NFL Week 10 Power Rankings: Saints claim top spot as Pats fall

Join BetAmerica Extra columnist Zack Rhodes as he fearlessly slices and dices all 32 teams and ranks them in order according to their Week 9 performance and Week 10 outlook.

1. New Orleans Saints (7-1 SU and 6-2 ATS)

With Lamar Jackson humbling Bill Belichick and the Patriots, the Saints move into the top position and come into the week fresh off a bye and ready to take on the disappointing Falcons as two-touchdown favorites. Divisional opponents can always be feisty, and with Matt Ryan possibly returning, a rested Atlanta team might keep it interesting for awhile Sunday, but it’s hard to imagine that Falcons D doing anything to stop this high-powered Saints offense. The party on Bourbon Street should continue for the rest of the season as New Orleans looks to stay on a roll.

Next up: Atlanta Falcons

2. New England Patriots (8-1 SU and 6-3 ATS)

To put in perspective what Lamar Jackson was able to do Sunday night, the Patriots had been undefeated in the last 20 games in which they faced a team led by a quarterback 25-years-old or younger in their first or second year in the NFL. New England was undoubtedly impressive in running the table over their first eight games, but the schedule was soft and now the real test has begun. They failed the first leg against the Ravens, so after the bye this week, it’ll be interesting to see how they fare as they prepare to take on the Eagles, Cowboys, Texans and Chiefs in consecutive weeks.

Next up: Philadelphia Eagles (Week 11)

3. San Francisco 49ers (8-0 SU and 5-3 ATS)

How does it feel to be 8-0 and the only remaining undefeated team in the league? “It feels great, baby!” Of course it does. In between dating adult film stars and hitting on Erin Andrews on national TV, Jimmy G has comeback from his injury and proven to the league that he’s a franchise QB. Next up is a Monday night showdown against the Seahawks in what should be a highly entertaining affair.

Next up: Seattle Seahawks 

4. Kansas City Chiefs (6-3 SU and 5-4 ATS)

With Matt Moore doing his best Teddy Bridgewater impression and Harrison Butker drilling clutch field goals, the Chiefs move back into the top 5 after proving they’re more than just Patrick Mahomes. The defense, especially against the run, continues to be a concern, but this Kansas City team clearly believes in each other and if Mahomes can get healthy, anything is possible as we head into the second half of the season.

Next up: Tennessee Titans

5. Los Angeles Rams (5-3 SU and 6-2 ATS)

After handling the Bengals in London, the Rams return from a bye with a road trip to Pittsburgh to take on the streaking Steelers. During its current three-game winning streak, the Steelers have generated 10 turnovers, which could be a problem for Jared Goff, who has struggled holding onto the ball at times this season.

Next up: Pittsburgh Steelers

6. Baltimore Ravens (6-2 SU and 3-4-1 ATS)

We said the Patriots game would be the true barometer of just how much Lamar Jackson has developed as an NFL quarterback, and it turns out that the former Heisman Trophy winner has turned himself into one hell of a signal-caller. Making multiple reads, throwing with accuracy and precision, and of course, killing it in the open field, Jackson did it all on Sunday night and the genius of Bill Belichick had no answer. What an impressive performance.

Next up: Cincinnati Bengals 

7. Green Bay Packers (7-2 SU and 6-3 ATS)

With Aaron Rodgers rolling and Davante Adams back, it was nearly impossible to imagine the Packers playing as poorly as they did against the Chargers. Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram dominated up front in a game the Packers were clearly unprepared to play. I guess a letdown was inevitable at some point. They’ll looking to get back on track at home against the Panthers this weekend.

Next up: Carolina Panthers

8. Dallas Cowboys (5-3 SU and 5-3 ATS)

With Dak Prescott throwing an interception to start the game, things were a bit shaky for the Cowboys as the Giants jumped out to quick 12-3 lead on Monday night. But Dak settled in, Zeke got going, and DeMarcus Lawrence introduced himself to the Giants rookie quarterback, as the Cowboys put away New York in the fourth quarter and easily covered the touchdown spread. Next up is a showdown with the Vikings this Sunday night.

Next up: Minnesota Vikings

9. Minnesota Vikings (6-3 SU and 5-4 ATS)

After letting one get away in Kansas City, the Vikings now turn their attention to the Cowboys in one of the marquee matchups of the weekend. I’m fascinated to see this one play out, especially at the quarterback position, which will likely decide the game.

