NFL Power Rankings - Saints in a class of their own
Our NFL power rankings show just two undefeated teams remaining as we enter Week 9 of NFL betting. The bottom dwellers are firmly established in this season of disparity but the top teams are starting to separate into contenders and pretenders.
1. (2) New Orleans (7-0)
ATS: 6-1; O/U: 5-2
There’s no doubting that the Saints will contend for the Super Bowl at this point, as Drew Brees continues to spread the wealth in the passing game, the secondary keeps picking off opposing quarterbacks and the running game churns out more yards than expected. Michael Turner and the Falcons did show us that Sedrick Ellis’ injury weakens the Saints’ run defense, however.
2. (4) Indianapolis (7-0)
ATS: 5-2; O/U: 3-4
Why isn’t Indy getting half the fanfare New Orleans gets? Because the Colts’ schedule has been Cupcake City so far. Peyton Manning and the passing attack should post higher numbers versus Houston this week but we won’t know how good Indy is until it battles New England in Week 10.
3. (1) Minnesota (7-1)
ATS: 5-3; O/U: 6-2
Would anyone on the planet have made a sportsbook wager that Brett Favre would lead the NFL in touchdown passes and possibly lead the MVP race at the season’s halfway point? Simply amazing. Only time will tell if he’ll tire down the stretch like he did last season.
4. (9) Philadelphia (5-2)
ATS: 5-2; O/U: 6-1
The Eagles perhaps made last week’s biggest statement by shellacking the New York Giants. DeSean Jackson’s big-play ability may be unmatched in this league and Philly’s aggressive pass rush is giving opposing quarterbacks fits. How well is Tony Romo sleeping this week?
5. (8) Pittsburgh (5-2)
ATS: 2-5; O/U: 4-2
They’re not getting it done against the spread but the Steelers keep rolling despite some tough opponents. Leading the NFL in run defense after facing Chris Johnson, Cedric Benson and Adrian Peterson is astounding.
6. (3) Denver (6-1)
ATS: 6-1; O/U: 1-6
The Broncos fall quickly despite the sole loss because they still haven’t fully earned everyone’s trust. A win over Pittsburgh this week would do wonders for online betting support; Kyle Orton will be tested as the Steelers will stop the run.
7. (7) New England (5-2)
ATS: 4-3; O/U: 3-4
Easy matchups of late have puffed up their numbers and Brady’s bunch should have another field day this week against Miami. Week 10 means as much for New England’s rep as it does for Indy’s.
8. Cincinnati (5-2)
ATS: 4-3; O/U: 4-3
What’s it going to take for us to trust the Bungles? Wins over Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Green Bay and Chicago apparently aren’t enough, as the Bengals are home underdogs against the Ravens this week.
9. (17) Dallas (5-2)
ATS: 4-3; O/U: 5-2
The Cowboys are starting to look legitimate again after three straight wins. The pass rush is heating up and Miles Austin – the Cowboy receiver who does listen to Michael Irvin’s advice – continues to explode off the line and rack up yardage. The Cowboys need a good showing against Philly this week to be taken seriously.
10. (6) New York Giants (5-3)
ATS: 5-3; O/U: 5-2-1
Who knew the receiving corps would be the least of New York’s problems? The defensive injuries are finally starting to take their toll. Thankfully, the Giants have a tasty home matchup against San Diego this week. If they don’t romp – especially running the ball – it’s time to really worry.
11. (5) Atlanta (4-3)
12. (13) Baltimore (4-3)
13. (16) Houston (5-3)
14. (11) Chicago (4-3)
15. (15) Arizona (4-3)
16. (19) San Diego (4-3)
17. (12) Green Bay (4-3)
18. (22) Carolina (3-4)
19. (14) San Francisco (3-4)
20. (20) Miami (3-4)
21. (18) New York Jets (4-4)
22. (21) Jacksonville (3-4)
23. (24) Buffalo (3-5)
24. (23) Seattle (2-5)
25. (31) Tennessee (1-6)
26. (25) Oakland (2-6)
27. (27) Washington (2-5)
28. (26) Kansas City (1-6)
29. (32) St. Louis (1-7)
30. (28) Cleveland (1-7)
31. (29) Detroit (1-6)
32. (30) Tampa Bay (0-7)
Pigskin sports betting whiz Stan Simmons updates the NFL power rankings weekly for the Betting Edge at betonline.com. Stan Simmons is one of betonline.com's NFL experts.
