Here are the first power rankings of the year. Of course, this is not only subjective in terms of my opinions of each team that won or lost in their quality over the Weekend, but also about my perceived quality of that team coming into the season.
I'm using this as kind of a week-in-review type piece unless I have enough time to write a separate one. I've added two sections at the bottom where I quickly just review how my picks went, including the lock and upset picks, and then rank the next weeks games in terms of their attractiveness.
32.) Miami Dolphins (0-1 = PF-PA: 10-30)
Thank God they got that special teams TD, because that was just a sad, sad performance. They didn't even play good enough to force the Texans to really try at all that second half. This was a tough spot for the Dolphins, to go into one of the best teams in the NFL, and Ryan Tannehill looked it. He seemed completely flustered, as did much of that team. I honestly think it is going to get worse, much worse.
31.) Cleveland Browns (0-1 = 16-17)
Even if the Browns held off that Eagles comeback, they would be in the bottom five. The defense looked good, but they mostly capitalized on an awful day by Mike Vick. Brandon Weeden barely had more yards per attempt than Trent Richardson had yards per rush, and that is even worse since Richardson barely had 2.0 yards per rush. That offense is a mess, which is sad since their o-line is actually pretty good.
30.) Tennessee Titans (0-1 = 13-34)
There are this low for two reasons: 1.) Jake Locker is hurt again and Matt Hasselbeck is now in the building, and 2.) Chris Johnson looks like Chris Johnson from the first half of last season, which is not any good at all. Nate Washington also got hurt. That was about as bad a result as the Titans could have gotten. I feel dirty for even picking them to cover. I now this team isn't all that good, and I went against my own prediction.
29.) Indianapolis Colts (0-1 = 21-41)
It started out so well, but.. poof, it was gone. Andrew Luck looked really skittish, and I blame that mostly on an o-line that is just pathetic. Other than LT Anthony Costanzo, they can barely stop anyone. Their guards will get whipped all year long. Their defense just crashed after Freeney went out. This is a team that will get better, and had a tough assignment, but that was an absolute failure.
28.) St. Louis Rams (0-1 = 23-27)
Sam Bradford had a nice game against heavy pressure, but that was about the only good news for the Rams. They played really hard, and they always will for Fisher, but that doesn't make them a good team. Steven Jackson looked slow. Their defense looked slow against the run (I mean, Kevin Smith should not be rushing for nearly 5 yards per carry). Cortland Finnegan does seem to be a nice pickup.
27.) Minnesota Vikings (1-0 = 26-23)
That was a very good game between two teams bad enough to make each other look competent. Adrian Peterson is just a monster. It is stunning how well he has come back from that ACL injury. Christian Ponder looked nice, and that o-line looked pretty good. But at the end of the day, they were at home against the worst starting QB in the NFL and made him look pretty competent.
26.) Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1 = 23-26)
That was a very good game between two teams bad enough to make each other look competent. Maurice Jones-Drew is just a monster. It is stunning how well he has come back from that holdout. Blaine Gabbert looked nice, and that o-line looked pretty good. But at the end of the day, they were at home against one of the five worst starting QBs in the NFL and made him look pretty competent.
25.) Kansas City Chiefs (0-1 = 24-40)
The Chiefs are who I thought they were. Yes, they were missing Tamba Hali, and despite him being a Top-25 player, I don't think he means that much. I still think the Chiefs are the worst team in the AFC West. Matt Cassel looked positively liked Matt Cassel, and Peyton Hillis looked like Peyton Hillis. Their o-line played awfully. Their defense didn't have a chance in hell of stopping that Falcons unit. And all this happened at home. For the 2nd straight year, the Chiefs gave up 40+ in Week 1 in Arrowhead.
24.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0 = 16-10)
The Buccaneers won, but mainly because of a nearly impossible-to-repeat performance by their rush defense. That will not happen again. A team doesn't go from being the worst rush defense in the NFL to the best rush defense of all time in one year. When their rush defense returns to normal, their results will return to what they really should be. Nice dink-and-dunk game by Freeman too.
23.) Carolina Panthers (0-1 = 10-16)
Yeah, I'm putting them ahead of the Bucs. First, Cam is still better than Josh Freeman. Steve Smith is still a God. DeAngela will not have -1 yards on 6 carries again. That defense also looked a lot better than they did last year. That will also regress back to their true level, but if the Panthers and Buccaneers played tomorrow, I'm still picking the Panthers.
22.) Buffalo Bills (0-1 = 28-48)
I'm going to wait a couple more weeks to accurately judge Ryan Fitzpatrick. Yes, that was a terrible game, and yes he is coming off of a terrible second half, but the Jets defense has often given Fitzpatrick a world of trouble. CJ Spiller looked really, really good on Sunday, but that defense didn't do a thing. I'm not surprised that Kyle Williams and Marcel Dareus didn't do much, but that's mainly because of one Mr. Nicholas Mangold.
