2010 NFL Power Rankings Week 14: Patriots Dominating, Falcons Soaring

It’s tough to argue with the Patriots dominance now.

After shellacking the Jets on Monday Night Football, the Pats sit comfortably atop the Week 14 rankings. How far did the Jets loss cause them to slide? Can the Falcons overtake the Pats by year’s end? It will be interesting to see.

New England Patriots: 10-2, First AFC East

A good ole’ fashioned butt whooping of the Jets has the rest of the league officially on notice.

Atlanta Falcons: 10-2, First NFC South

Another week and another winning drive from Matty Ice. It’s becoming routine for Ryan to step up in the clutch, and he’s really leading the Falcons to something special in his third season.

Pittsburgh Steelers: 9-3, First AFC North

The Steelers came away with a grind-it-out victory against the Ravens and really proved that the defense is still capable of winning games for them.

Philadelphia Eagles: 8-4, T-First NFC East

Two words: Michael Vick. He makes everybody on the field better, and the defense gets to spend more time resting on the sidelines these days.

Chicago Bears: 9-3, First NFC North

Wake up and smell the coffee! This team is for real. The Bears have re-instituted a traditional running game and are really reaping the benefits, sitting comfortably atop the division.

New Orleans Saints: 9-3, Second NFC South

It’s incredible how many still underestimate the Saints’ ability to win games. Never go against the champs until they lose, and “Who Dat” nation hasn’t relinquished anything yet.

Green Bay Packers: 8-4, Second NFC North

Aaron Rodgers hasn’t thrown an interception in over 150 pass attempts and has the offense churning on all cylinders.

New York Jets: 9-3, Second AFC East

The Jets slide considerably in the rankings after getting embarrassed in front of a national audience.  

Baltimore Ravens: 8-4, Second AFC North

The Ravens’ offense isn’t as prolific as many thought that it would be with all of the additions, but this group of veterans should be just fine for an expected playoff push.

New York Giants: 8-4, T-First NFC East

Despite a little inconsistency, the Giants are playing some very good football, as the defensive line is as beastly as any in the NFL.

Kansas City Chiefs: 8-4, First AFC West

It’s incredible to think that this team won just four games all of last season. Dwayne Bowe might’ve thrown up a goose egg in Week 13, but that’s a very rare sight these days.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 7-5, Third NFC South

Josh Freeman almost stole one from the Falcons, but just fell a little shy. They might be a team of the future, but with a little luck could contend in the present, as well.

Jacksonville Jaguars: 7-5, First AFC South

The Jaguars took down the Titans to move to 7-5 and gain sole control of the division lead for the first time in recent memory.

Indianapolis Colts: 6-6, Second AFC South

The Colts continue to slide and if they don’t turn it around soon they may not even make the postseason.

St. Louis Rams: 6-6, T-First NFC West

Yes, they play in a very weak division, but this team is for real. Steve Spagnuolo has lit a fire under this group and it’s clear they’re playing with gusto.

Oakland Raiders: 6-6, T-Second AFC West

The Raiders took home a surprising victory against the Chargers and have people re-thinking the write off after a few losses.

San Diego Chargers: 6-6, T-Second AFC West

The Chargers were on the rise after a few consecutive wins, but now they’re headed in the wrong direction, once again.

Houston Texans: 5-7, T-Third AFC South

The Texans blew it on Thursday night, but their division is still too tight to write off this offense.

Miami Dolphins: 6-6, Third AFC East

The Dolphins need to win out to even be considered for the postseason. Good luck.

Seattle Seahawks: 6-6, T-First NFC West

Tied for first place, this Seahawks team is a bunch of crusty veterans infused with some enigmatic youth. Regardless, they’re not very intimidating.

Cleveland Browns: 5-7, Third AFC North

Eric Mangini is going to keep his job and it appears Mike Holmgren’s vision may come to fruition sooner rather than later.

Washington Redskins: 5-7, Third NFC East

The Giants embarrassed the Redskins and it’s clear that they have no business playing against the contenders.

Minnesota Vikings: 5-7, Third NFC North

The Vikings have won two in a row under Leslie Frazier, but they may have just lost QB Brett Favre for the season.

Tennessee Titans: 5-7, T-Third AFC South

The Titans are an absolute mess and the Randy Moss signing continues to be a massive failure.

Dallas Cowboys: 4-8, Fourth NFC East

They could very well be 4-0 under Jason Garrett, but 3-1 looks pretty good in the initial stages of the young coach’s audition.

San Francisco 49ers: 4-8, Third NFC West

This team looks different from week-to-week, but it’s unlikely that they’ll make any noise.

Detroit Lions: 2-10, Fourth NFC North

Drew Stanton’s Dougie propels them over the other bad teams.

Denver Broncos: 3-9, Fourth AFC West

Josh McDaniels is gone and the Broncos appear to be headed south very quickly.

Cincinnati Bengals: 2-10, Fourth AFC North

They played well against the Saints, but the nightmare season continues.

Buffalo Bills: 2-10, Fourth AFC East

The Bills give their best effort every week, but unfortunately effort is only rewarded at the Pop Warner level.

Arizona Cardinals: 3-9, Fourth NFC West

They’d probably get beat in one of the upcoming college football bowl games.

Carolina Panthers: 1-11, Fourth NFC South

It’s not all Jimmy Clausen’s fault, as nobody could survive behind that dreadful offensive line.