NFL Power Rankings: Sloppy Seattle Opens Door For New Orleans

Oct 27, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver

(81) walks off the field after defeating the Dallas Cowboys 31-30 at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

TEAMS IN LIMBO

17. Arizona Cardinals

Record: 4-4

Previous Ranking: 25

Arizona has Houston, Jacksonville, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Tennessee as five of their next six opponents.

16. New York Jets

Record: 4-4

Previous Ranking: 14

Whatever.

15. Baltimore Ravens

Record: 3-4

Previous Ranking: 13

I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt here, but this may be too high for them.

14. Dallas Cowboys

Record: 4-4

Previous Ranking: 10

Good news for Dallas is the NFC East is so bad that Dallas could probably win it with an 8-8 record. The bad news is Dallas may be on the verge of imploding and may not finish 8-8.

13. Chicago Bears

Record: 4-3

Previous Ranking: 16

Injuries have been devastating for the Bears, who now turn to Josh McCown to lead their offense and … someone to lead their now Lance Briggs-less defense.

12. San Diego Chargers

Record: 4-3

Previous Ranking: 15

San Diego needs a win at Washington before they take on the beast that is their second half schedule.

11. Carolina Panthers

Record: 4-3

Previous Ranking: 12

Cam Newton has appeared to have figured it out. Add in their excellent defense and Carolina is nothing anyone wants to mess with right now.

10. Detroit Lions

Record: 5-3

Previous Ranking: 11

Calvin Johnson almost outgained the Chiefs by himself. The man is insane, maybe the best ever.