Through the first five weeks, there is already plenty to discuss regarding what’s happened so far in the 2010 NFL season.

After the Chiefs recent loss to the Colts, there are no more undefeated teams remaining–which means the 1972 Dolphins can celebrate their historical season will not be matched in 2010. Kansas City (consider them an honorable mention for this list) is just one of many surprises in the NFL so far this season. At this point, it’s hard to pick a Super Bowl favorite considering most of the contenders have struggled so far this season. Here are five surprises so far in 2010.

1. The Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys are 1-3

When the 2010 NFL schedule was first released, most football fans were excited for this Week 6 matchup considering both teams were considered Super Bowl contenders. Now, the Vikings and Cowboys will have to fight for their lives over the next 12 weeks just for a shot at the playoffs.

In their defense, both the Vikings and Cowboys each face a difficult schedule this season, but to be the best, you have to beat the best. Unfortunately, one team has to lose this weekend–meaning either the Vikings or Cowboys will be in an even deeper whole heading into Week 7.

2. The Chicago Bears remain on top of the NFC North

With all of the debate on whether it would be the Vikings or Packers on top of the division, the Bears come along and make the NFC North even more fun to watch.

Despite all of their problems on the offensive line, Chicago has managed to jump off to a 4-1 start–with two key wins over the Packers and Cowboys. Matt Forte has been phenomenal (531 yards from the line of scrimmage and five touchdowns), but this team still has a tough schedule ahead of them before they’re considered a lock for the playoffs.

3. The San Francisco 49ers are 0-5

For a team that was picked by many analysts to win the NFC West, the 49ers have a long way to go if they want to even finish .500.

San Francisco is feeling the frustration considering three of their five losses have been by three points or less. This was supposed to be the year the 49ers emerged with one of the top defenses in the NFL. So far, that has been far from the case for Mike Singletary’s squad.

4. Surprise, Surprise–the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 3-1 and the Washington Redskins are 3-2

Yup, that’s right. The Buccaneers have already matched their win total from last season after just four games.

For a team that was expected to have another year of “re-building”, Tampa Bay has been one of the biggest surprises in 2010. After getting stomped on by the Steelers, they made a statement last weekend in their come-from behind win over the Bengals to prove they can compete with playoff-caliber teams.

As for the Redskins, they seemed to be the only ones who believed they were this good and continue to prove the doubters wrong each week–with their latest impressive win coming against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers this weekend.

The acquisition of Donovan McNabb during the offseason already made Washington a better team–but there were few people who expected them to be this good already considering his weapons on offense. Props to DeAngelo Hall and the rest of the Redskins’ defense that has played well so far this season. Considering all three of their wins came against teams who made the playoffs last season, don’t be surprised if the Skins make a surprise run at the postseason.

5. A three-way tie in the AFC South

Over the years, the Colts were always considered the team to beat in the AFC South. Through the first five weeks of 2010, it’s safe to say it’s going to be a dog-fight for the division title between four teams who all appear to be capable of reaching the postseason.

Indianapolis is already 0-2 within the division after two losses to the Texans and Jaguars. With each team sitting at 3-2, it should be interesting to see which team emerges on top when the season comes to an end.

Dan Parzych is the Lead NFL Content Editor for www.RantSports.com/NFL,  where he writes and edits NFL content for www.RantSports.com.