For once, my top 10 didn't go entirely to pot. This is good.
And maybe, just maybe, we know who's good and who isn't in the NFL this season.
That said, there's still plenty of time for things to go awry. We're only halfway through, after all.
Here are the Rankings for Week 9:
1.) Arizona (7-1) [+1]
Nine weeks in and the only 1-loss team is...Arizona?! Weird as it may seem, it's true. After narrowly winning against Philly at home in Week 8, the Cardinals went to Dallas in Week 9 and took advantage of the fact that the Cowboys were starting Brandon Weeden at QB. Palmer didn't make it easy, of course, as he threw a pick-six early on and fell 10 points behind. Since the Cowboys were starting Weeden and not handing the ball to Murray as much (maybe with good reason, who knows), Palmer was eventually able to take advantage of a suspect defense. They might not be a great team, but I find it hard to believe that they're not a division winner and maybe a top two seed (thus earning a bye in the first round of the playoffs).
Next opponent: vs. St. Louis (11/9)
2.) New England (7-2) [+1]
Riding a five-game winning streak, the Pats look like the best team in the AFC, if not the entire league. Tom Brady has played incredibly well in this five week stretch since the team started 2-2. It doesn't hurt that he's connecting well with all of his weapons, including a healthy Gronk.
Next opponent: at Indianapolis (11/16)
3.) Philadelphia (6-2) [+3]
Despite losing starting QB Nick Foles to injury, the Eagles rolled on with Mark Sanchez. I can report there were no stupid plays or food consumed on the sideline. What I'm not sure about is how the Eagles will play from here until Foles returns (assuming he returns this season, which seems likely). With Dallas starting to show weakness, Foles' injury has frustrating timing. For this week, at least, the schedule is kind.
Next opponent: vs. Carolina (11/10)
4.) Detroit (6-2) [no change]
After going to London, Detroit was on the bye in Week 9 and faces Miami in Week 10 at home. I thought this game was a gimme a couple of weeks ago, but now the Dolphins look significantly tougher.
Next opponent: vs. Miami (11/9)
5.) Denver (6-2) [-4]
Nothing wrong with losing to New England. But any loss necessitates a drop, even when the team that loses is one of the best in the AFC.
Next opponent: at Oakland (11/9)
6.) Pittsburgh (6-3) [+1]
If there's a team I would never have expected to beat down two teams in a row, it'd be Pittsburgh. But all of a sudden Roethlisberger is the equal of Brady and Peyton Manning. 12 TD's in two games? Are you kidding?
Next opponent: at NY Jets (11/9)
7.) Indianapolis (6-3) [+2]
Fresh off a beating by Pittsburgh, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Indy on Monday. I think I can say I wasn't expecting them to lay a beatdown on the Giants...but then again, it's the Giants. Even with a bye week, they were unprepared. The Colts, on the other hand, looked well-prepared to take out inferior competition. They also made Eli Manning look foolish, which amuses me to no end. Even at 6-3, I'm not sure of their status in the AFC. Obviously, winning the division (a weak one, to be sure) is a foregone conclusion. But what comes after that? They'll host a playoff game but if it's a bad matchup I can't see them winning. Or maybe I can and I don't know it yet...who knows?
Next opponent: vs. New England (11/16)
8.) Buffalo (5-3) [no change]
A surprising record, to be sure, but I don't know how long they can sustain it with Orton at QB and missing their top two RB's. But hey, being near the top is better than not...just ask the Jets.
Next opponent: vs. Kansas City (11/9)
9.) Dallas (6-3) [-4]
It's safe to say that a win against Jacksonville (in London no less) would be incredibly helpful at the moment. With Romo looking fragile and Weeden looking bad (as usual), this team could use a steady dose of Murray/Randle/Dunbar and a nice margin of victory to calm the nerves.
Next opponent: at Jacksonville...err, London (11/9)
10.) Green Bay (5-3) [no change]
After the bye, the Packers take on Chicago at home. Things could be worse, I guess.
Next opponent: vs. Chicago (11/9)
That's all for this week, see you next week.
