Is the balance of power shifting in the NFL? 

Over the past five years its been thought that the NFC, top to bottom, has been better than the AFC. 

Take a look at 2014, however. 

To date, 11 AFC teams have records above .500, opposed to seven in the NFC. 

Certainly there is more to factor in than just that, but when you actually sit down and take a look at it, there are more teams that I trust are viable contenders to win the Super Bowl in the AFC then there are in the NFC. 

That could all change of course, and the fact that there are currently six teams in the AFC with five wins will sort it self out, as some are likely to falter while others rise. 

Let’s take a look, however, at what this week has to offer. 

A 10-3 Week 9 has me at 90-43-1. 

Let’s go!

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Cleveland (5-3) at Cincinnati (5-2-1)

The battle for Ohio all of a sudden has something on the line, as the AFC North is continuing to play at a historic pace through nine weeks, with every team still over .500.

The Browns haven’t exactly lit the world on fire with wins against the hapless Raiders and Buccaneers the past two weeks, but they are wins nonetheless. 

After a rough stretch against the Patriots, Panthers and Colts, the Bengals have rallied to win two straight over Baltimore and Jacksonville. 

I just don’t trust Cleveland’s offense enough at this point, even though I believe in its defense … CINCINNATI 21, CLEVELAND 17

Pittsburgh (6-3) at N.Y. Jets (1-8)

Are the Steelers past the point of losing games like this? 

Will Ben Roethlisberger’s historic run continue, or will Pittsburgh slip back into inconsistency and playing down to their competition?

I just don’t see that happening against the Jets … PITTSBURGH 42, N.Y. JETS 24

Kansas City (5-3) at Buffalo (5-3)

I just don’t know what to make of the Bills at this point. 

Sammy Watkins is perhaps the most exciting rookie in the league, as he showed off in many ways against the Jets. 

However, the injuries they have sustained on the offensive side of the ball are significant and I just don’t trust Kyle Orton against the league’s No. 1 pass defense, not even at home. 

Kansas City has won three straight and I think they make it four … KANSAS CITY 24, BUFFALO 20

Miami (5-3) at Detroit (6-2)

The Dolphins looked like legitimate contenders last week, destroying San Diego 37-0, earning their first shutout since 2006. 

Detroit has looked like a contender all season long and come in well-rested after a Week 9 bye. 

Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush are both expected back in the lineup for the Lions and I like them to keep rolling … DETROIT 30, MIAMI 24

Dallas (6-3)  at Jacksonville (1-8) 

Jacksonville showed signs of life against Cincinnati, but I just don’t think, even without Tony Romo, that Dallas finds a way to lose to them … DALLAS 31, JACKSONVILLE 20

San Francisco (4-4) at New Orleans (4-4)

The Saints have won two straight and the 49ers have lost two in a row. I think those trends will continue … NEW ORLEANS 28, SAN FRANCISCO 24

Tennessee (2-6) at Baltimore (5-4)

I don’t think Baltimore have any trouble bouncing back from a tough loss against the Steelers … BALTIMORE 31, TENNESSEE 17

Atlanta (2-6) at Tampa Bay (1-7)

I feel bad for whoever has to watch this game … ATLANTA 24, TAMPA BAY 21

Denver (6-2) at Oakland (0-8)

The Raiders are going to get there first win this week, I can feel it! OK, maybe not … DENVER 37, OAKLAND 24

St. Louis (3-5) at Arizona (7-1)

Arizona is the real deal … ARIZONA 26, ST. LOUIS 17 

N.Y. Giants (3-5) at Seattle (5-3)

The Giants couldn’t beat a good Indianapolis team at home, I don’ think they’ll go on the road and beat a good Seattle team … SEATTLE 24, N.Y. GIANTS 21

Chicago (3-5) at Green Bay (5-3)

Relax, the Packers will have a field day with Jay Cutler … GREEN BAY 35, CHICAGO 21

Carolina (3-5-1) at Philadelphia (6-2)

Can Mark Sanchez keep the Eagles rolling? I say yes … PHILADELPHIA 30, CAROLINA 20