NFL Power Rankings Week 9: 2011 Stock Watch for 2010 Playoff Teams

Every season in the NFL, a few teams make the playoffs that failed to advance to the postseason the previous year. 

While we tend to look at how those upstarts are faring, what about the team's that were in the playoffs last season?

Which teams will make a return trip?

Which teams will fall short? 

NFC 

Atlanta Falcons (2010: 13-3) 

The Falcons were a shell of themselves to start the season. Matt Ryan was making uncharacteristic mistakes through the air, and Michael Turner wasn't receiving a great deal of carries.

Now, during a stretch in which they've won three of four, Ryan is progressing and they've returned to their run-first ways. Things are looking up, and once again, the NFC South race could come down to the final weeks. 

Stock Up

Chicago Bears (2010: 11-5)

After starting the season with great inconsistency, Chicago has done an admirable job of doing two things of late: protecting Jay Cutler and feeding Matt Forte the rock. If they can continue to do both things, the latter being rather easy, the Bears could be in line for a Wild Card spot. 

Stock Up

Philadelphia Eagles (2010: 10-6)

I can't even tell you how many times I read the following sentence regarding the Eagles' 1-4 start this season: "The Dream Team has turned into a nightmare." Clever, huh?

Not really. 

Now, the Eagles have rattled off consecutive wins, and they aren't turning the ball over, which is most important. 

An offensive explosion can come from any of their skill position players, and, because they're giving him carries, we're starting to see how incredible LeSean McCoy really is. 

Stock Up

Seattle Seahawks (2010: 7-9)

They were a nice story last season, taking the NFC West, but we've seen how many holes they have on their team this season. Tarvaris Jackson is starting to gain more confidence behind center, but they'll be lucky to get to six wins. 

Stock Down

New Orleans Saints (2010: 11-5)

The 2011 Saints are very similar to how they were last season. Their offense is among the league's best, but their defense can let them down. If Drew Brees doesn't turn in a masterful performance, New Orleans are very susceptible against any team that can run the football.

Stock Down

Green Bay Packers (2010: 10-6)

The Packers have been on quite the roll since last year's playoffs, wouldn't you say? Aaron Rodgers has supplanted Tom Brady as the NFL's best quarterback, and they are simply out-scoring each and every opponent they play. Should be the NFC No. 1 seed at season's end. 

Stock Up

AFC 

New England Patriots (2010: 14-2) 

Some unusual occurrences for the Patriots this year. They lost the Bills. They scored under 30 points, twice. To me, they're the AFC's version the Saints. If Tom Brady doesn't play perfectly, a team with an above average defense can beat them.

Still, they're a playoff-caliber club. 

Stock Down

Pittsburgh Steelers (2010: 12-4) 

They started 2-2, but have won four straight. Can never count this veteran team out.

Big Ben has transformed the offense into an aerial juggernaut, and although the defense hasn't been as lock-down against the run, collectively, their secondary is the best in the league (Rex Ryan might have a gripe there.).

Stock Up

Indianapolis Colts (2010: 10-6)

No Peyton Manning. No wins. Was the rest of the Colts team that bad, or does No. 18 make that much of a difference?

Stock Down

Kansas City (2010: 10-6)

After starting the year 0-3, the Chiefs have also won four straight games and are starting to look like the AFC West champs from last year, although they're missing some key pieces from last year's squad.

The secondary is tightening up, and Tamba Hali is slowly returning to Pro Bowl-form. 

Stock Up

Baltimore Ravens (2010: 12-4)

The defense is great, and the offense leaves more to be desired. Typical Ravens.

We thought this was the year for Joe Flacco to breakout, but he has had some awful games this season, and if it wasn't for a stupendous comeback last week, they'd really be behind the 8-ball in the AFC North. 

Stock Down

New York Jets (2010: 11-5)

Rex, we get it, this is the year your team makes the Super Bowl. Well, you better get better play from your quarterback and shore up your run defense. New York is undoubtedly a playoff contender with all the talent on their roster, but must be more consistent down the stretch when divisional games pick up. 

Stock Up

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)