NFL Power Rankings: Minnesota Vikings and Cellar Dwellers on the Rise

Over the course of an NFL season, the balance of power is always shifting. That has already become apparent in 2011, despite being just five weeks in. By the time December rolls around, some of the teams atop the rankings could be near the bottom and vice versa.

Even though several teams have got off to nightmarish starts, there is still plenty of time to turn it around. Here are three cellar dwellers that have already begun to dig out their deep holes, or will begin to do so in Week 6.

Philadelphia Eagles

Make no mistake, things look incredibly dire for the Philadelphia Eagles, who sit at 1-4 after losing to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

If the Eagles hope to make good on their "Dream Team" distinction, they probably can't afford to lose more than two games for the rest of the season.

The Eagles have a great amount of pressure on them to improve quickly, but they certainly have the talent to do it. The NFC East-leading Washington Redskins will host the Eagles on Sunday in what could be a major statement game for the 'Skins.

Not to take anything away from Washington, but the team don't seem poised for long-term success. All it may take is one win for the Eagles to get back on track, and I think they'll get it on Sunday with a big, turnover-free performance from Michael Vick.

Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts haven't had much reason for celebration this season, what with Peyton Manning's neck injury and an 0-5 start. However, they have played much better football over the past couple of weeks with Curtis Painter under center and seem to be close to a turnaround.

Indianapolis has kept in close competition against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs in consecutive weeks. What's more, they had opportunities to win each of those games.

This week, the Colts will take on the surprising 3-2 Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals are seven-point favorites.

Seven points seems like a lot for a generally inexperienced team with a rookie quarterback that is exceeding expectations. As a result, I wouldn't at all be surprised to see the Colts catch the Bengals napping and pick up their first win of the season. 

Minnesota Vikings

Although the Minnesota Vikings started the season 0-4, they could have just as easily been 4-0 or 3-1 after blowing numerous first-half leads. The Vikings seemed to hit their stride in Week 5, though, with a comfortable win over the Arizona Cardinals.

The Vikings got into trouble over the season's first month by abandoning the running game too early and relying on Donovan McNabb and the passing game. However, Minnesota pounded the rock with Adrian Peterson last week and it paid big dividends.

Minnesota will face the Chicago Bears on Sunday night in what should be a great matchup for Peterson. The Bears were torched on the ground by the Detroit Lions and Jahvid Best last week, so Peterson should have absolutely no issue running on them.

As long as Peterson is successful, the Vikings stand a great chance at winning.

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