NFL Power Rankings Week 6: 10 Teams Better Than Their Current Spot

Five weeks are in the books and the standings are finally beginning to take shape. While some teams like the Jaguars and Chiefs appear to be overachieving, a handful of talented teams are struggling.

Which bottom-dwellers are bound for glory? Find out here as we examine which 10 teams are better than their current record indicates.

10. Detroit Lions (1-4) Rank: 28 Predicted Rank: 23

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GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 03: Calvin Johnson #81 of the Detroit Lions runs toward 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 Jonathan Daniel/Getty I

Believe it or not, the Lions have outscored their opposition this season recording 126 points to their opponents 112. Add in their loss to Chicago on a highly controversial call, a three-point loss against Philadelphia and two point loss at Lambeau Field and you see that the Lions have played a lot better than their 1-4 record.

Shaun Hill has filled in admirably for the injured Matthew Stafford, especially given the mediocre play of the Detroit offensive line. With Jahvid best out of the backfield and Calvin Johnson providing arguably the best downfield threat in the NFL, the Lions don’t lack offensive weapons. Defensively the Lions are still a work in progress, but they are showing signs of improvement.

After allowing 30.9 points per game last season, Detroit has cut that number down to 22.4. Ndamukong Suh has looked like a stud in his rookie season recording three sacks and an interception while consistently collapsing the pocket and pressuring the passer. Add to that the continued production of second year safety Louis Delmas and the Lions have some terrific building blocks on the defensive side of the ball.

Matthew Stafford returns in Week 8 after the Lions bye, and it will be interesting to see how this young team can build some momentum in the seasons finals weeks.

9. New York Giants (3-2) Rank: 7 Predicted Rank: 5

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HOUSTON - OCTOBER 10: Wide receiver Steve Smith #12 of the New York Giants goes up high in front of cornerback Glover Quin #29 of the Houston Texans in the first half at Reliant Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Im

After getting off to a 1-2 start, many fans wondered if coach Tom Coughlin would last through the season. Two weeks later and those rumblings have been silenced.

In back-to-back wins over Chicago and Houston, New York has looked phenomenal. Against the Bears, the Giants D recorded 10 sacks and knocked out Jay Cutler with a concussion during a 17-3 win. The next week the G-Men showed they could get it done on both sides of the ball, totaling over 400 yards in a 34-10 bludgeoning of the Texans.

With arguably the best pass rush in football the Giants are holding opponents to a league best 244 yards per game. Through five games, Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks have combined for 61 catches, 709 yards and seven touchdowns—establishing themselves as one the premier receiving duos in all of football in the process. It’s going to be a tough year in a competitive NFC East, but I like the Giants chances.

8. Green Bay Packers (3-2) Rank: 12 Predicted Rank: 9

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Wide receiver Greg Jennings #85 of the Green Bay Packers catches the ball for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter of the 2010 NFC wild-card playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January

Following an 11-5 season, expectations were high in Green Bay. In Aaron Rodgers the franchise had finally found the quarterback to replace Brett Favre, and were ready to make a deep playoff run after a disappointing loss to the Arizona Cardinals in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.

Now with Rodgers likely sidelined for Sunday’s game with Miami due to a concussion, and a running game that has struggled with the loss of Ryan Grant, the Pack will try to avoid slipping to 3-3 on the season.

With talented receivers Greg Jennings, Donald Driver and speedster James Jones, all back from last season’s team the Packers have no shortage of weapons. Yet, the scoring has dipped substantially.

After averaging 28.8 points per game last season (third in the league) the Packers have plummeted to 23.8. The loss of Jermichael Finley hurts, but Green Bay should supplant Chicago as the NFC North’s top dog.

7. Indianapolis Colts (3-2) Rank: 5 Predicted Rank: 3

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DENVER - SEPTEMBER 26: Wide receiver Austin Collie #17 of the Indianapolis Colts makes a 23 yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter as Perrish Cox #32 of the Denver Broncos defends at INVESCO Field at Mile High on September 26, 2010 in Denver, Col

Take about consistency. Since 2002, Peyton Manning and the Colts have won at least 10 games every season. During that time, the offense has been in the league’s top three in scoring an incredible six times. So with that track record in mind, it’s easy to be surprised with the Colts' 3-2 record.

Indy currently sits in a four-way tie for the AFC North lead, but should be able to easily win the division.

Austin Collie has transformed into a star in his second season out of BYU. On the season, the 6'0" receiver has recorded 37 receptions for 446 yards and five touchdowns. Lining up alongside perennial Pro Bowlers Reggie Wayne (who has a league-leading 39 catches on the season) and Dallas Clark, Indy has arguably formed the best aerial attack in the NFL.

If the Colts can ever fix their problems in run defense (142.2 yards against/per game, fourth worst in NFL) their season could keep running until February.

6. Denver Broncos (2-3) Rank: 17 Predicted Rank: 13

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DENVER - SEPTEMBER 19: Wide receiver Brandon Lloyd #84 of the Denver Broncos leaves the line of scrimmage against the Seattle Seahawks at INVESCO Field at Mile High on September 19, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Seahawks 31-14. (Pho

When Brandon Marshall left during the offseason, many questioned how the Broncos would rebound. Denver had few receivers with any experience, and certainly lacked a true No. 1. Five weeks in and they have the second best passing attack in the league.

