The Fifth Down: The Best, The Worst, and the Biggest Suprises

Oakland Raiders (1-3) - Hard to consider these guys among the worst when they have a win on their record, right? Well, when Lane Kiffin left the team as he did, it was quite clear that this team is headed for nothing but the bottom. They have a sophomore quarterback in JaMarcus Russell. They're running game is progressing but hasn't solidified who has the job, and of course, not to mention the air game that hasn't seemed this quiet over Oakland since Sept. 12, 2001. (No offense to those in regards to 9/11) But taking terrorism off the docket, this team is bound to fall to the role of an AFC bottom-feeder.

Kansas City Chiefs (1-4) - Their one win this season can be related to sheer dumb luck; otherwise, this team is bound to contend with the Raiders for the lowest record in the AFC West. The Chiefs will limp into their bye week after a 34-0 shutout against the Carolina Panthers. They'll need the bye; they head into Week Seven on Oct. 19 at Arrowhead against the currently undefeated Tennessee Titans.

Dallas Cowboys (4-1) - I may be considered nuts, considering...
+The Cowboys are 4-1
+The Cowboys are one-half game out in the NFC East
+The Cowboys are a Super Bowl favorite
+The Cowboys are "America's Team"

My reasons for saying they are amongst the worst?
-The Cowboys lone loss is against a division foe, the Washington Redskins, in Dallas, 26-24.
-Are breaking down from the inside based on their expectations for Super Bowl glory.
-Their star receiver, Terrell Owens, is being a baby about not getting the ball enough, even though he's involved in one-third of their plays.
-In regards to the previous statement, their star receiver is reported to be...CRYING on the sideline?!

Ok, so on paper they have the best team, but seriously...is this what kind of team we want as a Super Bowl Champion?

The Best...(As of Week Five)

Many teams could qualify as the big and the bad...but without teams like Indy or the Pats dominating the NFL, who is to look out for? The undefeated went from as many as 16 teams after Week One down to just two after Week Five.

New York Giants (4-0) - After their 2007 Super Bowl upset against the Patriots, you were expecting someone else? Even without Plaxico Burress, the team's leading receiver, the Giants held onto their undefeated record. With how they've been playing, expect these guys to be playoff bound and possibly getting a bye in the first round.

Tennessee Titans (5-0) - Although this team has the most wins in the NFL right now, don't expect them to stay that way. Sure, these guys have proven themselves a winning team and most likely, a playoff team, but I find it hard to see Kerry Collins lead this team to a Super Bowl. They're in a poor division, which should guarantee them a spot in the playoffs.

There are other mentionable teams these days, but its hard to say who classifies as an underrated team and simply an unfortunate case of the slow starts, but the following could have a case.

Washington Redskins (4-1) - What with quarterback Jason Campbell eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark already, Clinton Portis being second in the NFC is yards gained, and Santana Moss successfully stretching secondaries; this team is bound for playoff football. Their victory over the Cowboys in Dallas proves they can go on the road against division rivals and play good football.

Surprise, Surprise! (As of Week Five)

(SELL) New England Patriots (3-1) - A Brady-less Pats team is fighting to be a contender this year. Don't be fooled by their 3-1 record, this team will be second place in the AFC East at best.

(BUY) Buffalo Bills (4-1) - Although this team lost horribly last Sunday to Arizona 41-17, this team is one that is unknown and has that underdog edge. Best to ride the lightning.

(SELL) San Diego Chargers (2-3) - This team is in shambles. After having big-time player LaDainian Tomlinson fall short as the season started, the Chargers are losing to teams like the...Miami Dolphins?! This is an early sign for ABORT, ABORT!

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