NFL Power Rankings: Teams Poised to Rise in Week 5

The Kansas City Chiefs are 4-0, the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers are 0-4, and the defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens are just 2-2—if you predicted that to be the case heading into Week 5, then you must be some sort of all-seeing entity.

Kansas City is one of five undefeated teams at this point in the season—the Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks are all flawless as well. Week 5 isn't about the undefeateds, though. Several teams that have either underperformed or fallen victim to some bad luck will be looking to climb the rankings.

There are several intriguing matchups this week that will make for some tight games, and the teams looking to rise in the ranks will have to pull out all the stops to win. Losing close games to lesser teams is never conducive to bettering a team's rank, though taking close losses to top-notch teams can go a long way in rising up.

The following is the NFL's power ranking after Week 4, but know that it is most definitely subject to change following Week 5. There are several teams poised to make a run at moving up the rankings and back to where they expected to be prior to the season.

1. Denver Broncos (4-0, at Dallas Cowboys)

Can anybody stop the Denver Broncos?

They've put up 179 points through four games, Peyton Manning is on pace for 64 touchdowns and zero interceptions, and the defense has been stout even without Von Miller. Oh yeah, and they have absolutely no running game.

This team's unreal production is certainly deserving of the top spot in the rankings, and it may be a few weeks before they relinquish this spot.

2. Seattle Seahawks (4-0, at Indianapolis Colts)

In any other season, the Seattle Seahawks would be No. 1 with the type of team they have constructed. Seattle has a playmaking, game-managing quarterback in Russell Wilson, a consistent rusher in Marshawn Lynch and a stellar defense that causes havoc in the backfield and in the air.

Seattle won't have to worry much about the Colts, as the defense will force Andrew Luck to move from the pocket and either throw off balance or make plays with his legs. Look for a ton of errant passes and an interception or two along the way.

Seattle is undoubtedly a top contender for the Super Bowl.

3. New Orleans Saints (4-0, at Chicago Bears)

Head coach Sean Payton is back, and so are the winning ways of the New Orleans Saints. Drew Brees is back to hitting any (and every) open receiver on the field, and the defense is even playing better under the guidance of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

The Chicago Bears represent a tough matchup for New Orleans in Week 5. Chicago was almost 4-0, but a tough loss to the Detroit Lions handed the team its first loss of the season. New Orleans will have to work in Week 5 to remain undefeated.

4. Kansas City Chiefs (4-0, at Tennessee Titans)

The Kansas City Chiefs have been the most surprising of the undefeateds, and Alex Smith and Andy Reid have worked wonders for a franchise so used to mediocrity. Kansas City's schedule is pretty favorable for the foreseeable future, so the Chiefs have an opportunity to keep their unbeaten streak going late into the season.

Their focus in Week 5 will be the Tennessee Titans, but without Jake Locker, the Titans will find it difficult to hang with the Chiefs. Look for Kansas City to stay undefeated, and don't expect the game to be close.

5. New England Patriots (4-0, at Cincinnati Bengals)

The New England Patriots faced scares in Weeks 1 and 2 against the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets, but aside from that, they have been flawless this season. Having almost lost to two lesser AFC East opponents, it's impossible to rank them higher than No. 5.

The Cincinnati Bengals are a team that could potentially give the Patriots problems in Week 5. Tom Brady's problems developing chemistry with his young receivers is a serious concern, and A.J. Green is always a threat to go off for Cincinnati.

This game should be a good one down to the final minutes.

6. Chicago Bears (3-1, vs. New Orleans Saints)

The Chicago Bears could have been 4-0 had they limited Reggie Bush of the Detroit Lions in Week 4, but expect them to come out ready to play in Week 5 against the Saints.

Jay Cutler is on pace for a career-high 32 touchdown passes and has utilized his weapons well through the air. Matt Forte has been consistent on the ground, and the defense is playing pretty well (aside from its Week 4 performance).

It'll be tough to beat New Orleans, but limiting turnovers and controlling the clock will give Chicago the best chance at victory. You simply can't let Brees have too many opportunities.

7. Indianapolis Colts (3-1, vs. Seattle Seahawks)

The Indianapolis Colts are poised to compete for the foreseeable future. Andrew Luck, Coby Fleener, T.Y. Hilton and Trent Richardson give them a young nucleus to build around. Even now, the Colts are already in a position to be a playoff team.

They face a ridiculously tough test in Week 5 against the Seahawks, and Luck will have to stay poised in the pocket and hit his receivers downfield. He will, however, have to watch out for the likes of Richard Sherman in the secondary. Sherman will more than likely be Reggie Wayne's shadow for the entirety of the game.

