NFL Power Rankings Week 10: Projecting Best Teams of Both Conferences

As the smoke begins to gradually clear on the 2011 NFL season, those who are the conference's best begin to emerge.

Ironically however, those who will finish as the best aren't technically there just yet. In addition one isn't even the best in their own division, but still within the conference as a whole.

AFC

Baltimore Ravens (6-2)

A regular season sweep of the Steelers, as well as the tiebreaker over the Texans gives Baltimore the nod in the AFC. What's impressive about the Ravens also, is that the AFC North is arguably the league's best division.

Along with Balty, the Steelers and Bengals each have six wins and rank in the Top 10 for defense. When you're the best of the best (in the conference), there's no argument against their resume.

Houston Texans (6-3)

When pro football returned to Houston in 2002 it was an exciting time. Unfortunately though, the Texans never really made a playoff push until 2009, but disappointed in 2010.

As for 2011, the Texans have played well even without their best players, have a Top 10 defense, and RB Arian Foster is proving to not be a one-hit wonder. Pair him with fellow RB Ben Tate and the Texans have arguably the best back-tandem in the league (both on pace for over 1,000 yards).

Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3)

The Steelers may not be the best within their own division, but they sure are still one of the best in the AFC. With the win over New England, Pittsburgh is just slightly back of Houston, who beat them, but ahead of the entire AFC West.

That said, don't be surprised when The Steel Curtain makes a deep run in January, as their offense is arguably just as good as their defense.

NFC

Green Bay Packers (8-0)

Until the Packers are dethroned, Title Town remains the standard in not only the NFC, but the NFL as well. Perhaps the scariest part about Green Bay is that they still have a lot of improving to do.

The pass defense must get better, and although they have the ability to run the ball, being a little more effective will really set them apart from an all-encompassed perspective.

San Francisco 49ers (7-1)

Doesn't it seem right that the 49ers are playing well once again? It feels as if pro football lore has made it's way back with San Fran being a Super Bowl contender, but what's interesting is their approach.

Frisco plays old-school smash mouth football on both side of the line, has a dangerous return man in Ted Ginn and a head coach who's as hard-nosed as they come.

Not to mention they've only played one divisional game and have four wins on the road, so if there's a team to contend with Green Bay in the NFC, it's the 49ers.

Atlanta Falcons (5-3)

Yes this may be a surprise to some, but the Atlanta Falcons are beginning to really form a complete team. The defense has significantly improved as it's only allowed no more than 17 points in the last three games (all wins).

Additionally, the Falcons are proving to be the best road team in the NFC South, which bodes well for late in the season. Beating the Lions in Detroit was impressive and fittingly so, Atlanta plays even better at home. 

They have a solid ground game to complement a solid passing attack, so just be on the look out for them in January.

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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