What to Say?

You may notice the sudden increase in points for most teams. This week begins the inclusion of selected fan votes in our rankings. A small handful of ExtremeRavens members, chosen at random, have been invited to contribute their thoughts each week. This will continue throughout the season.

 Thanks to a number of decisive wins this week (or should I say losses, cough Redskins cough), the Power Rankings slimmed down dramatically this week. Setting a new low for the season, only 11 teams received votes as one of the league's 10 best. The Detroit Lions, at a surprising impressive 5-2, were the odd team out. The top six held steady for the second consecutive week as all six teams were able to win their games, though the margin narrowed between the Cowboys (#3) and those chasing behind (the Packers and Giants).

The Steelers held their ground at #6, but actually slipped further behind the Giants and Packers and a chance to crack the Top 5. Despite beating the division rival Bengals on the road, most voters were stuck thinking more about the Bengals' record entering the game (2-4) than about the Steelers record coming out of it (5-2).

Behind the Steelers lurked the Titans and Jaguars, both 5-2 as well. The AFC South is making a strong case for Toughest Division in the league: the Colts remain unbeaten and the Jags and Titans are both winning often. Remarked one voter, “Who expected that?” And clearly, no other division can claim to hold three spots in the Power 10.

Speaking of the Colts, Week 9 showcases perhaps the most anticipated game in years: the Colts and Pats, facing off as the league's only remaining unbeaten teams. Only one voter was brave enough to hint at their prediction of the game's outcome: “[The Colts] will be #1 next week. They are better.” With a healthy Joseph Addai and Marvin Harrison, they just might be.

Finally, the Ravens cracked the Top 10 again this week. They slip in despite a Bye thanks to losses by the Redskins, Buccaneers and Panthers. Just ahead in the #9 position are the San Diego Chargers, sitting on a 3 game win streak and “looking more like that 14-2 team we saw last year,” said one voter. With the return of the Ravens, the AFC now holds seven positions in the Power 10, a clear vote by the ExtremeRavens staff as to which conference is stronger.