NFL Power Rankings Week 9: Rating All 32 Teams Based on Balance

Week 8 of the NFL season was surprising to say the least but for the most part, the result was what we expected. 

Three teams below .500 heading into week 8 were leading at halftime. The Miami Dolphins, St. Louis Rams, and Arizona Cardinals looked in control during the first half. Eventually reality kicked in, as both the Dolphins and Cardinals gave up fourth quarter leads. 

The Packers remain in the top spot as expected but the placement of a few teams should surprise you. I ranked teams based off team success and balance in all three phases of the game. 

32) Indianapolis Colts (0-8)

The Colts have disgraced both Peyton Manning and the city of Indianapolis. At this point, the Colts could go 0-16. Nothing more to say. 

31) Seattle Seahawks (2-5)

The Seahawks need an infusion of talent at numerous key positions. The quarterback position will be addressed in the 2012 NFL draft. The positive is that the defense has played well but the offense is absolutely atrocious in every phase (both passing and running). 

30) Arizona Cardinals (1-6)

Arizona will have to address their offensive line in the offseason and/or the 2012 NFL draft. The Cardinals played a solid three quarters against the Ravens but couldn't hold on. 

Beanie Wells should develop into a star but in this league you win in the air. 

29) Miami Dolphins (0-7)

The Dolphins are winless but the difference between this team and the pathetic Indianapolis Colts, is their pride. The Dolphins will win a few games this year but its evident that this team must address the quarterback position.

While I don't think the Dolphins will finish with the top pick, I expect them to still acquire once in a decade prospect, Andrew Luck. The most surprising part of the Dolphins season is the play of their defense. It was considered their greatest strength heading into the season and it has completely underperformed. 

28) Denver Broncos (2-5)

The Tim Tebow era is quickly coming to an end in Denver. I believe in Tim Tebow but its evident the Broncos don't want him to succeed. The offense is tailored to a pro-style quarterback and Tebow, at this point in his career, doesn't fit that role. 

The Broncos will have to fill quite a few holes in the offseason especially on defense. 

27) St. Louis Rams (1-6)

The Rams showed character in their win against the New Orleans Saints. The defense line, led by Chris Long, was astounding in pressuring Drew Brees and that explosive offense. 

The Rams won't catch San Francisco in the divisional race but I expect Sam Bradford and Co. to finish the season strong. 

26) Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6)

The Jaguars defense has improved from last season but the offense continues to perform poorly. Rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert has struggled behind an awful offensive line. 

The Jags lack playmakers and until that is addressed, Gabbert will continue to struggle. 

25) Washington Redskins (3-4)

The Redskins were embarrassed in what turned out to be their worst loss of the season. The offense continues to struggle with Beck at quarterback despite the claims he would be an upgrade over Grossman. 

The defense looks promising but until the quarterback position is addressed, the Redskins will be bottom dwellers in the NFC East. 

24) Minnesota Vikings (2-6)

Christian Ponder has surprised a few analysts who believed he would be a bust. I liked Ponder coming out of Florida State because of his familiarity playing in a pro-style offense, and it's evident in his smooth transition. 

The Vikings secondary has major issues that will need to be addressed in the offseason. Also, the Vikings could use a few more playmakers on offense. 

23) Carolina Panthers (2-6)

Heralded rookie Cam Newton continues to impress in the stat sheet but wins have been hard to come by. I expect this to change as Newton progresses in his career.

The Panthers will need address the interior of their defensive line in the offseason. Improving the defense should be the priority for the Panthers. 

22) Cleveland Browns (3-4)

Colt McCoy isn't the answer in Cleveland. Mike Holmgren will find his quarterback of the future in the draft. The Browns defense is one of the top units in the league. Dick Jauron did a fantastic job slowing down the Niners offense in the second half, after Frank Gore amassed over a 100 yards in the first half alone. 

The Browns play in a brutal division but are likely a year or two away from playoff contention. Pay Peyton Hillis!

21) Tennessee Titans (4-3)

The Titans are still in the AFC South divisional race after their recent win against the Colts but the running game is still an issue. Chris Johnson continues to struggle despite solid play from Matt Hasselbeck. 

Except for the occasional big pass play, the Titans boast a solid defense. 

20) Dallas Cowboys (3-4)

The Cowboys have been inconsistent in these first 7 games but they have a painless 5 game stretch that should heal their woes. The defense was atrocious against the Eagles Sunday night especially in stopping the run. 

19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3)

The Bucs are refreshed coming off their bye and will face a seething New Orleans team coming off an embarrassing loss to the St. Louis Rams. Josh Freeman has struggled this season but expect him to bounce back against a below average New Orleans defense. 