Next up: Dallas Cowboys

10. Seattle Seahawks (7-2 SU and 4-5 ATS)

It’s amazing to see this Seahawks team transition from one of the best defenses we’ve seen in decades to an offensive team led by the likely MVP of the league in Russell Wilson. Every game is a roller coaster and this week should be no different as they hit the road to take on the undefeated 49ers. The total is 47, which seems awfully low for a team that’s only had three of its games fall below that total this season.

Next up: San Francisco 49ers

11. Indianapolis Colts (5-3 SU and 4-3-1 ATS)

The Colts have been one of the better stories of the season, but with Jacoby Brissett a bit banged up, they’ve lost their grasp on the division. Indianapolis has shown they’re a solid all-around team, but they’re going to be in a dogfight with the Texans the rest of the way.

Next up: Miami Dolphins 

12. Houston Texans (6-3 SU and 5-4 ATS)

The Texans have now won four out of their last five games and with Jacoby Brissett a bit banged up, the Texans are going to be right there in the end competing for the AFC South. The great Deshaun Watson has this team believing.

Next up: Baltimore Ravens (Week 11)

13. Philadelphia Eagles (5-4 SU and 4-5 ATS)

The Eagles have showed their championship mettle throughout this season, especially in winning the last two games against the Bills and Bears. Philly gets a well earned bye this week and then takes on the Patriots in Week 11.

Next up: New England Patriots (Week 11)

14. Buffalo Bills (6-2 SU and 5-3 ATS)

The Bills continue to get the job done, but questions remain about Josh Allen and this offense. Those answers should come starting on November 28 when Buffalo starts a stretch of games against the Cowboys, Ravens, Steelers and Patriots.

Next up: Cleveland Browns 

15. Carolina Panthers (5-3 SU and 5-3 ATS)

Kyle Allen bounced back from his first rough outing to get the Panthers back on track. And with Cam Newton now on the IR, it’s Allen’s show for the rest of the season. He’ll be tested once again this week as the Panthers head to Lambeau to take on a pissed off Aaron Rodgers.

Next up: Green Bay Packers

16. Oakland Raiders (5-4 SU and 6-3 ATS)

Despite some shaky moves in trading away Khalil Mack and signing questionable character guys like Antonio Brown and Vontaze Burfict, Jon Gruden has a done a nice job this season in getting this Raiders squad above .500 as they head into the second half of the year.

Next up: Cincinnati Bengals (Week 11)

17. Detroit Lions (3-4-1 SU and 4-4 ATS)

The Lions continue to struggle to finish off games and pick up wins and now they head to Chicago to take on another struggling club. It’s make or break for both of these teams, but with the season on the line, I’d take Matthew Stafford all day over a broken Mitch Trubisky.

Next up: Chicago Bears

18. Arizona Cardinals (3-5-1 SU and 6-3 ATS)

The Cardinals have turned into one of the better teams against the spread this year and they’ll look to continue their improved play this week as they travel to Tampa to take on their old head coach in what should be a fun, high scoring match-up.

Next up: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

19. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-4 SU and 4-3-1 ATS)

Mike Tomlin may struggle with the Xs and Os of the game, but he’s pretty damn good at leading a young group that has plenty of talent on the roster. The Steelers have saved their season during their current three-game winning streak and now they welcome the Rams to town this week in what will be a good test of how good this Pittsburgh team really is.

Next up: Los Angeles Rams

20. Tennessee Titans (4-5 SU and 4-5 ATS)

Whether it’s Marcus Mariota or Ryan Tannehill at quarterback, it’s pretty clear that this Titans team is about as average as average gets in this league. However, that seems about right for a franchise whose all-time wins leader is Jeff Fisher, the king of 8-8.

Next up: Kansas City Chiefs

21. Los Angeles Chargers (4-6 SU and 3-6-1 ATS)

I don’t know if there is a team in the league more maddening than the Chargers. From dominating Aaron Rodgers and the streaking Packers to losing to the Raiders in a game that old man Philip Rivers looked lost for much of the game. He threw three bad interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown.