Despite a potential loss in Week 5, Indianapolis is a team to watch this season.

8. San Francisco 49ers (2-2, vs. Houston Texans)

Colin Kaepernick has been a major disappointment, the wide receivers haven't been helping him out much, and they have suffered a brutal loss on the road to the Seahawks.

So why are the San Francisco 49ers still in the top 10?

Simply put, this team has way too much potential to keep playing this way. Kaepernick will turn it around eventually, even if that doesn't happen this week against the Houston Texans. The Niners will be there in the end; they've just started a little slow.

9. Detroit Lions (3-1, at Green Bay Packers)

The Detroit Lions are one of this season's many surprises. It seems as if the addition of Reggie Bush at running back has given them the added dimension on offense that they've so desperately needed, and now the Lions are poised to move up the ranks in Week 5 with a win against the Green Bay Packers.

Even though Green Bay is 1-2, beating them would be a huge morale boost for the Lions. Green Bay has had the edge in the division for the past several seasons, and defeating the Packers would bring Detroit one step closer to its goal of making the playoffs.

It won't be easy, though. The Packers defense isn't great at all, so Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford and Bush should all have big games. It's the Packers offense that's worrisome. It's never a good idea to sleep on Aaron Rodgers and his armada of capable receivers. Even without a great running game, Green Bay is potent.

This game will come down to which defense makes fewer mistakes. If Detroit wins, look for the Lions to shoot up the power rankings.

10. Miami Dolphins (3-1, vs. Baltimore Ravens)

Ryan Tannehill and the Miami Dolphins have also surprised this season. Wins against the Atlanta Falcons and Colts have highlighted their schedule at this point, but a win against the Baltimore Ravens would be an even bigger victory.

Tannehill has matured immensely since his rookie season, and newcomer Mike Wallace seems to have found his role in the offense. Brian Hartline has also performed well as a receiving option for Tannehill, and his progression is the real reason why the Dolphins are back to being successful.

11. Cincinnati Bengals (2-2, vs. New England Patriots)

Andy Dalton and the Bengals are still a season or two away from competing for a Super Bowl, but this team has almost all the pieces in place to contend for a title.

A.J. Green is a top-tier wide receiver in the NFL, Giovani Bernard has great potential at running back, and the defense ranks among the NFL's best. Dalton is the perfect guy to lead the charge as a game manager who can capitalize on mistakes by defenders, and his ability to do so in Week 5 against the Patriots will determine where they stand in next week's rankings.

12. Tennessee Titans (3-1, vs. Kansas City Chiefs)

The Tennessee Titans have enjoyed a 3-1 start because of the maturation of quarterback Jake Locker, but his hip injury leaves them with Ryan Fitzpatrick under center for the next several weeks.

That is not a situation the Titans are happy to be in. Locker should be happy if he re-inherits the team with a 4-3 or 4-4 record. At that point, look for him to go back to making plays and leading his team. Tennessee is a team that could drop down the rankings until he returns.

13. Green Bay Packers (1-2, vs. Detroit Lions)

Aaron Rodgers and his receivers will have a tough go of it in Week 5. The Lions aren't the same mediocre team they were a season ago, and their potent offense will be strolling into Lambeau Field looking to steal a win away from the Packers.

Once considered NFC favorites, the Packers need a win to get back on track and save their season. A 1-3 start isn't impossible to balance back out, but it certainly wouldn't be an easy task.

14. Baltimore Ravens (2-2, at Miami Dolphins)

The reigning Super Bowl champs are reeling, having lost to the Buffalo Bills 23-20 in Week 4. Joe Flacco has yet to make an attempt at living up to that huge contract, Ray Rice has battled injuries, and the defense is still looking to find that edge that Ray Lewis and Ed Reed used to bring to the table.

There's no doubting the talent of this Ravens team, but Baltimore has yet to put it all together this season. Miami will be a tough opponent, and a loss to the Dolphins would further dampen the Ravens' chances at defending their title.

15. Atlanta Falcons (1-3, vs. New York Jets)

The Atlanta Falcons were NFC favorites following their great season in 2012, but losses to the Dolphins and Patriots in back-to-back weeks have dropped them to 1-3 on the season. A loss to the New York Jets would be a tough loss to come back from.

Matt Ryan and Co. can gain big-time ground with a win, though. The Falcons are a talented team just waiting to break out, and it's only a matter of time before it happens. The offense is stacked with weapons (Julio Jones, Roddy White, Steven Jackson, Tony Gonzalez, etc.), and all they have to do is get hot at the same time.

