NFL Power Rankings: Teams Who Are Trending Up and Trending Down

Week 9 done and dusted. The second half of the season has started and teams have either emerged as legitimate contenders or are whithering away. Who is trending up and who is trending down?

There's no doubt who sits atop the power rankings perch in the NFL. Outside of the Green Bay Packers, the league seems to shuffle its rankings from top to bottom nearly every week.

Just when you think one team has made their claim to power, the next week they fall flat. Who's up and who's down after Week 9?

32. Indianapolis Colts

Unfortunately for the child above, he witnessed his first Indianapolis Colts defeat in his lifetime. The Colts remain an enigma and have failed to make any attempts to show their character as a team.

At least the youngster can find solace in the fact that his team remains in poll position for Andrew Luck and that he probably won't experience too many more seasons like this in the near future.

31. St. Louis Rams

The St. Louis Rams have been utterly horrendous in nearly every facet this season. Sam Bradford has taken a step back after a promising rookie campaign in 2011.

For a team that many had as favorites to win the NFC West, they have remained stagnant and serious competitors for Andrew Luck. I will continue to root for them to win the "Suck for Luck" sweepstakes so we can all witness desperate teams throw their women and children and draft picks at the Rams.

30. Miami Dolphins

Don't look away because the Miami Dolphins are trending up. Sure, it's not much, but they have at least shown that they are a competitive team in the past few weeks.

Barring the divine intervention with Tim Tebow and the second-half comeback by the New York Giants last week, the Dolphins could be on a three-game winning streak. Either way, Tony Sparano remains a dead man walking but his team continues to play hard every week showing the character within the Miami locker room.

29. Seattle Seahawks

This team is streaking, downward. Pete Carroll has his team riding a three-game losing streak.

The Seattle Seahawks personnel-wise have to be considered one of the more watered down teams in the league. If they weren't in the NFC West, they could be in a similar position as the Indianapolis Colts.

Tarvaris Jackson simply should not be your franchise quarterback.

28. Arizona Cardinals

Patrick Peterson sure has lived up to his billing, hasn't he? The former LSU Tiger All-American had a dazzling return Sunday versus the St. Louis Rams, showing Arizona Cardinal fans a glimpse of what could be in the future.

Kevin Kolb at the moment has fallen into the "bust" category with his short tenure in the desert. Until Kolb gets things rolling, Arizona will remain a basement team in the rankings.

Ken Whisenhunt might be suffering from cognitive dissonance (aka buyer's remorse).

27. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Los Angeles Jaguars, er, Jacksonville Jaguars, have shown signs of life recently but remain a team in search of a quarterback. The defensive performance in the national spotlight a week ago versus the Baltimore Ravens was certainly impressive.

In a division that has seen their main super power become irrelevant, the Jaguars have failed to take advantage of Peyton Manning's absence. However, like the Miami Dolphins, they have been relatively competitive in every game.

26. Washington Redskins

Mike Shanahan had his team convincing us all that maybe, just maybe, the Washington Redskins could compete for the NFC East. Then Rex Grossman showed his true colors and everyone realized that they still do not have a legitimate quarterback. It was all a mirage.

The Redskins have been free falling for four weeks now. Some (foolishly) even had the Redskins in their top 10 a month ago. Oh, how a month's time and four straight losses can change your mind.

25. Minnesota Vikings

Listen, I realize the Minnesota Vikings are 2-6, but look at their play, not just their record. Adrian Peterson has established himself once again as the league's best running back by continuing to run like a man possessed.

Christian Ponder's development has been accelerated after the benching of Donovan McNabb and he has responded. The rookie quarterback from Florida State has shown signs of promise for the Viking since replacing the inept McNabb.

The Vikings have been playing better and should improve in the second half of the season.

24. Denver Broncos

Believe it or not, the Denver Broncos have been surging in the right direction. With two wins out of three games since Tim Tebow and the "Tebowing" fad has taken over Denver, the Broncos find themselves one game out of first place in the AFC West.

Whether you believe Tebow can be a franchise quarterback is neither here nor there. The man finds a way to win and has won without any notable weapons in his arsenal on offense.

23. Cleveland Browns

How exactly have the Cleveland Browns crept up into the Top 25? To be honest, it came down to comparing the seven to eight worst teams in the league with the Browns.

Colt McCoy currently sits far from being a great quarterback. He has taken the ordinary route—unlike Cam Newton or Andy Dalton—by taking time to develop and assimilate into the NFL's pace.

If the Browns can win some of their close games and more favorable matchups in the second half, they could be in the Top 20.

22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Josh Freeman and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have lost two straight now. Freeman has seemingly taken a step back in his progression as a quarterback while Drew Brees and Matt Ryan lead their teams in the hyper competitive NFC South.

The Buccaneers are trending down and will be looking to stop the bleeding in Week 10. If they can't, they can kiss their playoff hopes goodbye.

21. Carolina Panthers

Let's be honest for a moment here. Cam Newton has not been the reason the Carolina Panthers remain 2-6 going into the second half of the season.

The Panthers are easily one of the most dangerous 2-6 teams I can recall. This team is ranked this high because of one reason: No. 1. Newton will win the Rookie of the Year award in a landslide and will have defensive coordinators dreary from watching countless hours of tape on the guy.

Now, if only his kicker could make a chip shot to win the game.

20. Kansas City Chiefs

Todd Haley deserves a ton of credit for the remarkable turnaround he has had the Kansas City Chiefs perform. After a tumultuous start to the season, the Chiefs have rallied behind their coach and are now tied a top the AFC West.

However, this team still has many flaws and are benefiting from a shaky division. Providing the Miami Dolphins their first win of the season in your own place is nothing to be happy about.

That said, the Chiefs are smack in the middle of their divisional race and could slip into the playoffs.

19. Tennessee Titans

Matt Hasselbeck had many pundits wondering if the Tennessee Titans could win the AFC South in 2011 after their strong start. Since that strong start, the Titans have been 2-3 in their last five games.

The Titans remain a team that keeps slipping from the top half of the NFL power rankings. They might want to consider putting Chris Johnson's face on the back of some milk cartons because he has been missing all season for the Titans.

18. Oakland Raiders

Carson Palmer sure has taken off with the Oakland Raiders. I mean, he has been a major flop since moving to Oakland.

Two first-round picks seemed high at the time of purchase, but now it seems scandalous. Hue Jackson needs to bring his guy up to speed because the Oakland Raiders are moving down the ranks and could be free falling soon.

Losing to a Tim Tebow-led Denver Broncos team at home is inexcusable.

17. Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys may have found themselves a new running back, but that's about it. They got blown out by the Philadelphia Eagles last week and nearly lost to the Seattle Seahawks at home on Sunday.

This team has a ton of talent but plays very average against formidable opponents. However, their schedule is favorable moving forward so they could right the ship in the second half of the season and get hot down the stretch.

16. San Diego Chargers

Phillip Rivers seems to be having one of those years. Similar to Eli Manning last year, Rivers remains one of the best quarterbacks in the league but continues to turn the ball over uncharacteristically almost every game.

The San Diego Chargers go into the second half of the season on a three-game skid. This team is not only trending down, they're free falling.

15. Philadelphia Eagles

Quite possibly the most talented 3-5 team in NFL history, the Philadelphia Eagles continue to play Jekyll and Hyde. Michael Vick and Co. failed once again to capitalize on a game-ending drive Monday night. 

They have had at least four to five chances this year to drive down the field and win the game. Unlike his divisional counterpart in Eli Manning, Vick has yet to show he can lead his team to victory in crunch time.

However, the Eagles' schedule is favorable in the coming weeks and Andy Reid usually has his teams make a stretch run as they push for the playoffs, but it might be too late.

14. Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons have been ascending the ranks over the last few weeks. With big wins over the Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts, the Falcons find themselves in the midst of a three-game winning streak.

Atlanta could easily crack the Top 10 within the next few weeks, but at the moment it's pretty jam packed. They have won four of five and are gaining momentum. These preseason Super Bowl favorites could be a force to reckon with in December and January.

13. Buffalo Bills

Ah, the Buffalo Bills have returned back to earth in recent weeks. After a somewhat miraculous start to the season, the Bills have only won two of their last five games.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, his weak arm and his Harvard degree have shown why he's been the only Harvard grad to play quarterback in the NFL.

Buffalo will have chances to win their division moving forward as they play the suddenly average New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins again. That being said, this team continues to slide down the ranks at a moderate pace.

12. New England Patriots

The New England Patriots have been exposed in the last few weeks for what they truly are: an average team with a Pro Bowl quarterback. Sure, they have Tom Brady slinging the ball around but their offense remains one dimensional.

A horrendous secondary filled with undrafted players cost them the game on Sunday versus the New York Giants. They are in the middle of a two-game losing streak and part of the reason has been Tom Brady's carelessness with the football.

The Patriots will remain competitive and probably make the playoffs, but make sure you know it's because of the two pictured above, not because they're a good team.

11. New York Jets

Uh oh, the New York Jets have taken flight and are beginning to turn on the burners. Their defensive performance versus the Buffalo Bills on Sunday was immaculate. They shut down an offense that scored 30 points a clip and made it look pedestrian, and that's being generous.

Plaxico Burress and Mark Sanchez seem to be developing some chemistry over the past few weeks during their three-game winning streak. This Jets team without a doubt is surging up in the power rankings.

10. Chicago Bears

Brian Urlacher and the Chicago Bears defense showed the entire league last night they mean business. Shutting down LeSean McCoy and nullifying a nonexistent DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin has the Bears stating their claims as a team to beat in the NFC.

Within a division that has its two top teams with a combined record of 14-2, the Bears need to continue rolling just to have a chance for a wild-card spot. Jay Cutler will have a big say in how far the Bears go in the second half.

9. Pittsburgh Steelers

Prior to Sunday's brawl, the Pittsburgh Steelers were riding a four-game wave. Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers struggled at the start of the season but have recovered since.

The Steelers shouldn't be overly concerned by their loss on Sunday, but giving up a 92-yard drive in the last two minutes at home should raise some red flags. Pittsburgh has no time to sulk in their Baltimore hangover because they face a surprisingly good 6-2 Cincinnati Bengals in Week 10.

8. Houston Texans

In case you didn't know, the Houston Texans have quietly been on a three-game winning streak. After losing Andre Johnson, many feared the Texans' hopes of attaining their first playoff berth would be ruined.

Instead they have found ways to win games and will be looking to have Johnson return after the bye week at the latest. With Arian Foster returning to form and Andre Johnson returning to the field soon, this Texans team will be making some noise down the stretch.

7. Detroit Lions

The hottest bandwagon team in the NFL has come back to earth in the past few weeks. After starting 5-0, the Detroit Lions have since been 1-2.

This team certainly has its weapons and would be a scary wild-card team to face in the playoffs. However, their offense is hot and cold nearly every game and they simply cannot convert on third downs to sustain drives.

Over the past few weeks the Lions have slipped down the rankings ever so slightly.

6. Cincinnati Bengals

Yes, you are reading that correctly. The Cincinnati Bengals are not only in the Top 10, but they remain one spot out of the Top Five. If they beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 10, not only will the rest of the country outside of Ohio and the NFC North realize the Bengals are for real, but they'll be in my Top Five next week.

Marvin Lewis is the first-half candidate for Coach of the Year. Andy Dalton and A.J. Green are competing against each other and Cam Newton for Rookie of the Year. Cincinnati's defense is ranked in the top five. Mike Brown has put in an Executive of the Year performance as well.

Need I say more?

5. New Orleans Saints

Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints have made the Top Five for most of the season. Brees overall has had an outstanding first half of the season and the Saints remain undefeated at home.

What's concerning with this Saints team is how grudgingly they play on the road. Their lethargic efforts versus the Jacksonville Jaguars and St. Louis Rams should be alarming for Saints fans.

However, this team still has all the ingredients to make a Super Bowl run.

4. Baltimore Ravens

Joe "grown man" Flacco were the words I used to refer to the Baltimore Ravens quarterback after Sunday's impressive game-winning drive. He did what many around the NFL and in Baltimore were not sure he was capable of.

The Ravens defense remains one of the best in the league and will have this team in nearly every game. It's whether or not Flacco and the offense can put enough points on the board to support their defense.

3. New York Giants

E-L-I-t-e. That's our spelling lesson for the day children. You cannot spell elite with out E-L-I.

What the New York Giants did on Sunday was more than impressive. Driving right back down the field after Tom Brady took the lead with a little over two minutes remaining, Eli Manning cemented his position as a top-tier quarterback in the NFL.

If it weren't for Aaron Rodgers, Manning would be my MVP candidate thus far. He has taken a depleted offense and continues to drag them to victory.

2. San Francisco 49ers

Believe it. The San Francisco 49ers are 7-1 and have the second best record in the league.

Too many people have discounted the 49ers solely because Alex Smith remains their starting quarterback. I have two words for you folks: stop it.

San Fran has arguably the best front seven on defense in the NFL and Frank Gore has been playing like the Frank Gore from two, three years ago. Alex Smith doesn't have to do much but manage the game and it has worked exponentially thus far.

San Francisco has been trending up for quite some time now and will more than likely lock up the division soon.

1. Green Bay Packers

What else can be said about the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers that hasn't already been said?

Aaron Rodgers has been on a hot streak that could rival any other streak in NFL history when it's all said and done. The Packers are unequivocally the best team in the NFL and until someone can stop that offense, they'll remain No. 1 in the power rankings.