NFL Power Rankings: Detroit Lions and 3 Teams on the Rise

I'm tired of doling out criticisms about failing NFL teams. It's time to concentrate on three feel-good stories on the season. The Detroit Lions lead the way. 

The Jets, Bears and Eagles have given us too much to discuss. Their dismal seasons have been ripped apart ad nauseum. I fear that we have ignored some great teams that continue to rise in the power rankings. 

I know we are a hating nation, but it's time to give some clubs their much deserved attaboys. We all knew the Lions would be a competent football club, but they have hit another gear as they fight for control of the tough NFC North. 

They are not alone in their efforts. There are a few teams enjoying what has been one of the craziest starts to the season in recent memory. 

Detroit Lions:

We finally have a good look at life with a healthy Matthew Stafford. The Lions offense has been hitting on all cylinders, adding the running attack when needed. 

Last week, we saw just how good they can be when Jahvid Best gets some holes opened up for him. In a test against a preseason favorite, the Bears were the team forced to retool after a lackluster performance. 

Buffalo Bills:

The Bills get a real test in Week 6. The New York Giants may be inconsistent, but they have shown the ability to put up numbers to keep pace with the Bills. 

The remarkable thing was their defense that swarmed the Eagles last week. The Bills may not have the stars other teams claim, but they are playing above their heads with passion on every play. 

San Diego Chargers:

It is almost a given that the Chargers would be slow getting out of the gate. That was not the case in 2011 as a soft schedule has given them control of the division.

They will need the cushion going into the bye week. When they return, they play the Jets and Packers in two of their next three games. We will then see if they have put their turnovers and mental error play well behind them. 

For now, you can't argue with an offense that ranks second in the league on passing yards. The real plus has been their defense that is as versatile as any in the NFL. 

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