NFL Power Rankings: Which Teams Are Better Than Their Record?

When the team you're a fan of isn't doing so hot, but you know they've played a rather tough schedule, using the "they're better than their record indicates" is all the chips you have in favor of defending your team.

So let's get right into it, here are three NFL teams that are indeed better than their record indicates.

Chicago Bears (2-2)

The Chicago Bears began the year with a convincing 30-12 home win over the Atlanta Falcons, but then were over-matched by the New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers in Weeks 2 and 3.

However, there's no shame in having two losses against the NFL's two best teams, but it did make The Windy City a vulnerable team in Week 4 when hosting a confident Carolina Panthers team.

Luckily for Bears' fans though, Chicago pulled off the W 34-29 thanks for RB Matt Forte and his 205 rushing yards on 25 carries.

QB Jay Cutler disappointed in throwing another pick, but offensive coordinator Mike Martz is learning to pick his battles in the games, and limited Cutler to 17 attempts on Sunday.

It was a smart move that paid off, and will also gradually allow Cutler to regain his confidence.

Carolina Panthers (1-3)

Two of the teams on this list, the Carolina Panthers have lost to.

However, it's not like they're being blown to smithereens every game, as all three losses have been by no more than one TD.

Then include rookie QB and No. 1 overall draft pick Cam Newton's productivity (1,386 yards, five TDs, five picks and an average rating of 85) and the Panthers are proving to be a formidable opponent.

Now if only their defense can pick up even a little bit of the pace and help the offense out, Carolina could make a back end playoff run despite being a a difficult division.

Arizona Cardinals (1-3)

It's no secret that the Arizona Cardinals have underperformed, and, yes, they have lost three consecutive games.

But, all three of those losses are by a combined eight points, and two of them are against the teams with a 3-1 record (Giants and Redskins).

The road loss in Seattle was tough to swallow, but that is where the Seahawks are good, and they proved that by hanging with the Atlanta Falcons all day.

Arizona is simply lacking experience and chemistry, as Kevin Kolb is still getting acclimated to be the full-front starting QB, and rookie DB Patrick Peterson is making your expected rookie mistakes.

Favoring the Cardinals, however, is their vulnerable remaining schedule (Rams twice, Seattle at home, Browns, Cowboys and Eagles) where only San Francisco and Baltimore pits as the toughest games.

Week 5 Power Rankings (LW = Last Week's Rank) (** Are Monday Night Teams)

1. Green Bay Packers (4-0) (LW 1)	17. Washington Redskins (3-1) (LW 20)
2. New Orleans Saints (3-1) (LW 2)	18. San Francisco 49ers (3-1) (LW 22)
3. Baltimore Ravens (3-1) (LW 3)	19. Oakland Raiders (2-2) (LW 17)
4. Detroit Lions (4-0) (LW 4)	20. Carolina Panthers (1-3) (LW 18)
5. Houston Texans (3-1) (LW 5)	21. Cincinnati Bengals (2-2) (LW 31)
6. New England Patriots (3-1) (LW 8)	22. Philadelphia Eagles (1-3) (LW 16)
7. New York Giants (3-1) (LW 9)	23. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3) (LW 21)
8. **Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) (LW 10)	24. Cleveland Browns (2-2) (LW 23)
9. San Diego Chargers (3-1) (LW 11)	25. Seattle Seahawks (1-3) (LW 24)
10. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2) (LW 7)	26. Arizona Cardinals (1-3) (LW 25)
11. Buffalo Bills (3-1) (LW 6)	27. Denver Broncos (1-3) (LW 30)
12. Chicago Bears (2-2) (LW 14)	28. **Indianapolis Colts (0-3) (LW 26)
13. Tennessee Titans (3-1) (LW 19)	29. Kansas City Chiefs (1-3) (LW 32)
14. Atlanta Falcons (2-2) (LW 15)	30. St. Louis Rams (0-4) (LW 27)
15. New York Jets (2-2) (LW 12)	31. Minnesota Vikings (0-4) (LW 28)
16. Dallas Cowboys (2-2) (LW 13)	32. Miami Dolphins (0-4) (LW 29)

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report.

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