JetNation NFL Power Rankings (Top 10) — Week 10

1. Green Bay Packers (8-2)
   Last Week: 1

The Packers defense earned a shutout Sunday.  The offense and starting quarterback get most of the attention in Green Bay, but very quietly the Packer’s defense has risen to third best in the league.

2. Tennessee Titans (8-2)
   Last Week: 5

The Titans are not going be flashy, but they are effective.  They now average over 27 points per game and have won six straight.  If they can manage to avoid tripping up against the Texans this week, there should be a rock fight in New England the following week.

3. Arizona Cardinals (8-2)
   Last Week: 1

The Cards simply need to get healthy.  The Rams have been very accommodating in not taking advantage of Arizona’s tough luck of late.  If Murray and Hopkins are not able to play, these next two road games could send the Cardinals into the wild card race, rather than the chase for the division title.

4. Dallas Cowboys (7-2)
   Last Week: 6

The Cowboys took out their frustrations from the Denver loss on the Falcons.  The performance made the flop against Denver even more inexplicable. If the Cowboys can win in KC this week, the schedule sets up nicely for them to be the top dog in the conference.

5. Buffalo Bills (6-3)
   Last Week: 9

The Bills found the remedy for a disappointing loss in Sunday’s trip to play the Jets.  The tune-up was needed as the Bills next six will be much harder than this week’s cakewalk.  The surging Patriots sit just a half-game back in the division.

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3)
   Last Week: 3

Sunday’s loss in Washington was even more disappointing given the Bucs had a week to prepare.  If the Bucs can figure out what it is that caused them to lose the last two games, the schedule is still favorable for a deep post-season run.

7. Los Angeles Rams (7-3)
   Last Week: 4

The Rams are all in on this season, but they looked completely out of it on Monday night.  It may take a little time to weave in the new talent they have acquired.  They get a bye week to make that happen and to get ready for a trip to play the top-ranked Packers.  If things go bad in Green Bay, fans and the front office will look at the head coach since there is more than enough talent on the roster.

8. New England Patriots (6-4)
   Last Week: Unranked

The Patriots have run off four straight wins and placed themselves back into the race in the AFC East.  The Pats still have two games left with division-leading Buffalo, so things are much more in play than most thought they would be at this point in the season.

9. Kansas City Chiefs (6-4)
   Last Week: Unranked

The Chiefs have won three straight games to take over the top spot in the AFC West.  There is still a boatload of concerns, but the defense has allowed under 11 points per game over the last five contests.  The Cowboys come to town this week in what will be the defense’s stiffest test since week five against the Bills.

10. Minnesota Vikings (4-5)
    Last Week: Unranked

Surprised?  Don’t be.  Look at their schedule.  It’s been brutal, and nobody blows out the Vikings.  They get to prove me right this week with a matchup against Green Bay.   This team is a dark-horse candidate for a playoff spot.  Plus, who else has played well enough to deserve this spot?

Nick Ferraro

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