NFL Power Rankings: Top 5 Teams Heading into Week 5

Week 4 of the 2011 NFL season isn't quite in the books yet, but I dare say we have seen enough to make some pretty good assumptions regarding which teams will comprise our top five heading into next week.

There have been some pretty incredible performances, as well as a few pretty big upsets.

Key players are injured, and some stars are starting to get discouraged, while in the meantime the best keep getting better.

This is the time of the year where contenders slowly start separating themselves from the pretenders.

Here are the top five heading into Week 5:

Green Bay Packers

There should be no doubt that the Packers are the best team in the NFL, and they have a great shot at a repeat. Aaron Rodgers put together an exceptional game completing 29-of-38 for 408 yards, four touchdown, one interception and two rushing touchdowns. The Packers beat the Broncos 49-23 and keep on getting better.

New England Patriots

It seemed like people starting jumping off the Patriots' bandwagon when they lost to the Bills, but they came back on the road in Oakland and proved that they are more than fine. Truthfully, Detroit should own this spot, but any team that has Tom Brady and Bill Belichick on their sideline gets the nod.

Detroit Lions

Somehow the Detroit Lions are 4-0. There is no doubt that the Dallas Cowboys and more specifically Tony Romo choked the game away, but it takes two to tango. Credit where it is due, the Lions are a legitimate up-and-coming team. They've displayed some weaknesses on the offensive line and in the secondary, but apart from that Calvin Johnson is the best in the game, and Matthew Stafford is starting to prove his worth.

Baltimore Ravens

It's simple with the Ravens. They have arguably the most intimidating defense in the NFL, and as long as they are making plays, they keep on winning. Joe Flacco and the offense can do some damage, but everything revolves around the defense in Baltimore. They are the best unit in the league.

New Orleans Saints

As long as Drew Brees is under center for New Orleans, they will dangerous football team. They are starting to get back to full health, and I expect that they will start rolling on all cylinders again. Their offense has the ability to outscore anybody, and their defense ca be stout when need be. Don't forget about the all-purpose yards machine Darren Sproles either, who is looking to be one of the better free-agent pickups of the offseason.