NFL Week 9 Power Rankings: Are Packers In League Of Their Own?

Week 8 in the NFL was chock-full of a number of great games, unsuspecting upsets, big blowouts, eye-popping rallies and head-scratching action.  I guess Halloween weekend had something to do with it.

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers were on a bye week, but that didn’t stop them from pulling even further ahead of the other 31 teams.  There’s only one one-loss team left in the league now and it’s San Francisco.

Here are my Week 9 power rankings with every team’s week-by-week game results included.

You can also check out my review of all of Sunday’s games and see how I did in my Week 8 predictions.

And kudos to NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora.  I mentioned in my introduction in my predictions that he should increase your appetite for the weekend’s action.  As you may know, he labels every game as a foot-long, six-inch, pita or a finger sandwich (a foot-long being the Patriots at Steelers and a finger sandwich being the Dolphins at Giants for example).

He stated that “some of those finger sandwiches are going to turn out to have double meat, extra condiments and perfectly grilled peppers and onions that we never realized were there in the first place until we’ve finished consuming it.”

Five of those six finger sandwiches (Saints-Rams, Cardinals-Ravens, Jaguars-Texans, Dolphins-Giants and Browns-49ers) were all much more of a mouth-watering treat than anticipated.

Advertisement: Sign up for ScoreBig.com via Gridiron Grit and get great seats for less—10-60% off game tickets!

No. 32   Indianapolis Colts (0-8): Peyton Manning didn’t play on defense too, right?  Oh, and regardless of any situation, Jim Caldwell apparently shows no emotion…even when his fictitious identical twin brother gets attacked by an alligator in Dave Dameshek’s NFL Week 8 Shame Report.

Previous Ranking: 31

Résumé: Lost 7-34 at Houston, Lost 19-27 vs. Cleveland, Lost 20-23 vs. Pittsburgh, Lost 17-24 at Tampa Bay, Lost 24-28 vs. Kansas City, Lost 17-27 at Cincinnati, Lost 7-62 at New Orleans, Lost 10-27 at Tennessee

Next Four Games: vs. ATL (4-3), vs. JAC (2-6), Bye, vs. CAR (2-6), at NE (5-2)

No. 31  Miami Dolphins (0-7): Tony Sparano just needs to be put out of his misery in Miami.

Previous Ranking: 32

Résumé: Lost 24-38 vs. New England, Lost 13-23 vs. Houston, Lost 16-17 at Cleveland, Lost 16-26 at San Diego, Lost 6-24 at N.Y. Jets, Lost 15-18 (OT) vs. Denver, Lost 17-20 at N.Y. Giants

Next Four Games: at KC (4-3), vs. WSH (3-4), vs. BUF (5-2), at DAL (3-4)

No. 30   St. Louis Rams (1-6): A.J. Feeley won his first game as a starter since 2004, Steven Jackson rushed for his first 100-yard performance in three seasons (151 yards, 2 TDs) and the defense gave Drew Brees fits all day long, as the inspired Rams stunned everyone with a 31-21 upset.  With the death-defying first-half schedule over with, could this team turn water into wine and engineer a miraculous mid-season turnaround?  The answer’s yes, if all of the 49ers players catch the plague this week.

Previous Ranking: 30

Résumé: Lost 13-31 vs. Philadelphia, Lost 16-28 at N.Y. Giants, Lost 7-37 vs. Baltimore, Lost 10-17 vs. Washington, Lost 3-24 at Green Bay, Lost 7-34 at Dallas, Won 31-21 vs. New Orleans

Next Four Games: at ARI (1-6), at CLE (3-4), vs. SEA (2-5), vs. ARI (1-6)

No. 29   Arizona Cardinals (1-6): The Cardinals have delivered great excitement, entertainment and effort every week, but have no wins to show for it since the opener.  What’s the future of head coach Ken Wisenhunt and quarterback Kevin Kolb?

