NFL Power Rankings Week 9: Steelers Fall, Brady and Patriots Take Over Top Spot

Week 9 storylines to keep an eye on:

• Bucs-Falcons battle for the top spot in the NFC South
• Do the Bills get their first win?
• Can the Jets rebound in Motown?
• Will the Dolphins shock us again by winning on the road?
• Are the Chargers for real?
• How far will the Vikings fall? How far have the Cardinals fallen?
• Will the Giants continue their hot streak in Seattle?
• Chiefs-Raiders big AFC West battle. Over/Under on number of passes thrown--40 
• Will Andy Reid unleash Mike Vick?
• Do the Cowboys lay another egg on the big stage?
• Can the TOCHO show turn the season around on MNF?

Power Rankings are next. 

32. Carolina Panthers 1-6

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 24: DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 24, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty I

Previously Ranked: 32

Week 8: 20-10 loss at St. Louis

I know DeAngelo Williams didn't play--but come one guys! Only 200 yards! I wouldn't be shocked if the Panthers didn't win another game all season. 

Next up:

New Orleans Saints 

I wonder if Matt Moore saw what the Saints defense did to Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers.

31. Dallas Cowboys 1-6

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 17: Tight end Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys stiff arms Chad Greenway #52 of the Minnesota Vikings during the fourth quarter at Mall of America Field on October 17, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Co

Previously Ranked: 26

Week 8: 35-17 loss to Jacksonville

You may be surprised to see the 'Boys ranked this low. Don't be--they gave up 35 points to the Jags at home. Don't worry about the offense, Jon Kitna will get them going. 

It's Wade Phillips' defense you should be worried about. How does David Garrard score five touchdowns in four quarters? Mind-boggling!

Next up:

at Green Bay on Sunday Night Football

Even though the Cowboys have been brutal, it's still a must watch. Sometimes it's fun to watch a team self-destruct.

30. Arizona Cardinals 3-4

Harry How/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 31: Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals gets past Aqib Talib #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to score a touchdwon for a 35-31 lead during the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Glendale

Previously Ranked: 29

Week 8: 38-35 loss to Tampa Bay

It's like quarterback roulette in Arizona. Which QB kills the Cardinals this week? I bet they wish they had Matt Leinart back.

How many days till Larry Fitzgerald wants to be traded?

Next up:

at Minnesota

Two teams with quarterback issues. 

29. Buffalo Bills 0-7

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 10: Steve Johnson #13 of the Buffalo Bills runs the sideline against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ralph Wilson Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. The Jaguars won 36-26 (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Previously Ranked: 31

Week 8: 

13-10 OT loss at Kansas City

Yes--I know the Bills still haven't won a game. They might be the best winless team I have seen this late in a season. Ryan Fitzpatrick has been stellar for the Bills, minus one bad pick against the Chiefs.

Next up:

Chicago Bears at Rogers Centre in Toronto

Perfect time to play the Bears. 

28. Cleveland Browns 2-5

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 24: Peyton Hillis #40 of the Cleveland Browns in action against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on October 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Previously Ranked: 28

Week 8: BYE WEEK

Next up:

New England

I'm very interested to see Rob Ryan's defense after a week off. Could be a sneaky good game.

27. Denver Broncos 2-6

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

DENVER - OCTOBER 17: Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos runs for a touchdown against the New York Jets at INVESCO Field at Mile High on October 17, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Previously Ranked: 20

Week 8: 

24-16 loss to San Francisco in London

Things have gotten bad in Denver. I don't even know what to say. It's not Kyle Orton's fault--I guess. Need to be better defensively, 83 points in two games isn't going to cut it in any division.

Next up:

BYE WEEK

26. San Francisco 49ers 2-6

Warren Little/Getty Images

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Troy Smith #1 of San Francisco 49ers is congratulated by Anthony Davis #76 scores their first touchdown during the NFL International Series match between Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers at Wembley Stadium on October 3

Previously Ranked: 30

Week 8: 

24-16 win over Denver

First three quarters--3 points

Fourth quarter--21 points

Troy Smith looked fairly decent under center. Kind of intrigued by the 49ers right now.