18) Philadelphia Eagles (3-4)

The Eagles have played well in their two consecutive victories against NFC East opponents. The Eagles are finally involving McCoy in the run game. It's not surprising that their victories have come when McCoy has rushed for over 100 yards. 

17) San Diego Chargers (4-3)

Phillip Rivers continues to struggle and you wonder when the bleeding will stop? The botched snap in the loss against the Chiefs will haunt Charger fans if San Diego misses the playoffs again.  

16) Kansas City Chiefs (4-3)

The Chiefs have dug themselves out of a grave, winning their 4th consecutive game. The Chiefs are now in first place in the AFC West,which is hard to imagine after they started 0-3. 

15) New York Jets (4-3)

The Jets should be well rested after their bye. They face a divisional opponent in the Buffalo Bills who just came off an impressive victory against the Redskins in week 8. The Jets must slow down Fred Jackson if they intend to defeat a feisty Bills team this Sunday. 

14) Atlanta Falcons (4-3)

As Michael Turner goes, so does the Falcons. The Falcons strength is running the football. If they stick to this principle, they're a tough team to beat. 

13) Oakland Raiders (4-3)

The Raiders, like the Falcons, must not forget their identity. Carson Palmer's presence shouldn't deter the Raiders from feeding McFadden 25-30+ a game. 

The defense line is ferocious and should continue to improve as the season progresses. 

12) Chicago Bears (4-3)

The Bears have the winning formula to win a championship. They play great in all three phases of the game (offense/defense/special teams) but at times this team can get complacent. They are a playoff built team but their losses have been baffling at times. 

11) Houston Texans (5-3)

The Texans will make the playoffs for the first time largely because of Peyton Manning's absence. The old Texans can at times resurface but this team is a definite contender in the AFC. They boast the best offensive line in football and their defense has improved under Wade Phillips. 

10) Cincinnati Bengals (5-2)

The surprising Bengals are solid in all three phases of the game. They have one of the best defenses in the league and could prove to be the Bucs of last year. The Bengals will fall short of the playoffs (largely because of that division) this season but expect big things out of Cincinnati in the future. 

9) New Orleans Saints (5-3)

The Saints loss to the Rams was disappointing but that was likely a fluke more than anything. The Saints boast an explosive offense but the defense has real issues.  

8) New England Patriots (5-2)

The Patriots, like the Saints, have an explosive offense but their defense continues to perform poorly. Their loss on Sunday was a bit surprising, considering the Patriots past success against the Steelers. 

7) Detroit Lions (6-2)

The Detroit Lions have embodied the 'bad boy' image and it will eventually come back to hurt this team later in the season. The offense will continue to score, but their run defense has been below average. 

Also, the lack of a running game could hurt the Lions if they indeed make the playoffs. 

6) Buffalo Bills (5-2)

The Buffalo Bills dominated the Redskins in Toronto and sent a message to the non-believers that they're here to stay. They have great balance on offense and an opportunistic defense. The Bills are atop the AFC East at the moment after the Patriots loss to the Steelers.

The Bills could make a huge statement this Sunday against the New York Jets.  

5) Baltimore Ravens (5-2)

This ranking might raise a few eyebrows but the Ravens are one of the more complete teams in the league. Their inconsistencies on offense are evident (especially the last few weeks) but this team is built for the playoffs. 

When they feed Ray Rice, this team is simply unstoppable. They have a huge rematch with the Steelers this Sunday and a win would make everyone forget about their struggles the past few weeks.  

4) New York Giants (5-2)

The Giants didn't have an impressive outing against the Dolphins though they did come away with a win. Eli Manning is playing like a pro-bowler and if the run game ever catches up, this team will be dangerous in the playoffs. 

The Giants have a tough second half schedule but I still expect them to win the East. 

3) Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)

The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to prove the doubters wrong. Their defense is ranked in the top five and the offense continues to make big plays. Big Ben is one of the top quarterbacks in the league and should be a pro-bowl candidate this season. 

2) San Francisco 49ers (6-1)

The San Francisco 49ers sit at 6-1 atop the NFC West having only played one divisional opponent. All the criticisms regarding the 49ers playing in the NFC West should be put to rest.

The 49ers have one of the most balanced teams in football right now. They play physical in the trenches and have adopted the mentality of their tough minded coach, Jim Harbaugh. The Niners are ranked first against the run and boast a top 10 rushing offense. 

Alex Smith has played well and looks comfortable in a West coast offense that highlights his strengths. The Niners have a relatively easy second half schedule and could very well finish second in the NFC behind the Packers.  

1) Green Bay Packers (7-0)

I'll keep this short and sweet. Until the Packers lose a game, they will occupy the top spot.