The Falcons remain the only undefeated team in the NFL at 8-0 and fly atop the WEEI NFL Power Rankings once again. Breathing down their necks for the No. 1 spot in the conference are the Bears. Chicago finally moves into the NFC-dominated top five after an impressive performance against the Titans.

We’re nine weeks into the season, and one of the main storylines has been the emergence of the rookies. Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, Ryan Tannehill, Russell Wilson and Doug Martin all have made significant impacts. Luck has helped lift the Colts all the way to the No. 15 spot.

Week 10 games to watch: No. 2 Texans at No. 5 Bears, No. 12 Cowboys at No. 20 Eagles, and No. 1 Falcons at No. 17 Saints.

Click here to listen to Mut, Merloni, and Zarbano discuss this edition of the NFL Power Rankings.

1. (1) Falcons (8-0) — They’ve found a way to win in each of their eight games, and that’s all that matters. Since 1978, 15 teams have started the season 8-0, and six have gone on to win the Super Bowl.

2. (2) Texans (7-1) — The three-headed offensive attack of Matt Schaub, Arian Foster and Andre Johnson was in full force on Sunday. The Texans have a lot of talent on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.

3. (4) 49ers (6-2) — The Niners have a great opportunity to deliver a second championship to the city of San Francisco in five months. Coming off an impressive overall performance, this team has proven why it is one of the most balanced in the league.

4. (5) Packers (6-3) — The bye week couldn’t come at a better time for a decimated Packers team. Clay Matthews, Jordy Nelson and Greg Jennings are just a few of the key players who are nursing injuries.

5. (6) Bears (7-1) — The Bears will have an opportunity to prove they are an elite team in the NFL the next two weeks when they take on the Texans and then the 49ers. The Bears defense loves to score, with seven interception returns for touchdowns.

6. (7) Patriots (5-3) — Give the Patriots credit for upgrading at a position that was a serious weakness. The Aqib Talib acquisition has the potential to be a difference-maker as to whether the team reaches the Super Bowl or not.

7. (10) Steelers (5-3) — What has gotten into the Steelers run game? Pittsburgh running backs have rushed for over 100 yards in three straight games. The added production has done wonders for Ben Roethlisberger and the offense.

8. (8) Ravens (6-2) — Many were calling for more carries for Ray Rice, and it seems like John Harbaugh listened. Rice had a season-high 25 carries against the Browns. Ravens fans now should worry about the injuries that have decimated the defense. A number of starters are out and Haloti Ngata is playing through a bevy of injuries.

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