NFL Power Rankings: Which Teams Are Lost in the Shuffle?

Dallas Cowboys

You could make a pretty strong case that the Cowboys should be 5-1 or even 6-0. Losses against both Jets and Lions should have been wins, and they also lost a game that they led throughout on the road in New England. You're only as good as your record says you are, but the Cowboys are plenty capable of making some noise in the NFC this season. 

New York Jets

The Jets have issues on both sides of the ball, but this is still a team that went to the AFC championship game the past two seasons. They haven't lost at home, and it looks like the running game might have found its footing. 

Chicago Bears

Don't look now, but offensive coordinator Mike Martz has figured out how to use running back Matt Forte. If Aaron Rodgers wasn't having such an untouchable season, Forte would have a strong case for MVP votes through seven weeks. As long as the Bears continue running their offense through Forte, they'll be tough to beat.

Atlanta Falcons

I think most have been quick to write off the Falcons after a 2-3 start. But they also had enough talent on both sides to turn it around, and they've now won two in a row after letting a game get away at home against the Packers in Week 4. The schedule is tough, but the Falcons will be right there with the Saints at the end of 2011.

Buffalo Bills

Some of the shine has come off of the Bills terrific start, but don't forget that Buffalo is still just a game behind the Patriots in the AFC East. They currently hold a head-to-head win over the Pats, too. The defense—specifically the pass rush—has to improve, but the Bills are good enough at home to stick around. 

Week 8 Power Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers (7-0)	17. New York Jets (4-3)
2. New England Patriots (5-1)	18. Oakland Raiders (4-3)
3. New Orleans Saints (5-2)	19. Tennessee Titans (3-3)
4. San Francisco 49ers (5-1)	20. Philadelphia Eagles (2-4)
5. Baltimore Ravens (5-2)	21. Carolina Panthers (2-5)
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)	22. Cleveland Browns (3-3)
7. Detroit Lions (5-2)	23. Washington Redskins (3-3)
8. San Diego Chargers (4-2)	24. Kansas City Chiefs (3-3)
9. Buffalo Bills (4-2)	25. Denver Broncos (2-4)
10. New York Giants (4-2)	26. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5)
11. Houston Texans (4-3)	27. Seattle Seahawks (2-4)
12. Dallas Cowboys (3-3)	28. Minnesota Vikings (1-6)
13. Chicago Bears (4-3)	29. Arizona Cardinals (1-5)
14. Cincinnati Bengals (4-2)	30. Miami Dolphins (0-6)
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3)	31. St. Louis Rams (0-6)
16. Atlanta Falcons (4-3)	32. Indianapolis Colts (0-7)