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This has been another interesting week in the NFL. The Cowboys over compensated the Lions for an above-average receiver (Roy Williams), a future hall of fame tight end (Tony Gonzalez) was left to rot in Kansas City, and just when I thought my beloved Colts finally found some SORELY needed beef for their defensive line, John McCargo fails his physical. There was a shootout between the Bears and Vikings (who would have thought) and a near tied game between the Jets and Raiders. The Rams are mysteriously playing like a solid team, which should go a long way to Jim Haslett returning next season and the Titans are still the only undefeated team in the NFL. Oddly enough, there seems to be a one pro bowl caliber Manning limit in the NFL. And if not, it sure seems like it!

1. Tennessee Titans- record: 6-0 (rank last week (1): defeated Chiefs, 34-10)

This team has been running wild on their opponents and playing stout defense all season. Not flashy, but very effective. And I hate to say it but as impressive as their ground game as been, they could break team rushing records next Monday night.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers- record: 5-1 (rank last week (2): defeated Bengals, 38-10)

The Steelers have taken on the personality of their young head coach: Passionate. Talk about that block that Hines Ward put on rookie linebacker Keith Rivers that broke his jaw! I'm betting PAC-10 receivers didn't hit that hard. Even Bill Cowher lovers have to be impressed by their defense!

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- record: 5-2 (rank last week (3): defeated Seahawks, 20-10)

See, this is one of the main reasons that I do not give Gruden any love. It was OBVIOUS from opening day that Jeff Garcia was the best quarterback on their DEEP roster of quarterbacks! They could be undefeated right now if Gruden would have swallowed his pride and started Garcia from the beginning!

4. Buffalo Bills- record: 5-1 (rank last week (4): defeated Chargers, 23-14)

Going into a bye after a beat down by the Cardinals, early coach of the year candidate Dick Jauron kept this young team focused. Even the lack of power at their stadium did not translate to lack of energy on the field.

5. New York Giants- record: 5-1 (rank last week (6): defeated 49ers, 29-17)

This is the way a defending Super Bowl champion is supposed to play against a lesser opponent.

6. Washington Redskins- record: 5-2 (rank last week (11): defeated Browns, 14-11)

It's nice that the Redskins paid attention to the Browns previous game against the Cowboys. 

7. Carolina Panthers- record: 5-2 (rank last week (14): defeated Saints, 30-7)

Losing a second straight divisional game would have been devastating. Is it too early to crown them yet?

8. New England Patriots- record: 4-2 (rank last week (19): defeated Broncos, 41-7)

Cassel was sacked numerous times, and still managed to throw for three touchdowns. I guess having a Randy Moss and Wes Welker does count for something.

9. Philadelphia Eagles- record: 3-3 (rank last week (7): bye)

The Eagles was rated too high last week. They're probably rated too high this week. I strongly suggest they beat the Falcons next week to justify this spot.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars- record: 3-3 (rank last week (8): bye)

See the Eagles, except they have the Browns to worry about next week:

11. Arizona Cardinals- record: 4-2 (rank last week (15): bye)

The Cardinals have several losing teams above them to thank for this leap during a bye week.

12. Atlanta Falcons- record 4-2 (rank last week (17): bye)

See Cardinals:

13. Green Bay Packers- record: 4-3 (rank last week (20): defeated Colts, 34-14)

In a game between two wildly inconsistent teams, the Packers prove to be the least inconsistent.

14. San Diego Chargers- record: 3-4 (rank last week (9): lost to Bills, 14-23)

They better play better than this next week against the Saints, or they will be in trouble!

15. Denver Broncos- record: 4-3 (rank last week (13): lost to Patriots, 7-41)

Pathetic.

16. Chicago Bears- record: 4-3 (rank last week (22): defeat Vikings, 48-41)

Who would have thought a NFC central game would produce an Arena league-like score?

17. New Orleans Saints- record: 3-4 (rank last week (10): lost to Panthers, 7-30)

Who would have thought losing Reggie Bush would have such an affect on the Saints offense? 

18. Indianapolis Colts- record: 3-3 (rank last week (5): lost to Packers, 14-34)

This has to be the most embarrassing loss I've witnessed in several years, but more on that later.