Next up:

BYE WEEK

25. Cincinnati Bengals 2-5

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

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

Previously Ranked: 23

Week 8: 22-14 loss to Miami

Can't win games when Carson Palmer completes only 44% of his passes. This Bengals team has been largely inconsistent. 

Four consecutive losses is not good for Marvin Lewis.

Next up: Pittsburgh

The Bengals have a chance to kick the Steelers while they are down. If they lose this one--the season is OFFICIALLY OVER. Only a matter of time before the TOCHO show dissolves. 

24. Minnesota Vikings 2-5

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 31: Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings has difficulty walking to the bench after he was hit by Myron Pryor #91 of the New England Patriots in the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.

Previously Ranked: 19

Week 8: 28-18 loss at New England

There is truly too much wrong with the Vikings to try to summarize in one sentence. So I'm not going to try. 

Next up: Arizona

Which team has fallen further since the '09 playoffs? 

23. Washington Redskins 4-4

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - OCTOBER 24: Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washington Redskins throws a pass against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 24, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Redskins defeated the Bears 17-14. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Previously Ranked: 15

Week 8: 37-25 loss at Detroit

The 'Skins could be a really good team, but they aren't. Shanahan was supposed to change the culture in DC, but he hasn't. Just like the politics in DC, same sh*t, different day. 

Has any player been kicked around more than Donovan McNabb? 

Next up: BYE WEEK

22. Chicago Bears 4-3

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - OCTOBER 24: Matt Forte #22 of the Chicago Bears avoids a tackle attempt by London Fletcher #59 of the Washington Redskins at Soldier Field on October 24, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Redskins defeated the Bears 17-14. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel

Previously Ranked: 21 

Week 8: BYE WEEK

Next up: at Buffalo in Toronto

I don't see the Bears free fall stopping here. Buffalo is playing great football despite being winless.

21. Seattle Seahawks 4-3

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 31: Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Seattle Seahawks is tackled by Richard Seymour #92 of the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 31, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Previously Ranked: 16

Week 8: 33-3 loss at Oakland

The difference between the 'Hawks play at home and on the road is astonishing. They've lost 10 of their last 12 on the road. 

Next up: New York Giants

If the Seahawks could play all of their games at home, they'd be ranked much higher. Seattle must win special teams to stand any chance.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars 4-4

J. Meric/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 18: Quarterback David Garrard #9 of the Jacksonville Jaguars throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans during the game at EverBank Field on October 18, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Previously Ranked: 27

Week 8: 35-17 win at Dallas

The Jags are a great team when David Garrard plays well. Just ask the Colts. Problem is--Garrard rarely plays well. 

Very impressed with how easily they dismantled the Cowboys in Dallas. 

Next up: BYE WEEK

19. San Diego Chargers 3-5

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 31: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers looks down field for an open receiver against the Tennessee Titans in the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium on October 31, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeate

Previously Ranked: 25

Week 8: 33-25 win over Tennessee

Are the Chargers back? They sure looked like it in the win over the Titans. Philip Rivers is doing a lot with only a little. Malcom Floyd, Vincent Jackson, and Antonio Gates form the best receiver-tight end combo in the NFL.

Next up: at Houston

The Texans got kicked around on Monday Night Football. A fast start could seal the game early.

18. Detroit Lions 2-5

Leon Halip/Getty Images

DETROIT - OCTOBER 31: Calvin Johnson #81 of the Detroit Lions celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the Washington Redskins at Ford Field on October 31, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions defeated the Redski

Previously Ranked: 24

Week 8: 37-25 win over Washington

Matt Stafford threw four touchdown passes against the 'Skins in his first action since week 1 in Chicago. Calvin Johnson caught three of those passes. Now we see what the Lions are made of. 

