NFL Power Rankings: Week 9

For the first five weeks of the season, the NFC East was king, as each of the division's four teams found themselves in the top five of my Power Rankings.  But with the Giants, Redskins, and Cowboys each suffering upset losses, while the Titans, Steelers, and Bills all had byes, Week 6 revealed that the AFC had temporarily regained dominance in the NFL.

Then came Week 8, when each of the four teams in the NFC East tallied victories, including a big road win over one of the AFC's best, Pittsburgh.  That game, coupled with losses by fellow conference powers, Indianapolis, San Diego, Jacksonville and Buffalo, indicates that the NFC may be on its way to reclaiming its status as the NFL's best conference for the first time since 1997.

1 (1) Tennessee Titans (7-0)

The lone undefeated bent but did not break in its first real test of the year against Indy.

2 (4) New York Giants (6-1)

An impressive victory at Pittsburgh validates the 6-1 record.

3 (5) Washington Redskins (6-2)

Clinton Portis may be the NFL MVP right now.

4 (7) Carolina Panthers (6-2)

A big second half against Arizona keeps the Panthers undefeated at home.

5 (10) Arizona Cardinals (4-3)

The Cards blew a big opportunity at Carolina but there's no way they can be ranked below Buffalo or Dallas, two teams they've beaten.

6 (11) Dallas Cowboys (5-3)

The Cowboys defense finally showed up this year and it could not have come at a more important time.

7 (6) Tampa Bay Bucs (5-3)

The Bucs only managed to score nine points against a Dallas defense that had been giving up 25 a game.

8 (9) Chicago Bears (4-3)

With teams falling in front of them, the idle Bears move up.  Remember, they're still only eight points away from being 7-0.

9 (12) Philadelphia Eagles (4-3)

With Westbrook back, the Eagles are looking up.

10 (2) Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)

The Steelers' porous offensive line combined with Roethlisberger's refusal to throw the football quickly will result in a ton of sacks this year.  Pittsburgh's biggest win is over Baltimore, so anyone who has them ahead of Philly, a team they lost to, has no idea what they're doing.

11 (8) Atlanta Falcons (4-3)

The Falcons just couldn't stop Brian Westbrook.

12 (13) New England Patriots (5-2)

The Pats still haven't beaten a defense ranked in the top 19, so forgive me if I don't have them ranked higher than 12th.

13 (3) Buffalo Bills (5-2)

A bad loss at Miami leaves me wondering how impressive their wins over Jacksonville and San Diego really are.

14 (15) Denver Broncos (4-3)

Jay Cutler will have to carry this horrible defensive team into the playoffs.

15 (17) Green Bay (4-3)

I don't see the Packers upsetting the Titans in Tennessee this week.

16 (14) Jacksonville (3-4)

You can't lose at home to the Browns and remain in the top 15.

17 (18) Indianapolis (3-4)

The Colts' run defense showed signs of life in the first half against Tennessee but broke down in the second two quarters. 

18 (19) Minnesota (3-4)

Gus Frerotte should get a break against the poor Texans defense this weekend.

19 (20) New Orleans (4-4)

Big offensive performance keeps them afloat for now.

20 (16) San Diego (3-5)

A trip to Buffalo followed by a trip to London was not what this west coast team needed.  But don't count them out yet, four of their next five are at home.

21 (21) Baltimore (4-3)

Another strong defensive performance versus Oakland.

22 (22) Cleveland (3-4)

The Jeremy Shockey effect is in full swing in Cleveland.

23 (23) St. Louis (2-5)

Nearly pulled off a third straight win at New England.

24 (24) Houston (3-4)

Three straight for the streaking Texans.

25 (27) Miami (3-4)

The roller coaster season continues with a win over the Bills.

26 (25) Oakland (2-5)

Terrible offense means no chance against the Ravens.

27 (26) New York Jets (4-3)

Brett Favre has thrown four more interceptions than Aaron Rodgers and Chad Pennington combined.

28 (29) Kansas City Chiefs (1-6)

How do you pick Brett Favre three teams and still lose?

29 (30) Seattle Seahawks (2-5)

A win at the Niners is a slight improvement.

30 (28) San Francisco (2-6)

Not a good debut for Mike Singletary, although I respect the way he dealt with the Vernon Davis situation.

31 (31) Detroit (0-7)

Maybe hosting Jacksonville next week, but no way at Chicago on Sunday.

32 (32) Cincinnati (0-8)

There's no way the Bengals lose in Week 10.

Jordan Schwartz is Bleacher Report's New York Yankees Community Leader. His book "Memoirs of the Unaccomplished Man" is available at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and authorhouse.com. Jordan can be reached at [e-mail]