Power Rankings

    The Times’ NFL rankings (after Week 10)

    by Lance Pugmire
    We have a new No. 1 (they’re in Texas, but it’s not Dallas), the Falcons drop all the way to No. 2, and the Bears aren’t hurt too bad by their loss.

    Up: Titans + 8 | Down: Lions - 5

    1

    texans

    8-1
    2

    Wade Phillips’ defensive strategies have launched team to this peak, as four takeaways, intense pressure clamp down Bears to just two FGs.

    2

    falcons

    8-1
    1

    Can’t beat their nemesis again, as Saints’ Drew Brees (three TDs) and RBs impose their will, and stalled late at goal line.

    3

    bears

    7-2
    1

    Jay Cutler’s concussion left already failing offense even weaker against Texans. Not much time to get healthy. They travel to 49ers on Monday.

    4

    broncos

    6-3
    1

    Another large step toward a division title as Coach John Fox beat his ex, the Panthers, with seven-sack, pick-six, safety effort.

    5

    packers

    6-3
    1

    Slide up a spot while in bye. Obvious strides by QB Aaron Rodgers will make their race to North title vs. Bears highly intriguing.

    6

    patriots

    6-3
    2

    Had a rough go against Bills team making its last stand until Devin McCourty picked off last-minute pass in end zone. Home to Colts next.

    7

    ravens

    7-2
    2

    Blitzing Raiders with record 55 points sets up key North battle Sunday night against rival Steelers. Can QB Joe Flacco keep rolling?

    8

    49ers

    6-2-1
    4

    Chance to prove they’re elite Monday vs. Bears. Didn’t look it while losing QB Alex Smith to concussion , missing late FG, tying Rams.

    9

    steelers

    6-3
    1

    Have impressively navigated injuries, but now have QB Ben Roethlisberger’s right shoulder to deal with on eve of Sunday night home game vs. rival Ravens.

    10

    giants

    6-4
    3

    In a significant slide considering line let Eli Manning get sacked six times, with the QB scuffling again. Need this bye.

    11

    seahawks

    6-4
    0

    Tough as can be at home, as evidenced by shackling of weak Jets. Marshawn Lynch keeps formula working with 124 yards on ground heading to bye.

    12

    colts

    6-3
    0

    Throttling of Jaguars moves them closer to surprise playoff appearance. How good are they? We’ll know after they play the Patriots this week.

    13

    buccaneers

    5-4
    0

    Didn’t need full dose of star rookie RB Doug Martin thanks to punt-block and INT TDs vs. Chargers. Three straight wins heading to Panthers.

    14

    vikings

    6-4
    1

    Run, Adrian, run. RB Peterson adds 171 more yards on ground in key division triumph over Lions, leaving them in playoff real estate at bye.

    15

    saints

    4-5
    5

    QB Brees’ promises of comeback seemed hollow with defense so weak, but late stand to upset Falcons give hope strong legs.

    16

    cowboys

    4-5
    3

    Put game on ice with late INT and punt-return scores at enemy Eagles. Needed win like that to start rally that should continue vs. Browns.

    17

    bengals

    4-5
    7

    Leapfrog over badly struggling group by looking so impressive against defending champions. Defense can swarm again at Chiefs.

    18

    dolphins

    4-5
    4

    QB Ryan Tannehill suffered through a definite rookie performance with three INTS in second straight loss. Defense disappearance at home deeply troubling.

    19

    redskins

    3-6
    1

    Return from bye to face a visiting Eagles team mired in five-game losing streak. Have to like their chances.

    20

    chargers

    4-5
    3

    Coach Norv Turner flashes rage responding to another blown lead. Problem is, he doesn’t get team to play with same passion.

    21

    lions

    4-5
    5

    Can’t win with Matthew Stafford-Calvin Johnson alone. Run defense fades while run game not convincing others to load up pass defense.

    22

    titans

    4-6
    8

    Sharp move up after blasting Dolphins, but don’t buy Jake Locker (9-of-21 Sunday) as capable of getting them anywhere above here.

    23

    eagles

    3-6
    2

    All good things must end, and so it appears is case of Coach Andy Reid era after Dallas loss.

    24

    rams

    3-5-1
    1

    QB Sam Bradford efficient in tie at 49ers, although OT missed FG will haunt. In good place returning home vs. Jets.

    25

    cardinals

    4-5
    2

    Deserve a drop even in bye given how bad they look amid run-game absence, interceptions. Now they go to Atlanta.

    26

    jets

    3-6
    4

    No more bombastic talk from Coach Rex Ryan with this group. Mark Sanchez was 9-of-22, finished with three turnovers, no offensive score at Seattle.

    27

    bills

    3-6
    1

    Made bold run in their den of horrors at Patriots, but QB Ryan Fitzpatrick remains guy you can’t count on in crunch time.

    28

    raiders

    3-6
    1

    Without their RBs on cross-country trip, they were predictably blown out by Ravens. Can’t be enthused with Brees next after Joe Flacco battered them.

    29

    browns

    2-7
    0

    Holding pattern way down here off bye, and not expecting upward progression going to Cowboys next.

    30

    panthers

    2-7
    4

    Would L.A. want this? Had home chance to start digging out, but surrendering seven sacks, getting picked twice affirms depth of situation.

    31

    chiefs

    1-8
    0

    Gave proudest effort yet in OT loss at Pittsburgh Monday. Defense has no excuses to not follow with similar showings.

    32

    jaguars

    1-8
    0

    So bad that they’re losing fans in droves. And guess what: they’re now at Houston. Let the blowout ensue.

    Connect
    Advertisement

    In Case You Missed It...

    Advertisement

    Readers: What’s your take? Share it here.