19. Baltimore Ravens- record: 3-3 (rank last week (24): defeated Dolphins, 27-13)

The Ravens bounced back nicely after last week's blowout loss, and Cam Cameron got his revenged against his former team. 

20. St. Louis Rams- record 2-4 (rank last week (26): defeated Cowboys, 34-14)

What has gotten into this team?! I figured that this team wasn't as bad as their 0-4 record. But after two consecutive wins against two talented teams, how good IS this team?

21. Dallas Cowboys- record: 4-3 (rank last week (12): loss to Rams, 14-34)

Welcome to mediocrity!!! This is where talented teams that are consistently handled by lesser talent reside. This is the ‘overrated team' section!

22. New York Jets- record: 3-3 (rank last week (16): lost to Raiders, 13-16OT)

I can't help but notice that Brett Farve is not very good at this overtime thing.

23. Houston Texans- record 2-4 (rank last week (37): defeated Lions, 28-21)

And the winner of the Junior Varsity game is...

24. Cleveland Browns- record: 2-4 (rank last week (18): lost to Redskins, 11-14)

Who says good kickers are not important?

25. Minnesota Vikings- record: 3-4 (rank last week (21): lost to Bears, 41-48)

Ok, who's been teaching the Vikings how to score???

26. Miami Dolphins- record 2-4 (rank last week (23): lost to Ravens, 13-27)

Oh well, maybe Bob Stoops will let the Dolphins use his playbook for next week

27. San Francisco 49ers- record 2-5 (rank last week (25): lost to Giants, 17-29)

The clock is ticking louder and louder for Mike Nolan.

28. Oakland Raiders- record: 2-4 (rank last week (31): defeated Jets, 16-13OT)

A tie would have been impressive for this team. I will ask again; who says a good kicker is not important???

29. Seattle Seahawks- record: 1-5 (rank last week (29): lost to Bucs, 10-20)

"Our confidence on offense isn't where it should be," Seattle coach Mike Holmgren said after the game. Duh.

30. Kansas City Chiefs- record 1-5 (rank last week (28): lost to Titans, 10-34)

This rebuilding project does not seem to be going too well.

31. Cincinnati Bengals- record 0-7 (rank last week (30): lost to Steelers, 10-38)

I didn't even know this team was in rebuilding mode, because they sure are playing like it!   

32. Detroit Lions- record 0-6 (rank last week (32): lost to Texans, 21-28)

This team has been in rebuilding mode for DECADES.

Five notes from week five:

1. The Tennessee Titans are the most complete team in the league. When I say ‘complete' team, I refer to the way they play together. Their running game, the most important aspect of a NFL offense, is multi-dimensional and deep. Their quarterback is smart and efficient and their defense is stout and opportunistic. There is no ‘flash' to them, so ESPN analysts will not drool over them like they would the Patriots or Colts. But at this rate, the division (if not the conference) is theirs for the taking.

2. Kickers are known for being the outsiders of the NFL. A lot of NFL players do not even count kickers as football players. That is, until that team is down by three points or less, and one kick decides the outcome of the game. One missed kick was the difference between the Browns being back in business and the ‘where is Brady Quinn' chants. One missed kick was the difference between the Redskins staying pace with division-leading New York Giants and following back with the Eagles and Cowboys.

3. Looks like the Colts' are taking over the Carolina Panthers' annual role of enigmatic team. They looked as awful against the Packers as they looked impressive against the Ravens. Worse yet, they have a primetime appointment with an undefeated divisional rival who's strength (running the ball) will expose the Colt's weakness (stopping the run). The Colts' season will be literally on the line.

4. Did the Cowboy's overspend for Roy Williams? And how much of an impact will Williams have on the offense, especially when Tony Romo comes back? I do not like the term ‘overspend', because it really has no place in a free-market society: something (or someone) is worth whatever someone else is willing to pay. And only time will tell whether he will help much, but it seems as though the Cowboys may have more to worry about then that anyways.

5. Another head coach as bit the dust; this time Mike Nolan of the 49ers. To take his place is his assistant that he brought with him from Baltimore and first time head coach Mike Singletary. Singletary is one of the most respected players of all-time, and is credited with grooming Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis. A no-nonsense type, it will be interesting to see how this works out.