NFL Power Rankings Week 5: Where Do The San Francisco 49ers Rank?

Week 4 has come to a close, which means it's time for my weekly edition of NFL Power Rankings.

After an intriguing set of games, we've learned even more about key elements that can help us develop a better understanding of each team.

The San Francisco 49ers continue to disappoint, the Baltimore Ravens ended the Pittsburgh Steelers' bid for perfection, and the Chicago Bears literally got sacked to the ground by the New York Giants.

So, let's find out how all that and more affect my weekly Power Rankings.

32. Buffalo Bills (0-4)

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 20: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills readies to pass against the New England Patriots at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 20, 2009 in Orchard Park, New York. The Patriots won 17-10. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Image

Last Week: Lost 38-14 to New York Jets

Last Week's Ranking: #32 

Week in and week out, the Buffalo Bills prove that they're the worst team in the league.

Against the Jets, they allowed an astounding 273 rushing yards. This team needs a major reconstruction. 

This Week: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

31. Carolina Panthers (0-4)

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CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 26: DeAngelo Williams #34 and teammate Casey Clausen #2 of the Carolina Panthers against the Cincinnati Bengals during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter

Last Week: Lost 16-14 to New Orleans Saints

Last Week's Ranking: 31 

They almost beat the defending Super Bowl champions, but they are still winless. 

Looking at the bright side though, if Jimmy Clausen continues to improve, that won't be the case for long.

This Week: vs. Chicago Bears

30. Detroit Lions (0-4)

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GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 03: Calvin Johnson #81 of the Detroit Lions misses a touchdown catch in the end zone against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 3, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Lions 28-26. (Photo by Jonatha

Last Week: Lost 28-26 to Green Bay Packers

Last Week's Ranking: 27 (-3)

The Detroit Lions are much better than they've been in the past, and are clearly headed in the right direction. 

The only reason they drop is because the three teams behind them all won.

This Week: vs. St. Louis Rams

29. Oakland Raiders (1-3)

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GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 26: Runningback Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland Raiders rushes the football past Paris Lenon #51 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 26, 2010 in G

Last Week: Lost 31-27 to Houston Texans

Last Week's Ranking: 23 (-6) 

The Raiders have been competitive this season as their past two losses have been decided by seven or fewer points. 

So, their ranking drops because the teams behind them all won.

This Week: vs. San Diego Chargers

28. San Francisco 49ers (0-4)

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 03: Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass upfield against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 3, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Last Week: Lost 16-14 to Atlanta Falcons

Last Week Ranking: 24 (-4)

The San Francisco 49ers have been abysmal this season as they drop to 0-4.

Sure, three of their games have been on the road in some of the most hostile environments in the NFL, and the other was against the defending Super Bowl champions.

Nonetheless, there are no excuses. They must play better and finish ball games. 

This Week: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

27. Arizona Cardinals (2-2)

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GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 26: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Raiders

Last Week: Lost 41-10 to San Diego Chargers

Last Week Ranking: 21 (-6)

This team is an absolute mess, and I truly feel sorry for Larry Fitzgerald. It must be frustrating to have Derek Anderson as your quarterback.

This Week: vs. New Orleans Saints 

26. Cleveland Browns (1-3)

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CLEVELAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Running back Peyton Hillis #40 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Imag

Last Week: Won 23-20 over Cincinnati Bengals

Last Week Rankings: 30 (+4)

The Cleveland Browns finally mustered out a win, and Peyton Hillis is leading the way as he's rushed for 246 yards and two touchdowns over the past two weeks. 

Now, they need to improve their secondary. 

This Week: vs. Atlanta Falcons

25. Seattle Seahawks (2-2)

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SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 26: Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks returns an interception against the San Diego Chargers at Qwest Field on September 26, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Chargers 27-20. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty I

Last Week: Lost 20-3 to St. Louis Rams

Last Week Rankings: 19 (-6)

The Seattle Seahawks may be 2-2, but I think their record is extremely misleading.

They're one of the most inconsistent teams in the league, and after losing 20-3 to the Rams I have no choice but to drop them in my rankings.

Luckily, they have a week to cool off and get back on track.

This Week: BYE

24. Denver Broncos (2-2)

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 12: Quarterback Kyle Orton #8 of the Denver Broncos attempts a pass during the NFL season opener game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on September 12, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood

Last Week: Won 26-20 over Tennessee Titans

Last Week Ranking: 28 (+4)

The Denver Broncos are one of the most puzzling teams in the league, as they manage to find a way to win games. 

In my mind, a primary reason for that has been the tremendous play from quarterback Kyle Orton. 