Next up: Kansas City Chiefs (Week 11)

22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-6 SU and 2-6 ATS)

Despite their struggles, I just can’t quit this Buccaneers team. Starting with Bruce Arians’ old team this week, the back half of the schedule is a bit softer, so I’ll look for Tampa Bay to get on a roll as Arians has made it clear he’s not interested in giving up this season.

Next up: Arizona Cardinals 

23. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-5 SU and 5-4 ATS)

Well, it was one hell of a ride, but the magic has run out for the entertaining Gardner Minshew as Nick Foles will return as the starter after the bye week. The former Super Bowl MVP has a way of rallying the troops, so it’ll be interesting to see how the team plays with their franchise quarterback back under center.

Next up: Indianapolis Colts (Week 11)

24. Chicago Bears (3-5 SU and 2-6 ATS)

Poor Mitchell doesn’t want the TVs on in Halas Hall because people are saying mean things about him. How soft is that? Dude just quarterbacked a team that gained a comical nine yards of offense in the first half against the Eagles, which is the fewest yards a team has posted at halftime in 40 years. His confidence is broken, and it’s time to move on. I would love to see Cam Newton in Chicago as soon as possible.

Next up: Detroit Lions

25. Denver Broncos (3-6 SU and 5-4 ATS)

Brandon Allen proved me wrong as the former Arkansas star provided some much needed juice for the Broncos in their upset win over the sinking Browns. I have a feeling he should enjoy it now because after the bye this week reality may quickly set in with the Broncos heading out on the road to take on the Vikings and Bills in consecutive weeks.

Next up: Minnesota Vikings (Week 11)

26. New York Giants (2-6 SU and 3-5 ATS)

After turning the ball over three more times against the Cowboys, good ol' Danny Dimes is now tied for the league lead with 16 giveaways. Well, at least the Giants are leading the league in something this year! However, I have to admit, it was great watching Pat Shurmur look like someone stole his puppy all game against the Cowboys. I said it before and I’ll say it again, Saquon Barkley deserves better.

Next up: New York Jets

27. Cleveland Browns (2-6 SU and 2-6 ATS)

The Titanic of the NFL continues to take on water and I don’t know about you, but Freddie Kitchens is about the last person in the world I would want as captain of a sinking ship. It’ll be fascinating to watch how the Browns play over the next two weeks against the Bills and Steelers with the season on the line.

Next up: Buffalo Bills

28. Miami Dolphins (1-7 SU and 4-4 ATS)

Hats off to Brian Flores and Fitzmagic for holding steady after a historically bad start to the season and finally getting their first win. Miami showed some fight against the Steelers on Monday night two weeks ago and followed that up with the win over the Jets. It’s hard to imagine many more wins on the horizon this year, but at least this team is willing to compete for their head coach.

Next up: Indianapolis Colts

29. New York Jets (1-7 SU and 2-6 ATS)

I told you, Adam Gase is the worst. And he certainly lived up to his end of the bargain by allowing his old team to get their first win of the season. Sam Darnold came out this week and defended Gase, calling him “one of the best coaches I’ve ever been around.” Yikes. If that’s the case, then Darnold has no excuse for his horrendous play and is much closer to a bust than we ever imagined.

Next up: New York Giants

30. Atlanta Falcons (1-7 SU and 2-6 ATS)

It’s pretty damning of the Falcons coaching staff that Mohamed Sanu can go from virtually invisible for Atlanta to catching 10 balls for 81 yards and a touchdown in his second game with the Patriots. It’s hard to see how Dan Quinn keeps his job.

Next up: New Orleans Saints

31. Washington Redskins (1-8 SU and 3-6 ATS)

Well, I’ve been calling for Dwayne Haskins to get his chance to start and it wasn’t pretty against a tough Bills defense in Buffalo. But I’m anxious to see how the former Ohio State star does after the bye with the return of running back Derrius Guice and three easier opponents in the Jets, Lions and Panthers.

Next up: New York Jets (Week 11)

32. Cincinnati Bengals (0-8 SU and 3-5 ATS)

Don’t get me wrong, the Jets, Falcons, Redskins and Bengals all deserve the bottom spot in the rankings, but I’ve got it reserved for the Bungals until they show some kind of life. And despite being in a good spot to take advantage of the Ravens flying high from their win over the Patriots, I don’t think Ryan Finley’s going to get it done.

Next up: Baltimore Ravens

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