Previous Ranking: 29

Résumé: Won 28-21 vs. Carolina, Lost 21-22 at Washington, Lost 10-13 at Seattle, Lost 27-31 vs. N.Y. Giants, Lost 10-34 at Minnesota, Lost 20-32 vs. Pittsburgh, Lost 27-30 at Baltimore

Next Three Games: vs. STL (1-6), at PHI (3-4), at SF (6-1), at STL (1-6)

No. 28   Denver Broncos (2-5): Tim Tebow became a punching back for the Lions’ ferocious front seven.  Tebow clearly has lingering mechanical and delivery issues and the poor protection, unreliable ground game and few tools in the air attack only compound the problem.  It’s not as if Denver has a formidable defense, either.

Previous Ranking: 28

Résumé: Lost 20-23 vs. Oakland, Won 24-22 vs. Cincinnati, Lost 14-17 at Tennessee, Lost 23-49 at Green Bay, Lost 24-29 vs. San Diego, Won 18-15 (OT) at Miami, Lost 10-45 vs. Detroit

Next Four Games: at OAK (4-3), at KC (4-3), vs. NYJ (4-3), at SD (4-3)

No. 27  Seattle Seahawks (2-5): Seattle’s a prime candidate for the Matt Barkeley sweepstakes.

Previous Ranking: 27

Résumé: Lost 17-33 at San Francisco, Lost 0-24 at Pittsburgh, W 13-10 vs. Arizona, Lost 28-30 vs. Atlanta, Won 36-25 at N.Y. Giants, Lost 3-6 at Cleveland, Lost 12-34 vs. Cincinnati

Next Four Games: at DAL (3-4), vs. BAL (5-2), at STL (1-6), vs. WSH (3-4)

No. 26   Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6): Jacksonville’s defense ranks inside the Top 10 against the run, against the pass and in points allowed.  The offense on the other hand is dead last in passing (123.6 YPG), total offense (242.6 YPG) and scoring (12.2 PPG).

Previous Ranking: 25

Résumé: Won 16-14 vs. Tennessee, Lost 3-32 at N.Y. Jets, Lost 10-16 at Carolina, Lost 10-23 vs. New Orleans, Lost 20-30 vs. Cincinnati, Lost 13-17 at Pittsburgh, Won 12-7 vs. Baltimore, Lost 14-24 at Houston

Next  Four Games: Bye, at IND (0-8), at CLE (3-4), vs. HOU (5-3), vs. SD (4-2)

No. 25  Washington Redskins (3-4): With depleted weapons and almost non-existent protection, John Beck threw two picks and was sacked nine times in the 0-23 loss to Buffalo.  It was Mike Shanahan‘s first shutout—ever.  At least fans have endured these inevitable downhill slides before, so they’ll know how to cope with the pain.  You know, with lots of scotch or something.

Previous Ranking: 23

Résumé: Won 28-14 vs. N.Y. Giants, Won 22-21 vs. Arizona, Lost 16-18 at Dallas, Won 17-10 at St. Louis, Lost 13-20 vs. Philadelphia, Lost 20-33 at Carolina, Lost 0-23 at BUF

Next Four Games: vs. SF (6-1), at MIA (0-7), vs. DAL (3-4), at SEA (2-5)

No. 24   Carolina Panthers (2-6): The Panthers have been outscored by only 20 points this year.  Like the recently turned-around Lions and Buccaneers, it will take a year or two to learn how to win the close games.

Previous Ranking: 22

Résumé: Lost 21-28 at Arizona, Lost 23-30 vs. Green Bay, Won 16-10 vs. Jacksonville, Lost 29-34 at Chicago, Lost 27-30 vs. New Orleans, Lost 17-31 at Atlanta, Won 33-20 vs. Washington, Lost 21-24 vs. Minnesota

Next Four Games: Bye, vs. TEN (4-3), at DET (6-2), at IND (0-8), at TB (4-3)

No. 23   Minnesota Vikings (2-6): Unlike Chris Johnson, Adrian Peterson is living up to his lucrative September contract.  Christian Ponder appears to be the real deal, too.

