SLR’s Week 5 NFL Power Rankings

Sep 29, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) misses a tackle as Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (82) scores a touchdown during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 31-7. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

8. San Francisco 49ers (2-2)

I won’t put a .500 team in the top five, but this is a better team than what they’ve shown so far. The defense is still rock solid, and Frank Gore is still Frank Gore. Where they go from here depends on how quickly Colin Kaepernick can adjust to defenses starting to figure him out. That’s the difference between a first-year star and a perennial star.

7. Kansas City Chiefs (4-0)

I love this team, I really do. They play great defense, they run the ball well, they’re fundamentally sound. I even have Alex Smith starting on my Fantasy team (it’s a really deep league). But remember the Arizona Cardinals starting 4-0 last season before finishing 5-11? This team has beat the Jaguars, Giants, Eagles and Cowboys. That’s a combined 3-13 record. They take down the Titans next week, and we’ll talk top five.

6. Tennessee Titans (3-1)

This team is an overtime loss at Houston away from being shockingly undefeated. Jake Locker was putting together a breakout season, but now has to deal with a hip injury. If Ryan Fitzpatrick can carry this team, you’ll know they’re special. Alterraun Verner is making a case to be considered among the best corners in football right now. He grabbed three turnovers (two interceptions and a fumble recovery) against the Jets.

5. Indianapolis Colts (3-1)

The Colts are a more complete team than they’re getting credit for. They’re allowing only 12.8 points per game, and have the fourth-best rushing attack in football. One of the only areas of this team that isn’t a top-10 unit is the passing game, and Andrew Luck will more than likely be just fine in that regard.

4. New England Patriots (4-0)

The Patriots are 4-0, and their second-most productive receiver is a rookie undrafted free agent. Only in New England.

3. New Orleans Saints (4-0)

It seems weird to think that beating the Dolphins qualifies as a statement win, but Miami was 3-0, and what the Saints did to them can only be classified as a systematic destruction. I guess Sean Payton really makes that much of a difference. They have a commanding lead in the NFC South now, as no other team in the division has more than one win.

2. Seattle Seahawks (4-0)

If I could make the Seahawks and Broncos 1a and 1b, I would. The Seahawks had an undoubtedly tougher matchup this week, but they were Matt Schaub’s awful decision away from quite possibly losing this week. They’re great, but they’re human.

1.  Denver Broncos (4-0)

Unlike the Seahawks, the Broncos have not yet been made to look human. They’ve humiliated every team they’ve played, although the Giants, Raiders and Eagles probably didn’t need much help being humiliated. The schedule stays soft with games against Dallas and Jacksonville. Who has guesses on the point spread for Jaguars at Broncos?