Next up: New York Jets

If the Lions face the same Jets team the Packers did, I'll take the home team. 

17. St. Louis Rams 4-4

MLB James Laurinaitis was the Rams defensive MVP against Carolina

Previously Ranked: 18

Week 8: 20-10 win over Carolina

The Rams played their best all around game of the season. Moves them to 4-1 at home and 0-3 on the road. They need to win one on the road to be taken seriously. 

Next up: BYE WEEK

The bye week may have come at just the right time for the young Rams. Sam Bradford never played more than 14 games in a season at Oklahoma. 

16. Oakland Raiders 4-4

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

DENVER - OCTOBER 24: Running back Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland Raiders runs against the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on October 24, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Previously Ranked: 22

Week 8: 33-3 win over Seattle

Darren McFadden is playing out of his mind. Since his return from injury two weeks ago, he's rushed for 276 yards and scored four touchdowns. Not bad.

Next up: Kansas City

This game is pretty important for the Raiders. Kansas City looked shaky last week in the win over Buffalo. Two of the best rush attacks in the league. McFadden-Bush/Charles-Jones.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5-2

Harry How/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 31: LeGarrette Blount #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers bounces off the tackle of Kerry Rhodes #25 of the Arizona Cardinals for a 31-14 lead during the third quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Glendale, A

Previously Ranked: 17

Week 8: 38-35 win at Arizona

They struggled to beat a bad team. But they won--so what can I really say? They're 5-2 and tied with Atlanta atop the NFC South.

Next up: at Atlanta

The Falcons are hot and coming off the bye. Going to be a rough game for the young Bucs.

14. Philadelphia Eagles 4-3

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 03: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball against the Washington Redskins on October 3, 2010 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Previously Ranked: 13

Week 8: BYE WEEK

Next up: Indianapolis 

Michael Vick returns. DeSean Jackson may return. Team looks much different than it did before the bye. Going to be fun to watch Vick shred the Colts D.

13. Houston Texans 4-3

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 01: Arian Foster #23 of Houston Texans runs with the ball during the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 1, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Previously Ranked: 12

Week 8: 30-17 loss at Indianapolis

The Texans have played inconsistent football since the win over Indy in week 1. Can't expect to win in Indy when you don't show up all four quarters. 

Next up: San Diego

Throw out the records in this one. Neither teams record is representative of how they are playing right now.

12. Tennessee Titans 5-3

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 31: Wide receiver Kenny Britt #18 of the Tennessee Titans sits on the bench after injuring his leg in the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on October 31, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Jeff G

Previously Ranked: 8

Week 8: 33-25 loss at San Diego

Not a good week for the Titans. They took a three game win streak into San Diego and left with two huge losses. The first loss was the game--obviously. The second was wideout Kenny Britt. He left early in the game with a hamstring injury.

Next up: BYE WEEK

Good news for Kenny Britt.

11. Miami Dolphins 4-3

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CINCINNATI - OCTOBER 31: Ricky Williams #34 of the Miami Dolphins runs with the ball during the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Previously Ranked: 10

Week 8: 22-14 win at Cincinnati

Somebody please explain this to me. The Dolphins are 0-3 at home and 4-0 on the road. Hmmmm--I've got nothing.

Next up: at Baltimore

Should the 'Fins be favored in this game because they are undefeated on the road? Probably not. Ravens are fresh off the bye.

10. Green Bay Packers 5-3

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 31: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers looks to throw against the New York Jets on October 31, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.The Packers defeated the Jets 9-0. (Photo by Jim McIs

Previously Ranked: 14

Week 8: 9-0 win at NY Jets

I think it's too early to buy into the Packers as legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Aaron Rodgers has looked better. I've got to hand it to the defense, they knocked down nine pass attempts.

Next up: Dallas on Sunday Night Football

The Pack's offense needs to rebound after facing the Jets. It will happen against the Cowboys.

