NFL Power Rankings: Stock Watch for League's Top Teams

Before the Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears play on Monday night, we looked at the NFL's top teams to analyze how their stock is trending after nine weeks:

1. Green Bay Packers: Holding steady

The Packers have been the NFL's undisputed top team all season long, and Aaron Rodgers is your clear MVP favorite after nine weeks of play.  

2. San Francisco 49ers: Holding steady

I've actually had the 49ers at No. 2 for two weeks now, so they hold steady after Week 9. For throwback football lovers, the 49ers are your kind of team. They run the ball down your throat on offense and punch opponents in the face on defense. This team is turning into the Steelers/Ravens of the NFC in a hurry.

3. Baltimore Ravens: Up

You have to credit Joe Flacco for drowning out some of the criticisms of his play in 2011. Not only did he lead the Ravens back in the waning seconds on the road in the NFL's best rivalry, but he did it while his playmakers were failing all around him. 

4. New York Giants: Up

The Giants flew under the radar for the better part of 2011, but after winning in New England to get to 6-2, that's no longer the case. They've grabbed firm control over the NFC East. The schedule is brutal the rest of the way, but Eli Manning is playing at a level that is reminiscent of his late-season stretch in 2007.  

5. Detroit Lions: Holding steady

The Lions had a bye in Week 9 and remain steady at No. 5. If Detroit is lucky, Jahvid Best started shaking off the effects of a concussion during the week off. They'll need him for the run towards the playoffs in the second half. 

6. New Orleans Saints: Up

The Saints were embarrassed a week ago in St. Louis, but they successfully knocked that taste out of their mouths with a big win against the Bucs on Sunday. The talent is clearly there—it's a matter of which Saints team shows up from week to week. If the one that played on Sunday does each week, the Saints will be a tough team to beat in the NFC.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers: Down

It's hard for me to label the Steelers trending "down" after a last second loss to the Ravens, but they fall from the top five in the rankings. Here's my one thought on the final touchdown: What in the world was Ryan Clark doing? There's no reason for that to happen on a simple vertical route when you're up four points and only a touchdown can beat you. Know the situation, Mr. Clark.

8. Houston Texans: Up

Nobody is giving the Texans enough credit for winning three straight games after losing arguably their top two players in Andre Johnson and Mario Williams. Super Mario isn't coming back, but Johnson should soon. This certainly looks like the year Houston will crash the AFC playoff party.

9. New England Patriots: Down

The Patriots defense played better on Sunday, but still allowed back-to-back go-ahead touchdowns in the fourth quarter. It's getting to be worry time in New England with that unit. Can they be good enough on offense week-in and week-out to compensate for how poor the defense is?

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Up

The Bengals are No. 10 in the power rankings (which is probably far too low), but they currently sit as the AFC's top seed after nine weeks. Who would have guessed that? The 6-2 Bengals haven't played the meat of their schedule yet—including two games with both the Steelers and Ravens—but you can't fault a team for beating who's on their schedule. Cincinnati has done that in 2011, and with a rookie quarterback no less.  

Week 10 Power Rankings

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