Previous Ranking: 26

Résumé: Lost 17-24 at San Diego, Lost 20-24 vs. Tampa Bay, Lost 23-26 (OT) vs. Detroit, Lost 17-22 at Kansas City, Won 34-10 vs. Arizona, Lost 10-39 at Chicago, Lost 27-33 vs. Green Bay, Won 24-21 at Carolina

Next Three Games: Bye, at GB (7-0), vs. OAK (4-3), at ATL (4-3), vs. DEN (2-5)

No. 22  Cleveland Browns (3-4): The lack of a ground game isn’t Colt McCoy‘s fault, but he certainly has tons of room for improvement.

Previous Ranking: 24

Résumé: Lost 17-27 vs. Cincinnati, W 27-19 at Indianapolis, Won 17-16 vs. Miami, Lost 13-31 vs. Tennessee, Lost 17-24 at Oakland, Won 6-3 vs. Seattle, Lost 10-20 at San Francisco

Next Four Games: at HOU (5-3), vs. STL (1-6), vs. JAC (2-6), at CIN (5-2)

No. 21  Tennessee Titans (4-3): Breaking News: Chris Johnson has been arrested for stealing boatloads of cash.

Previous Ranking: 19

Résumé: Lost 14-16 at Jacksonville, Won 26-13 vs. Baltimore, Won 17-14 vs. Denver, Won 31-13 at Cleveland, Lost 17-38 at Pittsburgh, Lost 7-41 vs. Houston, Won 27-10 vs. Indianapolis

Next Four Games: vs. CIN (5-2), at CAR (2-6), at ATL (4-3), vs. TB (4-3)

No. 20  Dallas Cowboys (3-4): There’s plenty of blame to go around in Dallas.  There’s Jerry Jones, Tony Romo, uh, Jerry Jones…, Jason Garrett, Rob Ryan…, uh, Tony Romo…, the defense, Jerry Jones… and Rob Ryan‘s mouth that’s always running a marathon, etc.  The schedule eases up from here, nevertheless.

Previous Ranking: 15

Résumé: Lost 24-27 at N.Y. Jets, Won 27-24 at San Francisco, Won 18-16 vs. Washington, Lost 30-34 vs. Detroit, Lost 16-20 at New England, Won 34-7 vs. St. Louis, Lost 7-34 at Philadelphia

Next Four Games: vs. SEA (2-5), vs. BUF (5-2), at WSH (3-4), vs. MIA (0-7)

No. 19  Oakland Raiders (4-3): Losing five spots after a bye week seems insane, especially when considering the time off gave Darren McFadden a chance to heal and Carson Palmer an opportunity to learn more of the offense.  However, it took me a little longer to realize just how different this team might be without Jason Campbell.  The situation doesn’t exactly have smooth transition written all over it.

Previous Ranking: 13

Résumé: Won 23-20 at Denver, Lost 35-38 at Buffalo, Won 34-24 vs. N.Y. Jets, Lost 19-31 vs. New England, Won 25-20 at Houston, Won 24-17 vs. Cleveland, Lost 0-28 vs. Kansas City

Next Four Games: vs. DEN (2-5), at SD (4-3), at MIN (2-6), vs. CHI (4-3)

No. 18  San Diego Chargers (4-3): Everyone was under the impression the Bolts ended their well-documented trend of sluggish starts.  Well I wasn’t—I’ve been beating this dead horse all year.  San Diego has outscored its opponents 161-159, which only include three teams with a winning record, all of which have beaten the Chargers.  But what’s the deal with Phillip Rivers?