A win would prove that the Falcons have simply had bad luck in recent weeks. Barring the results of some of the teams ahead of them, a convincing enough win against the Jets could propel the Falcons back toward the top 10.

It would take another win from there for the Falcons to crack the top 10, but it's not an impossible task. The Jets are struggling right now, so this represents perfect timing for Atlanta. Look for the Falcons to start to get hot and get back in the win column.

16. Houston Texans (2-2, at San Francisco 49ers)

The Houston Texans are another team with the chance to rise the ranks with a win in Week 5. Houston was considered a top team in the AFC prior to the season, but losses to Seattle and Baltimore in consecutive weeks have left the team looking for answers.

The 49ers are certainly more talented, but a win against them would likely put the two teams next to each other in the power rankings. If Matt Schaub and Arian Foster can exploit the stout defense of the 49ers, then Houston could presumably move up to No. 12 or so in the rankings. On a week-to-week basis, that represents a significant jump.

The key to beating San Francisco will be limiting Colin Kaepernick. Thankfully for Houston, Kaepernick hasn't exactly been dynamic this season. By making him uncomfortable under center and taking advantage of the defense when opportunities arise, the Texans can win.

There's still time for Houston to right the ship, though it's hard to see anybody competing with Denver in the AFC. Regardless, Houston can make a run at it if the team gets back to its winning ways soon.

17. San Diego Chargers (2-2, at Oakland Raiders)

Philip Rivers is playing like a man possessed, but he just lost wide receiver Malcom Floyd for the rest of the season. This will make his job a little harder, but with the way he's been throwing the football, Rivers should be fine moving forward.

The Raiders should be an easy matchup for Rivers, but San Diego's defense may struggle if Terrelle Pryor, Darren McFadden and Marcel Reece are active. The defense will be San Diego's biggest question all season long.

18. Dallas Cowboys (2-2, vs. Denver Broncos)

We might as well chalk up a loss for the Dallas Cowboys. It's not so much them as it is the fact that the Broncos are coming to town.

The Cowboys are leading the NFC East by default, though they have endured their own struggles this season. Tony Romo looks great, but the defense has been shotty at times, and their losses to the Chiefs and Chargers were tough ones to swallow.

Look for Dallas to put up a fight, but don't expect a win in Week 5.

19. Cleveland Browns (2-2, vs. Buffalo Bills)

A team without Trent Richardson and Brandon Weeden—both first-round picks from last season—is 2-2? Well, you can thank Brian Hoyer for that one.

The Browns have been one of the more talked-about teams this season (both for trading Richardson and winning without him), but their matchup with the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night could bring them back down to reality.

It's hard to rely on Hoyer and Willis McGahee for offensive production, even if Jordan Cameron and Josh Gordon are off to nice starts to the season. It's all about balance.

20. New York Jets (2-2, at Atlanta Falcons)

Geno Smith has been incredibly inconsistent—which is expected from most rookie quarterbacks—but the New York Jets still don't have the weapons around him to make him successful.

Santonio Holmes, Kellen Winslow and Bilal Powell have performed well, but those aren't the type of guys to further Smith's development. Smith needs a big-time playmaker or two around him to really excel.

Regardless, not many predicted the Jets to have two wins through four weeks, and their spot at No. 20 is deserved.

21. Buffalo Bills (2-2, at Cleveland Browns)

E.J. Manuel has the Bills playing pretty well, but there are simply too many questions surrounding the run game in Buffalo. C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson are inconsistent and oft-injured, and Tashard Choice might even see looks this week if one misses the game.

Even with two wins (almost three if they had beaten New England), the Bills offense has too many question marks to put them any higher than No. 21.

22. Carolina Panthers (1-2, at Arizona Cardinals)

Aside from a beatdown put upon the New York Giants, the Carolina Panthers haven't shown much offensive potency this season. Cam Newton and Steve Smith still aren't really on the same page, even if Brandon LaFell has been a pleasant surprise.

DeAngelo Williams has had a strong season to date, and Mike Tolbert has rumbled in for a score on 19 attempts at fullback. The defensive line in Carolina is fantastic (see the game against the Giants), but there are still too many holes to fill on both sides of the ball.

23. Arizona Cardinals (2-2, vs. Carolina Panthers)

Carson Palmer has rejuvenated the career of Larry Fitzgerald, but the Arizona Cardinals still aren't a threat to the Seahawks in the NFC West. Heck, they aren't even a threat to the 49ers.

