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A tremendous week 4 is in the books and the Bloguin NFL sites have once again ranked the entire league from top to bottom.
Another interesting week in the NFL. The Bengals and Broncos proved their for real, the Niners and Jets fell back to Earth, and teams like Arizona, Seattle, and Miami all made statements that they are contenders within their divisions.
We Wanted to revisit with an expert in Joe Fortenbaugh from the National Football Post to see what he thought of our rankings in week 5. Previous to National Football Post, Joe worked at JB Sports, a leading agency for NFL players, so basically he has major blogger street cred. Below is his take:
 
The Bengals and the Broncos are a combined 9-1 with the only loss being the week one miracle Stokley play against each other. Despite this, week 5 was the first time they cracked the top ten. Are both these teams legit? Which one is more likely to stay in the top ten this year?
A: With five games in the books for both teams I can't see an argument for how either is not a legit contender. The Bengals are 3-0 in the AFC North and are coming off a huge win over Baltimore, while the Broncos are undefeated after knocking off the Pats. Both teams have efficient quarterbacks, play-making receivers, a strong running game and play sound defense. My pick for who stays in the top ten longer would be Denver. Everyone has bought into the program out there and they get outstanding play from both lines, which is one of the key things I look for in a quality football team.
We have 5 teams without a loss and 4 teams without a win. What team stays undefeated the longest and what team stays win less the longest? Can any of these teams run the table either way?
A: Man, are there some bad teams in the NFL. If anyone runs the table and hits the magical 0-16 mark, it will be St. Louis. They lack talent on both sides of the ball and will need a lot of help in order to get a win.
In terms of going 16-0, I would have to go with the Colts. Peyton Manning has been awesome this season, throwing for over 300 yards in all five games he's played in. He is just so much better than everyone else on the field. New Orleans hosts the Giants on Sunday, so one of them is going down.
Either way, I don't see the Rams losing all 16 games or the Colts winning all 16. It is just too difficult.
We're seeing a lot of teams get a lot of of mileage out of their first round draft pick (Vikings, Jets, Lions, Denver). Who are some guys that are a little under the radar that you see beginning to make a difference for their teams in this regard?
A: Second-round picks Rey Maualuga (linebacker, Bengals) and safety Louis Delmas (Lions) have been making an impact, yet not getting the recognition they deserve. Maualuga's former teammate, linebacker Brian Cushing (Texans) has been flying around the field making plays. He is really fun to watch.
What really surprises me is this year's crop of receivers (outside of the top two: DHB and Crabtree). Jeremy Maclin, Hakeem Nicks, Kenny Britt, Johnny Knox, Percy Harvin...the list goes on and on. All of these guys are making plays.
Your website covered the Crabtree saga better than anyone else. Now that is he signed, what do you think his production will be like and will it have an impact on the 49ers in terms of getting them over the hump and into the playoffs?
A: It will have more of an indirect impact than a direct impact. What I mean by that is I don't see him making a bunch of plays this year. He only knows two routes (fade (9) and slant (2)), has spent little time with quarterback Shaun Hill and doesn't know the playbook. In addition, he needs to learn how to beat press coverage. The guy got a ten-yard cushion in college. That doesn't happen in the NFL.
However, his speed is what will make a difference. Crabtree can stretch the field vertically on the outside, which will open up the middle and underneath routes for Vernon Davis, etc. to exploit. This will make everyone more effective.
Who you buying and who you selling this week?
A: Look no further than last Monday night to see what I'm thinking. I'm selling the Jets at No. 13. They were exposed big-time. The run defense got torched and they ended the game with zero sacks and zero turnovers.
On the flip side, I'm investing heavy in Miami at No. 19. That is way too low. Chad Henne was outstanding on Monday night and his big arm finally gives the Dolphins a deep threat, which will open up the running game even more for Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. This team is going to be competitive this season.
I'd also buy some Seattle stock at No. 20. When Hasselbeck is healthy, they are a pretty good football team.
Most overrated and underrated teams in the NFL right now?
A: In terms of underrated, it's got to be Miami. I can't say enough about how impressive they were on Monday night. The game plan was outstanding and they executed it perfectly. They made the once-mighty Jets defense look weak and vulnerable. If Henne can play smart, manageable football all season, this team will get back in the hunt.
It's tough to find an overrated team right now in the Bloguin Power Rankings, but I would go with the Bills at No. 25. They should be dropped below the Lions, Titans and most importantly, the team who JUST beat them, the Cleveland Browns.
The Patriots continue to take 1 step forward and 1 step back and seem to be lucky to be 3-2, having been slim winners in 2 games. Where do you have them ranked and do you think this dynasty is possibly winding down?
A: It's hard to argue against that notion that the dynasty is still strong, because there are better teams in both conferences right now. The key for New England will be how long it takes Tom Brady to get back to being Tom Brady. He is missing on way too many throws right now. I can think of two plays in the Denver game that if he connects, New England wins with ease.
I like where you guys have them at No. 10. That is the perfect spot right now.
What games do you have circled this week, where you think the winner of that game may now have the inside track to make the playoffs and the loser is probably now on the outside looking in?
A: The game with the most on the line is without question Monday night's showdown in San Diego with the Chargers hosting the Broncos. If Denver wins this one, they'll have a three-game lead in the AFC West, which is BAD news for the Bolts.
Another game that will fly below the radar is the Cardinals at Seattle. The loser of this one will be on the outside looking in.
However, the big games to watch are clearly the Giants at New Orleans (I'll take the Giants) and Baltimore at Minnesota (I'm going Vikings). You aren't a true fan if you can't get gassed up for these two.
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