NFL Power Rankings: New York Giants and 3 Division Leaders That Will Dominate

Things are never static in the NFL as division standings and power rankings are always changing. Even so, true contenders often make their presence known from the get-go. With the first month of the season in the books, now is the time that they prove they're for real.

Here are three division leaders that will win in Week 5 and either maintain or extend their advantages.

Detroit Lions

Many NFL observers figured that the young Lions would be much improved in 2011, but few could have predicted a 4-0 start complete with three road wins. Thanks to grit, determination and the rapid maturation of quarterback Matthew Stafford, though, that is exactly what has happened.

The Lions will certainly have a good test on Monday night against their NFC North rivals, the Chicago Bears, but Detroit is equipped to dominate. Not only can the Lions put up tons of points on offense, but their relentless pass rush on defense will make life miserable for Bears quarterback Jay Cutler.

San Diego Chargers

The Chargers have made a habit of getting off to slow starts and battling back late in the season. That finally backfired on them last season, though, and they seem determined not to let it happen again. San Diego is 3-1 and in firm control of the AFC West at the moment.

The Chargers will travel to Denver to take on the Broncos in what is normally a tough game, but the Chargers seem like a team that has learned from its mistakes in terms of losing to lesser opponents. The Bronco defense was lit up by Aaron Rodgers last week, and while Philip Rivers is no Rodgers, he isn't that far off.

New York Giants

Somewhat surprisingly and quietly, the New York Giants are tied for the NFC East lead with the Washington Redskins at 3-1. Because of all the hype surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys prior to the season, the Giants have been able to fly under the radar.

New York's defense is finally starting to get healthy, and it has struck a very nice balance on offense. The Seattle Seahawks have played well the past couple weeks, but that was on home field. Expect the Giants to hand the Seahawks an absolute beating to improve to 4-1.

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