SALEM, OR - The latest power rankings are in, and the league is beginning to separate into clear tiers. The Patriots remain the only undefeated team, the 49ers continue to look dangerous, and several teams in the middle of the rankings are still trying to prove whether they are real contenders or just early-season pretenders.
Power Rankings
1. Patriots (7-0)
It would be hypocritical to put anyone else here. The Patriots are the league's lone remaining unbeaten team. Despite most of their wins coming against suspect teams, they have beaten a few legitimate contenders. They rolled the dice by acquiring Michael Turner, and the move immediately produced results. If Turner continues to play like that, watch out.
2. 49ers (6-1)
Talk about being on fire. The 49ers look like they are straight out of hell. They have won six straight games and have beaten both an upstart Seahawks team and the previously undefeated Giants. The team is clearly led by Frank Gore and a very intimidating defense, but the addition of Peyton Manning puts them in horror movie territory.
3. Redskins (6-1)
Robert Griffin III is a rookie you can't say enough positive things about. He has been nothing short of spectacular and looks better than advertised. What appears to finally be living up to expectations, however, is the defense. The Redskins put a damper on the Giants' David Wilson in a pivotal division game. Wilson entered the game averaging over 150 yards per game, but Washington held him to fewer than 50.
4. Eagles (5-1)
After an embarrassing loss to the Giants in which they gave up 80 points, the Eagles have bounced back in a big way. With two consecutive games of more than 60 points, the Eagles are showing they have learned from their rough loss. The offense over the past two weeks seems unstoppable. Shady McCoy is on pace for 4,000 yards. Yikes. The Eagles now get a chance to prove they are the real deal against the Falcons after their bye week.
5. Falcons (5-1)
The Falcons truly are the product of a wise coach. Many people raised their eyebrows when they benched Michael Turner in favor of Jacquizz Rodgers, but Rodgers has since become the heart and soul of the Atlanta offense. With receivers in Julio Jones and Roddy White playing well, and a defense led by a bitter Asante Samuel, this team has to be reckoned with as a legitimate contender for the third Super Bowl. Up next? An Eagles team that has steamrolled its last two opponents.
6. Titans (5-1)
The Titans are a team that has slipped under the radar for many, but not for much longer. At 5-1, they feel like contenders that are here to stay. The team's defense has rebounded from its awful first game in a big way, with its yards allowed steadily declining each week. Chris Johnson is rushing out of his mind, and the team looks like it has an offense that is much more balanced than most of the league. Oh, and their only loss? An absolute nail-biter against the undefeated Patriots.
7. Chargers (5-1)
The Chargers are a team that has shown they can handle their own late in games. They have dominated their division, beating every foe in the division thus far. Their only loss came against the Titans, who are a Super Bowl contender. The Chargers are also the only team to hand the Falcons a loss this year. They may be the most balanced offense in the league, and their defense has shown flashes of stinginess. They get a rest from their tough schedule with the CFL-esque Browns next week.
8. Giants (5-2)
After blowing out the Eagles three weeks ago, the Giants have now lost two in a row. While some fans in New York might want to press the panic button, now is not the time. Their losses came against two very good teams in the Redskins and 49ers. David Wilson's hot start has slowed a bit, but expect the Giants to get themselves back on track in a tough NFC East.
9. Bengals (4-2)
The Bengals lead a group of middling teams that are on the bubble of being contenders. With a close loss to the Redskins on their record, they have to wonder just how close this team is to taking the next step. Their defense is consistently above average, but their offense has slowed to a crawl in recent weeks. With another close loss to an average Dolphins team, this team leaves a lot of questions. Nonetheless, they lead the AFC North. Up on the horizon are the reeling Steelers.
10. Chiefs (4-2)
The Chiefs have the makings of a team that is right there. With their only two losses coming against legitimate contenders in the Falcons and Chargers, look for this team to show it can be the real deal. The Chiefs are led by their best playmaker, Jamaal Charles, who has not disappointed this year. They get the bye week to rest before a pivotal game against the Raiders.
11. Seahawks (4-3)
The Seahawks look like a contender despite their three losses. After paying a hefty price for quarterback Michael Vick in a trade, the Seahawks must justify that move. They almost managed to overtake the NFC West-leading 49ers, but narrowly lost. They also narrowly lost to the undefeated Patriots. With two of those losses coming against the top two power-ranked teams, Seattle still looks poised for a climb. However, an 80-burger blowout as their third loss drops them in these rankings for now.
12. Colts (4-2)
The Colts look more like pretenders than contenders at this point, which is why their ranking is lower than their record might suggest. Their wins came against the Vikings, Jets, Packers, and Browns. That is a combined seven wins among four teams. In fairness, they do have some momentum and get a real chance to prove themselves next week against a tough Tennessee team.
13. Texans (3-3)
This ranking will surprise a lot of people, but it should not after last week's dismantling of the Packers. A 35-0 blowout is not exactly common in the league, and it certainly does not happen against Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay very often. Need a reminder? The Packers put up 80 on a solid Seahawks defense. Look for the Texans to jump up the rankings fast if they keep playing at this level.
14. Dolphins (3-3)
After starting the year 0-3, the Dolphins have rattled off three straight wins to try to save their season before it completely fell apart. With wins against NFC West bottom feeders Arizona and St. Louis, it does not exactly mean they have turned the corner. However, they do have one very bright spot: a close win against a tough Bengals team. If the team plays the way it did against Cincinnati, Miami might win itself back into contention.
