NFL Predictions Week 5: 3 Former Top Teams That Will Fall Hard

Everything can look good on paper, but if you don't get it done on the football field, it all means nothing.

There are several NFL teams this season that have followed solid 2010 campaigns with hangovers, whether it be they're not prepared or simply not playing to the level they're capable of.

Three teams in particular that were dubbed "elite" in 2010 will continue their fall from grace in Week 5. May they find their way one of these days.

Atlanta Falcons (2-2)

What do you get when you mix an underachieving Falcons team with the Green Bay Packers?

An underachieving team that is bound for a 2-3 record to start the season.

That's the predicament the Falcons find themselves in: a team that has followed a 13-3 record with disappointment so far.

Despite landing defensive end Ray Edwards in the offseason, the Falcons still have trouble getting to the quarterback beyond John Abraham. They haven't recorded a sack in three straight games, their pass defense is giving up 275 yards per game and, to make matters worse, the offense has been off-and-on.

Whatever happened to this team in the offseason, I don't want to know.

New York Jets (2-2)

The Jets haven't had a running game from the start this season, but in Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens, they didn't do much of anything right.

Not only has running back Shonn Greene been a disappointment, quarterback Mark Sanchez accounted for all four of the Jets' turnovers in Week 4, tossing an interception and coughing up three fumbles. Making matters worse, three of those turnovers were returned for touchdowns.

Did I mention center Nick Mangold is out and the Jets don't have a legitimate backup center? Bad news all around in New York, and it won't help when the Jets face the New England Patriots in Week 5.

Chicago Bears (2-2)

If you want an example of two teams going in opposite directions, just watch the Bears play the Detroit Lions in Week 5.

The Bears, just a season removed from making it to the NFC Championship Game, continue to be hounded by their offensive line, and despite defeating the Carolina Panthers in Week 4, quarterback Jay Cutler is having an ugly season, tossing for just 102 yards and an interception against the Panthers.

The Lions, on the other hand, are 4-0 and have beaten the Buccaneers and Cowboys along the way.

The Bears will fall hard in Week 5.