Eddie Royal has rebounded nicely from a poor 2009 season and Brandon Lloyd has left analysts slack jawed by leading the league in receiving yards. Running back Knowshon Moreno has yet to play at 100 percent, but when he does look out.

This team has talent on defense with shutdown corner Champ Bailey, gap closing tackle Jamal Williams and tremendous linebacker D.J. Williams. The Broncos have an easy schedule after this weeks tilt against the Jets and should finish with a far better record than they currently sport.

5. New Orleans Saints (3-2) Rank: 14 Predicted Rank: 8

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SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 20: Reggie Bush #25 of the New Orleans Saints leaves the field after being injured during their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on September 20, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Ge

A year after winning the Super Bowl the Saints are floundering. Just last week they lost to an Arizona Cardinal team that was embarrassed 41-10 the previous week.

After averaging 31.9 points and 403 yards, New Orleans is managing only 19.8 and 346. The biggest key to that has been a horrid rushing attacked.

A year after averaging 131 yards on the ground a season ago, the Saints are barely managing 75. Injuries to Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas, have stifled the ground game, but the looming return of both players should resurrect the rushing attack and catapult the Saints to the top of their division.

4. San Diego Chargers (2-3) Rank: 16 Rank: 12

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SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 03: Linebackers Shaun Phillips #95 and Kevin Burnett #99 of the San Diego Chargers celebrate a Phillips sack against the Arizona Cardinals at Qualcomm Stadium on October 3, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers won 41-10. (Ph

Similar to the situation in Denver, people wondered how Philip Rivers would be affected by the departure of Vincent Jackson and LT. The answer? Very positively, apparently.

Defying all odds, Rivers leads the league in passing yards with Malcom Floyd emerging as a solid number one receiver. The 6’5" Floyd hauled in eight catches for over two hundred yards in a week five loss to Oakland.

The offense hasn’t skipped a beat since last season, and neither has the defense. In fact, the defensive unit for the Chargers has actually improved despite the key loss of cornerback Antonio Cromartie.

San Diego is holding opponents to 246 yards per game—ranking them second in the NFL. Led by Shaun Phillips and Kevin Burnett, the Chargers pass rush has been excellent tallying eighteen sacks on the season. SD takes on the Rams this weekend in a game they should easily win.

Despite shaky special teams and a rookie running back, I predict the Chargers will win the AFC West.

3. San Francisco 49ers (0-5) Rank: 30 Predicted Rank: 20

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SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 20: Vernon Davis #85 of the San Francisco 49er runs after a catch against Malcolm Jenkins #27 of the New Orleans Saints during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on September 20, 2010 in San Francisco, California.(Photo by Jed Jaco

After going 8-8 just a season ago, we know the Niners have talent. The defense has arguably the best linebacker in Patrick Willis and one of the league’s premier cornerbacks in Nate Clements.

The offense has versatile running back Frank Gore plus the sure handed Michael Crabtree and the most athletic tight end in the league, Vernon Davis.

Some people will blame coach Mike Singletary for the Niners poor start. Others point to quarterback Alex Smith. Many point to Nate Clements poor decision at the end of the Falcons game. The reality is, this is a team game and as such they all deserve a share in the blame.

In a weak NFC West, the 49ers are still in the playoff hunt and their owner still believes they will win the division. Will we see a historical comeback or a disappointing collapse? Only time will tell.

2. Dallas Cowboys (1-3) Rank: 19 Predicted Rank: 11

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 10: Quarterback Tony Romo #10 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up for the game with the Tennessee Titans at Cowboys Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

How on earth are the Cowboys 1-3? This offense is loaded with more weapons than the new Halo. Exciting running backs Felix Jones and Marion Barber. Huge receiving targets Roy Williams and Dez Bryant. Pro Bowlers Jason Witten and Miles Austin.

With such a dynamic offense, it’s inexcusable that Dallas ranks 16th in the NFL in scoring offense. Much of the blame should be placed on Tony Romo whose five interceptions have all seemed to come at the most inopportune time.

Costly turnovers aside Romo-sexual has been terrific. He’s completing over 68 percent of his passes and is throwing for 336 yards per game in the early going. The Cowboys have sported a top ten defense and a potent offense, making it only a matter of time before they start rolling as a team.

Will Dallas be able to right the ship in time to win a highly competitive NFC East? The road is long and arduous, but the ‘Boys have the horses to do it.

1. Minnesota Vikings (1-3) Rank: 18 Predicted Rank: 7

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 11: Randy Moss #84 and Percy Harvin #12 of the Minnesota Vikings react after Harvin caught a 34-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 11, 2010 in East Ruthe

Brett Favre’s a first ballot hall of famer. Ditto for Randy Moss. Adrian Peterson? In only his fourth season, the powerful back looks destined to don the yellow jacket. Add to that a dynamic playmaker in slot receiver Percy Harvin, a terrific offensive line, and arguably the best defense line and football and you can see why there is so much pressure on this year’s Vikings team.

This team was assembled to win now, and in the early going, that is not happening. After an emotional loss on Monday to the Jets, Brett Favre struggled to hold back his tears, certainly due in part to the Deadspin article detailing Favre’s lewd texts to former Jets employee Jenn Sterger. But moreover, Favre knows this is his last chance to win.

The Vikings have championship level talent at every position and should not be sitting on a losing record. This weekend they host the Cowboys in a crucial game for both teams. One of these extremely skilled teams will creep closer to a .500 record while one will fall to the bottom of the standings at 1-4. Tune in Sunday to see which team takes down this vital matchup.