This is how the NFL's 32 teams stack up after Week 5:
In the hunt | Teams that look good enough to be among the 12 playoff qualifiers, but not based on conference. | | Rank | Team | Record | Prv. | Comment | | 1. | New York Giants | 4-0 | 1 | The resounding win over Seattle made a resounding statement: A repeat is realistic. | | 2. | Tennessee Titans | 5-0 | 2 | After barely escaping Baltimore with a win, the Titans get a well-deserved rest. | | 3. | Washington Redskins | 4-1 | 4 | With back-to-back NFC East wins, the Redskins beg to be taken seriously as a contender. No team matches their efficiency or grit. | | 4. | Dallas Cowboys | 4-1 | 5 | You knew they'd find those lost running plays … and they'd better be ready to use them again in Arizona. | | 5. | Carolina Panthers | 4-1 | 6 | Being good means winning the games you're supposed to win, but the task gets tougher vs. the Bucs. | | 6. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 4-1 | 8 | Finding a way to overcome their injuries in Jacksonville was impressive. | | 7. | Denver Broncos | 4-1 | 9 | Finally, the Broncos showed they can play a little defense, too. | | 8. | Buffalo Bills | 4-1 | 3 | Losing Trent Edwards to a concussion cost them dearly, but it doesn't explain the horrendous performance by the Bills' defense or offensive line vs. the Cards. | | 9. | New England Patriots | 3-1 | -- | Maybe this Matt Cassel guy isn't so bad after all? | | 10. | Atlanta Falcons | 3-2 | -- | Matt Ryan is growing up in a hurry. | | 11. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 3-2 | 11 | These guys had better figure out their quarterback situation -- and fast. | | 12. | Chicago Bears | 3-2 | -- | These guys look to have finally figured out their quarterback situation. | |
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