2014 NFL Power Rankings: Week 5 ESPN.com

Week: Select Pre 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Which 3-1 teams are for real? That was one of the biggest questions facing ESPN's Power Panel (a group of more than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities) this week.

With Seattle, Cincinnati and Denver entrenched in the top three thanks to Week 4 byes, the focus shifted to those within striking distance. Of the six teams at 3-1, San Diego owns the highest position (No. 5), followed by Philadelphia (No. 6) and Baltimore (No. 7). The lowest ranking among the 3-1 brigade belongs to Houston at No. 13.

Is anyone in this group poised to make a move in Week 5? The Cowboys and Texans go head-to-head Sunday, so one will take another step toward contender status. The Ravens play at Indianapolis, with a possible top-five spot in the balance.

A top-five ranking also could be within reach for the 3-1 Lions (No. 8). But after squandering a fast start last season, Matthew Stafford & Co. need to avoid slip-ups against Buffalo and Minnesota in the coming weeks to prove they're indeed legit.

Note: The comments below are provided by ESPN Stats & Information.

• SN: Rank 'Em | Vegas rankings | Patriots' problems start on offense | Team Power Rankings charts since 2002