NFL Power Rankings Week 7: Who Are the Best Teams in the NFC?

The NFC schedule for Week 6 of the NFL season is in the books, as two AFC teams—the Jets and Dolphins—play Monday night. 

Considering we've seen all we can see from the NFC this week, the following five teams should be considered the top in the conference through six weeks.

1. Green Bay Packers (6-0)

Through six weeks, it's pretty clear that the quality of the NFL goes the Packers, a gap, and then everyone else.

Green Bay jumped out to a 24-0 lead on the heels of three Aaron Rodgers touchdowns in the first half, then sleepwalked through the second and still won by three touchdowns. With the Vikings up next, the Packers should go into their bye at 7-0. 

2. San Francisco 49ers (5-1)

Forget the coaches' handshake at the end of the game—that's a minor sidebar on a performance from the 49ers that justifies this ranking.

Ford Field and the Lions are a tough combination in 2011, and the 49ers made several comebacks on the road in getting to 5-1. Looking at the Niners' schedule this season, 12 or 13 wins is definitely within reach.

If they get to that number, it's also likely that the 49ers will get a first-round bye and a home playoff game. Who thought that was in reach for this team in year one under Jim Harbaugh?

You could feel pretty safe giving him coach of the year right now.   

3. Detroit Lions (5-1)

There's no shame in the Lions being 5-1 through six weeks, even if they feel they should have beat the Niners.

And while I didn't want to talk about the handshake on Harbaugh's side, I loved it from the Lions viewpoint. Jim Schwartz has changed the losing attitude in Detroit, and the way he reacted to Harbaugh's over-enthusiastic embrace was exactly what I'd want from my coach in that situation.

Yeah, he looked somewhat foolish. But Schwartz was pissed off from a loss and wasn't going to take any disrespect at that point. These Lions are no longer a pushover, and it's because of that change in mentality from Schwartz.  

4. New Orleans Saints (4-2)

At what point do Saints fans become nervous about Drew Brees' turnovers? He's thrown eight picks in the last four games, and he had 23 a year ago. He's still one of the best in the game, but Brees has to clean up the mistakes.

The Saints are still in a good position in the NFC, but they're looking up at the Buccaneers in the NFC South right now. 

5. New York Giants (4-2)

The Giants have been up and down all season, but it's time to give that team the credit it deserves.

They've overcome crippling injuries and contract disputes to get to 4-2 after six weeks. For all the slack that Tom Coughlin takes, he's the reason the Giants have been able to right the ship after treading water.

As this team gets healthy and returns some important parts, they'll only get better. At this point, the Giants should be the favorites to win the NFC East. 

Full Week 7 Power Rankings

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

*Plays Monday night