NFL Power Rankings Week 9

Power Rankings Week 9

While it’s hard to watch for some, others seem to be enjoying the way this NFL season is playing out. Week 9 has come and gone and before we all know it, the season will reach it’s exciting climax sooner than we can blink. Nonetheless, this season is streamlining in a gun-ho fashion and all we can ask for is more, more, more.

The Chicago Bears won their sixth straight game, crushing the Titans in country town 51-20, the Pittsburgh Steelers shocked the New York Giants in the Meadowlands, while the Chargers got their act together against the decimated Chiefs and the Atlanta Falcons remained undefeated after closely defeating America’s team in the Georgia Dome.

You know the drill, let’s take a look at the Power Rankings heading into Week 10 of the 2012 NFL season.

1. Atlanta Falcons

Record: 8-0 Rank Last Week: 1

The Dirty Birds once again proved they are the vigilant team to beat in the NFL, narrowly defeating the Dallas Cowboys in a Sunday night battle royale. Matt Ryan again showed his triumph at quarterback and is making a his case for the league’s MVP award this year. If the Falcons continue this winning trend, expect them to ride their winning wave all the way to the Super Bowl. Next Week @ Saints

2. Houston Texans

Record: 7-1 Rank Last Week: 2

The mighty Longhorns can’t seem to be beaten and they showed how versatile they really are by stomping their hooves all over the Buffalo Bills. J.J. Watt and the Texans defense held strong, while Matt Schaub and Arian Foster did enough offensively to give Houston their best franchise start in team history. Opponents better watch their backs or they could suffer being hooked by these Texan horns. Next Week vs. Bears (Sunday Night Football)

3. Chicago Bears

Record: 7-1 Rank Last Week: 4

The Monsters of the Midway showed once more they have the most dangerous defense in the NFL as they decimated the Tennessee Titans 51-20. Brian Urlacher had a beautiful pick six while Jay Cutler echoed that excellence with a long bomb touchdown pass to Brandon Marshall. This one was over by the end of the first quarter as it showed how the Bears are a force to be reckoned with. Next Week @ Texans (Sunday Night Football)

4. San Francisco 49ers

Record: 6-2 Rank Last Week: 5

Coming fresh off the bye week, the gold digging Niners are looking to make matters worse for their fellow opponents in the NFC West by continuing their winning ways. Next Week vs. Rams

5. Green Bay Packers

Record: 6-3 Rank Last Week: 6

The Cheeseheads took care of business against the desert birds at Lambeau Field on Sunday to improve their winning streak to 4 in a row. Aaron Rodgers threw 4 touchdown passes, one going to Tom Crabtree for a 73 yard thrill ride. The Packers are beginning to roll and what’s to stop them from continuing this winning momentum all the way to the playoffs? Next Week: Bye Week

6. Denver Broncos

Record: 5-3 Rank Last Week: 8

These horses are kicking high and in the right direction. Peyton Manning has revived this Denver franchise to akin of the John Elway years and with a big win this weekend over the Bengals, the Broncos are climbing to newer heights. Manning again lit up the scoreboard on Sunday while Eric Decker had a standout day receiving. Has the AFC West been won already? Next Week @ Panthers

7. Baltimore Ravens

Record: 6-2 Rank Last Week: 9

Even with their vast number of injuries, the Baltimore Ravens are continuing to win, chalking up another this weekend against the Cleveland Browns. Ray Lewis is being sorely missed, but yet the birds defense is still just as dominant as has been over the past decade. Joe Flacco continues to show improvement, but we shouldn’t label him the NFL’s best quarterback just yet. We’ll see how high these black birds are willing to fly this season. Next Week vs. Raiders

8. Pittsburgh Steelers

Record: 5-3 Rank Last Week: 10

Steel City showed its strength in the Meadowlands by beating one of the NFC’s best. The leadership of Ben Roethlisberger proved key in the big win, while Mike Wallace was versatile at getting open and down the field. Mike Tomlin finally has his team pushing in the direction they need to be heading in, meanwhile the Ravens better watch their backs because the Steelers are nipping at their heels. Next Week vs. Chiefs (Monday Night Football)

9. New England Patriots

Record: 5-3 Rank Last Week: 7

The patriotic boys from New England got a week of much needed rest and are now ready to do battle with one of their formidable foes in the AFC East. Next Week vs. Bills

10. New York Giants

Record: 6-3 Rank Last Week: 3

A slip of the ‘ol winning streak and the Giants now find themselves stepping back from being in the NFL limelight. Eli Manning struggled to consistently move the offense, while the Giants defense couldn’t manage well against the arm of Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense. This loss may have been an enlightening one for Tom Coughlin’s crew. Next Week @ Bengals

11. Indianapolis Colts

Record: 5-3 Rank Last Week: 12

Andrew Luck has brought these young stallions back from the grave, strutting his best performance as an NFL quarterback. Luck systematically picked apart the Dolphins defense by passing for 433 yards and two touchdowns, while the Colts held on for a close 23-20 victory. Chuck Pagano’s post game speech was riveting, giving these Colts a little more fuel heading into the second half of the season. Next Week @ Jaguars (Thursday Night Football)

