NFL Power Rankings Week 10: Labeling the League's Contenders & Pretenders

Which teams are for real? Which teams are simply pretenders? 

As we enter Week 10, we've got tight races in a handful of divisions. However, these are the clubs I see as legitimate playoff contenders, as well as two I think are worse than their record indicates... 

Contenders

Green Bay Packers

Rarely do teams get to 8-0 by accident. Actually, it never happens. Aaron Rodgers is playing at a level we haven't seen in quite some time. He seemingly has a telepathic connection with all of his wide receivers.

The defense, on the other hand, isn't so great.

Who cares?

Try to outscore Green Bay.

San Francisco 49ers 

We will learn more about the 49ers when the New York Giants come to town this weekend.

However, regardless of Sunday's outcome, get used to San Francisco. They have a five-game lead in their division.

Not that they'll simply make the playoffs by default.

The 49ers have a fantastic running game and the best run defense in the league.

Baltimore Ravens 

It's crazy how quickly things can change in the NFL. Six quarters ago, some people—myself included—were wondering if the Ravens were even going to make the playoffs.

They stormed back from a 24-3 deficit to beat the Cardinals in Week 8, in the biggest comeback in team history. The following Sunday, Joe Flacco tossed a game winning strike to Torrey Smith on third down, with less than 10 seconds in the game, to beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh.

As long as the offense shows signs of life, the Ravens are a playoff club. 

New York Giants 

The Giants have a handful of impressive wins this season. They beat the Bills at home, and have quality road victories at Philadelphia and at New England. 

This weekend's game with the 49ers could be for that No. 2 seed in the NFC. Eli Manning is playing more poised than ever and they can consistently get pressure with their front four.  

New York leads the league with 28 sacks.

Pretenders

Kansas City Chiefs 

After the way in which they started the season, I'm glad the Chiefs gave their fans a nice four-game winning streak. As one of the loudest fanbases in the NFL, they deserved it. 

Unfortunately, I think their improbable run at the AFC West title or a playoff berth is over.

Last week, Kansas City's shortcomings were exploited by a winless Miami Dolphins team. Despite wins over both the Raiders and the Chargers, the remainder of their schedule is tough.

The playoff race will be tight, but they don't have enough offensive firepower to get into the postseason for the second consecutive year. 

Then again, someone from that division has to get in. 

San Diego Chargers 

The Chargers historically come on strong in the last quarter of the season, but Philip Rivers' inconsistency cannot be ignored. 

He has committed the most turnovers in football this season (19) and has squandered a few prime opportunities for the Chargers to come away with victories. 

With the division race heating up, I see San Diego having trouble with Oakland's rushing attack. They've already lost to KC.

Trying to figure out the AFC Mess—I mean West—is nearly impossible right now.

Ryan Mathews can't stay healthy, which has forced Rivers into far too many obvious passing situations. 

They desperately need that run-pass balance. 

Week 10 Power Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers (8-0)	17. Philadelphia Eagles (3-5)
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. Chicago Bears (5-3)	29. Miami Dolphins (1-7)
14. Atlanta Falcons (5-3)	30. Seattle Seahawks (2-6)
15. Dallas Cowboys (4-4)	31. St. Louis Rams (1-7)
16. San Diego Chargers (4-4)	32. Indianapolis Colts (0-9)