NFL Power Rankings: Thursday Rankings for All 32 Teams

Although football fans everywhere come out with their own power rankings each week, editing those rankings later on in the week could give a more realistic view, as injuries heal/get worse and whatever other tangibles/intangibles that occur during the week.

With that in mind, here are the Thursday NFL power rankings with a quick caption on each franchise.

Click the link for a full view of NFL Week 5 Picks.

2011 NFL Power Rankings Week 5 Revision (LW = Last Week's Rank)

1. Green Bay Packers (4-0) (LW 1)

The pass defense got off to a slow start, but is getting better each week. As long as the Packers make the playoffs, they're the Super Bowl favorites.

2. New Orleans Saints (3-1) (LW 2)

The only team looking like they can match the Packers' offense score for score, the Saints know they're shot at a second Super Bowl goes through Lambeau.

3. Baltimore Ravens (3-1) (LW 3)

Week 4 was one ridiculous defensive performance. It'll be interesting to see if the Ravens' offense can match their defense's energy each week.

4. Detroit Lions (4-0) (LW 4)

The Lions are off to arguably their best start since the days of Bobby Lane. In addition, they still have seven home games to only five on the road.

5. Houston Texans (3-1) (LW 5)

Despite not playing their best football against Pittsburgh, and not having WR Andre Johnson in the second half, Houston still won. This team will be scary good once they play with more discipline and get healthy.

6. New England Patriots (3-1) (LW 8)

The loss at Buffalo was just a hiccup, as the Pats' won a big road game in Oakland. A sound victory over the Jets at home this week will remove all doubt about New England slowing down in 2011.

7. New York Giants (3-1) (LW 9)

Had the Giants played the way they are now in Week 1, they'd be 4-0. But the loss to Washington was a blessing in disguise and gave them motivation that's worked so far.

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) (LW 10)

Much like the Giants, Tampa Bay lost in Week 1, but it was at home to the Detroit Lions. Despite still starting games off slow, the Bucs' have won three straight, and they'll keep winning as long as the defense keeps shutting down opposing RBs.

9. San Diego Chargers (3-1) (LW 11)

Thanks to the weak early schedule, San Diego is 3-1, otherwise, they'd be 2-2 or 1-3 like previous years, and then they would have to make another mid/late season run. This time, however, the Bolts now have those few extra wins in their back pocket for when they begin their mid-season hot streak.

10. Buffalo Bills (3-1) (LW 6)

The loss at Cincinnati hurt, especially after having a 17-3 lead. This week is a testament for Buffalo, though, because the desperate Eagles invade town and need a win just as much, if not more, than the Bills.

11. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2) (LW 7)

A poor offensive line, rushing game and run defense has hurt Pittsburgh this season. If they can't win in the trenches, then it's going to be a long year.

12. Tennessee Titans (3-1) (LW 19)

After the 0-1 start, the Titans have ran off three straight, including a Week 2 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. RB Chris Johnson appears to be back on track, so it'll be interesting to see if Tennessee can keep things rolling through The Steel Curtain in Week 5.

13. Chicago Bears (2-2) (LW 14)

The home win over Carolina wasn't impressive, but it was needed. The Bears are on thin ice because another divisional loss this week, and Chicago is in need of some change.

14. Atlanta Falcons (2-2) (LW 15)

The road loss at Tampa was tough, but Atlanta bounced back in Week 4 with a confidence-boostong road win in Seattle. They play well at home, but Sunday night the Packers come into The Georgia Dome. Can the Falcons avenge the postseason loss?

15. New York Jets (2-2) (LW 12)

The Jets proved in Week 4 that they have no offense, but the defense did show some life. If Rex Ryan and company want to prove they're not overrated, a win in New England is a must.

16. Dallas Cowboys (2-2) (LW 13)

Injuries—and not being able to finish games—are killing the Cowboys' confidence. Maybe the bye-week will help buff out some of those fourth-quarter rough spots.

17. Washington Redskins (3-1) (LW 20)

A close loss on the road in Dallas was tough to swallow, but the Redskins responded with a road win, even though it was over St. Louis. Some proving still needs to be done, but Washington has shown they can turn things around in one week.

18. Oakland Raiders (2-2) (LW 17)

If the Raiders want to contend in the AFC, consistent play is needed. This week will be very telling as to how they respond after the loss, in a big road game at Houston.

19. San Francisco 49ers (3-1) (LW 22)

The comeback win over Philly was huge, but maintaining that amount of momentum is the key. With their other two wins coming over Cincinnati and Seattle, more proof is needed as to whether the 49ers are legit NFC contenders.

20. Carolina Panthers (1-3) (LW 18)

After another tough loss, Carolina has another tough opponent in New Orleans at home. A win here keeps the Panthers alive in the NFC South, a loss however, keeps them in the rebuilding stage.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (2-2) (LW 31)

The Bengals responded with a great comeback win over Buffalo in Week 4 after a disappointing loss to San Fran in Week 3. If Cincy can do what their expected to do and win at Jacksonville, they'll be second in the AFC North.

22. Philadelphia Eagles (1-3) (LW 16)

It's no secret that the Eagles are underachieving. And until they begin to play well, they're going to keep hearing skeptics rip them. A win over Buffalo in Week 5 is just what Philly needs to regather themselves.

23. Cleveland Browns (2-2) (LW 23)

With two wins over two winless teams, the Browns need to fix a lot of mistakes during the bye-week. Otherwise, the 2012 NFL Draft can't come soon enough.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3) (LW 21)

The Week 1 win over Tennessee gave much hope to the Jags', but after dropping three straight, there's a good chance the Indianapolis Colts can surpass them by season's end if they don't pick it up.

25. Seattle Seahawks (1-3) (LW 24)

Having a respectable defense is great, but it's going to be hard winning games when you're offense can't get things moving until the fourth-quarter.

26. Arizona Cardinals (1-3) (LW 25)

Arizona is straight up underachieving right now. Their three straight losses have been by a combined eight points and the offense has been inconsistent.

27. Denver Broncos (1-3) (LW 30)

Despite having a much improved defense, the Denver Broncos have no rushing game, which affects the efficiency of their passing game. Regardless of who's under center, establishing a ground game is needed if they want to win some games.

28. Kansas City Chiefs (1-3) (LW 32)

K.C. averted the 0-16 season with a W over Minnesota last week. Unfortunately, they may only win one or two more games with all their injuries and lack on confidence.

29. Indianapolis Colts (0-4) (LW 26)

The Colts have one thing going for them each week: Effort. They're playing harder than anyone else right now, and since they have nothing to lose, that will keep up. Therefore, you can expect around five wins from Indy by season's end.

30. Minnesota Vikings (0-4) (LW 28)

They're in arguably the NFL's toughest division, but not being able to close out games is why Minnesota is 0-4 instead of 4-0. All of their games were winnable, but, until they learn how to finish, winning becomes a rarity.

31. St. Louis Rams (0-4) (LW 27)

St. Louis has been unfortunate in being not only struck by injuries, but having young players who are inexperienced. The only good thing about their situation however, is that they have an opportunity to really test themselves and how badly they want to win.

32. Miami Dolphins (0-4) (LW 29)

Even before QB Chad Henne got injured, the Dolphins were the NFL's worst team. And even if Matt Moore is their new guy, he's not the long-term answer. 

Because that would be Andrew Luck.

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