NFL: 8 Most Surprising Teams Through Week 5

Five weeks into the season there are several teams emerging as pleasant surprises and several others that are off to very disappointing starts.

I'm going to go over four teams that are off to surprisingly bad starts and four teams that are surprising the league with their good records.

There are a couple teams that I did not include because of injuries. The Colts are 0-5, but without Peyton Manning everybody knew they would struggle.

Also, the Kansas City Chiefs are off to a 2-3 start but have been with out three starters most of the season, and have a much tougher schedule than last year.

Disappointing: Philadelphia Eagles (1-4)

The "Dream Team" is turning into a nightmare in Philadelphia. The Eagles are 1-4 and have been without a doubt the most disappointing team in the NFL.

They have lost four straight games and travel to Washington this week. If they lose this week to the Redskins their season might be over.

Vick is having a decent year, completing 62 percent of his passes for 260 yards per game, but he's thrown seven interceptions already this year.

The Eagles are a very talented team and I think they will turn the corner, but it's going to be very difficult for them to make the playoffs.

Prediction: 9-7

Disappointing: Atlanta Falcons (2-3)

The Atlanta Falcons are 2-3 but I wouldn't call any of their losses embarrassing. They have had a pretty difficult schedule so far this season.

Like the Eagles, Atlanta is a very talented team and will end up having a good season. Matt Ryan hasn't been his normal self this year. He's only completing 61 percent of his passes and has thrown six interceptions. Ryan's 79.9 QB rating ranks 21st in the NFL.

I think it's time for the Falcons to start putting it on the ground more. Michael Turner is only averaging 72 rushing yards per game with four touchdowns. That's not good enough for one of the best backs in the game.

Prediction: 11-5

Disappointing: New York Jets (2-3)

I'm still not sure how good the Jets are. They have lost three straight games, but all three have been road games against teams above .500.

The biggest reason for the Jets' struggles is their lack of a running game. They rank 31st in the NFL in rushing offense, averaging 76 yards per game.

LaDainian Tomlinson is well past his prime, but Shonn Greene has been pretty disappointing, only averaging 3.3 yards per carry.

The Jets still have one of the better defenses in the NFL, so they have the potential to get things turned around. At this point it's going to be tough for the Jets to make the playoffs with the Patriots and Bills in their way.

Prediction: 10-6

Disappointing: Chicago Bears (2-3)

The Chicago Bears are 2-3, but all three of their losses are to very good teams. If Chicago wasn't in the NFC North I'd give them a chance to make the playoffs, but it's just too difficult for them competing against Green Bay and Detroit.

Jay Cutler hasn't put up great stats, but he's done a great job of showing his toughness. Cutler has been sacked 18 times, which is more than three times per game.

Matt Forte has had a pretty good year but has only found the end zone twice.

With the Bears' defense not being what it was a couple years ago and with the lack of protection for Cutler, I think Chicago is going to be chasing a .500 record for the entire year.

Prediction: 7-9

Better Than Expected: San Francisco 49ers (4-1)

How good is Jim Harbaugh? He did a great job of turning around Stanford, and now in his first season in San Francisco he has them 4-1.

Frank Gore has been a new back since he was injured in Week 3. Gore has averaged 126 yards per game and two touchdowns during the last two games.

Vernon Davis has also come up big the last two games. Davis only has seven catches during the last two weeks, but three of them went for touchdowns.

Being in the worst division in football, I think the 49ers will continue to have success and will make the playoffs. I just don't see another team in this division that could compete at all.

Prediction: 11-5

Better Than Expected: Washington Redskins (3-1)

The Redskins might be the favorite to win the NFC East so far through Week 5. Washington has the sixth-ranked defense in the NFL, only giving up 296 yards per game.

Nothing they do offensively sticks out, but their defense is going to keep them in a lot of games this year. If Rex Grossman can continue to play well, then Washington has a decent chance of making the playoffs.

Right now, I'm still not convinced they are that good, so I went pretty conservative on their projected record. I'm just not ready to give up on the Eagles yet, but if Philadelphia is as bad as they have looked, it makes it a lot easier for Washington to get up to nine or 10 wins.

Prediction: 8-8

Better Than Expected: Buffalo Bills (4-1)

Is there a more surprising team in the NFL than the Buffalo Bills? There's also no secret in how they are winning. Offense, offense and more offense.

The Bills rank 30th in defense but rank third in scoring offense. Ryan Fitzpatrick is completing 65 percent of his passes, and has thrown for 10 touchdowns with only four interceptions.

Fred Jackson is also having a big year, averaging 96 yards per game and five touchdowns. If the Bills can improve their defense they might have a very good year. Even at the rate they are going now, the Bills look to be contending for the playoffs at the end of the season.

Prediction: 10-6

Better Than Expected: Detroit Lions (5-0)

I'm not surprised the Lions are good, but I think everyone is a little surprised that they are one of two undefeated teams left.

Matthew Stafford is completing 63 percent of his passes with 13 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions.Calvin Johnson is having a big-time year with nine touchdown receptions and looks unstoppable right now. 

The Lions defense has also been pretty good, which shows me this team is for real and will make the playoffs. I don't see them going undefeated with two games left against Green Bay and a road trip to New Orleans, but the Lions are going to have a very good year and will make the playoffs.

Prediction: 12-4