9. Kansas City Chiefs 5-2

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

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)

Previously Ranked: 9

Week 8: 13-10 win over Buffalo

I'm interested to see if anybody can stop the Chiefs rushing attack. Have you watched them? If you haven't, try to catch the HUGE AFC West matchup Sunday. 

Next up: at Oakland

First of two meetings between the two teams. A huge game, but far from a must win for KC.

8. Atlanta Falcons 5-2

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

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)

Previously Ranked: 7

Week 8: BYE WEEK

Next up: Tampa Bay

The Falcons cannot afford any home losses until they can win on the road. A win would mean a lot to both teams. Not really a marquee matchup on paper, but since when is football played on paper?

7. New Orleans Saints 5-3

Matthew Sharpe/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 31: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints looks for a receiver during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Louisiana Superdome on October 31, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthew Sharpe/Getty Images)

Previously Ranked: 11

Week 8: 20-10 win over Pittsburgh

I was really low on the Saints prior to their win over the Steelers on Halloween. After watching them dominate an offense that has rolled ever since the return of Ben Roethlisberger, I'm back on the bandwagon. 

Next up: at at Carolina

I don't care what happened the first time they met. A gimme game if I've ever seen one.

6. Baltimore Ravens 5-2

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 17: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts before a game with the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 17, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Previously Ranked: 5

Week 8: BYE WEEK

Next up: Miami

The Dolphins are 4-0 on the road, but winless at home. I'd be nervous if I were the Ravens. That's just me though. 

5. New York Jets 5-2

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 31: Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets throws a pass against the Green Bay Packers on October 31, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Packers defeated the Jets 9-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaa

Previously Ranked: 2

Week 8: 9-0 to Green Bay

The Jets laid an egg after the bye. Rex Ryan needs to do a better job of getting his team mentally prepared for games. Try comparing the five wins with the two losses. Kind of comical. Next week won't be any easier.

Next up: at Detroit

The Lions are a dangerous team with Matt Stafford in the lineup. Revis needs to bring his best.

4. Indianapolis Colts 5-2

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 01: Jacob Tamme #84 of Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball during the NFL game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 1, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Previously Ranked: 6

Week 8: 30-17 win over Houston

I'm going to use this section for my bold statement of the day. Peyton Manning is the greatest quarterback of all time. 

Next up: at Philadelphia

More interested in seeing what Eagles can do against the Colts than seeing what the Colts will do to the Eagles.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers 5-2

Karl Walter/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 31: Rashard Mendenhall #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the football during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Louisiana Superdome on October 31, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints won 20-10 over the Steeler

Previously Ranked: 1

Week 8: 20-10 loss @ New Orleans

The Steelers didn't look prepared to play on Halloween. Big Ben has his worst game since coming back from suspension. Rashard Mendenhall was the only thing working for the Steelers on offense. Too bad they only handed him the ball 15 times. 

Next up: at Cincinnati on Monday Night Football

Can't afford another loss to a team they should beat. The rest of the division is too good.

2. New York Giants 5-2

Nick Laham/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 17: Ahmad Bradshaw #44 of the New York Giants against the Detroit Lions at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 17, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Previously Ranked: 4

Week 8: BYE WEEK

You may not agree with the placement on this one. Quite frankly, I'm OK with that. Ask Jay Cutler how good he thinks the Giants are. 

Next up: at Seattle

The 'Hawks are a much better home team. Should be a great test for the well-rested Giants. 

1. New England Patriots 6-1

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 31: (ALTERNATE CROP) BenJarvus Green-Ellis #42 of the New England Patriots scores a touchdown the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Gillette Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Ge

Previously Ranked: 3

Week 8: 28-18 win over Minnesota

Ever witness a daylight robbery? If Moss signs back with the Patriots, you officially have. 

You can't say the guy doesn't make a difference.

w/ Moss: Patriots averaged 36 PPG

w/o Moss: Patriots average 25 PPG

Next up: at Cleveland

This game shouldn't be overlooked. Stopping Peyton Hillis is a must.