(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
Week Five of the NFL season was anything but boring.
We saw a bunch of close games go into overtime and we saw a couple upsets.
These weren't just little upsets that didn't effect the top of the NFL, these were monumental upsets that could change the way a team believes in themselves the rest of 2009.
For the fans in Denver and Cincinnati, they didn't have much hope going into September of 2009. Now, there is so much hope in those two respective cities that playoff dreams are happening.
The Monday Night Football game was also very exciting and maybe even the best one played so far in 2009.
The Dolphins and the Jets re-newed their rivalry and fought like a heavyweight prize fight, trading touchdowns like they were heavy right hands. In the end, Ronnie Brown took a snap out of the Wildcat Offense and found a way into the end-zone with six seconds left to win the game 31-27 for the Dolphins.
The top 10 of the NFL rankings have changed slightly. With that loss to Miami, the Jets were knocked off the top. So were a few of the other teams that lost in Week Five. Let's take a look at who is still remaining.
10. Baltimore Ravens (7) (3-2, Lost 17-14 to the Cincinnati Bengals)
The Ravens were so close on Sunday to winning their game at home against the Bengals.
But, a personal foul call against Ray Lewis, a pass interference call against Ed Reed and a game-winning touchdown with 22 seconds left and the Ravens were left in shock as they dropped their second straight game.
The Ravens defense didn't have a good day trying to stop the pass (271 yards) or the run (142 yards), which is very non-Baltimore like, especially since they were near the top earlier in the season.
Next week, they travel to the Metrodome to play the Vikings, which is another tough test for Baltimore. Another loss to Baltimore and they might find themselves off this list and possibly in third place in the AFC North.
Next week will really determine if the Ravens are serious about being a playoff team again, especially since Minnesota is looking like one already.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (UR) (3-2, Won 28-20 against the Detroit Lions)
Two weeks ago, the Steelers were looking like a hurting team. Two weeks later and two consecutive wins later, the Steelers are right back on top of the NFL scene, and it has a lot to do with Ben Roethlisberger.
After a productive week against the Chargers last week, Big Ben throws for 277 yards and three touchdown passes in the win against Detroit.
Rashard Mendenhall had another good day on the ground for Pittsburgh with 93 total yards and one touchdown.
The Lions tried to make it close, but they are still the re-building Lions. Just the fact that they have one win and won't go 0-16 again is enough. But trying to beat the defending champions may have been a stretch.
Next week, the Steelers will get the Browns at home. The Browns won a game, so they also won't be going 0-16 either, so following in the Lions pattern, they should be taking a loss from the Steelers to wake them up to reality.
8. Chicago Bears (8) (3-1, Bye Week in Week Five)
The Bears had Week Five off and they stay right in the thick of the NFC playoff chase and the NFC North chase at 3-1.
They have yet to take on the Vikings, but as long as they stay with the one loss, they are in the hunt of things.
Jay Cutler has been playing very well this season with 901 passing yards and eight touchdowns with five interceptions. Three of those picks were in Week One against the Packers. After that, Cutler has been solid in Chicago.
Matt Forte has gotten off to a slow start with 271 yards and only one touchdown. He's a big part of the offense and needs to find a way to get involved more if the Bears want to compete.
What's been a bigger surprise is the Bears are playing well without Brian Urlacher, who is on Injured Reserve. How long it holds up for the Bears will be a question.
7. Atlanta Falcons (UR) (3-1, Won 45-10 against the San Francisco 49ers)
After a bye week, the Falcons were on the road against the 49ers in a very critical NFC match-up. The 49ers were also 3-1 and looking to take more control of the NFC West.
But that was not meant to be for the 49ers as from start to finish, the Falcons kicked San Francisco's rear ends from one end-zone to the other.
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