NFL Power Rankings: San Francisco 49ers and the 4 Best Upstart Teams

The San Francisco 49ers aren't the only team in the NFL that I'd label as an "upstart" team right now. 

What does upstart mean anyway?

They've started "up" from where we expected them to be?

Eh, I think we both get the idea. 

Who are these teams so far?

San Francisco 49ers

Alex Smith, Frank Gore and Josh Morgan went all Joe Montana, Roger Craig and Jerry Rice on the Eagles in the second half. 

It wasn't the greatest comeback in franchise history, but it was close and continued the nightmare for the Eagles.

The defense is much better than you think with Patrick Willis patrolling the middle, and the system Jim Harbaugh has implemented allows Smith to become a efficient game manager if nothing more. 

If Gore gets going and they win turnover battles each game, the 49ers will run away with the NFC West. 

Tennessee Titans 

The Titans 3-1 with Chris Johnson averaging only 2.9 yards per rush?

Seriously?

Matthew Hasselbeck is playing like he's in Seattle and it's 2005, and the unheralded group of receivers and tight ends are playing much better than we expected, especially with their yards-after-the-catch. 

The defensive front hasn't suffered with Jim Washburn, and Mike Munchak is doing an outstanding job of getting the most out of what he has. 

Can Tennessee knock off the offensively-gifted Texans when the time comes?

Buffalo Bills 

Buffalo is coming off a disappointing, second half letdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4, but ask any Bills fan—3-1 at the quarter pole, they'll take it. 

Especially after beating the Patriots. 

Ryan Fitzpatrick leads one of the most surprisingly potent offenses in the league, and Fred Jackson is playing at a Pro Bowl level. 

Let's see what they're made of at home this week against Philly. 

Detroit Lions 

Upstart?

I'd call them contenders. 

Calvin Johnson is proving all his doubters wrong (why are people doubting this guy) and Matthew Stafford as stayed healthy, which has led to 11 touchdowns and only three interceptions through four games. 

The defense hasn't played in the first halves of their games, but has become very opportunistic when it's mattered most. 

Ask Tony Romo. 

A Monday Night Football showdown in the Motor City against the Bears looms large. 

Week 5 Power Rankings

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