12. Detroit Lions

Record: 4-4 Rank Last Week: 13

The Detroit Lions may have re-found their roar in tackling the struggling Jaguars this weekend. Matthew Stafford stayed mistake free, while Mikel Leshoure posted 70 yards on the ground and three touchdowns. Jim Schwartz finally has his revived ‘Cats’ prowling back to being elite. Teams in the NFC North better have eyes in the back of their heads. Next Week @ Vikings

13. Seattle Seahawks

Record: 5-4 Rank Last Week: 14

The rain didn’t fall hard this weekend in Seattle, in retrospect the rain poured all over the Minnesota Vikings as the Seahawks came to play lights out football. Russell Wilson had a three touchdown day, while Marshawn Lynch had another huge rushing day on the ground. Pete Carroll may have finally found his niche as an NFL coach, we’ll see how high and far this NFC West team can fly. Next Week vs. Jets

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Record: 4-4 Rank Last Week: 18

Over the past few harrowing weeks, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have lifted the fog over themselves to see the daylight. Josh Freeman has been playing MVP caliber football, while this week it was Doug Martin who emerged as a lethal rusher for Tampa Bay, running for over 250 yards and rushing for 4 touchdowns. These southern pirates have sharpened their blades razor sharp and are now looking for their next looting score. Next Week vs. Chargers

15. New Orleans Saints

Record: 3-5 Rank Last Week: 19

Who Dat Nation has been stellar in the past few weeks and they continued to improve this season with a big win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night. Drew Brees again lit up the scoreboard with his fantastic play, while the shared carries of Mark Ingram, Chris Ivory, and Pierre Thomas all had the Eagles defense dazed and confused. The Saints still find themselves climbing the ranks of the NFC South, but they may have finally found their winning ways here in 2012. Next Week vs. Falcons

16. Miami Dolphins

Record: 4-4 Rank Last Week: 11

The Miami Dolphins are now fighting off treacherous waters considering they’re losing steam in the AFC East after a close loss to the Indianapolis Colts over the weekend. Ryan Tannehill was back under center leading the charge, but just couldn’t muster up the kind of performance Andrew Luck put on. The Fins have the whole town of Miami stirring, but now its time for them to master the breaststroke and keep their season alive. Next Week vs. Titans 

17. San Diego Chargers

Record: 4-4 Rank Last Week: 29

With a much needed win against the Chiefs, the San Diego Chargers re-discovered their electricity and are back to being relevant in 2012. Philip Rivers completed 90 percent of his passes for 220 yards and two scores, while San Diego ran amok all over the Kansas City defense. The Chargers have started to climb out of their current funk, inching towards those pesky Denver Broncos in the AFC West. Next Week @ Buccaneers

18. Minnesota Vikings

Record: 5-4 Rank Last Week: 15

Minnesota’s winter just got a little colder after suffering yet another loss, this one to the Seattle Seahawks. After such a promising start, the Norse warriors are seeing their season slip through their fingers. Christian Ponder once again was absent from all the action, passing for a lowly 63 yards while Adrian Peterson couldn’t match wits with Marshawn Lynch. At the beginning of the season, the Vikings were top dogs in the NFC North, now only to find themselves behind the Bears and the Packers. Time to warrior-up in Minnesota. Next Week vs. Lions

19. Oakland Raiders

Record: 3-5 Rank Last Week: 16

Just when you thought the swashbuckling Black and Silver were making waves in the AFC West, they stumble and fall to their counter-part from Florida. Carson Palmer was erratic, Darren McFadden couldn’t find any running lanes and the Pirate Bowl ended with the Raiders hanging their heads. This team is on the brink of becoming an afterthought. The Raiders need to stay relevant if they hope to give their fans any enthusiasm for more successful forthcoming seasons. Next Week @ Ravens

20. Buffalo Bills

Record: 3-5 Rank Last Week: 17

I guess it’s true that Bison can’t match wits and even horns with Longhorns because the Buffalo Bills were simply outplayed by the Houston Texans on Sunday. Ryan Fitzpatrick had a solid day passing, but the Bills rushing attack was halted by one of the NFL’s best defenses and now the boys from Buffalo are beginning to see a repeat of last season all over again. Time is yet again ticking against Chan Gailey and his stampede. Next Week @ Patriots

21. Carolina Panthers

Record: 2-6 Rank Last Week: 30

Finally the Cam Newton we all know showed up to play on Sunday against the Washington Redskins. An impressive performance from Carolina saw them lift themselves out of the giant rut they’ve been in and bring in a whole new light to their 2012 season. Newton played like his ‘ol 2011 self and out shined RGIII in a battle all but won by the end of the third quarter. This game might have saved the ‘Cats’ season from total destruction. Next Week vs. Broncos