Previous Ranking: 9

Résumé: Won 24-17 vs. Minnesota, Lost 21-35 at New England, Won 20-17 vs. Kansas City, Won 26-16 vs. Miami, Won 29-24 at Denver, Lost 21-27 at N.Y. Jets, Lost 20-23 at Kansas City (OT)

Next Four Games: vs. GB (7-0), vs. OAK (4-3), at CHI (4-3), vs. DEN (2-5)

No. 17   Kansas City Chiefs (4-3): How in the world has Kansas City—a team that lost its first two games to Buffalo and Detroit by a whopping 79 points combined—which was followed by a three-point defeat to San Diego—come charging back to take the lead in a three-way tie in the division?  Once considered a main frontrunner in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes, the Chiefs are poised for one of the most shocking early-season turnarounds in NFL history.

Previous Ranking: 20

Résumé: Lost 7-41 vs. Buffalo, Lost 3-48 at Detroit, Lost 17-20 at San Diego, Won 22-17 vs. Minnesota, Won 28-24 at Indianapolis, Won 28-0 at Oakland

Next Four Games: vs. MIA (0-7), vs. DEN (2-5), at NE (5-2), vs. PIT (6-2)

No. 16   Philadelphia Eagles (3-4): Speaking of turnarounds, the Eagles, dubbed the “Dream Team” by Vince Young in the offseason (who’s had no impact on this team I might add), have bounced back from being life support and are now the trendy favorites to win the division.  They’re stepping on the gas and starting to get hot at the perfect time entering November.  Philadelphia’s facing some tough games ahead, nonetheless.  Monday night’s a major marquee matchup.

Previous Ranking: 21

Résumé: Won 31-13 at St. Louis, Lost 31-35 at Atlanta, Lost 16-29 vs. N.Y. Giants, Lost 23-24 vs. San Francisco, Lost 24-31 at Buffalo, Won 20-13 at Washington, Won 34-7 vs. Dallas

Next Four Games: vs. CHI (4-3), vs. ARI (1-6), at NYG (5-2), vs. NE (5-2)

No. 15 Buffalo Bills (5-2): The fans remember the 5-1 start in 2008 all too well, when the Bills fell off (or on) the wagon, suddenly tumbling to their heart-wrenching fate, as they lost eight of their last 10 games.  The November schedule will undoubtedly put this team to the test.  On offense, Buffalo’s third in scoring (30.1 PPG) and fifth in rushing (140.6 YPG) with Fred Jackson playing outstanding.  Albeit the defense ranks 20th or worse against the run, versus the pass and in total defense, the unit surrenders just 21 points per game, 12th fewest in the NFL.

Previous Ranking: 18

Résumé: Won 41-7 at Kansas City, Won 38-35 vs. Oakland, Won 34-31 vs. New England, Lost 20-23 at Cincinnati, Won 31-24 vs. Philadelphia, Lost 24-27 at N.Y. Giants, Won 23-0 vs. Washington

Next Four Games: vs. NYJ (4-3), at DAL (3-4), at MIA (0-7), at NYJ (4-3)

No. 14   Cincinnati Bengals (5-2): Raise your hand if you thought the Bengals would be 5-2, half a game from the division lead heading into November.  OK, you don’t have to actually raise your hand, not that anyone can honestly say they expected this stellar start.  Andy Dalton and A.J. Green might be the best rookie quarterback-rookie wide receiver combination ever.  The defense is playing exceptional as well, but the Bengals have a big game this week and still have to face the Steelers and Ravens twice.

Previous Ranking: 17

Résumé: Won 27-17 at Cleveland, Lost 22-24 at Denver, Lost 8-13 vs. San Francisco, Won 23-20 vs. Buffalo, Won 30-20 at Jacksonville, Won 27-17 vs. Indianapolis, Won 34-12 at Seattle

Next Four Games: at TEN (4-3), vs. PIT (6-2), at BAL (5-2), vs. CLE (3-4)

No. 13  N.Y. Jets (4-3): New York got its swagger back before its bye week.  It’s no secret that like everyone else, but especially quarterbacks in major markets, sometimes Mark Sanchez is the nail and sometimes he’s the hammer.  He hasn’t tossed an interception in his last 99 passes, but he’s up against another tough test this week on the road in Buffalo, where the Bills’ ball-hawking defense has a nose for the football.

