NFL Power Report, 10/13

After Week 5 one thing is clear: nothing is clear. The league seems to have really leveled out. There are no power teams that will sail to 14 or 15 wins. It's hard to see any teams that will be resting players and giving away games in December. Every team has issues.

The league has certainly tiered off, though. And while I find it impossible to accurately rank the teams 1-32, we can definitely put them in groups.

The Clear Top
Steelers, Ravens, Jets
These are the obvious best defenses and best teams. Steelers and Ravens have issues on offense and while a reinstated Big Ben is an improvement on Charlie Batch, it's no Joe Montana under center. Jets' coaching have done a great job letting Mark Sanchez lead the Jets. J-E-T-S Jets are probably #1 right now.

The Atlanta Falcons
Falcons
Kind of alone at the top of the NFC thanks to everyone else falling apart around them. Offense is balanced and defense seems improved from a year ago. Imagine if they had beaten the Steelers in Week 1 (overtime loss).

Great Offense, Poor Defense
Patriots, Colts, Texans

Flashes of Brilliance
Giants, Titans
Similar teams. When they are right they can dominate.

We Just Don't Know
Saints, Eagles, Packers, Bears, Chiefs, Dolphins, Redskins
Packers got decimated by injuries last week. Chiefs seem to be contenders in the West. If Vick is in the Eagles can be good. Bears are bad but may take advantage of a weak division. Saints haven't shown anything yet. Redskins are overachieving with a new coach. Dolphins, I don't know.

Underachievers
Cowboys, Chargers, Vikings, Bengals
Bengals, with all that offensive firepower, have back-to-back losses to the Browns and Bucs. Cowboys and Vikings are 1-3. Rivers is putting up great passing numbers but the Chargers have three losses to West Coast teams (two in the division).

Not Very Good, But Can Sure Fool Ya Once In a While
Cardinals, Seahawks, Buccaneers, Broncos, Jaguars, Raiders

Lions and Rams
Lions and Rams
Lions have been competitive in all their games. I thought these teams were pretty level but then the Rams just lost to the 0-4 Lions by almost 40 points.

These Teams Totally Stink
Bills, Panthers, 49ers, Browns