Benigno's Best: Week 5 NFL Power Rankings
By Joe Benigno
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What's a bigger surprise through the first four weeks of this NFL season: the Cardinals at 4-0 or the Saints at 0-4?
Maybe it's the 3-1 Vikings.
As we head into Week 5, expect the unexpected. And -- oh yeah! -- the refs are back.
1. Houston Texans 4-0 (1)
Houston continues to blow out inferior competition. Witness Sunday's 38-14 pummeling of the Titans. They'll get another chance on Monday against the jittery Jets.
Next: @ Jets
2. Arizona Cardinals 4-0 (2)
Arizona overcomes a 13-0 deficit to stay unbeaten in OT thriller versus Dolphins. Cards have now won 10 of last 12 games dating back to last season.
Next: @ Rams
3. Atlanta Falcons 4-0 (3)
Atlanta may have already clinched NFC South in thrilling come from behind win versus Carolina Cams. Tremendous game for Matt Ryan and Roddy White, 169 yards and two touchdowns.
Next: @ Redskins
4. San Francisco 49ers 3-1 (5)
Niners get back on track in shutout of inept Jets. Four turnovers and a blocked punt led the way. The scary thing is, San Fran was not even on top of their game.
Next: vs. Bills
5. Baltimore Ravens 3-1 (6)
How good can this team be now that their offense is even better than their vaunted defense?
Next: @ Chiefs
6. Philadelphia Eagles 3-1 (unranked)
Philly hangs on and wins over world champions. Let's face it, Eagles have Giants' number, winning eight of last night versus Big Blue. Message to Andy Reid: keep giving the ball to LeSean McCoy.
Next: @ Steelers
7. Cincinnati Bengals 3-1 (7)
Cincy has shown they can beat just about anyone, except for Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Won't get where they want to go until they do.
Next: vs. Dolphins
8. Chicago Bears 3-1 (unranked)
I think Chicago just intercepted Tony Romo again. With Lance Briggs, Charles Tillman and Julius Peppers, not to mention Brian Urlacher on defense, this may be the new modern version of the "Monsters of the Midway."
Next: @ Jaguars
9. New England Patriots 2-2 (unranked)
Patriots put 52 on Bills, scoring on six consecutive second-half drives. Looks like the Belichicks are back on track. Who the heck is this guy Bolden running the football?
Next: vs. Broncos
10. Minnesota Vikings 3-1 (10)
A kick return for a TD, a punt return for a TD as Minny throttles Lions. These guys may be league's biggest surprise through Week 4.
Next: vs Titans
Do you think the Vikes deserve to be in the top 10? Be heard in the comments below!
