NFL Power Rankings: Detroit Lions and 5 Teams Who Just Won't Drop

One of the best things that make pro football great are the teams that don't go away.

Even if they're considered a Super Bowl contender, once they lose, their hated rivals can't stand it when they bounce back.

And then there's the teams that have either survived by weak schedules or have multiple comebacks.

If you haven't guessed by now, there are subtle referenced hints as to which teams are being mentioned below.

Check it out. 

Detroit Lions (4-0)

Three of their games have been won by a TD or less, and the past two have been remarkable comebacks.

The Detroit Lions are 4-0 and just won't go away, nor will they, as this franchise may be the most resilient in 2011.

Was it only three years ago that they went 0-16? Yes.

That being said, don't expect the Lions to drop very far in the rankings this year, because they have proven to know how to win in more ways than one.

Houston Texans (3-1)

Prior to playing the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Houston Texans hadn't beaten a well-established opponent in 2011 (Miami and Indianapolis to start 2-0).

However, they're close battle against the Saints in New Orleans proved they can contend with some of the NFL's best teams, and despite playing nowhere near their best game on Sunday, Houston managed to fend off the Steelers 17-10.

Even with WR Andre Johnson not being 100 percent for however long he's considered injured, don't think for a second that this team is dropping.

Their defense is tenacious and the rushing attack is one of the best in the game.

New England Patriots (3-1)

After the loss to Buffalo, there was reason to suspect that the Patriots would lose to the Raiders in Oakland.

And rightfully so, because Oakland had the NFL's best rush offense, and who's to say the Raiders' D wouldn't step up in a big game?

Tom Brady, that's who.

No, he didn't have nearly his best game, but Brady bounced back with two TDs and no picks.

Not to mention, head coach Bill Belichick got his defense back on track.

New York Giants (3-1)

When the Giants lost the season opener to the Washington Redskins, it seemed evident that New York's NFC franchise was doomed for a disappointing season.

Well, that has not been the case after three straight wins (two on the road), and The Big Blue Wrecking Crew is now banging on a cylinders.

Just imagine how much better they're going to be when Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora get on the field at the same time, as well as some of the WRs (other than Domenik Hixon) get back to 100 percent.

San Diego Chargers (3-1)

Feasting off a weak first month, the San Diego Chargers have been hanging on, and their only loss came at the hands of New England on the road.

And it's fortunate for them that the schedule is weak to open the year, because they're off to another slow start, but we can expect them to improve as the season progresses.

The Bolts are a dangerous team right now, because they may go overlooked due to the weak schedule, but once TE Antonio Gates gets healthy, watch out.

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)

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