Previous Ranking: 14

Résumé: Won 27-24 vs. Dallas, Won 32-3 vs. Jacksonville, Lost 24-34 at Oakland, Lost 17-34 at Baltimore, Lost 21-30 at New England, Won 24-6 vs. Miami, Won 27-21 vs. San Diego

Next Four Games: at BUF (5-2), vs. NE (5-2), at DEN (2-5), vs. BUF (5-2)

No. 12  N.Y. Giants (5-2): Big Blue has a big problem playing down to lesser teams.  The Giants have a much more significant and an all-around gigantic dilemma ahead, nonetheless.  It’s the schedule.  The G-Men already have a history of fading down-the-stretch, as pointed out in my July season preview, and the remaining slate of games is completely death-defying.

Previous Ranking: 16

Résumé: Lost 14-28 at Washington, Won 28-16 vs. St. Louis, Won 29-16 at Philadelphia, Won 31-27 at Arizona, Lost 25-36 vs. Seattle, Won 27-24 vs. Buffalo, Won 20-17 vs. Miami

Next Four Games: at NE (5-2), at SF (6-1), vs. PHI (3-4), at NO (5-3)

No. 11  Atlanta Falcons (4-3): Losing Julio Jones for a few games was such a blessing in disguise and really the best thing that could have happened to Atlanta.  It allowed the Falcons to just focus on getting back to basics and reverting to their roots and their bread and butter—running the football with a rock-solid balance—which earned them the top seed in the NFC last season.  Now much more balanced with a better understanding of how to use their first-round receiver effectively, the Falcons are back in business.

Previous Ranking: 12

Résumé: Lost 12-30 at Chicago, Won 35-31 vs. Philadelphia, Lost 13-16 at Tampa Bay, Won 30-28 at Seattle, Lost 14-22 vs. Green Bay, Won 31-17 vs. Carolina, Won 23-16 at Detroit

Next Four Games: at IND (0-8), vs. NO (5-3), vs. TEN (4-3), vs. MIN (2-6)

No. 10  Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3): No reason to press the panic button, but the “youngry” Buccaneers are built to win the old-fashion way by pounding the football and playing well on defense and they need a healthy LeGarrette Blount back to accomplish this.

Previous Ranking: 11

Résumé: Lost 20-27 vs. Detroit, Won 24-20 at Minnesota, Won 16-13 vs. Atalnta, Won 24-17 vs. Indianapolis, Lost 3-48 at San Francisco, Won 26-20 vs. New Orleans, Lost 18-24 vs. Chicago

Next Four Games: at NO (5-3), vs. HOU (5-3), at GB (7-0), at TEN (4-3)

No. 9  Chicago Bears (4-3): For goodness sake, pay Matt Forte!  NFL.com Analyst Elliot Harrison makes a lot of great points in his latest power rankings, so I felt compelled to mention his blurb on the Bears’ offensive forte.

“CJ2K makes roughly $9 million per year. Forte? $600,000 this year. Great if you’re like most of us working stiffs. Not so much if you’re one of the best backs in pro football with a limited career life span.”

Previous Ranking: 10

Résumé: Won 30-12 vs. Atlanta, Lost 13-30 at New Orleans, Lost 17-27 vs. Green Bay, Won 34-29 vs. Carolina, Lost 13-24 at Detroit, Won 39-10 vs. Minnesota, Won 24-18 at Tampa Bay (London)

Next Four Games: at PHI (3-4), vs. DET (6-2), vs. SD (4-3), at OAK (4-3)

No. 8  New England Patriots (5-2): The Patriots have a few quality wins this season, but none overly impressive.  The pass defense is reminiscent of the Houston Texans from a year ago.  The unit’s allowed 39 pass plays of 20+ yards.  The offense is lacking deep speed and the big plays as well.  With that said, look for New England to inevitably bounce back extremely well again.

