Predicting Post-Week 5 NFL Power Rankings

Now that teams have reached the quarter pole of the 2013 NFL season, some have begun to separate themselves from the pack as elite squads, while others have more question marks than when the season started. While there are plenty of games left to be played, Week 5 could go a long way toward answering some of those questions.

With four winless teams and five undefeated teams entering the week, it's likely that something has to give. The week-to-week happenings this season haven't been predictable—with a few notable exceptions—so it's nearly impossible to say how the balance of power will look once Week 5 comes and goes.

Despite that, here is a projected look at where each team will stand in the NFL hierarchy following Week 5's slate of games.

*Records are projected after Week 5

32. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-5)

Based on how poorly the Jags are playing on both sides of the ball, it's entirely possible they won't win a game all season long. They were throttled 37-3 at home by the high-powered Indianapolis Colts in Week 4, and things won't get much easier in Week 5 as they'll travel to St. Louis to take on the Rams.

The Rams have some problems in their own right, but Sam Bradford and Co. shouldn't have much trouble moving the ball. Jacksonville needs running back Maurice Jones-Drew to play like a superstar to succeed, but it looks like he may be on the downside of his career.

31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-4)

Perhaps no team has ever needed a bye week as desperately as the Buccaneers do right now. Not only are they 0-4, but they have a combustible situation at quarterback. Josh Freeman was benched in favor of rookie Mike Glennon in Week 4, and he was subsequently listed as inactive—which CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora views as a clear sign that Freeman is on his way out the door:

Tampa may not have a game this week, but it has work to do to figure out how to handle its disgruntled signal-caller.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers (0-4)

Like the Bucs, the Steelers will use Week 5 to regroup. Not even a trip to England could cure Pittsburgh's woes as it dropped a tough decision to the Minnesota Vikings to fall to 0-4. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the offense have come alive to a certain extent, but the defense isn't playing up to Steel Curtain standards.

Head coach Mike Tomlin is a great motivator, so he'll have his team ready to compete in Week 6.

29. Philadelphia Eagles (1-4)

The Eagles entered the season with great expectations, and they were heightened following an impressive Week 1 victory over the Washington Redskins. It has been all downhill from there, though, as the Eagles haven't won a game since, and they were trashed 52-20 by the Denver Broncos in Week 4.

Philly has a chance to bury one of its division rivals on the road this week as it takes on the winless New York Giants. Even if Chip Kelly's uptempo offense is able to put some points on the board, the Eagles have the worst defense in football, and they won't be able to stop a motivated Giants team.

28. New York Giants (1-4)

The 2013 season has gotten off to an absolutely nightmarish start for the Giants, and they are 0-4 for the first time since 1987. They had a chance to turn things around against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4, but they couldn't get anything going on either side of the ball. There have been rumblings about head coach Tom Coughlin possibly getting fired, but defensive end Justin Tuck won't allow his teammates to turn on their coach, according to NFL on FOX.

It's now or never for the G-Men, as a win could very well pull them to within one game of the NFC East lead if the Dallas Cowboys lose this week. That should be incentive enough for New York to finally wake up.

27. Oakland Raiders (1-4)

Oakland has played much better than most expected through the first month of the season, but it is still 1-3 and in last place in the AFC West. The Raiders could get themselves back in it to some degree with a win over the San Diego Chargers on Sunday night; however, the Bolts are really hitting their stride offensively.

The Raiders held quarterback Terrelle Pryor out of their Week 4 game with a concussion, but all signs point toward him being ready to go in Week 5 unless there is some type of setback. Oakland is likely to put some points on the board with Pryor back in the fold, but it won't be able to stop Philip Rivers and the San Diego offense.

26. Minnesota Vikings (1-3)

After losing their first three games by a total of 15 points, the Vikings were finally able to close one out in Week 4. Minnesota had to travel across the pond to do it, and it took a great start from backup quarterback Matt Cassel as well. Cassel has probably earned himself another start, but Week 5 is a bye week for Minnesota.

