NFL Power Rankings Week 9: 3 Teams That Fell Most Since Week 8

NFL power rankings don't have any realistic bearing on a team's playoff chances, but we sure do love them in America. 

Teams are constantly going up, going down, then back up again. 

Which teams were the biggest disappointments in Week 8 and took a fall in the rankings?

San Diego Chargers 

I had the Chargers ranked No. 7 last week, mainly because I didn't think Philip Rivers would remain in his "slump" for much longer. 

I mean, come on, the guy threw for 4,700 yards with 30 touchdowns and only 13 interceptions last season and he was getting a healthy Antonio Gates back. 

Although he racked up major yardage against the Chiefs (369) on Monday Night Football, his two interceptions and his improbable fumble cost the Chargers the game.

They committed far too many penalties—12 (I'm staring in your direction, Marcus McNeill)—and their offensive line was terrorized by Tamba Hali all evening.

Brandon Flowers did an outstanding job on Vincent Jackson, who's had a very up-and-down season.

San Diego drops to No. 17. 

Show me more, Chargers. 

New Orleans Saints

They only moved from No. 3 to No. 5 in my rankings, but with three loses in their conference, all coming on the road, some red flags have gone up for me regarding the Saints. 

They're essentially the Patriots of the NFC. 

You can rarely stop their offense, but their defense isn't very good against the run or the pass. Just ask A.J. Feeley, who had a very efficient game on Sunday. 

Similar to what we've seen from New England, if Drew Brees doesn't turn in a masterful performance the defense doesn't make enough plays in the second half to lead to victory. 

Major improvement needed. 

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens went from No. 8 to No. 10 this week, despite pulling off the greatest comeback in franchise history against the Cardinals. 

Exactly—against the Cardinals. 

I don't trust Joe Flacco in a big game with playoff implications and I don't care how great the defense is—if the offense can't even muster first downs or score on Arizona, there's going to be problems.

All of those problems could be again brought to the forefront this week when Baltimore travels to Pittsburgh.

Week 9 Power Rankings

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