15. Bears (3-2)
The Bears are a team of confusion. The offense at times looks lost, and at other times looks explosive. Brandon Marshall is becoming a consistent target and someone to keep an eye on. The Bears defense has surprisingly been what has let them down the most. They give up a lot of yardage, but have gotten a few breaks with big plays from the secondary. If the defense can buckle down in addition to the turnovers, watch out.
16. Jaguars (3-2)
Inconsistency is the story with this Jacksonville squad. One week, the defense shuts down a team for less than 200 yards. The next week, it gives up 400. One week, the offense puts up 400 yards. The next week, it posts fewer than 200. If the Jaguars can find some rhythm, they will be a force to be reckoned with. For now, we do not know quite what to make of them.
17. Raiders (3-2)
A tale of two squads is what is going on in Oakland. The Raiders have one of the stingiest defenses in the league, having given up only 93 points. However, their offense has not been able to help much with its 133 points. Carson Palmer and crew must quickly figure things out, or this Raiders defense may simply go to waste.
18. Packers (3-3)
The Packers are sinking fast. Titanic fast. After starting the year with more than 500 yards of offense, the Packers have consistently declined in yardage output in every game. Their defense is not helping much either. With a 35-0 stinker against a surprising Texans team, the cheese heads better figure out what is wrong in a hurry.
19. Jets (3-4)
The Jets are the league's biggest surprise at 3-4. Expected to bottom out and feed from the depths, the Jets’ defense has risen up and won three games. The chances of them keeping this up are slim, and they certainly will not catch the Patriots, but they are proving to be an annoyance for teams trying to make the playoffs. One question we are all wondering: when will it be Tebow time? Actually, we do not care about Tebow at all. Joke’s on you, Jets.
20. Steelers (2-3)
So, what happened to that elite defense? It is giving up points like they are on sale at a flea market. Even scarier is how bad Big Ben has played this season. He has regressed like Pamela Anderson once she decided plastic surgery was a good idea. This is all the more highlighted by his 11-pick game against the Eagles. What was the coach thinking, keeping him in? Run the ball, coach!
21. Cowboys (2-3)
The Cowboys remain difficult to figure out. At times, they look capable of competing with anyone, but the consistency has not been there. Until Dallas can put together a complete game and prove it can avoid the mistakes that have held it back, the Cowboys will remain stuck in the middle of the rankings.
22. Panthers (2-3)
Carolina's offense has delivered as advertised, but the lack of defense and inability to generate turnovers have doomed this team. It is also worth noting that all of their losses have come against good teams in the Falcons, Seahawks, and Giants. There are no excuses, though. Carolina needs to close out these games, or it will be the best "almost" team in the league.
23. Lions (2-3)
Detroit is clearly a team in rebuilding mode yet again. What started out so brilliantly for the Lions has fallen apart, as the option offense has failed them in recent weeks. Even more alarming is the defense getting blown out seemingly more often than not. This team has a good scheme in place, but it needs the players to run it to its potential. With Josh Johnson struggling, one has to wonder if the Lions will draft a speedy quarterback in next year's draft.
24. Ravens (1-5)
Oh, how far the mighty can fall. The Ravens look like a shell of their former selves this season, and now might be the time to rebuild for the future. The offense looks above average, but with an aging defense, it might be time to trade longtime stalwarts Ed Reed and Ray Lewis. No idea what they could get for them, but it would serve them well in a run for next year.
25. Broncos (1-5)
Have you ever had one of those moments where you immediately realize the plans you worked so hard for are going to fail? That is what happened in Denver. After a horrendous start, the Broncos decided to blow things up and abandon the Peyton Manning experiment. They wisely built for the future with a promising Colin Kaepernick and Lamichael James. Next year's draft also looks loaded with two first-round picks. This team is at least one year away from contention.
26. Saints (1-4)
Well, at least they still have Drew Brees. New Orleans needs to blow it all up, and fast. They are years away from being in contention.
27. Cardinals (1-5)
This team has the talent to beat the 49ers and Seahawks' practice squads. Another horrendous team led by an even worse quarterback.
28. Bills (1-5)
Hey Buffalo, I can play defensive end and get zero sacks for you, and I will not cost $100 million like Mario Williams did. Bills fans have buyers' remorse already.
29. Browns (1-6)
Somewhere in an office in Cleveland, there is an office betting pool on how many picks Brandon Weeden will throw that week. It must be depressing to be a Cleveland fan right now.
30. Buccaneers (0-5)
It might be time for the Buccaneers to start looking at the draft for help. This team has holes all over, starting at quarterback. Although with a weak quarterback class, the outlook is bleak for these Bucs.
31. Rams (0-6)
Let the battle for Trent Plaat begin. This team did not get Justin Blackmon, and it is showing. They are dreadful. At least Plaat is being compared with Calvin Johnson. That should brighten some smiles for a moment.
32. Vikings (0-6)
Trent Plaat or a quarterback? With how bad Christian Ponder has been, the answer has to be quarterback. Sadly, this team seems destined for a top-three pick next April. Poor Adrian Peterson is going to waste on an abysmal squad.