The true key to Minnesota's win was the tough running of reigning NFL MVP Adrian Peterson, who will have to be superhuman moving forward for the Vikings to compete in the difficult NFC North.

25. Washington Redskins (1-3)

Like the Vikings, the Redskins were finally able to notch one in the win column in Week 4, grinding out a road win over the Raiders. Quarterback Robert Griffin III was far from spectacular, but the defense finally gave him support, which ultimately made a difference. As crazy as it seems, Washington is now just a game behind the Cowboys for first in the NFC East.

Although the 'Skins are idle this week, they could pull within a half game of Dallas if the Cowboys are unable to right the ship in Week 5.

24. Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are a difficult team to figure, as they have some good pieces on both sides of the ball but rarely put it all together. The poor play of Buccaneers rookie quarterback Mike Glennon allowed the Cards to even their record at 2-2 in Week 4, but quarterback Carson Palmer and the Arizona offense struggled to get anything going.

Arizona will host a Carolina Panthers team that is fresh off a bye in Week 5, so it can expect some new wrinkles to be thrown its way by Cam Newton and the Carolina offense. With the Panthers defense playing great this year as well, it doesn't bode well for the Cards this weekend.

23. Buffalo Bills (2-3)

The Bills surprised plenty of observers with their win over the Ravens in Week 4, but they lost that momentum with a road loss to the Browns on Thursday night. 

Things could get worse before they get better, too, as dynamic rookie quarterback E.J. Manuel was forced from the game with a knee injury. 

22. St. Louis Rams (2-3)

The Rams have been pathetic since a come-from-behind win over the Cardinals in Week 1, but there is no better antidote for poor play than a date with the Jaguars. There are a number of areas in which St. Louis needs to improve, including running the ball with Daryl Richardson and stopping the run on defense.

Luckily for the Rams, the Jags have the worst run defense and the second-worst run offense, so they are an ideal opponent. If the Rams can't get the job done this week, they might as well throw in the towel on this season.

21. New York Jets (2-3)

After a dominant offensive performance against the Bills in Week 3, the Jets appeared as though they may be much better than advertised. Rookie quarterback Geno Smith took a big step back against the Tennessee Titans in Week 4, and he'll have his hands full on the road against an ornery Atlanta Falcons team on Monday night.

The Jets have been very good against the run, but with running back Steven Jackson still ailing, Atlanta could very well pass on almost every down. Quarterback Matt Ryan knows he needs to put his team on his back, and that is exactly what he'll do in a win over the Jets in Week 5.

20. Baltimore Ravens (2-3)

The Ravens are the football embodiment of Jekyll and Hyde, as it's unclear which team will show up on a weekly basis. The defending Super Bowl champions were back in business a couple weeks ago, easily defeating the Houston Texans, but they were nowhere to be found in Week 4 as quarterback Joe Flacco's five interceptions led directly to a road loss to the Bills.

Baltimore will remain on the road this week against the 3-1 Miami Dolphins. While the Dolphins were handled easily by the New Orleans Saints in Week 4, they still look like one of the league's better all-around teams. Miami has a very opportunistic defense, and it will take advantage of Flacco if he falters again in Week 5.

19. Cleveland Browns (3-2)

After seemingly giving up on the season by trading star running back Trent Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts, the Browns have come to life over the past two weeks with upset wins against the Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals, respectively. The Browns then knocked off the Buffalo Bills, 37-24, to take over first place in the AFC North. 

However, Brian Hoyer, who was playing so well, reportedly tore ligaments in his knee and Brandon Weeden didn't instill much confidence with his backup performance. 

18. Atlanta Falcons (2-3)

Atlanta entered the season among the top Super Bowl contenders, but a 1-3 start has the Falcons on the brink of fading into oblivion. A win is absolutely paramount in Week 5, especially after dropping a crucial home game in Week 4. Atlanta couldn't quite outlast the New England Patriots on Sunday night, however it has a much more favorable matchup on tap against the New York Jets.