21.) Cincinnati Bengals (0-1 = 13-44)
The Bengals were playing really, really impressively until that successful challenge by Harbaugh to force a 4th down when the Bengals were trailing 17-13. Ever that, the game went away from them. Andy Dalton started strong, but didn't respond to well to that adversity, but it is hard to do in Baltimore in a prime-time game. BenJarvus looked really good, though.
20.) Arizona Cardinals (1-0 = 20-16)
They are ranked below the team they just beat mainly because they are back in that state of flux with their QBs, with Skelton leaving and Kolb replacing him and playing pretty well. The Cardinals defense was as advertised, but their offense really struggled. Admittedly, the Seahawks do have a good defense, but their run game was just pitiful. Beanie Wells looked lost.
19.) Oakland Raiders (0-1 = 14-22)
I'm to angry about this game to say much. Fuck Travis Goethal, and can Denarius Moore and Jacoby Ford ever be healthy?
18.) Seattle Seahawks (0-1 = 16-20)
I still like them over the course of the season more than the Cardinals mainly because I think Russell Wilson and potentially Matt Flynn would do a better job than Kolb/Skelton. What was surprising was how flaccid the Seahawks pass rush seemed. They couldn't establish much pressure for any length of time in that game against one of the worst o-lines in the NFL.
17.) Philadelphia Eagles (0-1 = 17-16)
The Eagles were a complete mess, but at least they pulled out the game in the end. Michael Vick looked bad, but he probably won't have another four-pick game again. They also have to try more to get a run game going. The good sign was that the Eagles defense looked awesome. Nnamdi was doing his thing (blanketing), while DRC his (picking). Their d-line wasn't great, but man those linebackers were an improvement over last year.
16.) New Orleans Saints (0-1 = 32-40)
Bill Simmons made a good point in his NFL preview column. Considering he was writing about the NFL, that is quite rare, but a good point it was. He said that it is ridiculous to think the loss of Sean Payton will have little effect on the Saints chances after the media has spent the last five years saying just how good a coach Payton is. All I know is Drew Brees completed less than half of his passes, the run game sucked, and the defense looked as bad as ever.
15.) Detroit Lions (1-0 = 27-23)
That was a messy win, but a win nonetheless. Calvin Johnson looked good, but that TD record is probably safe. The Lions pass rush looked like they were playing in midseason form, as Ndamukong Suh had a monster game. Their running game also seemed alive. The only problem the Lions really had was Stafford's three interceptions, but they showed resolve getting past that.
14.) San Diego Chargers (0-1 = 22-14)
I don't know if they win that game even if Travis Goetheld didn't reinvent the position of long-snapper, but Rivers looked good, never really putting the ball in harms way like he did so often last season. The run game was awful, but their defense was really good for much of the night. That was a big win for the Chargers after the complete mess to end 2011.
13.) Washington Redskins (1-0 = 40-32)
I don't want to overreact to one single win, but man was that impressive. The only thing better than RGIII's play was Shanahan's game plan and play-calling. They made him feel totally comfortable in that offense, running easy screens and zone reads. Just great stuff from a Head Coach who looks like he's enjoying himself for the first time in Washington.
12.) Dallas Cowboys (1-0 = 24-17)
As long as Murray, Bryant and Austin stay healthy, the Cowboys will be a good team, but they did something again that I've harped on since 2009 (my first year blogging). They put up over 400 yards but only 24 points. That season, they averaged 400 yards a game (2nd in the NFL) but scored just 24 points a game (11th). It was kind of similar this weekend. Still, one year after they melted down and lost a 24-10 lead to the Jets, they closed the deal. Now they just have to figure out how to beat the Giants in Jerry World.
11.) New York Jets (1-0 = 48-28)
That was probably the zenith of offense in the Rex Ryan era. Mark Sanchez looked terrific other than that bonehead pick. Their o-line dominated their individual matchups against the Bills. Darrelle Revis was in fine form, as was the rest of the pass defense. That said, what was up with the run D? That has to get better if they want to challenge New England.
10.) New York Giants (0-1 = 17-24)
The Giants have a propensity to lay eggs at home, and many times to the Cowboys (who've won four of the last five meetings in New York when Romo's played) or Redskins. This isn't unusual, but they better turn it around soon, as after the Bucs they go to Carolina on Thursday, then travel to Philly for a SNF game. Big games are ahead.
9.) Pittsburgh Steelers (0-1 = 19-31)
That was a tough position to be in, playing without Ryan Clark and James Harrison. They get those two back this weekend, and that will come in handy against the Jets this weekend. The offense looked fine except for the running game which was understandably awful without their top two runners. I'll say it now, after he retires, I will miss Ben Roethlisberger. Never have I seen a player quite like him.
8.) Atlanta Falcons (1-0 = 40-24)
That was a great win for them. Each of the past two seasons they opened up on the road against a good but not great opponent (Chicago last year, Steelers without suspended Ben in 2010) and lost. Here they laid the smack down in the 2nd half. Matt Ryan looked great. It is hard to believe that he is still just in his 5th year in the league, but he looks comfortable. Now, though, he'll have to face a pass rush again.
7.) Green Bay Packers (0-1 = 22-30)
We'll there goes that dilemma of having to always place the Defending Champ #1 until they lose. They made it easy for me. For the second straight game, the Packers just couldn't get anything deep on offense, and Rodgers was severely limited. Just short throw after short throw, and when the defense is bad enough, that just won't do it. Their pass rush seems better, but their coverage is just as bad as it was in 2011 if not worse.
6.) Denver Broncos (1-0 = 31-19)
I'm not going to overrate them (Surprised, but they came out as the #1 team in Football Outsiders' DVOA ratings after Week 1), but I think they'll get better. That no-huddle can be lethal in Denver. The Steelers just looked gassed. I really want to know, though, is if the pass rush that dominated late can show itself more in the games. Ben is probably better at converting 3rd-and-longs like that than any other QB, but that can't keep happening.
5.) Chicago Bears (1-0 = 41-21)
What the hell happened in the beginning? Jay Cutler starts 1-10 with a pick. Ends 20-25 with two TDs. Overall, the game was about as good as it could be for the Bears. Their pass rush was great (against an admittedly awful line). They flustered Andrew Luck. Their secondary played great. Brandon Marshall and Jay Cutler seem to have not missed a beat since 2009. Everything is working. Now comes the real test. Can they beat the Packers when they are down.
4.) San Francisco 49ers (1-0 = 30-22)
I don't know why I fell for the Seahawks. I love watching the 49ers play. I love defense, and other than Baltimore and Pittsburgh, the 49ers are the most dynamic, dominant defense I have seen in some time (maybe since Tennessee in 2008, or Chicago 2005-2006). They are just so loaded. Their offense looks to be improved from last year. Undoubtedly they will turn the ball over more, but still, the acquisitions of Mario Manningham and Randy Moss have seemed to work so far. Scary Thought: Peyton Manning almost went here, rememeber.
3.) New England Patriots (1-0 = 34-13)
That was a classic 2004 Patriots win. Brady didn't go deep a lot and hit a lot underneath. He was cool and efficient. Their running game took advantage of a bad run defense. Their defense made big plays. I would like to see them do it against a better team, but that was a good start from a Patriots team that looks like it is at least trying to be more of what it was when they won Super Bowls.
2.) Houston Texans (1-0 = 30-10)
Scary part about the Texans is they didn't even play all that well in Week 1, at least on offense. JJ Watt looks like a future Hall-of-Famer so far in his one year and one game career, and the rest of that pass rush is still fearsome. Their defense just flew around that field against a bad offense. The offense needs to get better, but I trust them. Foster still had two TDs. Andre Johnson still had a TD catch and over 100 yards. Matt Schaub didn't throw a pick. they noticeably shut it down in the 2nd half. We'll see more in two weeks when they go to Denver.
1.) Baltimore Ravens (1-0 = 44-13)
I think I picked the wrong AFC North team this year to fall back. The Bengals did play with them for a half, but they had to work for each yard (and twice converted 4th downs - where did those balls come from, Marvin?). After that overturned tackle by Lewis, it was a wrap. Pick-Six by Ed (cherish him now). Sacks abound. Haloti still unblockable. I think they miss Suggs, but with that improved offense, it might not matter too much.
Postseason Projections will start after Week 3.
*New Section*
Look Back at the Previous Weeks' Picks
Giants -4 (WRONG = 0-1)
Bears -10 (CORRECT = 1-1)
Eagles -9 (WRONG = 1-2)
Jets -3 (CORRECT = 2-2)
Saints -7.5 (WRONG = 2-3)
Titans +5 (WRONG = 2-4)
Jaguars +3.5 (CORRECT = 3-4)
Texans -12 (CORRECT = 4-4) (LOCK OF THE WEEK)
Lions -7.5 (WRONG = 4-5)
Falcons -3 (CORRECT = 5-5)
49ers +4.5 (CORRECT = 6-5) (UPSET OF THE WEEK)
Panthers -2.5 (WRONG = 6-6)
Cardinals +2.5 (CORRECT = 7-6)
Broncos -1.5 (CORRECT = 8-6)
Ravens -6.5 (CORRECT = 9-6)
Raiders -1 (WRONG = 9-7)
Week 1: 9-7 (Lock 1-0; Upset 1-0)
Year-to-Date: 9-7 (1-0; 1-0)
Best Picks: I correctly predicted the Cardinals to beat the Seahawks 20-16. I also picked the Texans to beat the Dolphins 31-10 and the real score was 30-10.
