NFL Power Rankings: Ravens, Giants, Vikings, Jets Lead the Way

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It's shaping up to be a pretty interesting football season, that's for sure. A few teams are starting to look downright invincible, and a few teams look like they could go 0-16.

Coming into the season, there were enough storylines to interest even the most casual fans, and we've picked up a few new ones on the way.

I don't really plan to make this a weekly thing, but every once and a while, I'll break one of these out and give my takes on the state of the NFL.

I'm going to put them in groups, a la Bill Simmons, because I believe there are tiers in the NFL landscape this season. Also a la Bill Simmons, I've used theme to name the tiers. See if you can guess.

Without further ado:

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These guys are the cream of the NFL crop so far. These teams could be facing off two weeks before the Super Bowl if all goes well.

1. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens have looked absolutely phenomenal so far. Joe Flacco is making plays, Ray Rice is making plays, they just look unbeatable right now. The defense is giving up a lot of points, sometimes to bad teams, but they look like they're able to outscore people when that happens, which is a dangerous combination.

2. New York Giants

Take away the run? Eli will find Smith, Manningham, or even Sinorice Moss. Take away the pass, Brandon Jacobs will run down your throat, while Ahmad Bradshaw breaks your ankles. Are you the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? Then you don't stand a chance in hell. Giants look to be pulling a good team together right on schedule, which is key, since they've got a tough late season.

3. Minnesota Vikings

This team has been a quarterback away from amazing ever since they drafted Adrian Peterson. While Favre hasn't been a world-beater, he hasn't needed to be. And when they needed him, he came through. Looking pretty good through three weeks, if Favre can hold up in the cold weather, this is a team that nobody wants to play in January.

4. New York Jets

Great defense, good running backs and a hilarious coach. Add a potentially special rookie season from Mark Sanchez, and things are looking pretty good on Broadway. With the talent surrounding Sanchez, they should be okay, even if Sanchez has a shaky outing or two.

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These teams have plenty to be proud of, but aren't quite at the top of the league. They could go deep in the playoffs, but they're not perfect.

5. Indianapolis Colts

Peyton Manning is still terrifying to defenses, and unlike Brady, he hasn't really slowed down. If he's down by four and driving with a minute left, you're pretty nervous if you're not a fan of the Colts. Losing a good slot receiver like Anthony Gonzalez hasn't slowed them too much, with Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne doing plenty of damage. A strong couple of weeks from Donald Brown, and the Colts could be looking down on most of the league.

6. New England Patriots

Sure, they haven't looked as explosive as 2007. But it's still Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. It's still Randy Moss. They're off to a bit of a slow start, but as Brady gets more comfortable and Welker gets healthy, they're still as dangerous as ever.

7. New Orleans Saints

Drew Brees is playing like his Madden 2010 counterpart on 'rookie' right now, throwing out gaudy stats week after week. The Saints have the weapons, and while the defense is a little suspect, as long as they hold the other team under 30, they should be good.

8. San Diego Chargers

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