DTTWSB Week 7 NFL Power Rankings

After another week in the NFL, we saw some teams step up to challenges while we saw others take signiificant steps back. The little things is what's hurting teams like Green Bay and Dallas. Well-coached teams don't make silly mental errors. What I took away from Week 6 is that the right now the AFC is far and away better than the NFC. We'll see if a team from the NFC wants to emerge from the pack. Here are this week's power rankings.

1. New York Jets (5-1): The Jets are going into the bye week with a five-game win streak. They are the hottest team in the NFL right now. Quarterback Mark Sanchez is definitely coming into his own and that is being shown by the productivity of the offense. You also can't say enough about running back Ladanian Tomlinson who has found the fountain of youth. If they keep this up, I'm not sure if anyone can beat them.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1): Getting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger back will serve as a steroid shot in the arm to a team who has only lost once all season. At this point in the season I thought they'd have more losses than this. I can see the Steelers winning 12 or 13 games this season because they have the necessary pieces in place to do so. My Super Bowl pick from the AFC is making look like a genius.

3. Baltimore Ravens (4-2): Last week the Ravens disappointed by not being able to close out the Patriots after being up 10 points on two different occasions in the game. Looking at them on a big-picture scale, I still like this team but the question marks that I have about them were definitely exposed last Sunday. Let's see if they can get it corrected.

4. New England Patriots (4-1): I don't know why I keep doubting a team that is coached by Bill Belichick. Somehow he keeps finiding ways to win. Historically the Patriots under Belichick have been great coming off the bye week. I'll be interested to see if they will be able to keep up the offensive production without wide receiver Randy Moss. Wide receiver Deion Branch seems to have not lost any chemistry with quarterback Tom Brady which is not good for the rest of the league.

5. Indianapolis Colts (4-2): Last Sunday night the Colts had a very impressive win against what I think is a very good Washington Redskins team. Quarterback Peyton Manning has looked sharp all season, which really isn't a surprise if you ask me. This week they lost tight end Dallas Clark to a season-ending wrist injury. That puts more pressure on the wide recievers, but knowing how Manning prepares, I'm sure they won't miss a beat.

6. Tennessee Titans (4-2): With back-to-back road wins, the Titans have improved their record to 4-2. They are a team that doesn't beat themselves and they're physical. I could very easily see this team win the AFC South if they keep playing good football. Like I've said before, don't let this team get an early lead in a game because with their running game and defense they won't give the lead back.

7. New Orleans Saints (4-2): The Saints are the highest rated NFC team that I have in my power rankings and I have them at seven. That speaks to how poorly the teams in the NFC have been playing. If the Saints can keep winning until they get running backs Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas back, they may be able to hit their stride late. They had a quality win last Sunday on the road against Tampa Bay.

8. New York Giants (4-2): For the first time this season, the Giants are making an appearance on the DTTWSB power rankings. After the first three games of the season, the Giants have played at a high level. Quarterback Eli Manning is putting his foot down as a top 10 quarterback in the league. The biggest improvement has been their defense, if they can keep getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks this team can make a deep run in the playoffs.

9. Houston Texans (4-2): I was barely able to put the Texans on the list because I just don't trust teams that aren't used to success. Like the Falcons did last year, I'm waiting for the Texans to fall flat on their faces at some point this season. Running back Arian Foster has been a beast so far. The loss of linebacker Demeco Ryans will hurt this team throughout season. Time will ultimately tell what the Texans are all about.

10. Minnesota Vikings (2-3): Yes, I have a 2-3 team in my power rankings. The Vikings are not an ordinary 2-3 team and I think they'll show that this Sunday night. They have way too much talent and because of the poor Green Bay offensive line, they will most likely win the NFC North. Wide receiver Randy Moss has opened things up for their entire offense. With a big win last week at home against Dallas, the Vikings need to focus on the little things so that they don't get into a hole once again.