NFL Power Rankings, Week 11: Cardiac Colts Take Top Spot

While both games were in question until the final minute, both the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts still exited Week 10 with unblemished records, and deserve to sit atop the rankings.

Both teams will continue to get hard battles in their quest to go 16-0 for the rest of the season, but until another team knocks them off the top, that is where they will remain.

For the rest of the teams and where they rank, read on:


1. Indianapolis Colts (9-0)

The Colts proved they are quite possibly the most resilient team in the NFL, overcoming a 17-point deficit late in the game to eek past the New England Patriots in the final seconds.

2. New Orleans Saints (9-0)

Narrowly escaping with a win overly the lowly Rams drops New Orleans out of their top spot. They have a target on their backs and are clearly struggling in their attempt to remain perfect.

3. Minnesota Vikings (8-1)

Brett Favre played mistake-free football and shredded the Detroit Lions secondary as the Vikings put the Detroit Lions away in the fourth quarter and kept pace with the New Orleans Saints.

4. Cincinnati Bengals (7-2)

Is there any doubt that this team is for real after sweeping the Pittsburgh Steelers in their season series? Now they just have to hope Cedric Benson's injury isn't long-term.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3)

Getting swept by the Cincinnati Bengals both hurts their chance at winning the division and also puts them on the fence of the playoffs.

6. New England Patriots (6-3)

The Patriots were one or two decisions away from a big win over the Indianapolis Colts, but some questionable play-calling set Peyton Manning up and lost them the game.

7. Arizona Cardinals (6-3)

A sweep over the Seattle Seahawks puts the Cardinals in the driver seat for the division, and only a strong run by the San Francisco 49ers late in the season can stop them from reaching the playoffs for the second straight season.

8. Denver Broncos (6-3)

What was formerly a very solid Broncos team is suddenly looking at next week's division battle with the San Diego Chargers as a game that could potentially have them missing the postseason.

9. San Diego Chargers (6-3)

Don't look now, but it's starting to look like LaDainian Tomlinson has something left to prove, and this Chargers team is suddenly the team to beat in the AFC West.

10. Dallas Cowboys (6-3)

Just when we thought we had an elite Cowboys team on our hands, they go and get dominated by the Green Bay Packers. The Cowboys and their formerly strong NFC East division are losing credibility every week.

11. Baltimore Ravens (5-4)

It wasn't flashy, but the defense delivered a dominant performance and a shutout. They still have flaws, but there's plenty of room for optimism going forward.

12. Houston Texans (5-4)

They needed a week off to re-evaluate what they want to accomplish this season, and exactly how they're going to do it. A matchup on Monday night against the surging Tennessee Titans won't make things any easier.

13. Atlanta Falcons (5-4)

Matt Ryan is not playing good football right now, and a Falcons team that many thought was on the rise is clearly struggling to play efficient, balanced football. Losing Michael Turner sure didn't help their cause on Sunday.

14. Philadelphia Eagles (5-4)

The Eagles continue their inconsistent ways, yet still have a shot at their division with the other NFC East teams performing below expectations. Adding injury to insult, another concussion could have just stolen Brian Westbrook for the remainder of the season.

15. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4)

They're playing hard and starting to look more complete on offense. It may not be pretty, but two straight wins and a better showing from their defense still has this team in the hunt for a wild-card spot.

16. Green Bay Packers (5-4)

That was a big win and great performance by their much-criticized defense. The division is out of the question, but if they keep this up, they surely have a shot at the playoffs.

For the rest of the rankings, go here.