It’s the Top 10 that gets shuffled this week in the Week Nine NFL Power Rankings. There are no huge drops, but a few health issues could keep some solid teams tumbling.
1. Dallas Cowboys – (6-1) Dak Prescott put an emphatic stamp on the starting job against the Eagles last week. After three rough quarters, the rookie was nothing but clutch in the fourth quarter and overtime. Now the Cowboys have the Browns on the schedule this week, so it’s like an extra bye before the travel to Heinz Field to face the Steelers and possibly Ben Roethlisberger on Nov. 13. Last week: 1
2. New England Patriots – (7-1) I wrote in this week’s What We Learned that the Patriots should be able to walk to home field advantage with their remaining NFL schedule. They’re in more danger of screwing that up during the bye with off-the field nonsense than in an actual game week. Last week: 2
3. Denver Broncos – (6-2) It looks to me like Trevor Siemian has hit the plateau of where his quarterback talent will take him. Eventually that’s going to be to the bench but for right now, it looks like it’ll take the Broncos to at least the playoffs. Last week: 5
4. Atlanta Falcons – (5-3) All three of the Falcons’ losses are by a touchdown or less. In fact, two of them are by three points or less. They can avenge one of those losses Thursday night against the Bucs. Last week: 8
5. Seattle Seahawks – (4-2-1) While the Saints don’t have the record, they’ve got the offense to case Seattle problems. That won’t be the case when they play the Bills Monday night. Last week: 3
6. Minnesota Vikings – (5-2) Two straight losses and then Norv Turner quits. The Vikings look in complete disarray, but Jim Caldwell and the Detroit Lions are here to help. Last week: 4
7. Pittsburgh Steelers – (4-3) Ben Roethlisberger was officially listed as “limited” in the Steelers’ injury report this week. That doesn’t mean he’ll play this Sunday. It might mean he plays next Sunday. Last week: 6
8. Philadelphia Eagles – (4-3) The Eagles have outperformed every expectation any of us had in the preseason. A hard dose of legit NFL opponents are coming in the next month with the Giants, Falcons, Seahawks, Packers then Bengals coming up. Last week: 11
9. Oakland Raiders – (6-2) The Raiders can prove a lot by beating the Broncos Sunday. They can also prove a lot by losing to the Broncos Sunday. Last week: 12
10. Green Bay Packers – (4-3) The Packers have improved their offense over the last few weeks since the bottom fell out. Now they suddenly have defensive issues thanks to injuries across the line up. Last week: 7
11. New York Giants – (4-3) The NFC East may be getting out of reach, but there are two Wild Card spots up for grabs and Sunday’s game against the Eagles can have a lot to do with determining who gets one of them. Last week: 9
12. Kansas City Chiefs – (5-2) Nick Foles gets the start against the Jaguars this week for a concussed Alex Smith. I don’t expect a drop-off and, in fact, the Chiefs might be a little more explosive. Last week: 14
13. Arizona Cardinals – (3-4-1) The Cardinals finally get a much-needed bye. They’re banged up on defense and lethargic on offense with the exception of David Johnson who runs with a Northern Iowa-sized chip on his shoulder. Last week: 10
14. Buffalo Bills – (4-4) The Bills signed Percy Harvin off his couch this week to add some explosion to their offense. McCly is still doubtful after two weeks and all those Buffalo hopes are being hastily kicked off the field like a rogue dildo. Last week: 13
15. Cincinnati Bengals – (3-4-1) The Bengals traveled all the way to London to kiss their sister. Now they’ve got a bye week to think about it before a real road test against the Giants. Last week: 13
16. Houston Texans – (5-3) A nice win over the Lions going into the bye then a match up with the Jaguars will fool everyone into thinking good things are happening in Houston. The the Raiders will come to town and ruin everything. Last week: 16
Click here for Part 2 of the Week Eight NFL Power Rankings.
