Atlanta Falcons: NFC Power Rankings, Week 6

Oct 11, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) watches from the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Ford Field. Arizona won 42-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Things are rocky in Motown. After being told by HC Jim Caldwell that one more pick would result in a benching, starting QB Matthew Stafford spent almost the entire second half on the sidelines after throwing his third interception of the game. The Detroit Lions are the only team without a win in 2015, moving to 0-5 after being plowed by the Arizona Cardinals, 42-17, in Week 5.

Many could argue the tough first five games of the season for the Detroit Lions (@Chargers, @Vikings, Broncos, @Seahawks, Cardinals), but this was an 11-5 team last year. They will have to win out to reach that mark in 2015. While they’ll possibly get to their first victory when they host division rival Chicago on Sunday, that offensive of Detroit’s might stand as the worst in football. The Lions will be lucky to go 4-12 this fall.

New Orleans sits a 1-4 with their arch rival coming to town on Thursday still undefeated. Though the rivalry between the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons will be the story on Thursday, I can’t begin to think where the franchise’s head will be at should they fall to 1-5.

Drew Brees will be without veteran wideout Marques Colston in Week 6 and the defense of DC Rob Ryan is pedestrian at best. After looking at their schedule, I’m wondering if the Saints can finish any better than 5-11. Could HC Sean Payton survive back-to-back losing seasons in the Big Easy? Mike Smith couldn’t in Atlanta. The Saints have to re-build through the draft as their cap situation might stand as the worst in football.

More from ATL All Day

• Atlanta Braves: Felix Has Already Shown Enough to Win a Rotation Spot
• Atlanta Braves Implode Late To Phillies, Cole Hamels Remains Sidelined
• Kyle Wright Shines As Folty Struggles In Atlanta Braves Loss To Red Sox
• Atlanta Hawks Sweep Back-to-Back Games Over Weekend
• Atlanta Braves: Grapefruit League Play Check Up

The Niners almost won on Sunday Night Football, losing on a game-winning drive orchestrated by New York’s Eli Manning. San Francisco isn’t a good football team, but I’m sure if they are as a bad as we think they are. QB Colin Kaepernick played well enough to keep the Blaine Gabbert train at bay in Santa Clara at least for a few weeks.

Carlos Hyde shows flashes of a Top 10 running back in football. If Kap can throw catchable balls to WR Anquan Boldin and the defense can rally behind veteran LB Navarro Bowman, then this could be a 6 win team. Even though it was a loss to the Giants, I don’t know what the 49ers’ floor is anymore. 5-11, 4-12 is bad, but probably not the worst in the NFL.

The Bears are winning games! They’re on a win streak after beating the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs in back-to-back weeks. Jay Cutler and the gang could move to .500 if the Bears knock off the winless Detroit Lions in the Motor City. Kansas City might actually be a bad football team, but Oakland seems halfway decent. Maybe the Bears are, too?

Realistically, their defense doesn’t get it done and are we comfortable enough with Jay Cutler’s ability as a passer in a brand new offense? Losses to Green Bay, Arizona, and Seattle aren’t bad losses and the schedule improves for Chicago as the season develops. Their win over KC makes me think their ceiling is now 7-9 with a 4-12 floor. So much is riding on the new coaching staff to keep Chicago from being an NFC doormat.

Next: Tier III: NFC Playoff Pretenders