NFL Week 11 Top 10 Power Rankings

Unlike our BUAFL power rankings, we’re sticking to a top 10 ranking for the NFL (what? You think we’re paid for this!?).

A quick nod to the Giants, who slide out of our top 10 after sitting at number 7 last week. Also kudos to the Dolphins and Broncos as they both continued on winning streaks extending their runs to 3 weeks!

1. Green Bay Packers (10-0)
Before the season began I predicted Jordy Nelson would have a breakout year. With his latest performance my prediction doesn’t look like a bad shout. A tough victory over the Bucs this week showed that the Pack defence may not be as good as people think. Blounts monster touchdown looked like a man against boys. Now 10-0 everyone will be trying to end the Packers unbeaten streak.

2. San Francisco 49ers (9-1)
After a comprehensive divisional win over Arizona the 49ers could lock up their division this weekend depending on results. Thursday’s thanksgiving matchup will see Jim Harbaugh facing off against younger brother John Harbaugh in a potential superbowl preview.

3. New Orleans Saints (7-3)
The Saints move up to number 3 this week even though they were on a bye. With their next two games against teams vying for playoff places, the Saints will need to be on top form if they want to remain at the top spot in the NFC South.

 4. Baltimore Ravens (7-3)

Deciding who the best team is in the AFC at the moment is a tough decision, but we’re sticking with the Ravens for the moment. Another divisional win this week against the Bengals means the Ravens return to the top of their division for the time being. Even with Ray Lewis not playing, they still managed to hold onto the victory after a late comeback attempt by the gutsy Bengals.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3)
Another team moving up this week even though they were on a bye, no doubt the Steelers will be fully focused when they face the Chiefs next week as they continue to fight with the Ravens and Bengals for the AFC North divisional crown.

6. New England Patriots (7-3)
This weeks 34-3 victory over the Chiefs move the Patriots to 7-3 and with the easiest schedule in the NFL remaining there’s no reason why the Patriots shouldn’t finish 13-3. Once the Patriots shore up their D they could surprise a few teams in the playoffs who may be over looking them at the moment.

7. Chicago Bears (7-3) 

The Bears extending their winning streak to 5 straight has been over shadowed by the news that Jay Cutler needs thumb surgery on his throwing hand. With a solid defence, special teams and a top 5 running back in Matt Forte don’t expect the Bears to suffer even though Caleb Hanies game time experience is limited to the second half of last year’s NFC Championship.

8. Houston Texans (7-3)
Houston were number 3 last week but this week they slide down five places to number 8 for one reason, the Matt Schaub injury. The injury is going to be a big loss for the team and would normally cost them a shot at the playoffs, fortunately everyone else in the AFC South is blowing this year, making it easier for the Texans to make the playoffs this year.

9. Detriot Lions (7-3)
Boy did they mark it hard this week, another come from behind victory for the Lions against the Panthers at the weekend, their third victory after being down by 17 points. Matt Staffords 5 TD’s and the return of Kevin Smith at running back showed how potent the Lions can be with a well balanced offence to complement their highly rated defence.

10. Dallas Cowboys (6-4) 

Since getting embarrassed against the Eagles the Cowboys have gone on to rip three straight wins in a row. Now leading the NFC East thanks to the Giants tough schedule, the Cowboys have a real shot at winning the division. A victories in their next two games will have the Cowboys heading into their showdown with the Giants sitting at 8-4 and primed to return to the playoffs.