Oct 31, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Gio Bernard (25) dives in for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Here’s No. 6-10 of the NFL Power Rankings. Comment below with you thoughts.
Seattle Seahawks: At 7-1, they currently hold the No. 1 seed in the NFC. However, following a near no-show by the offense on MNF against the Rams, I couldn’t put them much higher than this. For the first time in recent memory, we didn’t catch a glimpse of “beast mode” from Marshawn Lynch, and the offense as a whole laid an egg.
San Francisco 49ers: They had a rough start to the season, but have clearly put that behind them. I’d like to place this team higher, because of the talent on this team, but bad losses to the Colts and Seahawks had to drop them. The NFC is tough, but this team will be in the mix for a first round bye. It’s them of the Seahawks, so Week 14 will be huge.
New England Patriots: Brady hasn’t exactly been Brady this season, but even then, he’s still better than most. Good enough for 6-2 and a close second in the race for the No. 2 seed in the AFC. The Patriots defense has stepped up, as have the young receivers. Once the Brady and Gronk combination starts clicking, the NFL should be put on alert.
Cincinnati Bengals: There’s the team we’ve been looking for. The Bengals put on the most dominant football performance that I’ve seen in a long time – maybe ever – against the Jets last Sunday, but followed it up with a heartbreaker against the Dolphins. When the Bengals are on fire like they are now, they are hard to stop, especially with the Dalton – Jones connection growing rapidly. The Bengals will make the playoffs, and they currently find themselves in the mix for the No. 2 seed in the AFC, and with it, a first round bye. Week 14, folks. Week 14.
Detroit Lions: Holding a Wild Card spot at this point, the Lions are a very dangerous team. Certainly not one you would want to see in the playoffs. They have been in almost every game they’ve played this year, except for the loss against the Packers. After a close loss against the Bengals, Detroit got revenge against the Cowboys. Stafford and Megatron are putting up downright scary numbers.