NFL Power Rankings: Packers, Lions Highlight Powerful Top 5

The 5-0 Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions are obviously the toast of the NFL right now.

The Packers are on a roll as they come off a red-hot playoff run that ended in a Super Bowl win. The Lions are rolling as well, with their streak going all the way back to the last four games of the 2010 season.

Both of these teams are setting themselves up to succeed in 2011. If you are a subscriber to the "quarters" theory of the NFL season, they have passed with flying colors.

What I am referring to is the common practice used by NFL coaches and teams to break the season into quarters and use those to evaluate records, personnel and things that need to change.

We're starting to get into the meat of the season and it's just going to get tougher for these teams. Here are my top five teams as of right now. 

1. Green Bay Packers

At 5-0 and as the defending Super Bowl champions, there is no way that the Packers can't be the best team in the league. Aaron Rodgers is playing at an MVP-level and hasn't dropped form at all since the Super Bowl. The offense is unstoppable and the defense is starting to settle in. 

2. Detroit Lions

The 5-0 Detroit Lions are a legitimate contender right now. Offensively, there is nobody in the league that can stop Calvin Johnson, while quarterback Matthew Stafford is doing a great job of getting the ball up to him.

Jahvid Best and the running game emerged on Monday Night Football, and the defense is more aggressive than expected. 

3. New England Patriots

As long as Tom Brady stays healthy and Bill Belichick is on the sideline, this team will always be in the hunt. Defensively, they are better than expected, while receiver Wes Welker is having the season of his lifetime.

The Patriots are a very good team that can contend with every other in the league. 

4. Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills are the real deal. Fred Jackson is establishing himself as one of the better and more productive running backs in the league, while quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is slinging the ball around the field and making it look easy.

The  defense is also a tad bit underrated, which makes them very dangerous. 

5. New Orleans Saints

The defense is stepping up and becoming a force, which is exactly what the Saints need.

Offensively, there are very few teams in the league that can stop Drew Brees and the Saints' balanced passing and running attack.