The Falcons are sixth in the league when it comes to stopping the run, and New York will struggle to get anything going on offense unless running back Bilal Powell is effective. Also, the Jets defense has just one interception on the year, which means quarterback Matt Ryan will sling the ball all over the field without fear.

17. Dallas Cowboys (2-3)

The NFC East is there for the taking, but as has been the case for the past several years, the Cowboys have been unable to take the bull by the horns. Dallas could have really put a stranglehold on first place with a win over the Chargers in Week 4; however, the Cowboys defense couldn't contain Rivers, running back Danny Woodhead and the rest of the San Diego offense.

Dallas is now in an extremely difficult situation as host of the undefeated Denver Broncos this weekend. Even though quarterback Tony Romo and the Cowboys offense should be able to move the ball, no team has proven capable of slowing down Peyton Manning. Denver is a well-oiled machine that simply can't be stopped, and it will roll through the Cowboys on Sunday.

16. Houston Texans (2-3)

Houston came incredibly close to pulling off a huge win over the NFC-leading Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, but a late interception by Texans quarterback Matt Schaub essentially blew the game. The Texans needed huge come-from-behind efforts to win their first two games of the season as well, so it can be argued that Houston is lucky to be 2-2 rather than 0-4 right now.

The Texans are now in the unenviable position of having to travel west to take on the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night. This promises to be a hard-hitting defensive affair, but the Niners unquestionably have the advantage after turning things around against the Rams last week. If Houston drops to 2-3, it will have to enter scramble mode to stay in the AFC South race.

15. Carolina Panthers (2-2)

After scoring a much-needed victory over the Giants in Week 3, the Panthers had a bye week to think things over. Carolina probably would have liked to capitalize on the momentum that it created, but the extra time could prove essential in its preparation for the important road tilt against the Cardinals.

Cam Newton really seemed to right the ship in Week 3, and running back DeAngelo Williams is running well too. The true key for Carolina moving forward, though, may be its stout defense. With Palmer struggling under center for the Cardinals, look for the Panthers to take full advantage.

14. Tennessee Titans (3-2)

The Titans have been one of the league's most pleasant surprises so far this season with a record of 3-1, but the sledding promises to get much tougher moving forward. Not only will Tennessee host the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs in Week 5, but it will have to get the job done without starting quarterback Jake Locker, who will miss at least a month with a hip injury, according to NFL: Around The League.

Ryan Fitzpatrick will start in Locker's place, and while Fitzpatrick is a capable quarterback, he doesn't have the playmaking ability that Locker does. The Chiefs boast one of the league's most ferocious defenses, and they'll put pressure on Fitzpatrick. With Locker on the shelf, Tennessee simply won't have enough offensive firepower.

13. Detroit Lions (3-2)

The Lions officially announced that they are back in business by taking out the division rival Chicago Bears on Sunday. The Lions defense is still a work in progress, but the Matthew Stafford-to-Calvin Johnson combination is as good as it gets, and running back Reggie Bush is playing spectacular football. Despite all of that, the Lions will be hard-pressed to build on that win against the Green Bay Packers in Week 5.

While the Packers are just 1-2, they have had close calls against some solid teams, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers is enough to keep them in any game. Also, the Lions will have to leave the friendly confines of Ford Field in favor of Lambeau Field, which certainly doesn't bode well for their chances to move to 4-1.

12. San Diego Chargers (3-2)

If not for late blown leads against the Texans and Titans, respectively, the Chargers could be in a three-way tie for the AFC West lead at 4-0. San Diego is 2-2 instead, but there is reason for optimism. Rivers is back in Pro Bowl form under center, tight end Antonio Gates looks like he's 25 years old again and Danny Woodhead has given the Chargers a great deal of depth in the backfield along with Ryan Mathews and Ronnie Brown.

The Chargers have a tricky game on tap against the Raiders on the road, but there is nothing to suggest that Oakland can slow down San Diego's dynamic offense. Mike McCoy's team appears to be for real, and it needs to beat the Raiders to prove it.

