NFL Power Rankings Week 5: Minnesota Vikings and 2 Teams with Least to Celebrate

The 2011 NFL season has already been cruel to several fanbases. High expectations have been dashed in the span of just four weeks. While four teams are winless entering Week 5, three of those franchises have absolutely nothing to be happy about.

The Minnesota Vikings took a risk and brought in veteran quarterback Donovan McNabb because they thought they had a roster that could win now. After four weeks, we know that's just not true. The Vikings sunk to a new low in Week 4, losing a horribly played game to the previously winless Kansas City Chiefs, 22-17. 

Despite having the NFL's third-best rushing attack (157 yards per game) at his disposal, McNabb hasn't been able to get anything out of his passing game. The Vikings are currently 31st in the NFL, throwing for just 154.8 yards per game. McNabb is 18th in the league with a quarterback rating of 80.9.

The Vikings have suffered their four losses by a combined total of 19 points, which shows that they just don't have what it takes in pressure situations. Don't be surprised if you see rookie Christian Ponder under center at some point in the near future.

The Indianapolis Colts have actually looked like a competent football team in their last two losses, falling, 24-17, to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Monday night, after losing, 23-20, to the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday. While those scores appear close, the Colts had leads late in both games and let them slip away thanks to offensive ineptitude.

While Curtis Painter threw for 281 yards and two touchdowns Monday night, he also fumbled a ball away and took four sacks. Plus, I mean, he's Curtis Painter. That guy doesn't exactly inspire confidence in a fanbase or a locker room. 

It's clear at this point that the 0-4 Colts will not be the same until Peyton Manning is back under center. Their 30th ranked offense (averaging just 270 yards per game) is proof of that.

The Miami Dolphins have just let things slip away from them. Somehow, the team's relatively talented roster just can't put it together and is stuck in an 0-4 rut.

The Dolphins have scored just 17.3 points per game, despite averaging 352.8 yards of total offense. On the flip side, the Dolphins' defense has allowed a horrendous 414.5 yards per game, which ranks it 30th in the NFL. 

Most observers felt entering the season that Chad Henne was not good enough to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. He has been surprisingly competent, but now is out with an injured non-throwing shoulder and Matt Moore has taken the reins of the offense.

Henne could be back in time for the team's Week 6 matchup with the New York Jets, but you'd be foolish to think he could lead the Dolphins to a win at MetLife Stadium, even after a bye week.

Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano is the odds-on favorite to be the first coach fired this season, and don't expect his team to get any better in the meantime. 

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