The Shark's Six-Pack Through Week 5

Week 5 is in the books and what a wacky week it was! The underdog teams continue to impress and with the NFC looking pathetic this weekend, the six-pack has a new look this week. NFL action, it's fantastic! Check back every Tuesday to see if your team has climbed into my top six or if there were any significant changes in the rankings.

The rankings are based on offensive/defensive statistics, wins, etc, etc. But more importantly, these rankings are set from our fans and my personal opinions each week. Your voice is heard on Football.com so get your two cents in and enjoy one on the Shark -- The Shark’s Six-Pack every Tuesday.

AFC

1.    New England Patriots (5-0) -- No change here, the Patriots led by Tom Brady and Randy Moss continue to dominate and are looking like a team of destiny. The Patriots are the only team in NFL history to start the season with five wins by more than 17 points. Sunday, Junior Seau had two interceptions and Brady tossed three more touchdowns for the fifth straight game as the Patriots rocked upstart Browns, 34-17. This week’s matchup against Dallas should be a classic duel, but would you be surprised if New England dismantles Dallas? This Patriot team is nearly unbeatable and I would not be surprised if they roll over the Cowboys.
2.    Indianapolis Colts (5-0) -- The Colts are banged up, but that did not stop them Sunday as they train-wrecked a good Tampa Bay squad 33-14, allowing just 17 rushing yards. Indy was without Marvin Harrison, Joseph Addai, Bob Sanders, Rob Morris and Freddy Keiaho, but the Colts were still able to find their offense while playing superb defense. This team could very well be the number one squad in the AFC as they are also 5-0 and are they defending Super Bowl champions. On November 4th, Indy and New England square-off and we will find out who the outright number one team in the AFC really is. Right now, Indianapolis is just a step of New England’s pace.
3.    Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) -- The Steelers are back up to the third spot after an impressive shout-out victory over the Seattle Seahawks 21-0 Sunday. Ben Roethlisberger was on point all game and the Steelers defense smothered Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander and this was without Pro Bowler’s Casey Hampton and Troy Polamalu. Big Ben had one of his best performances as he completed 13 passes in a row and finished 18-of-22 for 206 yards and a touchdown. The Pittsburgh defense held a good Seattle offense to just 144 yards of total offense.
4.    Tennessee Titans (4-1) -- The Titans barely scraped up enough points Sunday to get past the Falcons. Vince Young had a horrid game throwing three interceptions with no touchdowns, but the Titans defense stepped up another notch to bring home the win. The Titans held the Falcons to under 200 yards of total offense and forced three Atlanta turnovers, sealing the 20-13 victory. The Titans are off to a great start and are playing with tons of confidence on both sides of the ball.
5.    Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1) -- The Jaguars looked impressive coming off their bye week. Jacksonville manhandled Kansas City on offense and played inspired defense, holding Larry Johnson to a career low, 12 yards rushing. The Jags were trashed on the ground in week one by the Titans, surrendering 282 rushing yards. They’ve not allowed more than 48 yards on the ground in any of their three games since. Dirk Koetter has the offense playing better -- the mix of a creative offense aligned with a dominant defense is what has me saying playoffs for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
6.    San Diego Chargers (2-3) -- The Super Chargers are in the six-pack for the first time this year after destroying the Denver Broncos, 41-3 in Denver. The Chargers handed the Broncos their worst loss at home since 1966 and have beaten Denver twice at home in the last two years. The Broncos are looking worse every week, but this did not sway my decision. San Diego’s offense is clicking -- the offense nearly hit 500 yards in total offense and L.T. and Philip Rivers are back on the same page. The Norv Turner show is finally living up to expectations in beautiful San Diego.

Honorable Mention

Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs

NFC

1.    Dallas Cowboys (5-0) -- Dallas pulled out a wild win on Monday Night Football in what was arguably the craziest MNF game ever. Tony Romo had five interceptions, a lost fumble, but still found the way to lead the Cowboys past the Buffalo Bills, 25-24. Dallas was outplayed for nearly the entire game, but they found a way to pull it out in a very hostile environment. Buffalo had not hosted a MNF game for thirteen years and the fans as well as the Bills were ready to steal a win. Good teams find ways to come back, and the Cowboys’ Herculean effort was simply impressive and that’s the stuff that champions are made of. The Cowboys have New England this week in what could be a Super Bowl XLII preview and by this time next week, we will know if the Cowboys have the stuff of champions after all.
2.    Green Bay Packers (4-1) -- Green Bay was looking just stunning until Sunday night. The old Brett Farve came out late in the game as the Bears came from behind to knock the Packers off their undefeated pedestal. Farve had an errant pass that seemed to change the direction of the game as Chicago rambled off 17 straight points to steal the show from the upstart Packers. The Bears have life now in what became a very pivotal NFC North showdown. This storied rivalry lived up to the awesome memories from years past but the Chicago comeback may have ignited the hibernating Bears. This week Green Bay plays a very tough Washington Redskins team that has just climbed into the six-pack after another impressive performance.
3.    Washington Redskins (3-1) -- The Redskins have found their offense. Jason Campbell is looking like a perfect fit for Joe Gibbs & Co. The Skins destroyed the Lions Sunday, the same Lion team that has been nearly unstoppable offensively. Washington held Detroit to only 144 total yards and extended their home winning streak against the Lions to 21 games -- the Skins are 21-0 at home against the Lions since 1937. The offense is rolling and this year’s Redskin team looks like a top ten defensive squad. Mix those two together and you have a 3-1 record from a team that is hungry to get back to the playoffs. This week’s game with Green Bay will be a good test for the Redskins.
4.    New York Giants (3-2) -- New York has won three straight games and has looked very imposing during this run. The G-Men are one of the hottest teams in the league right now after their comeback win Sunday against the New York Jets. The Giants defense was back at it after a great game last week against the Eagles where they set a team record with 12 sacks. The Giants picked Chad Pennington three times and Plaxico Burress high-stepped his way to a sick 53-yard, stiff arm touchdown catch and run. The Giants overcame a ten point deficit and are now 3-2 and right in the mix of things in the NFC.
5.    Arizona Cardinals (3-2) -- The Kurt Warner show was kicked off again in St. Louis over the weekend. Matt Leinart is now out for the season with a broken collarbone, but that did not slow the Cardinals down. Warner entered the game and led the Cardinals to a dramatic victory. The Arizona defense was again leading the charge and help Warner & Co. stay in the game. Rod Hood ran back a 68-yard interception for the go-ahead touchdown. Larry Fitzgerald was the man with Anquan Boldin still sidelined with a hip injury. Fitzy was Warner’s favorite target as he had nine catches for 136 yards and a touchdown. The Cardinals are now 3-2 and are tied for first place in the NFC West -- the Red Birds are alive and kicking in the NFC as well as on the Shark’s Six-Pack.
6.    Seattle Seahawks (3-2) -- Seattle barely holds onto the sixth spot this week after a disappointing performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Seattle entered the game winners of three straight and playing well on both sides of the ball. That all came to an end very quickly though in Pittsburg. The rematch of Super Bowl XL was all Pittsburg as Seattle completed only two passes in the entire second half. The Seahawks looked confused and simply, frustrated on offense. Shaun Alexander was a non-factor all game and Matt Hasselbeck was forcing the issue, turned the ball and finished just 13-of-27 for 116 yards.

Honorable Mention

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers