NFL Fun Power Rankings, week 10: Bears, Steelers and Titans climb the ladder

It's all change in the Fun Power Rankings this week, as we have a new team at the top for the first time this season, and also a new side bringing up the rear.

The Steelers and Bears have surged into the top five and there were big drops for the Panthers and Bucs in a week which threw up some giant scores and big upsets - it was like being back in the early season!

Here's how we're looking after week 10. Just seven short weeks of the regular season to go. Welp.

32. Oakland Raiders (down 2)

The Raiders prop up the table for the first time this season, and honestly it's been coming. Oakland have now failed to score an offensive touchdown in three of their last four games, and the locker room has become so toxic it's allegedly broken Jordy Nelson. At least he didn't quit at half-time. If Nelson really does retire and Martavis Bryant is out for the year, as looks likely, that leaves Seth Roberts as their number one receiver. Good grief, Charlie Brown.

31. New York Jets (down 2)

How do you give up 41 points to the Bills? No really, I want to know how. After an encouraging start to the season the Jets have quickly nosedived into being utterly dire. The presence of veteran Josh McCown in place of the injured Sam Darnold did absolutely nothing to calm down the offense - McCown completed just 50 per cent of his passes and threw two picks - but at this point you have to wonder about the value of putting Darnold out there at all, especially if he's not totally healthy. Come back next year when you've got him anything resembling a supporting cast.

30. Miami Dolphins (down 2)

Had enough of the Dolphins now, sorry. You can't just stumble your way to an 8-8-type record every year and expect people to take you seriously as an NFL team with any modicum of ambition. In the words of Ariana Grande: "Thank u, next".

29. Arizona Cardinals (up 2)

The Cardinals were the first team to face the Chiefs with what looked like a detailed game plan of how to shut down their multi-barrelled bazooka of an offense. It worked pretty well, and a better offense might have stood a chance of pulling off a gigantic upset at Arrowhead. New OC Byron Leftwich has come good on his promise to unleash David Johnson - the fourth-year back had 98 rushing yards, 85 receiving yards and a touchdown. Better.

28. Buffalo Bills (up 4)

Well that came out of nowhere! Matt Barkley may be the dictionary definition of 'best of a bad bunch', but he got the job done against the Jets in New Jersey, completing 15 or his 25 passes for two touchdowns and most importantly, zero interceptions. That was the first Bills game without a pick since week three against the Vikings. You could be forgiven for never having heard of Barkley - he's not played in the NFL since replacing Brian Hoyer for the Bears in the second half of the 2016 season and has never been anything more than deeply uninspiring. For this Bills quarterback room, deeply uninspiring represents an improvement.

27. Jacksonville Jaguars (down 4)

The Jaguars defense has lost all of its sauce. Sacksonville feels a million years ago for this unit which can't even make a basic stop, let alone crush opposing quarterbacks and make game-changing turnovers. The Jags are 27th in the league in sacks through 10 weeks, and 26th in turnovers - way to lose your entire identity.

26. New York Giants (-)

A game-winning drive from Eli Manning took the Giants to a heady 2-7 on Monday Night Football. Manning was better against the Niners last night, as was his protection, but it's far too little far too late from a team which really thought it could challenge for the division this year. 

25. San Francisco 49ers (-)

Nick Mullens' predictable reality check came just one game after he took apart the Raiders last week. Mullens actually played fairly well, but was picked off twice by the G-men and probably won't keep the starting job once CJ Beathard returns from injury. Nice day for Matt Breida, who finished with 101 yards and a score from 17 carries.

24. Washington Redskins (down 2)

The Redskins are probably going to make the playoffs, but I hope they know I'm going to resent them for it. I bet that'll cut them deep, too. We know exactly who the Redskins are at this point - a very good defense, a game-managing quarterback throwing to one of the least exciting receiver rooms in the NFL, and a rejuvenated Adrian Peterson carrying the offense. They've got one-and-done in wild card weekend written all over them.

23. Detroit Lions (down 2)

Getting a third-round pick for Golden Tate probably makes sense for the Lions' future, but it's making them pretty average to watch for the remainder of this season. Matthew Stafford is really missing Tate's presence in the slot, and Detroit will need to go out and replace him in the offseason. The defense couldn't make a play all night against the Bears, leaving Mitchell Trubisky with the time and space he needed to carve them up every which way.

22. Tennessee Titans (up 5)

Now this is more like it - way to go showing us something, Tennessee. It's fair to say only deluded Titans fans and reckless gamblers had them beating New England on Sunday, but look who's laughing now - the deluded Titans fans and the gamblers! Also all the other Titans fans, and everyone who hates the Pats (read: everyone who doesn't support them). Marcus Mariota has been the best version of himself these past two weeks, threading precise passes down the field and extending plays with his legs. His problem is that he's never been able to do it consistently for a full season. This year's no different, but if he can keep this form up down the stretch Tennessee are a team who could upset a one or two favourites in January.

21. Dallas Cowboys (up 3)

Better from the Cowboys, whose fans I'm sure will be very graceful in serving up a big, fat L to their bitterest rivals. It was all about Ezekiel Elliott on Sunday Night Football - that hurdle over Tre Sullivan on his way to a 32-yard was straight out of a video game, and I mean Mario not Madden. Elliott rushed for 151 yards and a score on 19 carries, at an average of 7.9 per touch, and also hauled in 36 yards of passing and a touchdown through the air. Amari Cooper is definitely going to be a factor in Dallas - that first-round pick may not end up looking so ludicrous after all.

20. Denver Broncos (-)

The Broncos spent week 10 resting up ahead of taking over the StubHub Center next Sunday. In the stands only, mind you. On the field the Chargers got this.

19. Baltimore Ravens (-)

The Ravens also spent the weekend recharging their batteries. There are rumours Lamar Jackson might be handed the starting quarterback role when they return to action against the Bengals. That feels like a smart move - the Baltimore offense has been in a slump for a good five or six weeks now, and we've got to the point of the season where it might be gamble or go home.

18. Philadelphia Eagles (-)

I was totally convinced the Eagles were going to pull off a statement win against Dallas this week. My bad. Doug Pederson barely made use of his shiny new toy Golden Tate, which is an especially odd decision given he's only guaranteed to be on the team until the end of the year. Every game counts, and you had a bye week to get him ready. Without him, and without a running game to speak of, Carson Wentz is still having to rely far too heavily on Zach Ertz. The big tight end had 145 yards receiving and caught both of Philly's touchdowns.

17. Houston Texans (down 1)

It's a trip to Washington up next for the Texans as they look to make it seven wins on the bounce fresh off their bye. Houston have the sixth best run defense in the league, which means they have the tools to stop the Redskins' one-dimensional attack. The question is how will Deshaun Watson fare against one of the nest turnover defenses in the NFL?

16. Cincinnati Bengals (down 4)

That week five loss to the Steelers really took it out of Cincinnati, they haven't been quite the same since. They've lost four of their last games, and with that the sense of fun and intrigue that came with their surprisingly explosive start to the season. They were completely humbled by the Saints on Sunday, out of the game before the officials could even blow for half time, and are the not-so-proud owners of what could be the league's worst defense. Andy Dalton can't compensate for that, especially not without AJ Green and Tyler Eifert.

15. Atlanta Falcons (down 4)

The Falcons' shock defeat in Cleveland leaves them on the precipice of irrelevance. All the stats have Atlanta as one of the league's best offenses - they're eighth in points per game and second in third down completion percentage, but they're also a deeply frustrating team throwing away games they should be winning, and you can't blame all of that on injuries. Yes the Falcons have been crippled, but part of being a good NFL franchise is building a roster deep enough to deal with players getting hurt. It's fair to say the Falcons have failed on that front.

14. Seattle Seahawks (up 3)

The Falcons and Seahawks share a 4-5 record, but there's something a little more feisty about Seattle, something more compelling. They have a turnover differential of eight for the season, fourth in the NFL, and are averaging more rushing yards per game than anyone. That's wild when you consider how long the Seahawks' running game had been a glaring weakness. Rashaad Penny finally looked like a first-round pick against the Rams, hitting 100 yards for the first time and also running in his first career touchdown. If he keeps it up there'll be an embarrassment of riches in the Seattle backfield.

13. Green Bay Packers (-)

Talking of statement games by running backs, Aaron Jones torched the Dolphins for 172 yards and two scores on Sunday, proving why it's high time the Packers cut the BS and just made him their feature back. The Green Bay defense also came to play, sacking Brock Osweiler eight times and picked him off once, a gift for Bashaud Breeland which he took right back into the red zone. Even with Aaron Rodgers I don't think the Packers have quite enough to make the postseason, so let's just enjoy what we're given.

12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (down 5)

The Bucs somehow managed more than 500 yards of offense against the Redskins and yet finished with just three points. That's almost inconceivable. Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 406 but also had two very costly, very Fitzpatricky interceptions, which only go part of the way to explaining what the hell was going on in Tampa Bay. Next up for them are the Giants, which is a game that really doesn't matter in the slightest, but for some reason I'm quite looking forward to. Just call me a masochist.

11. Indianapolis Colts (up 4)

I've made no secret of my newfound infatuation with the Colts in these columns, but I won't apologise for it either. Indy are about as fun a 4-5 team as you'll ever see, and I honestly think they finish the season with at least a winning record. The only teams scoring more points than Andrew Luck and co. are the Saints, Chiefs, Rams, Steelers and Bears - all division leaders - and there's no team in the league better at converting third downs. Them beating the Jags this weekend was good for the NFL, and keeps the AFC South as one of the league's most intriguing divisions going into the back end of the season.

10. Cleveland Browns (up 4)

Since firing their offensive-minded head coach and their offensive coordinator and promoting their defensive coordinator to the top job Cleveland's offense has improved significantly. If you're looking for the logic behind that just remember this is the Browns we're talking about. Baker Mayfield had the best game of his young career on Sunday, looking every bit worthy of the number one pick in completing 17 of his 20 passes for 216 yards and three scores. Nick Chubb went off to, battering Atlanta with 176 yards on the ground including a scintillating 92-yard scoring run. More of this, please.

9. Los Angeles Chargers (-)

The Chargers have been stuck around this number nine position for several weeks, and that's because I'm still waiting for them to really blow up on someone, in the same way the Steelers and Saints did this week. Normally we talk about the Chargers blowing up their own season, so this is a marked improvement. The Chargers a team with a very strong identity - Philip Rivers and the dynamic duo of Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler complement each other perfectly, and the defense is biding its time until Joey Bosa finally makes his comeback. Imagine how dangerous these guys will be if he hits the ground running.

8. Carolina Panthers (down 4)

Barring any serious injuries Thursday Night Football could not have gone much worse for the Panthers. After finding the end zone on their opening drive for the first time this season the night turned into a very public car crash. The Steelers scored with their very first play of the game, then scored again seconds later when Cam Newton threw a horrible pick six out of his own end zone. Christian McCaffery was the only source of light - he had 138 yards from scrimmage and a hat-trick of touchdowns, essentially accounting for the entire Carolina offense.

7. Minnesota Vikings (up 1)

The Vikings can thank that Panthers display for letting them move one spot up the ladder despite being on a bye. They're getting thrown right back into the deep end in week 11, with a trip to Chicago on Sunday Night Football. Can't wait for that one.

6. New England Patriots (down 1)

Is that the defeat that might knock the Patriots out of a playoff bye and rob them of home advantage? If so it could be a massive one - the Patriots have played the AFC Championship game in Foxborough each of the last five times they've made the Super Bowl. Through 10 weeks it's now fair to say Tom Brady hasn't been quite the same world-beating quarterback we're all used to - he's missing more passes down the field than before and moving like an old man when he gets outside the pocket. Is he done? No way, he's still easily one of the league's very best and may well guide the Pats to a third straight Super Bowl, but one or two cracks are beginning to show. 

5. Chicago Bears (up 5)

The Bears offense is starting to get hot just at the right time. Mitchell Trubisky was near-perfect behind elite protection against the Lions, completing 23 of his 30 passes for 355 yards and three scores. He also continued to make a claim for being the best rushing QB in the league outside of Cam Newton with yet another designed touchdown run. We already know the defense is frisky. Rookie linebacker Roquan Smith had a big game, finishing with 10 tackles and a sack, and Khalil Mack also put Matthew Stafford on the ground twice on his return from injury.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (up 2)

The Steelers had only had the ball for 13 seconds when they scored their second touchdown against Carolina last Tuesday. This was one of the most devastating performances Pittsburgh have ever produced, absolutely crushing the surging Panthers 52-21 and setting a new record for their most points scored at Heinz Field. Ben Roethlisberger finished the game with five touchdown passes to five different receivers and a perfect passer rating. The defensive line wrecked Cam Newton all night and there was even a pick-six thrown in for good measure. Make no mistake, the Pittsburgh Steelers can win it all this year.

3. Los Angeles Rams (-)

No one is moving the ball better than the LA Rams this season, their 4,480 total yards is over 200 more than their nearest rival. Todd Gurley, Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods all had 100--yard games on Sunday night, and Jared Goff's 318-yard, two-touchdown performance was the sixth time in 10 games he's passed the 300-yard milestones this season. Their heavyweight battle with the Chiefs on Monday Night Football is going to be one worth ruining your Tuesday for.

2. Kansas City Chiefs (down 1)

The Chiefs have finally been dislodged from the top spot, and who'da thought the Cardinals would play a hand in it?! Arizona did the best job of anyone all season stopping Kansas City's multi-tool offense, snuffing out a number of defense-breaking plays before they even had a chance to develop. Yes the Chiefs still won comfortably but they 'only' scored 26 points - what an absolute embarrassment. Is this the sign of things to come for the Chiefs, or does Andy Reid have more tricks up his sleeve for the late-season? I vote option two.

1. New Orleans Saints (up 1)

The Saints were very close to taking the number one spot last week, so a 51-14 mauling of the Bengals is definitely enough to get them over the hump. Drew Brees was faultless again, completing 22 of his 25 passes for 265 yards and three scores before making way for Teddy Bridgewater, and Sean Payton continued to make ingenious use of Taysom Hill. Would any other play caller in the league be so creative in getting their third-string QB on the field? The Saints are marching boldly on to the postseason after dealing with the Vikings, Rams and Bengals in quick succession, and without a huge amount of trouble. Are these your Super Bowl LIII champions?