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

We've reached a point in the NFL season where the definite contenders (Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints) have separated themselves from the obvious pretenders (Indianapolis Colts, Washington Redskins). There are still some teams in the middle that need a label, though.

Here are four middling teams and their respective labels. An updated power rankings table is below, as well.

CONTENDER: Detroit Lions

After setting the league on fire through five weeks, Detroit is 1-3 over its last four games and the bandwagon is slowly starting to empty. Fear not Lions fans, all of the team's losses have been to good teams and Detroit should still be able to reach 10 wins.

Jahvid Best is still dealing with a concussion, which has slowed a previously elite offense. If they can get him back down the stretch and Matthew Stafford can limit his turnovers, the Lions will still crash the playoff party.

PRETENDER: Buffalo Bills

Buffalo got dismantled by the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. The defense has finally been exposed as the weak unit it's been all season now that the Bills aren't forcing as many turnovers. Not to mention losing Kyle Williams is one of the most underrated injuries in the league.

It's not just the defense, either. Ryan Fitzpatrick was carving up opposing secondaries throughout the season's first month, but his pace has slowed considerably since teams have begun to key in on Buffalo's short passing attack.

CONTENDER: Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore has wins over Pittsburgh (two), Houston and the New York Jets. Yet, they have also lost to lowly squads like Jacksonville and Seattle. They will need to start taking care of business against inferior squads in order to make the playoffs and it's surely a point John Harbaugh is pounding home this week.

The top priority moving forward should be establishing a rushing attack. Ray Rice received just five carries against the Seahawks even though Baltimore only lost by five. Getting their most dynamic playmaker more touches can only help the Ravens.

PRETENDER: New York Jets

New York's offensive game plan is a mess. Mark Sanchez can't be trusted to throw a team to victory, but coordinator Brian Schottenheimer clearly doesn't have enough faith in his running backs to return to a ground-and-pound mentality either.

They do have a favorable schedule, but will the Jets be able to take advantage? Teams have shown they can run on New York and if the Jets can't score, it really doesn't matter who the opponent is. It probably won't be long before Rex Ryan starts feeling the heat.

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