The NFL's 5 Front-Runners for the Lombardi Trophy Approaching Week 6

It's always intriguing this early in the season to examine who is breaking away from the pack and defining themselves as legitimate contenders.  Surprisingly, there are new faces to add to the mix after years of seemingly having the same teams in the conversation over and over.

Back in 2007, everyone thought that there was no doubt that the Patriots were going to make a title run, and last year, no one expected Green Bay to be in the conversation. 

Yet, those Patriots—though unbeaten through the regular season—lost in the Super Bowl and the Packers won last season.  Predicting who can win is always fun, though it's very difficult to be correct.

These five teams have been able to make legitimate statements in 2011, putting them atop the leaders boards as the front-runners to be champions.

Honorable Mentions

The teams on this slide do not count as part of the countdown.  That may seem obvious, but I just wanted to clear up any misconceptions. 

A certain five have played superior football so far, but these teams have made legitimate cases for at least being considered on this list.  Over the next few weeks, they may make the climb onto the list.

Buffalo Bills

They're one of 2011's big shockers so far, going 4-1 with a crucial victory over the New England Patriots.  For the most part, Ryan Fitzpatrick and his "band of misfits" have been unstoppable on the offensive side of the ball. 

There does, however, lie a couple holes in the Bills' credibility.  They've been weak defensively and their loss to the Bengals drops their credibility a little bit.  Thus, they only get the mention.

San Diego Chargers

After a rough 2010 campaign, it appears the Chargers are getting back on track.  Their defense is the fifth-best in football and their offense is seventh.

Ryan Matthews is really starting to break out as the star that he was once thought to be.  The only reason they're mentions and not on the list at 4-1 is because of their opponents in those wins.  Minnesota, Kansas City, Miami and Denver are the teams they've beaten.  Not elite teams and not worth much credibility.

Houston Texans

They're a top-10 team on both sides of the football, but recent injuries are really going to hurt them over the next couple weeks.  We already know that "Super" Mario Williams will miss the rest of the season after tearing his pectoral muscle, and Andre Johnson is out at least for Week 6 with a hamstring injury.

In a nutshell, their two biggest contributors are hurt.  Still, I don't expect them to fully fall from grace.  I only foresee them having a rough couple weeks before Johnson's return.

5. New Orleans Saints

The Saints have not lost since their Week 1 shootout with the Green Bay Packers.

Since then, they've continued to be an offensive juggernaut behind the presence of Drew Brees.  He's currently averaging 336 yards per game.

What becomes scary about this team is that rookie running back Mark Ingram hasn't really broken out yet as he was expected to.  Through five games, he's only managed 216 yards with a couple touchdowns.  I know he's a rookie, but more was expected of him.

The Saints have been a passing team for the last several years, though, so this team should plan on riding their stellar offense to the Super Bowl.  Behind Brees alone, they have one of the best offenses in the NFC and they can compete with anyone.

Their defense gives reason for concern, but they were also very questionable when they beat the Colts in the Super Bowl.

4. Baltimore Ravens

Over the years, Baltimore has continued to establish themselves as the defensive class of the league.

Despite being listed as the third-best currently, we all know that they have the same firepower as usual.

Now, they've even got an offense to match the powerful defense.  Ray Rice is my prediction to be the year's rushing champion, as the team is mostly his now with the departure of Willis McGahee. 

Joe Flacco has definitely shown signs of being an effective or even elite quarterback.  In 2011, he's had two great games and two abysmal ones.  He'll have to get that under control.

Baltimore's defense can stop anyone in the league today.  If the offense can consistently produce as well, the Ravens could emerge as the AFC favorite.

3. Detroit Lions

What's interesting about Detroit is the fact that they aren't in the top 10 in overall defense or offense.  There have been two keys to their success so far:

The defensive line and Matthew Stafford.

First of all, Ndamukong Suh is the leader of a massive defensive line that saw Nick Fairley debut last night.  The secondary isn't great, but the line has made their opponents cry at times.

As for Stafford, he's got a 101.4 passer rating after five weeks of play and has thrown 13 touchdowns.  He's done a good job of avoiding the injury bug and being one of the NFL's more effective passers.

A lot of momentum lies in Detroit right now, and they're proving to be a team that's for real. 

2. New England Patriots

This is one of those teams that makes this list every single year.  Irritating as it is, you just can't deny how good Tom Brady is.

New England's offense is the best in the league.  Despite occasional defensive struggles, the Patriots have continued to be dominant (unless they play the Bills).

Tom Brady has one of the highest passer ratings in the league and is equipped with a talented cast of receivers.  Once again, the Pats will make a playoff impact.

1. Green Bay Packers

The defending Super Bowl champions are playing the best football in the league. 

Aaron Rodgers is continuing to show how good he is, and how all of the years waiting on him to debut were worth it.  He's managed to show pinpoint accuracy and an ability to throw the ball deep.

James Starks is busting out as a legitimate running threat, and paired up with Ryan Grant, they are capable of racking up quite a few yards themselves.

The defense is loaded with Clay Matthews, A.J. Hawk and Charles Woodson.  While the defense isn't performing well right now, you can expect them to start shutting people down soon.  Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson are two of the NFL's best defensive players.

The Packers won the Super Bowl with a load of injuries.  They now are stacked to the ceiling with talent and ready for another title run.