New York Jets holding on as top team in NFL Power Rankings; New Orleans Saints fifth

The New York Jets are playing the way Coach Rex Ryan figured they could all along. Since losing 9-0 to the Green Bay Packers on Halloween, the Jets have rolled off four straight wins, while holding on to their No.1 ranking in the latest NFL Power Rankings by The Times-Picayune.
But that spot thoroughly will be tested Monday when the Jets take on AFC East Rival and No. 3-ranked New England Patriots. The Jets defeated the Patriots 28-14 in Week 2, but since then the Patriots have been one of the hottest teams in the league.

While both of those teams can easily stake their claim of being the best in the NFL, No. 2-ranked Atlanta Falcons, who beat the Green Bay Packers in overtime on Sunday, has been getting strong consideration as well.
The defending Super Bowl Champion Saints continue to rank fifth, one spot behind the Baltimore Ravens.
Here are the rankings:
TIMES-PICAYUNE NFL TEAM POWER RANKINGS
Rank (LW) Team Record Comment
1 (1) Jets 9-2-0 The Jets are off to their second-best start in franchise history.
2 (2) Falcons 9-2-0 Falcons remain in the driver's seat in the NFC.
3 (3) Patriots 9-2-0 Tom Brady turned in the second perfect passer rating of his career.
4 (4) Ravens 8-3-0 The Ravens have never lost at home against an NFC team under Coach John Harbaugh.
5 (5) Saints 8-3-0 The Saints are keeping Falcons within reaching distance.
6 (7) Steelers 8-3-0 Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall could be critical down the stretch.
7 (10) Bears 8-3-0 It may be time to stop doubting the Bears.
8 (6) Eagles 7-4-0 Mike Vick finally threw an interception, and it cost the Eagles.
9 (8) Packers 7-4-0 Loss to the Falcons hurts, as Packers now trail Bears in NFC North .
10 (11) Giants 7-4-0 Giants score a comeback win to get back into a tie for NFC East lead.
11 (9) Buccaneers 7-4-0 The Bucs have not beaten a team with a winning record this season.
12 (13) Chargers 6-5-0 Chargers have won four straight games.
13 (14) Dolphins 6-5-0 Dolphins improved to 5-1 on the road, but their problems have occurred when playing at home.
14 (17) Chiefs 7-4-0 Former LSU standout Dwayne Bowe is moving into the NFL's top echelon of receivers.
15 (12) Colts 6-5-0 Peyton Manning struggled mightily against the Chargers, throwing four INTs.
16 (15) Jaguars 6-5-0 The Jaguars have struggled this season when they fail to score more than 20 points.
17 (20) Texans 5-6-0 Texans recorded their first home shutout in franchise history.
18 (25) Vikings 4-7-0 Looks like interim coach Leslie Frazier made a difference.
19 (16) Redskins 5-6-0 Redskins have lost three of their last four games.
20 (18) Titans 5-6-0 What happened to Chris Johnson?
21 (19) Raiders 5-6-0 Bruce Gradkowski wasn't the answer at QB.
22 (23) Rams 5-6-0 Rams won their first road game of the season.
23 (22) 49ers 4-7-0 Brian Westbrook looked good while stepping in for Frank Gore.
24 (21) Seahawks 5-6-0 Seahawks have allowed at least 33 points in four of their last five games.
25 (24) Cowboys 3-8-0 Jason Garrett may be the right guy in Dallas, even after the loss to the Saints.
26 (26) Browns 4-7-0 The Browns are still hanging on to their slim hopes of recording a winning season.
27 (27) Broncos 3-8-0
Have lost six of their last seven games.
28 (28) Cardinals 3-8-0 Cardinals have lost six straight games.
29 (29) Bills 2-9-0 Almost pulled off an upset against the Steelers.
30 (30) Bengals 2-9-0 The Bengals haven't won a game since Sept. 26.
31 (31) Lions 2-9-0 Four of their last five games are against teams with winning records.
32 (32) Panthers 1-10-0 Came up just short against the Browns.

For the rest of this article please go to www.nola.com