Las Vegas Sports Consultants has released its latest power rankings, as there were several changes inside the top five this week, despite none of the those teams losing. The major moves were made in the middle of the rankings, as the Bengals and Packers were involved in the biggest shifts.
The Saints still remain in the top position this week, as New Orleans rallied past Carolina, 30-20. Sean Payton's squad didn't cover for the second straight week, but New Orleans is up to 8-0, as the Saints travel to St. Louis to battle the 1-7 Rams.
New England moved up one spot to second after picking up its sixth win on the season, beating Miami, 27-17. After splitting the first two games, the Pats have won five of their last six games, including four by double-digits. Bill Belichick's team heads to Indianapolis on Sunday night to take on the undefeated Colts.
Peyton Manning and the Colts dropped from second to fourth, despite an 8-0 record. Indianapolis held off Houston, 20-17, but the Colts have not covered either of their last two wins. Indianapolis is 4-1 SU/ATS the last five meetings against New England heading into their Sunday showdown.
The Steelers jumped the Colts to take the third position this week after beating the Broncos on Monday Night. Pittsburgh sits atop the AFC North alongside Cincinnati at 6-2, as the two teams meet up on Sunday at Heinz Field. The Steelers look for the series split after losing in Cincinnati back in Week 3.
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The Vikings fell from fifth to fourth even though Minnesota did not lose last Sunday. Minnesota is coming off the bye at 7-1, owning a three-game lead in the division over both Green Bay and Chicago. The Vikes are at home this week against the lowly Lions, then host the Seahawks and Bears.
The Chargers came back to shock the Giants, 21-20, as the Bolts made a significant move up the rankings from 13th to 10th. San Diego is back in the AFC West race at 5-3, sitting one game back of Denver. The Broncos dropped from 11th to 14th after their second straight loss following a 6-0 start. Denver tries to rebound this week heading to Washington to take on the stumbling Redskins.
The biggest movers this week were Cincinnati and Green Bay. The Bengals vaulted from 16th to 12th after pulling off the season sweep of the Ravens, 17-7. Cincinnati improved to 6-2 with the win, as Marvin Lewis' team gets set for the huge road showdown with the Steelers on Sunday. The Packers, meanwhile, dropped from 12th to 16th following an embarrassing loss to the previously winless Bucs, 38-28. Green Bay is down to 4-4, as their playoff hopes are slowly fading, while the hosting the 6-2 Cowboys this Sunday.
