NFL Power Rankings Week 10: Identifying the League's Quietest Contenders

Arguably the most dangerous teams come in the quietest form. One, they don't get a lot of attention compared to the other contenders; two, they lurk in the middle of the playoff race.

However, once the postseason commences they strike with such force, like a King Cobra snake all coiled up ready to explode at the right time.

These are those teams.

Chicago Bears (5-3)

The Windy City has subtly won four of the last five games, including three straight. What most aren't considering is that the Bears are just one game behind Detroit in the NFC North.

That said, Chicago plays host to the Lions this week and regardless of what happens, the remaining schedule is quite favorable. They still have to play all the horrid AFC West teams, and the Bears still have a tiebreaker over Atlanta, Tampa Bay, and now Philly (if the Eagles matter, which they don't).

Nonetheless, "Da Bears!" are hovering around the playoff radar but no one else's. It'll be interesting to see if they make a run at Detroit because in recent weeks, Chicago looks like the better team.

Cincinnati Bengals (6-2)

The Bengals may have won five straight, but it's hard to talk up since four of the five came against teams with a losing record. However, in the weeks that follow we will find out how real these Bengals are.

Twice in the next month is Pittsburgh with Baltimore sandwiched between, and the Texans and Ravens (one more time) thereafter.

Those five games will tell us all we need to know about Cincinnati. That is, unless the Browns, Cardinals, or Rams decide not to play like themselves and manage to upset the Bengals. So expect Cincy to at least finish with a winning record, but achieving much more is not out of the question.

Atlanta Falcons (5-3)

With two games left against the New Orleans Saints (home this week), the Atlanta Falcons are in prime position to defend their divisional crown. Not to mention, they still have Tampa Bay at home in Week 17.

Elsewhere, The Dirty Birds still have to play at Houston and Carolina, which will give us more knowledge as to exactly how consistent of a road team the Falcons are.

The offense is actually being carried by the defense, believe it or not. It's one of the reasons why Atlanta has somewhat gone awry (in terms of exposure) despite being 5-3. They manage just over 22 points per game, but still only allow just over 21.

That said, the Falcons defense hasn't allowed more than 17 points in each of their last three games (all wins).

Week 10 NFL Power Rankings (LW = Last Week's Rank)

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

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

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