11. Indianapolis Colts (3-2)

After crushing the 49ers and Jaguars in consecutive weeks, the Colts may have established themselves as the AFC South favorites. They have another big challenge on their hands in Week 5, though, as they will host the undefeated Seahawks. The Colts now have a balanced offense thanks to quarterback Andrew Luck and running back Trent Richardson, but the Seahawks defense is playing at an entirely different level.

Seattle was very nearly tripped up by Houston in Week 4, but that close call should be a good thing for the Seahawks moving forward. Indy's defense has played well over the past couple weeks, but it is still very much a question mark, and quarterback Russell Wilson along with running back Marshawn Lynch should be able to take advantage of it.

10. Cincinnati Bengals (3-2)

It's difficult to believe in the Bengals after an uninspiring loss to the Browns in Week 4, but Cincinnati still has the makings of a Super Bowl contender. The Bengals defense wasn't to blame for the loss as much as the play of quarterback Andy Dalton. While Dalton has shown flashes of brilliance over the course of his NFL career, he isn't an elite quarterback, which could be a problem moving forward.

Dalton has a great chance to redeem himself in Week 5, though, as the Bengals will host the undefeated New England Patriots. The Pats have overcome the odds without key players like Danny Amendola and Rob Gronkowski for much of the season, but they have yet to beat a team that is currently above .500. The Bengals aren't above .500 either, but they'll come up with a big performance in Week 5 to move to 3-2.

9. Miami Dolphins (4-1)

The Dolphins were bound to lose eventually, and they came crashing down to earth on Monday night against the Saints. Even so, there is a lot to like about this Miami team. The big issue on Monday was that the defense couldn't contain Drew Brees—it isn't the first to have that problem. The offense had its moments, and it may have been able to hang in there if it didn't abandon Lamar Miller and the running game so early.

Miami will host the Ravens in Week 5, who are coming off a pitiful performance against the Bills. Baltimore was gashed by Buffalo's running game, so Miller could be in for a huge showing on Sunday. Also, quarterback Ryan Tannehill has been a steady presence for the Dolphins through the season's first month, and he should be able to lead the Dolphins past the Super Bowl champs.

8. Green Bay Packers (2-2)

Green Bay had a long week to think about its loss to the Bengals, and that should help Mike McCarthy's squad moving forward. It's often said that a team is what its record says it is, but few believe that the Packers are truly a 1-2 squad. Not only does the presence of Rodgers make Green Bay very dangerous, but running back Eddie Lacy's return seems imminent as well, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Packers are a dangerous team when they're balanced offensively, and the Lions will figure that out firsthand on Sunday. Green Bay is allowing more than 29 points per game, so Detroit will get its licks in on offense, but Rodgers will ultimately take the game over and will his team to 2-2.

7. San Francisco 49ers (3-2)

The 49ers have suffered through a Super Bowl hangover to a certain extent this season with a record of 2-2, but they seemed to figure things out on the defensive side of the ball last week against the Rams. San Francisco absolutely shut down the St. Louis running game, and it ran the ball well on offense in its own right, so it's fair to say that the Niners got back to their roots.

San Francisco will host the Texans in an intriguing Sunday night matchup in Week 5, and a win is paramount with the Seahawks starting to pull away. Houston's defense is solid, but it is in the bottom third of the league against the run, which bodes well for Colin Kaepernick, Frank Gore and Co. As long as the Niners continue to play great defense and a ball-control offense, they'll be in good shape.

6. New England Patriots (4-1)

Things have been far from perfect for the Patriots this season, but their record suggests otherwise. New England is off to a 4-0 start despite the fact that it has been ravaged by injuries. The absence of several offensive weapons has hurt quarterback Tom Brady, but nose tackle Vince Wilfork is likely out for the season, according to Shalise Manza Young of The Boston Globe, which could be even more devastating.

