Oct. 14--Previous rank in parentheses.
1. Patriots 4-0 (1): Running back Dion Lewis has provided a new dimension for the offense.
2. Packers 5-0 (2): They've won 12 consecutive games at Lambeau Field.
3. Bengals 5-0 (4): They're 5-0 for the first time since 1988, which is the last time they reached the Super Bowl.
4. Broncos 5-0 (3): The offense ranks 30th in yards per game. That's how good this defense is playing right now.
5. Falcons 5-0 (6): Can't put them in the class of the other unbeatens, but nothing phony about the top-ranked run defense allowing only 78 yards per game.
6. Cardinals 4-1 (7): Free-agent running back Chris Johnson has worked so well they went out and signed defensive end Dwight Freeney this week.
7. Panthers 4-0 (5): At Seattle this week and they've lost four times to the Seahawks since 2012. All of them have been close.
8. Jets 3-1 (9): Rough-and-tumble defense is better with end Sheldon Richardson returning from suspension.
9. Steelers 3-2 (11): The Chargers are far from great, but traveling across the country to beat them on the final play was as gritty as it was impressive.
10. Seahawks 2-3 (8): After blowing a 17-point lead in Cincinnati, it's looking more like the Legion of Gloom.
11. Giants 3-2 (12): Eli Manning has 10 touchdown passes and two interceptions and is playing as well as he has in years.
12. Bills 3-2 (13): Matt Cassel and Fred Jackson would help right now with Tyrod Taylor and most of the running backs banged up.
13. Vikings 2-2 (14): Three of their next four games are on the road, but they travel to face the Lions, Bears and Raiders.
14. Colts 3-2 (18): All three victories have come against lowly AFC South rivals and suddenly they're two games up in the division.
15. Rams 2-3 (10): In three games, electric rookie Todd Gurley has 314 rushing yards to tie for 13th in the league.
16. Chargers 2-3 (15): Antonio Gates made a splash in his return from suspension. Too bad he can't block for Philip Rivers while catching passes.
17. Eagles 2-3 (21): Let's see how far the Chip Kelly-to-USC rumors carry.
18. Bears 2-3 (27): Chance to climb even at .500 headed into week off. Think most would have signed up for that before the season started.
19. Cowboys 2-3 (19): They're off this week and Matt Cassel will emerge as the starter in place of Brandon Weeden when they return.
20. Redskins 2-3 (20): 1-9 on the road under Jay Gruden and they travel to face a nasty Jets defense. Look out.
21. Raiders 2-3 (22): Charles Woodson, in his 18th season, said he wanted to intercept Peyton Manning once in his career. He got him twice, but the Raiders still lost.
22. Browns 2-3 (30): First-year offensive coordinator John DeFilippo getting some early recognition for his work with Josh McCown.
23. Ravens 1-4 (17): Once-vaunted defense blew two fourth-quarter leads and surrendered 505 yards offense to the Browns.
24. Dolphins 1-3 (23): Interim coach Dan Campbell is fighting a culture problem. Good luck sorting that out starting in Week 6.
25. Titans 1-3 (24): Marcus Mariota has been under constant pressure as the offensive line struggles to come together.
26. Chiefs 1-4 (16): It's soul-searching time for a team that figured it was poised to take over the penthouse in the AFC West.
27. Buccaneers 2-3 (31): All of a sudden Doug Martin has regained his rookie form and the Bucs' 11-game home losing streak is over.
28. 49ers 1-4 (28): Not sure if Vic Fangio would recognize the defense currently in place.
29. Texans 1-4 (25): QB carousel spins and now Brian Hoyer has a chance to start versus the Jaguars. Bill O'Brien can't turn back to Ryan Mallett.
30. Saints 1-4 (26): Colts and Dolphins mentioned as destinations for Sean Payton with ship sinking. How about a return to the Giants if Tom Coughlin retires?
31. Jaguars 1-4 (29): Will Gus Bradley make it through the entire season as head coach?
32. Lions 0-5 (32): Pretty soon this could turn from bad to toxic.
bmbiggs@tribpub.com
