadden. There will be only one undefeated team left after this week. Mark it down.

3. Kansas City Chiefs fans should be absolutely ashamed of themselves for booing an injured Matt Cassel. Eric Winston said it all.

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4. Boy, did the San Fransisco 49ers look good against the Buffalo Bills. The Texans and Falcons are a bit better right now, but nobody wants to play these guys right now. The 49ers rushed for 300 yards and threw for 300 yards. Talk about balance.

5. Congratulations to Drew Brees for breaking Johnny Unitas' record of 47 consecutive games with a touchdown pass. I still didn't like the fact that Sean Payton was allowed to attend the game. Punishments in the NFL should stand firm with no special exception.

6. Best wishes and prayers go out to Chuck Pagano. Seeing his Colts take down Green Bay surely lifted his spirits.

7. It looks like Chris Johnson's career is finished. He rushed for 24 yards on 15 attempts against the Vikings, further proving that his humongous contract was a death sentence for the Titans.

8. People forget that Mark Sanchez has beaten Tom Brady in New England, Peyton Manning in Indy, and Matt Schaub in Houston. Sanchez can compete with these quarterback studs if he is suited with the right pieces. He has no talent around him and is facing all the blame. It's not his fault.

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9. Don't be surprised if the Chicago Bears sign WR Plaxico Burress. He will replace Alshon Jeffery who has a broken bone in his hand and will be sidelines for 4-6 weeks. Cutler will have another huge target to go along with Brandon Marshall. The Bears offense should be even more powerful.

10. The loss of Brian Cushing for the season has put Houston's Super Bowl aspirations in jeopardy. Cushing leads the team in tackles and is the vocal leader of the defense. The Texans must use the same philosophy they did a season ago—Next Man Up.

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