The trade of offensive lineman Levi Brown to the Pittsburgh Steelers, reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN, puts their standing for this season in question, and a loss to the Panthers in Week 5 would be a crushing loss.

The Cardinals may have holes, but the Panthers have even more holes.

24. Minnesota Vikings (1-3, Bye)

Christian Ponder and the Minnesota Vikings are on a much-needed bye week in Week 5. They beat the Steelers in Week 4, but losses to the Bears and Browns by a combined five points were painful for a team that made the playoffs last season.

Adrian Peterson has done his part to keep the team in contention, but the likes of the Lions and Packers in the division have made it difficult for Minnesota after the first quarter of the season.

The defense needs to step up in a big way after the bye week to make sure the team gets back on track.

25. St. Louis Rams, (1-3, vs. Jacksonville Jaguars)

A win against the Jacksonville Jaguars wouldn't be all that impressive of an accomplishment, but a win against anybody right now would be enough to restore some confidence to the team.

After starting 1-0, the Rams have suffered three straight losses to the Falcons, Cowboys and 49ers. The Rams were a team expected to make strides this season but have yet to do so through four games.

Sam Bradford is fully capable of leading his team to victory against Jacksonville, and a decisive enough win would be enough to propel the Rams back into the top 20 of the rankings.

Even with questions at running back for Week 5 and inconsistent performances all around the field, the Rams are talented enough to be a .500 team this season.

Winning against Jacksonville would be the best first step they could take in doing so.

26. Philadelphia Eagles (1-3, at New York Giants)

Chip Kelly's offense has really yet to produce high levels of production, even if Michael Vick has reaped the new benefits of the system. He seems to have more freedom to make his own choices and run more if he chooses.

That doesn't matter, though, if the team still isn't winning. A game in Week 5 against the winless New York Giants would be enough to get the Eagles on track. At 1-3, they aren't exactly a great team themselves.

27. Washington Redskins (1-3, Bye)

The Washington Redskins are on a bye this week, and the 1-3 team has struggled out of the gate. Robert Griffin III doesn't look like himself, and the defense has suffered stretches of ineffectiveness.

Washington is certainly a team that could rise in the rankings in the coming weeks, but a bye in Week 5 makes it difficult for the Redskins to move up any more than a spot or two. The best way to move up would be to get Griffin back on track as soon as possible.

28. Oakland Raiders (1-3, vs. San Diego Chargers)

Terrelle Pryor has brought excitement back to Oakland, but the Raiders are still a mediocre team that doesn't pass the ball well or run consistently.

Injuries and occasional mishaps on defense have been the defining moments of their season thus far, and those will continue to be the biggest storylines until the team can start stringing wins together.

29. Pittsburgh Steelers (0-4, Bye)

The Pittsburgh Steelers are also on a bye, and it couldn't come at a better time for the team. The lack of a running game has killed the Steelers this season, and Ben Roethlisberger hasn't been able to carry the load by himself.

A bye week to regroup and make a game plan for Week 6 against the Jets is the perfect remedy to one of the most disappointing starts of the NFL this season.

30. New York Giants (0-4, vs. Philadelphia Eagles)

For such a talented team, the Giants have played like the Jaguars this season. At 0-4, the Giants are in a place they haven't been in quite a long time—at the bottom looking up.

Eli Manning leads the league with nine interceptions, and the combination of Brandon Jacobs and David Wilson has produced almost nothing on the ground.

Luckily, the best team in the division is 2-2 (Dallas), so making up ground would appear to be a pretty easy task. Beating Philadelphia in Week 5 would be the first step in doing so, and the Giants would propel up the rankings with their first victory of the season this week.

Any team can get hot at any time in the season, and a hot streak is certainly in order for the Giants. Without one, the playoffs won't even be within the realm of possibility.

31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-4, Bye)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are quickly becoming the laughing stock of the NFL. The whole Josh Freeman saga has been both comical and pitiful as it's clear that Tampa Bay has not handled the situation well at all.

At 0-4, the jokes can get even worse. Rookie Mike Glennon is now under center, but it'll be a few games before he gets acclimated to the NFL. Wins will be hard to come by in Tampa Bay this season.

32. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-4, at St. Louis Rams)

The Jaguars made another pitch for league's worst team on Tuesday when they dealt offensive tackle Eugene Moore to the Baltimore Ravens for a few draft picks.

The deal works well for them in the long run, but now the team is even worse for 2013. With no quarterback, receivers or defense, it'll be a long time before the Jaguars enjoy a winning season again.

Maybe it's time for Tim Tebow?