This Week: @ Baltimore Ravens

23. St. Louis Rams (2-2)

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ST. LOUIS - OCTOBER 3: Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams looks to pass against the Seattle Seahawks at the Edward Jones Dome on October 3, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the Seahawks 20-3. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Last Week: Won 20-3 over Seattle Seahawks

Last Week Rankings: 25 (+2)

Led by rookie Sam Bradford, the St. Louis Rams are looking solid and are headed in the right direction.

To be honest, though, I can't believe they're currently proving to be the best team in the division. 

This Week: @ Detroit Lions

22. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2)

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 17: Maurice Jones-Drew #32 of the Jacksonville Jaguarsruns the ball against the Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on December 17, 2009 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Last Week: Won 31-28 over Indianapolis Colts

Last Week Rankings: 29 (+7)

Anytime you beat a team of the Colts' caliber, you're going to catapult up the rankings.

Let's see if they can keep it up. 

This Week: @ Buffalo Bills

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)

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CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 19: Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Last Week: Bye

Last Week Rankings: 17 (-4)

After winning their first two games, the Bucs showed their true colors with a crushing loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

The Buccaneers are coming off a bye, and it'll be interesting to see what type of adjustments they make.

This Week: @ Cincinnati Bengals

20. Minnesota Vikings (1-2)

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MINNEAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 26: Running back Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball around C.C. Brown #39 of the Detroit Lions for a touchdown during the second half at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on September 26, 2010 in Minneapolis,

Last Week: Bye

Last Week Rankings: 18 (-2)

This Week: @ New York Jets

19. Tennessee Titans (2-2)

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CHARLOTTE, NC - AUGUST 28: Runningback Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans walks on the sidelines before the start of their preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on August 28, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (P

Last Week: Lost 26-20 to Denver Broncos

Last Week Rankings: 15 (-4)

After being limited to under 60 yards for the second time this season, I'm starting to doubt Chris Johnson a bit, especially because he has a modest 3.8 YPC average.

He's the catalyst to this team, and needs to step it up if they want to win. 

This Week: @ Dallas Cowboys

18. Cincinnati Bengals (2-2)

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CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 26: Terrell Owens #81 of the Cincinnati Bengals against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Last Week: Lost 23-20 to Cleveland Browns

Last Week Rankings: 14 (-4)

Even though Terrell Owens had 10 receptions for an astounding 222 yards, the Bengals lost to the lowly Browns.

They desperately need to improve their rushing attack.

This Week: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

17. Dallas Cowboys (1-2)

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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 19: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Last Week: Bye

Last Week Rankings: 16 (-1)

The Dallas Cowboys got off to a slow start, but picked things up with an impressive win over the Houston Texans in Week 3.

Let's see if they can get back to their usual dominant self after their bye.

This Week: vs. Tennessee Titans

16. Washington Redskins (2-2)

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 03: Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after throwing a first quater touchdown pass against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 3, 2010 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim Mc

Last Week: Won 17-12 over Philadelphia Eagles

Last Week Rankings: 26 (+10)

They looked strong in their win over the Eagles, but we'll see if this team is for real against the Packers this week.

This Week: vs. Green Bay Packers

15. Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 03: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball against the Washington Redskins on October 3, 2010 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Last Week: Lost 17-12 to Washington Redskins

Last Week Rankings: 11 (-5)

The Eagles lost Michael Vick, and reports are indicating that he may be out for one or two weeks with a rib cartilage.

Without him, they could be in trouble.

This Week: @ San Francisco 49ers

14. New York Giants (2-2)

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 03: Justin Tuck #91 of the New York Giants celebrates after the tenth sack of the game against the Chicago Bear at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 3, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Ima

Last Week: Won 17-3 over Chicago Bears

Last Week Rankings: 22 (+8)

After registering nine sacks in the first half, the New York Giants finally look like the team that won the Super Bowl in 2007.

If they can continue this level of play, the rest of the league better watch out.

This Week: @ Houston Texans

13. Miami Dolphins (2-2)

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MIAMI - OCTOBER 4: Davone Bess #15 of the Miami Dolphins makes a catch against Jonathan Wilhite #24 of the New England Patriots at Sun Life Field on October 4, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

Last Week: Lost 41-14 to New England Patriots

Last Week's Ranking: 12 (-1)

The Dolphins' special teams unit killed them against the Patriots, and their special teams coach was fired today.

Hopefully that change can turn things around.

