NFL Power Rankings: A Look at Elite Teams That Are Currently Dipping

These three "elite" NFL teams have seen their stock drop in recent weeks:

New England Patriots

It was easy to write off the Patriots defensive problems when their offense was playing at a level that could compensate. But it's clear now that New England could have a big dilemma on its hands when it plays a team like the Steelers, who can play pressure defense on Brady and Co. but also consistently move the football on offense.

At the beginning of the season, most thought the Patriots were the clear No. 1 team in the AFC. Now? It's not as crystal clear, partly because of the defensive fog surrounding an otherwise elite football team.  

Baltimore Ravens

All the problems the Patriots are having on defense translate into the struggles the Ravens face on offense. Joe Flacco looks like a shell of the player he's been in recent seasons, and it's not often that you see the starting quarterback of a 5-2 team get booed at home. That's what happened Sunday in Baltimore.

They might have reason to boo, too. After eight weeks, Flacco ranked 27th in the NFL in passer rating at 75.4. Tarvaris Jackson, Colt McCoy and Kyle Orton all sit above him. For the Ravens to be serious contenders in 2011, Flacco needs to play much, much better.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints have looked like a different team when away from the cozy conditions of the Superdome. They are just 2-3 on the road, and their latest loss to the previously winless St. Louis Rams raises some big question marks.

Is this just a team that falls asleep on the road? With three losses already on their record, the Saints will likely have to go on the road to reach the Super Bowl. There is no way they reach Indianapolis playing they way they have away from New Orleans. 

Week 9 Power Rankings

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

* Plays Monday night