Previous Ranking: 2

Résumé: Won 38-24 at Miami, Won 35-21 vs. San Diego, Lost 31-34 at Buffalo, Won 31-19 at Oakland, Won 30-21 vs. N.Y. Jets, Won 20-16 vs. Dallas, Lost 17-25 at Pittsburgh

Next Three Games: vs. NYG (5-2), at NYJ (4-3), vs. KC (4-3), at PHI (3-4)

No. 7  Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2): The Steel Curtain is shredding that “old and slow” label.  And the aerial attack is clicking.  But that doesn’t erase what happened in the season opener.  I need to see Pittsburgh beat Baltimore on Sunday night to elevate the Steelers further.  In addition, this team has yet to knock my socks off, though Sunday’s victory was definitely a very good one.

Previous Ranking: 8

Résumé: Lost 7-35 at Baltimore, Won 24-0 vs. Seattle, Won 23-20 at Indianapolis, Lost 10-17 at Houston, Won 38-17 vs. Tennessee, Won 17-13 vs. Jacksonville, Won 32-20 at Arizona, Won 25-17 vs. New England

Next Four Games: vs. BAL (5-2), at CIN (5-2), Bye, at KC (4-3), vs. CIN (5-2)

No. 6 Houston Texans (5-3): Houston, we don’t have a problem.  The Texans are 7th in total offense, 11th through the air, 4th on the ground and 8th in scoring.  Things are looking even better on the defensive side of the football, as the unit’s 6th against the run, 5th against the pass and in points allowed and 3rd in total defense.  The Texans are 3-0 in the AFC South, well in command of the division.  They also face a relatively easy schedule for the rest of the year and are learning how to win games without their best player in Andre Johnson.

Previous Ranking: 7

Résumé: Won 34-7 vs. Indianapolis, Won 23-13 at Miami, Lost 33-40 at New Orleans, Won 17-10 vs. Pittsburgh, Lost 20-25 vs. Oakland, Lost 14-29 at Baltimore, Won 41-7 at Tennessee, Won 24-14 vs. Jacksonville

Next Four Games: vs. CLE (3-4), at TB (4-3), at JAC (2-6), vs. ATL (4-3)

No. 5  New Orleans Saints (5-3): Analogous to Baltimore, New Orleans just has some pretty ugly games once in a while and it’s usually after a huge win.  But at the end of the season, I expect both teams to be on top of their respective divisions.  In order to do that, though, the Saints are going to have to play better on defense.

Previous Ranking: 4

Résumé: Lost 34-42 at Green Bay, Won 30-13 vs. Chicago, Won 40-33 vs. Houston, Won 23-10 at Jacksonville, Won 30-27 at Carolina, Lost 20-26 at Tampa Bay, Won 62-7 vs. Indianapolis, Lost 21-31 at St. Louis

Next Four Games: vs. TB (4-3), at ATL (4-3), Bye, vs. NYG (5-2), vs. DET (6-2)

No. 4  Detroit Lions (6-2): I remember when this team was 6-2 heading into a high-stakes marquee matchup with the 6-2 Giants the year Jon Kitna guaranteed 10 wins (’07) and of course the year before the infamous 0-16 season (’08).  It was my first ever trip to Ford Field and I’ll never forget the lack of enthusiasm from the crowd.  It was as if the fans were watching a movie.  And a pretty boring film at that.  The G-Men won that game 16-10.  Detroit lost four games that season by 31 points or more however and finished 7-9.  The fans, the city and the resurgent organization have all changed since.  They’ve proven the old axiom in what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and continue to play with a vengeance every week.

