2013 NFL Power Rankings: Winning Stats Edition - Week Nine

We're halfway through the season now, so I think it's about time we take a look at which teams the Winning Stats say are the best in the league, who has played the toughest (and easiest) schedules, and who has played the most consistent (hint: it isn't the Colts).

I'll do my best to give these on a weekly basis, but there may be a week here or there where they don't change very much, or I run out of time. These rankings aren't just record based, like you'll see with pretty much every other Power Ranking. These are opponent-adjusted and based on our sixteen Winning Stats. In fact, the #1 team in our rankings you won't see anywhere else as the top team. Let's find out who it is (click on any column header to sort):

Power Rankings:

The Colts sit at 10th overall, 6th on Offense and 19th on Defense (but you knew that from yesterday). You see the Panthers as our #1 team, ranking in the top 6 in both Offense and Defense. You also see the undefeated Chiefs sit at #4 with the best Defense in the league, and the Chargers (yes, Chargers) with the #1 Offense. The Jaguars are at the bottom, and you can't really argue with that, right?

Strength of Schedule:

The Colts have played the 20th toughest schedule so far this season, with the Defense definitely playing a tougher schedule than the Offense. Going forward they'll play a slightly tougher schedule overall, but it'll be almost exclusively on the Offensive side of the ball where it'll be tougher, ranking 2nd toughest. The Cardinals have played the toughest schedule so far, while the Broncos and Chiefs have had the easiest schedules.

It's pretty interesting that most teams that have played a tough schedule so far will get a much easier road, and the teams with easy schedule so far are getting much tougher. The Chiefs Defense is interesting, having played the 2nd easiest schedule (and still being tops in the NFL after adjustments), but have the toughest schedule going forward.

Consistency:

It doesn't take an expert to tell you how inconsistent the Colts have been on both sides of the ball, and you can see by these numbers you never really know what you'll get with the Colts. The Lions check in as the most consistent team.

Later today I'll have the best and worst games so far this season, which includes a couple Colts games (thankfully none on the "worst" lists.