This Week: Bye

12. San Diego Chargers (2-2)

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SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 3: Tight end Antonio Gates #85 of the San Diego Chargers catches a 33 yard touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Qualcomm Stadium on October 3, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty

Last Week: Won 41-10 over Arizona Cardinals

Last Week's Ranking: 20 (+8)

The San Diego Chargers boast the league's top offense and defense in terms of total yards, but are only 2-2 to show for it.

This Week: @ Oakland Raiders

11. Chicago Bears (3-1)

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CHICAGO - SEPTEMBER 27: Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears gestures signals at the line of scrimmage against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on September 27, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Last Week: Lost 17-3 to New York Giants

Last Week's Ranking: 5 (-6)

The Chicago Bears exposed their weakness against the Giants, and won't go too far if they continue to do so.

This Week: @ Carolina Panthers

10. Indianapolis Colts (2-2)

Marc Serota/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 03: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts throws while taking on the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on October 3, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Last Week: Lost 31-28 to Jacksonville Jaguars

Last Week's Ranking: 2 (-8)

The only reason the Colts are still this high is because of Peyton Manning. However, their defense needs to step it up and do its fair share. 

This Week: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

9. Kansas City Chiefs (3-0)

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KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 26: Tamba Hali #91 of the Kansas City Chiefs sacks Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers at Arrowhead Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs won 31-10. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Last Week: Bye

Last Week's Ranking: 10 (+1)

The Chiefs have definitely impressed me so far this season, but will need to keep it up in order to be considered a true elite team.

They'll have a chance this week. 

This Week: @ Indianapolis Colts

8. New England Patriots (3-1)

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MIAMI - OCTOBER 04: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots warms up against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on October 4, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Last Week: Won 41-14 over Miami Dolphins

Last Week's Ranking: 13 (+5)

With their victory over the Dolphins on a national stage, the Patriots made a statement that they're still an elite team.

This Week: Bye

7. Houston Texans (3-1)

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NEW ORLEANS - AUGUST 21: Arian Foster #23 of the Houston Texans celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on August 21, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Last Week: Won 31-24 over Oakland Raiders

Last Week's Ranking: 7 

The Houston Texans are gelling right now, and Arian Foster has finally made their ground game on par with their passing game.

This Week: vs. New York Giants

6. Green Bay Packers (3-1)

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 19: Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers encourages the crowd during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Lambeau Field on September 19, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bills 34-7. (Photo by Jonathan

Last Week: Won 28-26 over Detroit Lions

Last Week's Ranking: 6

This is a complete football team with a Super Bowl caliber offense and defense. At the same time, they need to start winning decisively against teams like the Lions.

This Week: @ Washington Redskins

5. New Orleans Saints (3-1)

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 03: Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints passes against the Carolina Panthers at the Louisiana Superdome on October 3, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Last Week: Won 16-14 over Carolina Panthers

Last Week's Ranking: 4 (-1)

The New Orleans Saints may not be playing like Super Bowl champions, but they are 3-1, which is obviously nothing to complain about.

This Week: @ Arizona Cardinals

4. New York Jets (3-1)

Al Bello/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 19: LaDainian Tomlinson #21 of the New York Jets is tripped up by Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots on September 19, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Ge

Last Week: Won 38-14 over Buffalo Bills

Last Week's Ranking: 8 (+4)

Despite all the skepticism they've faced, the Jets are looking much more like contenders than pretenders.

This Week: vs. Minnesota Vikings

3. Atlanta Falcons (3-1)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - OCTOBER 03: Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons pulls in a reception against Tarell Brown #25 of the San Francisco 49ers at Georgia Dome on October 3, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Last Week: Won 16-14 over San Francisco 49ers

Last Week's Ranking: 3

The Atlanta Falcons have surprisingly started 3-1, and are displaying all the qualities of a premier team.

This Week: @ Cleveland Browns

2. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)

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PITTSBURGH - OCTOBER 03: Rashard Mendenhall #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs by Jarrett Johnson #95 of the Baltimore Ravens during the game on October 3, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Last Week: Lost 17-14 to Baltimore Ravens

Last Week's Ranking: 1 (-1)

I don't think anyone would've imagined the Steelers to go 3-1, and the fact that Big Ben now returns is a scary thought.

This Week: Bye

1. Baltimore Ravens (3-1)

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BALTIMORE - SEPTEMBER 26: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens is introduced before the game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Browns 24-17. (Photo by Larry French/Get

Last Week: Won 17-14 over Pittsburgh Steelers

Last Week's Ranking: 9 (+8)

After beating the Steelers, the team I had ranked No. 1 last week, I have to give the top ranking to the Ravens. 

This Week: vs. Denver Broncos