22. Tennessee Titans

Record: 3-6 Rank Last Week: 20

It might have been better for the Titans to have just forfeited and forgot about the awful disaster they displayed against the Chicago Bears. The game was all but over by the end of the first quarter and nothing could have saved this ailing Tennessee squad from crashing and burning in spectacular style. Matt Hasselbeck had one of his worst games as an NFL quarterback, while Chris Johnson was again nowhere to be found. Is it time for the Titans to sheath their swords? Next Week @ Dolphins

23. Washington Redskins

Record: 3-6 Rank Last Week: 21

It really hurts getting beaten by a quarterback you’ve been compared to, and that is exactly what happened to RGIII and the Redskins over the weekend. The Redskins might have come into Week 9 with a little too much confidence and ended up losing more than they bargained for. Now, Washington is in a world of hurt, needing to re-build the second half of their season if they hope to have even a shot at making it to the postseason. Next Week: Bye Week

24. Dallas Cowboys

Record: 3-5 Rank Last Week: 22

A heck of an effort put on by the Dallas Cowboys almost saw them upset the number one team in the NFL, but a lackluster defensive performance saw the Boys fall to the Atlanta Falcons 19-13. Tony Romo was back in action as the Cowboys leader, picking apart the Falcons defense with ease, but Rob Ryan’s defense couldn’t handle Matt Ryan and the explosive Falcons offense. The Cowboys need to get back on their saddle and round up a few more wins to chase those sneaky G-men in the NFC East. Next Week @ Eagles

25. New York Jets

Record: 3-5 Rank Last Week: 23

The bye week might just be what the doctor ordered for Rex Ryan and his New York Jets or maybe they need the unpredictable play of Tim Tebow to get them back on track. Next Week @ Seahawks

26. Philadelphia Eagles

Record: 3-5 Rank Last Week: 24

With plenty of opportunities to put points on the board, the Philadelphia Eagles simply couldn’t find the endzone. Michael Vick drove the Eagles down inside the Saints redzone 4 times, yet Philly could only manage a pair of field goals. The Eagles find themselves falling fast in the NFC East and need to fly better together if they want to bounce back here in the 2012 season. Andy Reid is undoubtedly unhappy with his Eagles tonight. Next Week vs. Cowboys

27. Cleveland Browns

Record: 2-7 Rank Last Week: 25

The Dog Pound was awfully quiet this weekend considering the Brownies couldn’t best their division rival, Baltimore. Trent Richardson was the only shining star for the Browns, racking up over 100 yards on the ground, while Brandon Weeden couldn’t manage to find his receivers against the taut Ravens defense. Cleveland’s season could be all but over, but heck they’ve sure been fun to watch this season. They can only improve upon what they already know. Next Week: Bye Week

28. Cincinnati Bengals

Record: 3-5 Rank Last Week: 26

The Cincinnati Bengals have been tame the past few weeks, unable to truly explode and ravage their opponents. This weekend, Cincy had a chance to knock off one of the NFL’s best in the Denver Broncos, but couldn’t handle the offensive prowess of Peyton Manning. Andy Dalton performed well enough when he had to, but the Bengals just couldn’t muster up a big W. These cats need to find their edge again. Next Week vs. Giants

29. St. Louis Rams

Record: 3-5 Rank Last Week: 27

Coming off the bye week, the Rams look to knock horns around with the gold digging Niners. Jeff Fisher must be itching for a big win. Next Week @ 49ers.

30. Arizona Cardinals

Record: 4-5 Rank Last Week: 28

What happened to the undefeated Arizona Cardinals that started this season? This team has lost its last 5 games and is slumping towards uncertainty. John Skelton and the Cardinals offense didn’t match up well against the Packers secondary and the Arizona defense gave up a few big touchdowns that saw them stumble in stellar fashion. The Cards are now at the beginning of the end to their 2012 season. Maybe a week off will give them time to get their heads on straight. Next Week: Bye Week

31. Jacksonville Jaguars

Record: 1-7 Rank Last Week: 31

Can this team really expect to do much of anything when Maurice Jones-Drew is missing in action? The Jaguars are having yet another struggling year to say the least, but hey the Jags can always look forward to next year. On the bright side, Blaine Gabbert is slowly improving, having yet another impressive passing day against the Lions, throwing for 220 yards and two touchdowns, with the exception of 2 interceptions. Jacksonville needs one giant miracle in hopes of getting back into this season alive. Next Week vs. Colts (Thursday Night Football)

32. Kansas City Chiefs

Record: 1-7 Rank Last Week: 32

What is there to say about the Kansas City Chiefs? They just can’t seem to pull it together as a unit, as a coaching staff, and as a city. This team reached a new low in their loss to the Chargers on Thursday night and with 8 games still left to be played, Kansas City better shape up fast because who knows how much longer the people in this city can take this kind of embarrassment…oh wait we already saw that this season. Next Week @ Steelers (Monday Night Football)

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