NFL Week 9 Power Rankings: NFC North Teams Battle For Top Spot

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BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 7: Ray Rice #27 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the bal against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium on November 7, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 26-10. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice had 180 total yards of offense against the Miami Dolphins in Week 9.
Larry French/Getty Images

In an effort to get some more consistent and general NFL content on the blog, I've decided I'll start doing weekly power rankings following each week's games.

It's a pretty original idea, I know. Don't ask me how I got it, because I can't explain it. It just came to me. You are my muses.

For future weeks, I will obviously list each team's previous ranking to illustrate the change between the last week and the current one, but since this is these are the maiden rankings, there are none for last week.

32. Buffalo Bills (0-8)

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 07: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills slips away from Israel Idonije #71 of the Chicago Bears at Rogers Centre on November 7, 2010 in Toronto, Canada. Chicago won 22-19. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

Ryan Fitzpatrick has provided a tiny spark and they seem due for their first win sooner or later, but you can't think about taking them out of the cellar into they get it.

31. Carolina Panthers (1-7)

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 07: Jimmy Clausen #2 of the Carolina Panthers throws a pass against the New Orleans Saints during their game at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

They just lost their unproductive starting quarterback for the season and will have to choose between two unprepared rookies the rest of the way. Not looking good.

30. Arizona Cardinals (3-5)

MINNEAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 7: Defensive end Ray Edwards #91 of the Minnesota Vikings grabs the jersey of quarterback Derek Anderson #3 of the Arizona Cardinals at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on November 7, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings won 27-

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Their quarterback situation is downright ugly, so it's a pick your own poison situation.

29. Dallas Cowboys (1-7)

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31: (L-R) Head coach Wade Phillips and assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Jason Garrett of the Dallas Cowboys look on against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Cowboys Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

You can't argue a midseason coaching change, but Jason Garrett isn't going to be the savior they need. This team is done.

28. San Francisco 49ers (2-6)

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Michael Crabtree #15 of San Francisco 49ers celebrates with Chilo Rachal #62 as he scores their second touchdown during the NFL International Series match between Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers at Wembley Stadium on

Chris McGrath/Getty Images

They're still alive in the mediocre NFC West, but need to settle their quarterback situation and take advantage of their offensive playmakers.

27. Detroit Lions (2-6)

DETROIT - NOVEMBER 07: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions lays on the ground holding his right shoulder after being sacked by Bryan Thomas #58 of the New York Jets during the third quarter of the game at Ford Field on November 7, 2010 in Detroit, Mi

Leon Halip/Getty Images

They're not playing terrible football right now, but the Jets game showcased their inexperience late in big games. Being stuck with Drew Stanton at quarterback will probably end their season for good.

26. Denver Broncos (2-6)

DENVER - SEPTEMBER 19: Head coach Josh McDaniels of the Denver Broncos looks on against the Seattle Seahawks during NFL action at INVESCO Field at Mile High on September 19, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

It's been a disappointing sophomore season for coach Josh McDaniels, who is missing his opportunity to capitalize on a pretty mediocre division.

25. Seattle Seahawks (4-4)

SEATTLE - NOVEMBER 07: Quarterback Charlie Whitehurst #6 of the Seattle Seahawks passes against Osi Umenyiora #72 of the New York Giants at Qwest Field on November 7, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Giants defeated the Seahawks 41-7. (Photo by Otto Gre

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

They are still alive in the NFL's worst division, but they are most certainly not a good team right now.

24. Cincinnati Bengals (2-6)

ATLANTA - OCTOBER 24: Terrell Owens #81 of the Cincinnati Bengals pulls in this reception against Christopher Owens #21 of the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 24, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

It's hard to imagine a team this talented on a five-game losing streak and behind Cleveland in the division, but they just can't seem to get it together.

23. Washington Redskins (4-4)

ASHURN, VA - APRIL 6: Mike Shanahan, head coach of the Washington Redskins presents Donovan McNabb with his new jersey during a press conference on April 6, 2010 at Redskin Park in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

The Donovan McNabb controversy in Washington is a nightmare, and it can't help a team that's barely average.

22. Cleveland Browns (3-5)

CLEVELAND - NOVEMBER 07: Quarterback Colt McCoy #12 of the Cleveland Browns leaves the field after their victory over the New England Patriots at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 7, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)

Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

Colt McCoy has two huge upsets in his first three NFL starts, but it's hard to imagine it lasting in this division.

22. Cleveland Browns (3-5)

Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

Colt McCoy has two huge upsets in his first three NFL starts, but it's hard to imagine it lasting in this division.

21. St. Louis Rams (4-4)

ST. LOUIS - OCTOBER 31: Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams looks to pass against Eric Norwood #92 of the Carolina Panthers at the Edward Jones Dome on October 31, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the Panthers 20-10. (Photo by Dilip Vishwana

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

You have to be impressed with the way Sam Bradford is playing as a rookie with a terrible receiving corps, but this team isn't there yet.

21. St. Louis Rams (4-4)

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

You have to be impressed with the way Sam Bradford is playing as a rookie with a terrible receiving corps, but this team isn't there yet.

20. San Diego Chargers (4-5)

HOUSTON - NOVEMBER 07: Wide receiver Seyi Ajirotutu #89 of the San Diego Chargers celebrates after a touchdown in the first quarter against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on November 7, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Bob Levey/Getty Images

The Chargers have been playing well below their talent in 2010, but are on a winning steak now and can still catch up to the possibly overachieving Chiefs and Raiders.

19. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-4)

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31: Quaterback David Garrard #9 of the Jacksonville Jaguars turns to hand the ball off against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

They're not out of it at 4-4, but I still see them as the fourth-best team in their division, and thus not a playoff team.

18. Minnesota Vikings (3-5)

EDEN PRAIRIE, MN - AUGUST 18: Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Brad Childress (L) walks with Brett Favre #4 after finishing a passing drill during a Minnesota Vikings practice session on August 18, 2009 at Winter Park in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Favre has r

Scott A. Schneider/Getty Images

The talented Vikings roster eked out a win over the Cardinals, but the distractions may have already done in their season.

17. Chicago Bears (5-3)

CHICAGO - OCTOBER 24: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears walks off the field after throwing an interception against the Washington Redskins at Soldier Field on October 24, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Redskins defeated the Bears 17-14. (Photo by Jonatha

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

If there is a team in the NFL that isn't as good as their record, it's the Bears. I don't see them going anywhere in 2010.

16. Miami Dolphins (4-4)

BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 7: Brandon Marshall #19 of the Miami Dolphins can't make this catch against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 7, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 26-10. (Photo by Larry French/Getty

Larry French/Getty Images

The Dolphins have already played a handful of the NFL's elite teams, and will have a chance to turn their season around with four tough but winnable games coming up.

15. Houston Texans (4-4)

HOUSTON - NOVEMBER 07: Wide receiver Andre Johnson #80 of the Houston Texans loses the ball as strong safety Paul Oliver #27 of the San Diego Chargers interecepts the ball at Reliant Stadium on November 7, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Ge

Bob Levey/Getty Images

It looks like another underachieving year for a Texans team that's been adding a lot of good pieces, so they need to turn it around in a hurry.

14. Kansas CIty Chiefs (5-3)

KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 24: Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs in action during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 24, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

I'm not entirely sold on the Chiefs, but you can't argue with their record. They have a running game that can carry them and some nice young prospects on defense.

13. Oakland Raiders (5-4)

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 07: Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland Raiders runs against the Kansas City Chiefs during an NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 7, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

Beyond any reason, the Raiders are actually playing pretty well right now. I've always said Darren McFadden had all the talent to be an elite back if he got some help.

12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-3)

ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 07: Quarterback Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks to pass against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on November 7, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Their lack of defense will probably prove to be problematic, but I love the way Josh Freeman plays.

11. Tennessee Titans (5-3)

SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 31: Quarterback Vince Young #10 of the Tennessee Titans plays against the San Diego Chargers in the game at Qualcomm Stadium on October 31, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeated the Titans 33-25. (Photo by Jeff Gross/G

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

A good team regardless of which quarterback they start, they have a real chance to take the AFC South this year with the Colts' injuries.

10. Indianapolis Colts (5-3)

PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 07: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts in action against the Philadelphia Eagles on November 7, 2010 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Peyton Manning is doing his best to carry a Colts team decimated by injuries, and he will continue to keep them in most games.

9. Philadelphia Eagles (5-3)

PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 07: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball against the Indianapolis Colts on November 7, 2010 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Colts 26-24. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

A big NFC East showdown with the Giants in Week 10 will really let us know who is the top team in that division.

8. New Orleans Saints (6-3)

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 07: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints calls a play against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

While not nearly as dominant as they were in their Super Bowl run of 2009, the Saints are still getting the job done and have talent where it counts.

7. New York Jets (6-2)

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 31: Shonn Greene #23 of the New York Jets drops a pass in the first half against the Green Bay Packers on October 31, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

The Jets were an Ndamukong Suh extra point away from losing to the Lions, which followed a shutout at the hands of the Packers. They're still 6-2 though and have too much talent to not right the ship soon.

6. Atlanta Falcons (6-2)

ATLANTA - OCTOBER 24: Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons scores a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals at Georgia Dome on October 24, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Tied for the best home record in football, the Falcons aren't playing flashy but are getting the job done in all aspects.

5. New England Patriots (6-2)

CLEVELAND - NOVEMBER 07: Tight end Aaron Hernandez #85 of the New England Patriots celebrates with Logan Mankins #70 and Stephen Neal #61 after scoring a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 7, 2010 in Cleveland,

Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

The upset in Cleveland was pretty embarrassing, but they're too talented to stay down for long and should rebound.

4. Green Bay Packers (6-3)

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 31: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers hands off the ball during a game against the New York Jets on October 31, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Image

Andrew Burton/Getty Images

The Packers have survived a handful of injuries and are still playing great football, while also having the fortune of playing in terrible division.

3. New York Giants (6-2)

SEATTLE - NOVEMBER 07: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants looks over the defense at the line of scrimmage against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on November 7, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Giants defeated the Seahawks 41-7. (Phot

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

Winners of five straight, the Giants are rolling right now thanks to a dominant pass rush, a strong ground game, and a settled-down Eli Manning.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)

CINCINNATI - NOVEMBER 08: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers breaks free from Geno Atkins #97 of the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 8, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Steelers defeated the Bengals 27-21. (Ph

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

The Steelers were one of the league's better teams without Ben Roethlisberger, and they are clearly among the elite now.

1. Baltimore Ravens (6-2)

BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 7: Ray Rice #27 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium on November 7, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 26-10. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

Larry French/Getty Images

A different No. 1 than I would've had last week, the Ravens are just a very complete team and have very few holes in their roster. There aren't many teams that match up.

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