ESPN released their week nine NFL Power Rankings and have given the 49ers the nod at the second position over the Pittsburgh Steelers. There has been debate as to whether the Steelers are the second best team in the country, but the 49ers have their own legitimate argue for the spot.
The Steelers are coming off a victory over the New England Patriots and have won four straight. They are one of the hottest teams in the NFL. The 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 in a game that was far from perfect. However, the 49ers are also one overtime loss to the Dallas Cowboys away from being undefeated. That is often forgotten as people rush to heap praise upon the more recently successful Steelers.
The Oakland Raiders were dropped two spots fro No. 15 to No. 17 as they come out of their bye hoping for a little something better from Carson Palmer. They have a host of talent at the skill positions and with Kansas City taking down San Diego, the AFC West is wide open and there for the taking. The three West teams are ranked 15 (Chargers), 17 (Raiders) and 18 (Chiefs) and that seems just about fitting given how tight it is.
Here are the top ten according to ESPN:
1. Green Bay Packers
2. San Francisco 49ers
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
4. Baltimore Ravens
5. New England Patriots
6. New Orleans Saints
7. Buffalo Bills
8. Detroit Lions
9. New York Giants
10. Chicago Bears