DTTWSB Week 10 NFL Power Rankings

What a week of football we just had! When I looked at the games on tap during the week I had a feeling we were going to see some evenly-matched games. The late afternoon games were competitive throughout, and the Sunday night game was phenomenal. Week 9 was capped off by a surprising Monday Night Football game which saw the Bears beat the Eagles. I have a feeling we are going to see some exciting playoff races down the stretch. As the weather gets colder the games become more important. It's gut check time for many of the following teams on the list. With that said, here are my power rankings for Week 10 of the NFL season.

1. Green Bay Packers (8-0): The defending Super Bowl champions look like a juggernaut offensively. Aaron Rodgers is playing as good as any quarterback I've ever seen in my life. My big question about this team is the defense. Can they carry the slack when Rodgers has an off game?

2. San Francisco 49ers (7-1): Surprise surprise! No this is not 1998. In 2011, the San Francisco 49ers are 7-1, and are number two in my power rankings. Coach Harbaugh has the Niners playing sound football. This team does all the right things to put themselves in position to win. My only concern is Alex Smith.

3. Baltimore Ravens (6-2): What a huge win for the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night. They showed that they're ready to make the next step and become a championship-caliber team. If Flacco can continue to play at this high level then they'll make it to the Super Bowl in February.

4. New York Giants (6-2): Quarterback Eli Manning showed he's ready to become one of the top quarterbacks in the league. They do the two things you must do when you go on the road, run the ball and play defense. My big concern is can they keep this up throughout the season. This is usually the time when they have their annual mid-season collapse.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3): After getting swept by the Ravens, it's time for the Steelers to regroup. They do a lot of good things that I like. My main concern is can they stay healthy enough to make a run at the division. I'm still confident they can do it.

6. New York Jets (5-3): What a turn around for the Jets. A month ago everyone was taking their shots at Rex Ryan, now they can't say anything. If they can beat the Patriots on Sunday they'll have a strangle hold on the division.

7. New England Patriots (5-3): Now that the Patriots have lost two weeks in a row, I'm sure they'll have an intense week of practice. They have a tough game at the Jets on Sunday Night Football. My big concern with this team is their lack of defense. They can't get off the field which is crucial to win.

8. New Orleans Saints (6-3): Like I've said all season, when they're at home they can put up points like no other, but when they're on the road they tend to struggle. It's imperative that they get at least one home game if they want to make noise in January.

9. Chicago Bears (5-3): So far this season it looks like the Bears aren't smoke and mirrors. If Jay Cutler can stay upright for the rest of the season they'll definitely make the playoffs as a wildcard team. There was a reason they hosted the NFC Championship game last January.

10. Detroit Lions (6-2): Now that they have the bye week behind them, the Lions should feel refreshed and ready to go. It's time for them to step up and face the tougher half of their schedule. It's starts this Sunday when they go to Chicago to face a confident Bears team.