The new Bortstein Power Rankings, with the latest additions to the Fox Flush and more...
1 -- NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (Up one spot)
Doesn't this seem all too familiar at this point? A slow start, followed by a few tweaks here and a couple twists there. A big win on primetime without Rob Gronkowski over a proud Green Bay team has a certain ring to it as well. Big game on the road at Tennessee this weekend a chance to verify the top spot.
2 -- NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (Up one spot)
I debated putting them atop the rankings, and would have done so had last Sunday's victory over the Rams ended at the halftime whistle. For all the changes they've made defensively, it's clear there's still some holes out there. Brees is other-worldly at this point of the season and there's no reason they shouldn't work over a reeling Bengals team.
3 -- KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (Up one spot)
They continue to do what needs to be done, so I can't fault them for that. Patrick Mahomes is making all the right decisions and is making a clear case for MVP. They don't get much of a challenge this weekend against the Cardinals either.
4 -- LOS ANGELES RAMS (Down three spots)
This isn't an indictment of the Rams offense, but more than anything a major question mark regarding their defense. They got brutally exposed by one of the best and most diverse offensive squads in the NFL, which to their benefit, they won't face anything like that this weekend at home against Seattle. Not having to carry the burden of the "perfect season" might actually be in their best interest.
5 -- LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (No change)
Two division rivals in the next two weeks will go a long way in establishing themselves as the team to fear in the AFC West. Philip Rivers is having one of his best seasons, and Melvin Gordon has rushed for more than 100 yards in three of his last four games.
6 -- CAROLINA PANTHERS (No change)
7 -- PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (No change)
8 -- PITTSBURGH STEELERS (No change)
9 -- HOUSTON TEXANS (No change)
10 -- CHICAGO BEARS (No change)
Removed from last week's list
None
THE UPDATED FOX FLUSH
AFC - CLEVELAND BROWNS (Already flushed: Houston, Oakland, NY Jets, Pittsburgh, Miami, Denver, Cincinnati, Jacksonville)
NFC - GREEN BAY PACKERS (Already flushed: Atlanta, Seattle, Tampa Bay, NY Giants, Dallas, San Francisco, Arizona, Detroit)