Wilfork's absence will be especially noticeable against the Bengals in Week 5, as Cincinnati will do everything possible to get Giovani Bernard and ex-Pat BenJarvus Green-Ellis going on the ground. If they are able to have success, it will open things up for Dalton, A.J. Green and the Bengals passing attack. The Pats have shown a lot of grit so far this season, but their luck will run out on Sunday.

5. New Orleans Saints (4-1)

If there were any questions remaining about whether the Saints are officially back, they were answered on Monday as New Orleans had no trouble taking care of the Dolphins in the Superdome. If not for Peyton Manning, Brees would easily be in the driver's seat when it comes to NFL MVP honors, as he can't be stopped. It's possible that the Saints will meet their match on Sunday, though.

The Bears are coming off a tough loss to the Lions on the road, but they still have all the tools necessary to make a run in the NFC. The main key moving forward will be steady, mistake-free play from quarterback Jay Cutler. Although the Bears are allowing nearly 278 passing yards per game, their physical secondary has six interceptions, and it may be able to disrupt Brees' timing. With Chicago at home, they're a solid bet to hand New Orleans its first loss of the year.

4. Chicago Bears (4-1)

The aforementioned Bears have really come together under new head coach Marc Trestman, the loss to Detroit notwithstanding. Cutler had been playing great before faltering a bit in Week 4, and running back Matt Forte is finally being used to his potential. Not only are the Bears properly balanced on offense, but their defense still has plenty of playmakers who can make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.

Truth be told, Brees will probably throw for 300 yards against the Bears just like he does every week, but he won't be able to cruise through the game like he did against the Dolphins. Provided the Bears can vary their coverages to hold Jimmy Graham in check to a certain extent, they'll keep themselves in the game and have a great chance to knock off the Saints.

3. Kansas City Chiefs (5-0)

The Chiefs may not be as sexy as some of the other undefeated teams in the league right now, but they simply get the job done. Kansas City had no trouble taking care of the Giants in Week 4 thanks to fantastic defense, steady play by quarterback Alex Smith and explosive rushing by running back Jamaal Charles. They have a very interesting matchup on the horizon against the Titans on the road in Week 5.

While the Titans are somewhat similar to the Chiefs in that their defensive acumen has kept them in games all season long, the fact that Fitzpatrick is starting at quarterback may hold them back. Fitzpatrick had his moments with the Bills, but KC is first in the league with 18 sacks, and it will be in his grill all day long.

2. Seattle Seahawks (5-0)

Great defense and timely offense are the Seahawks' calling cards, and they came through yet again on Sunday in a comeback win over the Texans. It was a much closer call than head coach Pete Carroll would have liked, but the Seahawks are still clearly the NFC's best team. Seattle has another tough AFC South test on the horizon in Week 5 at the Indianapolis Colts; however, no team has been able to solve Seattle's defense to this point.

The Colts certainly have hope thanks to their new-found offensive balance, but it isn't as if Luck and Richardson have been lights out since joining forces. Also, with Richard Sherman locking down one half of the field for Seattle, Indy's game plan will be compromised. The Colts still don't have the best run defense either, which means a big day for Lynch and the Seahawks is in store.

1. Denver Broncos (5-0)

Detractors will point to the fact that the Broncos defense is in the middle of the pack, but that simply doesn't matter when they're scoring nearly 45 points per game. Manning has been absolutely ridiculous, which has opened things up for the three-headed monster of Knowshon Moreno, Ronnie Hillman and Montee Ball in the backfield. Denver's offense is so good that it equaled the Jaguars' season total in points in the second half against Philly in Week 4, according to Numbers Never Lie.

That also points to how bad the Jaguars are, but it's more about Denver's dominance. The Broncos have a tough matchup on their hands at Dallas this week, as the Cowboys are capable of playing like an elite team, but it doesn't seem likely that they'll be able to slow Manning down unless DeMarcus Ware goes off. Until a team unlocks the secret to keeping Denver's offense in check, the Broncos are the class of the league.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter