NFL Power Rankings Week 10: Elite Teams That Will Bounce Back

Several high-profile teams found themselves on the losing end of their games last week and will be looking to bounce back in a big way in Week 10. Even elite teams can't afford extended losing streaks at this point in the season, so here are three teams that will right the ship before that happens.

San Diego Chargers

Losing to the Green Bay Packers is nothing to be ashamed of, especially since San Diego put up a fight every step of the way. A loss is a loss, however, and San Diego must now prepare quickly for a huge, division game against the Oakland Raiders on Thursday.

While Philip Rivers started to look more like himself against Green Bay, he still made more mistakes than Norv Turner wants to see. Getting Ryan Mathews back would provide a big boost to the offense ahead of its midweek clash.

It's the same old story for the Chargers. They have enough talent to run away with the AFC West but haven't managed to do it. Knocking off Oakland will go a long way toward reasserting their dominance.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh's usually stout pass defense was exposed by Joe Flacco on Sunday night, giving up several big gains, including a 26-yard game-winning touchdown pass to Torrey Smith. As the cliché goes, the only thing a prevent defense does is prevent a team from winning.

One trend that continued on Sunday was Ben Roethlisberger's QB rating having a direct impact on the Steelers' chances. In the team's six wins, he's had a rating above 96 every time. In three losses, he's been 82 or below. He can't afford any clunkers.

Week 10 brings about an interesting game against the Cincinnati Bengals, who will be looking to prove they deserve to be among the league's elite. The Steelers are just too strong, though, and will find a way to prevail.

New England Patriots

Since returning from its bye week, New England has looked like an average football team. The Patriots have allowed 49 points over the last two weeks and their usually high-flying offense has been neutralized by Pittsburgh and the New York Giants.

The defense continues to be a major concern and unless it makes major strides before playoff time, it's hard to imagine the Patriots overcoming three or four tough opponents without a letdown. Tom Brady can only do so much, especially without a consistent running game.

A Sunday Night Football clash against the New York Jets will be a measuring-stick game. New York shut down Buffalo's previously high-scoring offense last week. Look for a New England victory, but it won't be easy.

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