NFL Power Rankings Week 9: Final Record Predictions for NFL's Top Teams

In our Week 9 NFL Power Rankings, we estimate the win-loss records for the top NFL teams as the halfway point of the 2011 season comes and goes. 

Green Bay Packers (Predicted W-L: 14-2)

The defense is starting to get healthy, and there's no reason to think Aaron Rodgers is going to slow down. Still, I can't imagine the Packers going without a couple of blemishes. The Chargers, Giants and Lions (twice) could give the defending champions trouble. 

San Francisco 49ers (11-5)

Jim Harbaugh's 49ers have been one of the pleasant surprises of the 2011 season, as they won six of their first seven games and have a top-five NFL defense. The schedule has a few bumps in the road—namely the Giants, Steelers and Ravens—but a 5-4 finish is well within reach.  

Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)

Once the Steelers take on the Ravens this week, the 49ers look like the only real road block the rest of the way. I gave them one or two slip-ups, but why can't this team get to 12 wins in 2011?

New England Patriots (12-4)

Like the Steelers, the rest of the Patriots schedule isn't that imposing. Back-to-back games against the Giants and Jets won't be easy, and the Eagles look like they could be a tough out in Week 12. A visit from the Bills to end the season might be the game that decides the division. 

Detroit Lions (10-6)

The Lions got off to a hot start, but the stretch run is a tough one. Two games against the Packers look large, and games against the Saints, Raiders and Chargers won't be easy. I'm guessing a 4-4 finish with a trip to the playoffs included is what's in store in Detroit. 

Baltimore Ravens (11-5)

I make an 11-5 prediction with the thinking that the Ravens get out of their offensive funk. With only the Steelers, 49ers and Chargers as big games remaining on the schedule, Baltimore can get to 11 wins. 

Buffalo Bills (10-6)

When scanning the Bills' remaining schedule, two games against the Dolphins and a visit from the Broncos look like the only sure wins. The rest are toss-ups against good football teams. 10-6 and a playoff trip would be a solid 2011 season in Buffalo. 

New York Giants (8-8)

I understand that the Giants are 5-2 right now and have looked good at times compensating for some tough injuries. But just look at the remaining schedule. It's a gauntlet that includes these teams in a row: Patriots, 49ers, Eagles, Saints, Packers and Cowboys. Those six games will shape the Giants season.  

New Orleans Saints (11-5)

The Saints have two games remaining with the Falcons, and I could see them losing each of those contests. You'd have to think there is another game on the schedule where the Saints sleepwalk through it and lose a game they should win.  

Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)

After a 1-4 start, the Eagles looked like a team that would be watching the playoffs from home. Now that the Dream Team has started to jell, I'm more and more convinced that they'll make the playoffs. Some tough games remain on the schedule, but this is as talented a team as there is in the NFL. They'll get to 10 wins. 

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. Kansas City Chiefs (4-3)
5. Detroit Lions (6-2)	21. Dallas Cowboys (3-4)
6. Baltimore Ravens (5-2)	22. Washington Redskins (3-4)
7. Buffalo Bills (5-2)	23. Cleveland Browns (3-4)
8. New York Giants (5-2)	24. Minnesota Vikings (2-6)
9. New Orleans Saints (5-3)	25. Carolina Panthers (2-6)
10. Houston Texans (5-3)	26. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6)
11. Cincinnati Bengals (5-2)	27. Seattle Seahawks (2-5)
12. Chicago Bears (4-3)	28. Denver Broncos (2-6)
13. San Diego Chargers (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)