Previous Ranking: 6

Résumé: Won 27-20 at Tampa Bay, Won 48-3 vs. Kansas City, Won 26-23 (OT) at Minnesota, Won 34-30 at Dallas, Won 24-13 vs. Chicago, Lost 19-25 vs. San Francisco, Lost 16-23 vs. Atlanta, Won 45-10 at Denver

Next Four Games: Bye, at CHI (4-3), vs. CAR (2-6), vs. GB (7-0), at NO (5-3)

No. 3  San Francisco 49ers (6-1): Fort Knox has got nothing on these 49ers.  They’re striking barrels of gold every Sunday, even during their bye week before beating the Browns.  Here’s a valid question: Will any of the other three teams in the NFC West win six games the entire season?  If not, that means San Francisco’s already unofficially won the division.  Jim Harbaugh should start wearing that golden crown proudly.

Previous Ranking: 5

Résumé: Won 33-17 vs. Seattle, Lost 24-27 vs. Dallas, Won 13-8 vs. Cincinnati, Won 24-23 at Philadelphia, Won 48-3 vs. Tampa Bay, Won 25-19 at Detroit, Won 20-10 vs. Cleveland

Next Four Games: at WSH (3-4), vs. NYG (5-2), vs. ARI (1-6), at BAL (5-2)

No. 2  Baltimore Ravens (5-2): Sometimes it looks like the Ravens just turn out the lights, put on their PJ’s and get ready to go to sleep before games.  The team certainly proved its resiliency in the second half, overcoming a 24-halftime deficit to beat the Cardinals 30-27, the biggest comeback in franchise history.

Previous Ranking: 3

Résumé: Won 35-7 vs. Pittsburgh, Lost 13-26 at Tennessee, Won 37-7 at St. Louis, Won 34-17 vs. N.Y. Jets, Won 29-14 vs. Houston, Lost 7-12 at Jacksonville, Won 30-27 vs. Arizona

Next Four Games: at PIT (6-2), at SEA (2-5), vs. CIN (5-2), vs. SF (6-1)

No. 1   Green Bay Packers (7-0): Hands down still the class of the NFL.  While I believe this team can absolutely go undefeated and repeat as Super Bowl Champions, I think Green Bay is going to lose sometime between this coming Sunday at San Diego and Thanksgiving at Detroit.  And that’s not such a bad thing.  The 16-0 speculation can become an unwanted and painful distraction.

Previous Ranking: 1

Résumé: Won 42-34 vs. New Orleans, Won 30-23 at Carolina, Won 27-17 at Chicago, Won 49-23 vs. Denver, Won 22-14 at Atlanta, Won 24-3 vs. St. Louis, Won 33-27 at Minnesota

Next Four Games: at SD (4-3), vs. MIN (2-6), vs. TB (4-3), at DET (6-2)

 

Stick A Fork In: 

(0-7) (0-8)  (1-6) (1-6) (2-5)(2-5)

(2-6)(3-4) (2-6) (2-6) (3-4)

Outside Looking In:

(4-3)(3-4)(4-3)

(4-3) (3-4) (4-3)

(4-3)(4-3)(5-2)

Wildcard Teams: 

(5-2)(5-2)(4-3)(6-2)

Division Leaders: 

(4-3)(5-2) (5-2) (6-2)

 (5-3)(5-3)(6-1)  (7-0)

Here’s NFL.com’s updated playoff picture if the season ended today.

Verse of This Piece: “Doing right brings freedom to honest people, but those who are not trustworthy will be caught by their own desires.”—Proverbs 11:6

Agree or disagree with these rankings?  Let us know below! 

Also be sure to check out the NFL.com Power Poll, Elliot Harrison’s breakdown,  NFL.com Experts’ individual rankings, CBSSports.com’s rankings from Pete Prisco, Brian Billick’s take on FOXSports.com, Don Bank’s SI.com edition and ESPN.com’s latest list.  Want to get your power rankings mentioned?  Send us your take at tips@gridirongrit.com or comment below. 

Follow @_MichaelGartman and @GridironGrit on Twitter!