NFL Power Rankings Week 10: Identifying the Top Dogs in Each Division

In the NFC, the New York Giants, Green Bay Packers and especially the San Francisco 49ers have comfortable leads in their division. 

The AFC, on the other hand, is a total toss-up right now. Three teams have the same records in the AFC East and the AFC West, while the Bengals are atop the AFC North right now. 

Which teams are the best in their respective division at this point in the season?

NFC East—New York Giants

After their win over the Patriots on the road, is there any question here?

They broke about five winning streaks for New England in the victory, and Eli countered Brady's fourth-quarter heroics. 

Their defensive line is the most terrorizing in the NFL, which allows their secondary to play more bump-and-run coverage, leading to great plays from Corey Webster and Co. 

If the Eagles win tonight, they'll be making a case for top dog in the division—but remember, they'd still be a full two games back of New York with the Giants holding the tie-breaker. 

NFC West—San Francisco 49ers 

The 49ers are 7-1. The second place Seahawks are 2-6. San Fran has beaten the Bengals, Eagles and Lions on the road. Enough said. 

NFC North—Green Bay Packers

Similar scenario. The Packers only have a two-and-a-half game lead over the 6-2 Lions, but offensively, they're playing on a totally different level than the rest of their division.

The defense is a little worrisome, but Aaron Rodgers alleviates all worry for Packers fans. 

NFC South—New Orleans Saints

Looks like Saints. They hold a game lead over the Buccaneers, who are one of the more confusing teams in football. The Falcons have been playing much better after a sub-par start, but I don't know how many conclusions I can draw in a victory over the Colts. 

AFC East—New England Patriots

Sure, their offense has "sputtered" their last three times out, and they're coming off their first Tom Brady-started regular season home game loss in 31 games, but I can't bet against the Patriots—yet. 

The AFC East is ridiculously crowed. The Patriots beat the Jets. The Jets Beat the Bills. The Bills beat the Patriots.

New York owns the best defense, while Buffalo and New England need to improve on that side of the football to win this division. 

AFC North—Baltimore Ravens

I know, Bengals fans aren't going to be happy with this pick. Be happy that you're team is currently the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs.

The Ravens have just proven more to me at this point. Cincinnati and Baltimore are similar football teams. They have stout defenses and quarterbacks that can manage games and win some for you. 

The next two weeks will show us a ton, with the Bengals playing the Steelers and the Ravens. 

AFC West—Kansas City Chiefs?

See: AFC East. While teams in the West are all a full game behind teams in the East, the Chiefs, Raiders and Chargers have the same 4-4 record.

All these teams are very tough to figure out. Kansas City was the hottest team in football before their 28-point beatdown at the hands of the Dolphins.

Just think—the Broncos are only a game out at 3-5.

AFC South—Houston Texans

Finally, the Texans are showing that they are the most talented team in this division. Sunday's game against the Browns looked like one of those games they would lose in the past. A real head-scratcher.

But they took care of business, have a two game lead in their division and should get Andre Johnson back soon. 

Week 10 Power Rankings

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

*MNF matchup