The last unbeaten team in the NFL lost on Sunday, as the Atlanta Falcons dropped 31-27 on the road to NFC South rival New Orleans. The Falcons certainly had their chances, but at the end of the day were unable to convert on a couple of goal line chances late in the fourth quarter.
Atlanta has been at the top of our power rankings for the last several weeks, so how will this loss affect the way that we rate them now?
Well, let’s take a look at the latest power rankings heading into Week 11 of the NFL Season.
1. Atlanta Falcons
In spite of the loss, the Falcons still occupy the top slot here, mainly because of what else transpired during the entertaining Week 10 of the season. The Falcons will have to respond to losing for the first time this season, so you can bet we’ll be watching to see how they recover. Those missed opportunities to score late, especially on that second-to-last drive cost the Falcons a 9-0 record.
2. Houston Texans
When you go on the road and beat our No.2 ranked team from last season , you get some props and move up the chain here. The Texans defeated the Chicago Bears on Sunday night in an ugly game, full of rain and sloppy play. Houston did not have to deal with Jay Cutler in the second half though, as he was knocked out and did not return due to injury.
3. Chicago Bears
The Bears and Texans essentially just flip spots this week. Chicago’s defense was very solid against Houston, but the offense remains the biggest question. And those questions are not helped by the fact that cutler was injured in Sunday night’s contest. Cutler will be key to how far Chicago goes this season.
4. New England Patriots
the patriots haven’t made much noise this season but they have put together a nice three-game win-streak to crawl out of that early hole and to the top of the AFC East at 6-3. Tom Brady is playing well, and the Patriots appear to be on track to another playoff berth and a chance at a Super Bowl berth for a second-straight season. A Patriots.Texans AFC Championship game would be a lot of fun.
5. New Orleans Saints
This obviously has nothing to do with ranking, and everything to do with the eyeball test. The Saints have won a couple games in a row, including handing Atlanta their first loss. New Orleans looks like the most dangerous team in the NFC right now, and no team wants to face them.