NFL: RPI Style Rankings for the League Predict Playoff Teams

With 9 games in the books it is now possible to look at RPI rankings to sort out the best teams in the NFL in 2010. The RPI takes into account strength of schedule and so it points out that the Bears have faced the easiest competition thus far and that therefore their 6 wins does not indicate that they are are a top 10 team at this point. In fact, taking the top 10 teams in the RPI and mixing in Seattle and Oakland as the West winners, we get a clear picture of the likely playoff teams. The top 10 follow...

#10 Tampa Bat Buccaneers

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TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 14: Running back Carnell Williams #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a 45 yard fourth quarter touchdown run against the Carolina Panthers during the game at Raymond James Stadium on November 14, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Phot

Tampa Bay has played a soft schedule thus far (29th in SOS) and their schedule does not get a lot harder in the weeks ahead and so they should squeeze into the 2010 playoffs.

#9 New Orleans Saints

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CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 07: Ladell Betts #46 of the New Orleans Saints 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)

The Saints have also had an easy schedule (#28) but they should also slide into the playoffs despite a tougher schedule ahead. If they can beat the Ravens in Baltimore and the Falcons in Atlanta, then they may yet reemrge as the team to beat in the NFC, but they need to improve to reach that point.

#8 Green Bay Packers

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GREEN BAY, WI - NOVEMBER 07: John Kuhn #30 of the Green Bay Packers runs against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field on November 7, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Cowboys 45-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The Packers have played an easier schedule than most (#24) but much tougher than the Bears and so they are likely to win out in their division. Once in the playoffs they could become dangerous especially if they can get a bit healthier down the stretch.

#7 Indianapolis Colts

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INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 14: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts throws a pass during the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 14, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts won 23-17. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty

The Colts have faced an average schedule thus far (#20) but have shown enough to make them a playoff caliber team. Right now it is difficult to pick them as the AFC champs, but any team with Peyton Manning has a fighting chance.

#6 Philidelphia Eagles

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LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 15: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates his second touchdown with team mates Nick Cole #59 and Jeremy Maclin #18 against the Washington Redskins on November 15, 2010 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland. (Photo b

The Eagles have played an average schedule (#16) and are now the 2nd best team in the NFC. If Michael Vick stays healthy them they could yet emerge as the team to beat in the NFC.

#5 Baltimore Ravens

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ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 11: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens looks to pass against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on November 11, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Baltimore has played a tough schedule (#10) and despite that are in great position for a playoff run. They will have to play better to make it through the tough AFC, but they are certainly "right there" with the top teams that the AFC has to offer.

#4 Pittsburgh Steelers

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PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 14: Antwaan Randle El #82 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs after catching a pass against the New England Patriots during the game on November 14, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Image

At times the Steelers have looked overwhelming, but a tough schedule (#4) has made 2010 a challenge thus far. Still the Steelers are a shoe-in for the playoffs and, once there, they certainly have an excellent chance to win out.

#3 New York Jets

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CLEVELAND - NOVEMBER 14: Quarterback Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets celebrates with Brandon Moore #65 after scoring a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 14, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sulli

The Jets schedule thus far is a little below average at #22, but you can't argue with the 7-2 record. Look for the Jets to make the playoffs where they will have a chance if their defense starts living up to the expectations they had coming into the season.

#2 New England Patriots

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PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 14: James Sanders #36 of the New England Patriots celebrates scoring a touchdown with team mate Devin McCourty #32 against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 14, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris McGr

The Patriots have once again moved to the head of the pack in the AFC. They have faced a mediocore schedule (#21) but that 7-2 record includes some wins over top flight teams. They are the most likely Super Bowl team from the AFC.

#1 Atlanta Falcons

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ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 11: Roddy White #84 and Michael Jenkins #12 of the Atlanta Falcons react after White's touchdown reception in the final seconds against the Baltimore Ravens at Georgia Dome on November 11, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C.

The Falcons have played an average strength schedule (#14) but has a gaudy 7-2 record that puts them at the very top of the PRI rankings thus far in 2010. Their schedule gets a bit easier in the remaining games and so they have an excellent shot at finishing with the best record in the NFC. With home field advantage, the Falcons have proven extremely tough to beat although we will get to see if that trend continues when the Saints come to town later on this season. The Eagles beat the Falcons in Philly and seem to have the best shot to overcome the Falcons likely home field advantage in the playoffs, but the numbers thus far say that the Falcons have the best chance to win the NFC.