NFL Power Rankings: New York Giants and 2 Teams in Serious Trouble

The New York Giants are currently 3-2, but despite having a winning record, the G-Men have looked incredibly shaky. New York has also had a laughably weak schedule to help it through the first five weeks of the season. The Giants are one of three potential contenders that find themselves in serious trouble after Week 5.

During a 36-25 loss to the lowly Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, all of the Giants' flaws were on display, as they allowed one of the NFL's weakest rosters to beat them at home. So far this season, New York has wins over teams with a combined record of 2-12.

On Sunday the Giants surrendered 424 total yards to a Seattle team that currently boasts the league's 29th-ranked offense (288 yards per game). New York also turned the ball over five times, including three interceptions and a lost fumble from quarterback Eli Manning.

Despite throwing for a career-high 420 yards, Manning was shaky, especially with the game on the line. With 1:08 left and his team trailing by four, the former No. 1 overall pick threw an interception that Seattle's Brandon Browner returned for a 94-yard touchdown to seal the game.

The Giants have a lot of work to do if they really want to be serious contenders for a playoff spot. While the Philadelphia Eagles—who also make this list—are off to a slow start, if they happen to turn things around New York will have to be firing on all cylinders to reach the postseason.

As mentioned above, the Eagles are also in serious trouble. A leaky offensive line has led to quarterback Michael Vick being knocked out of two games with injuries, and a defense that was supposed to be stout has folded in close games. Philadelphia is 1-4 and currently has the NFL's worst turnover margin at minus-10.

If the Eagles want to live up the all the preseason "Dream Team" and Super Bowl-favorite chatter, they need to improve dramatically on both sides of the ball.

The Atlanta Falcons are my final pick for a preseason contender that is in serious trouble, and if you watched their Week 5 loss to the Green Bay Packers, you know why.

Despite an embarrassing amount of offensive talent, Atlanta has struggled on that side of the ball. The Falcons currently rank 19th in the NFL in total offense (338.4 yards per game), and they are averaging just 20.8 points per game (21st in the league).

Quarterback Matt Ryan has been similarly underwhelming despite tons of preseason hype. Through the first five weeks, the Boston College product has completed 120 of 196 passes for 1,302 yards, with seven touchdowns and six interceptions. His quarterback rating of 79.9 currently ranks 21st in the league.

The Falcons general lack of offensive production is the biggest factor that has contributed to their lackluster 2-3 start. Just like the Giants and Eagles, they need to turn things around quickly or they will find themselves on the outside of the playoff picture looking in.

NFL Power Rankings, Week 6
 

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