The Steelers may be closing in on the Chiefs, but all eyes will be on the Chiefs as they face off against the Raiders next week. Here are my newest top 10 teams:

1. Kansas City Chiefs (8-1)
The Chiefs get another shot at beating the Raiders this week after losing to them in week five. This is a big game for the rest of the league because it may shed some light on how to beat this Chiefs’ team. Also, Le’veon Bell has not been the same player that he was with Pittsburgh as of yet and he is taking Clyde Edwards snaps. This needs to be figured out going forward and especially when playoff time comes around.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-0)
The Steelers remain undefeated after beating up on division rivals Bengals 36-10. Even after Ben Roethlisberger was out all week at practice he still managed to have one of his best games of the season throwing four touchdowns. However, the run game has been terrible for the Steelers the past three weeks. Eventually, the Steelers will have to rely on the run game and whether they can or not will be seen. The defense of the Steelers again this week proved why they are top in the league shutting down a hot Joe Burrow. An undefeated season is becoming more and more likely.

3. New Orleans Saints (7-2)
The Saints were finally on a roll, but Drew Brees was hit with a nasty rib injury. The Saints do have a deep QB room with Winston and Hill that they could get by for some weeks. But, when healthy, the Saints seem to be the most balanced team in the NFC. Kamara is making his case for MVP this year and the return of Michael Thomas has proven to help the offensive struggles prior.

4. Green Bay Packers (7-2)
The Packers played down to their competition this week against the Jaguars just squeaking by with 24-20. The Packers need to be clicking on cylinders when they meet a formidable opponent. However, will they when the time comes? The defense is still questionable and will be until someone fills those holes on that side of the ball. Rodgers is also slowly taking over Russell Wilson’s spot as MVP.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-3)
It was a dominant win against the Panthers 46-23. The up and down season continues for this team after last week’s blowout loss to this week’s blowout win. On paper, this team is capable of anything. It’s just a matter if they live up to it and do it. With the injury of Brees for the Saints, it’s a prime time to take the division from the Saints. If the Buccaneers string off some quality wins in the closing weeks and ride that momentum into the playoffs it’ll be huge.

6. Arizona Cardinals (6-3)
The Cardinals are now getting hot at the right time with their playoff push. The connection between Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins continues to grow as one of the best in the league. After last week’s huge win over the Bills on the last play heave to Hopkins into triple coverage, the Cardinals have a true chance to win the division with the Seahawks struggling. Murray is also in the MVP talks. It’s looking better and better for the Cardinals going forward.

7. Baltimore Ravens (6-3)
The Ravens lost to a desperate Patriots team 23-17. The offensive struggles have become evident to the rest of the league. The formula seems to just make Lamar Jackson throw the ball and you will win. This is not all Jackson’s fault as his receivers aren’t the greatest. However, as an MVP caliber player, he should be able to lift the team up. Defensively they are still one of the best in the league. Injuries are also piling up at key positions and the Ravens will more than likely not retain their division title. If Jackson and the offense can find that spark they had last season they could be right back to contend for the Superbowl, but right now they are fighting for a playoff spot.

8. Buffalo Bills (7-3)
It was a heartbreaking last-second loss to the Cardinals in week 10. The Bills still played a good game against a good team. It had looked at the time that Josh Allen led a game-winning drive for the Bills with a beautiful touchdown to Steffon Diggs. Although so far in their biggest games of the season the Bills have lost the majority. If they can get those wins against the tough opponents they’d be solidified at the top because they are more than capable.

9. Seattle Seahawks (6-3)
Seattle seems to be falling apart after a great start to the season. This seems to all start with the poor performance of the defense. Russell Wilson does too much to overcome the faults on defense and it ends up hurting themselves. This can be fixed one of two ways, either the defense steps up or Wilson doesn’t force plays. Also, a running game would help a ton to take the pressure off of Wilson. If Seattle can fix these issues they can get right back where they were.

10. Las Vegas Raiders (6-3)
Quietly the Raiders are having a great season. They are on a three-game winning streak and face a huge test against the Chiefs this week. This seems to be the most comfortable Derek Carr has looked in years. The Raiders have a true offense now. Their defense however is not the best and will probably be their downfall at some crucial point in the season.

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