NFL Power Rankings Week 10: Underrated Teams Who Will Earn Respect with Wins

Even after eight games of battling into playoff contention, some of the NFL’s winningest teams are struggling to get respect from fans. This trio will boost their postseason chances with key wins on Sunday.

Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Pittsburgh)

The obvious knock on the Bengals is that, with the exception of fellow underdog Buffalo, they haven’t beaten any winning teams. They’ll change that story by sneaking out a home victory over the vaunted Steelers.

Both teams have superior defenses—Pittsburgh is third in total defense, Cincy fourth—so there’s little doubt that the offenses are in for a long day. Look for the Steelers to surrender another late score in another heartbreaking divisional loss.

Chicago Bears (vs. Detroit)

Even after a convincing Monday-night win over high-powered Philadelphia, the Bears are still languishing in third place in the NFC North. They look to avenge a 24-13 loss in Detroit with the Lions coming to Soldier Field.

Jahvid Best, who gashed the Bears for 163 yards and a TD in the first meeting, is out with a concussion, leaving the Lion offense one-dimensional and giving the up-and-down Bears’ D a fighting chance. Expect Matt Forte to run wild against Detroit’s 29th-ranked rushing defense and grind out a Chicago win.

Buffalo Bills (at Dallas)

Despite sharing the AFC East lead, Buffalo has gotten little credit as a playoff contender in the loaded conference. They can make a statement with a road win over the dangerous Cowboys.

With Miles Austin’s hamstring injury hindering the Dallas passing game, the Bills have enough weapons to trade punches with Tony Romo’s offense. Expect a high-scoring affair with another late rally by Ryan Fitzpatrick giving the victory to Buffalo.