*Other New Section*
Ranking the Week 2 Games
The first games are three games featuring two average to bad teams.
16.) Browns @ Bengals (1:00)
15.) Chiefs @ Bills (1:00)
14.) Vikings @ Colts (1:00)
The next group has one good team and one bad/middling team, making for what could be extremely boring football.
13.) Cardinals @ Patriots (1:00)
12.) Raiders @ Dolphins (1:00)
11.) Texans @ Jaguars (1:00)
10.) Buccaneers @ Giants (1:00)
9.) Titans @ Chargers (4:25)
These next three are in here for really entertainment purposes, with RGIII continuing against what should be a better defense (sad that playing the Rams is a tougher defensive challenge than the Saints). Also, I didn't know this until I read it, but this is the first time Tony Romo has started a game in Seattle since his infamous bobbled hold. Finally, the Saints and Panthers both look to avoid 0-2 starts, but the Saints have to do it on the road against a good offense with their putrid defense.
8.) Redskins @ Rams (4:05)
7.) Cowboys @ Seahawks (4:05)
6.) Saints @ Panthers (1:00)
These next two are good games featuring two good to great teams. The Eagles luckily got their win in Week 1, because now they aren't fighting to avoid 0-2. The last time those two teams met was in Baltimore in 2008, in a game that had two memorable moments: first with Ed Reed breaking his own NFL record with a 108-yard pick return, and the other was the benching of Donovan McNabb. Of course, the next game has another memorable moment from the last meeting. The postgame handshake here will be the most played-up since Mangini-Belichick in their 2006 playoff game.
5.) Ravens @ Eagles (1:00)
4.) Lions @ 49ers (SNF)
The Great Games of the Week
3.) Jets @ Steelers (4:25)
The Steelers look to avoid 0-2 against, shockingly, the league's highest scoring team. This is an interesting game because it will be a real test of how far the Jets offense has really come. Mark Sanchez will get a lot tougher test this week, especially with Ryan Clark and most likely James Harrison coming back. The Steelers also get a tough test again for their offense. It should be a fun crowd in Heinz Field as well for their home opener.
2.) Broncos @ Falcons (MNF)
I came close to putting this at #1, but the real #1 had more on the line. Here, the Broncos get another chance to show that they are most certainly for real and that Peyton Manning is most certainly back. The Falcons were really impressive against the Chiefs on offense, but that was without Brandon Carr and Tamba Hali. The Broncos are fully ready. Expect a fast game with both teams playing a lot of no-huddle. Another note is that ESPN for once got close to their money's worth with this years slate of MNF games.
1.) Bears @ Packers (TNF)
And a large reason why the MNF slate is better? Because there are 14 TNF games on the NFL network. I fully expect this package to be sold to TNT or someone in the next 5 years, but for now the NFL decided to stash the awful prime-time games (Cardinals @ Rams and Buccaneers @ Vikings will be happening soon). But that said, they gave themselves one marquee game here. There is so much on the line for the Packers. With another loss, they would not only start 0-2, but 0-2 at home with a division and conference loss against two of the teams that many think will be competing for playoff position come December. The Bears have so much to gain by inflicting all of that against the Packers and beating them in Lambeau for the first time since 2007's meaningless Week 17 win. Jay Cutler and that offense can have a real coming out party here, and go a long way to fullfilling my prediction of them winning that division. The Packers have a lot more to lose, but even when one team has little to gain, these games are usually good. Plus, it is the NFL's best rivalry getting centerstage. I wish this happened a little later in the year with a higher chance of a frozen tundra, but this looks to be a fun game.
I'm using this as kind of a week-in-review type piece unless I have enough time to write a separate one. I've added two sections at the bottom where I quickly just review how my picks went, including the lock and upset picks, and then rank the next weeks games in terms of their attractiveness.
32.) Miami Dolphins (0-1 = PF-PA: 10-30)
Thank God they got that special teams TD, because that was just a sad, sad performance. They didn't even play good enough to force the Texans to really try at all that second half. This was a tough spot for the Dolphins, to go into one of the best teams in the NFL, and Ryan Tannehill looked it. He seemed completely flustered, as did much of that team. I honestly think it is going to get worse, much worse.
31.) Cleveland Browns (0-1 = 16-17)
Even if the Browns held off that Eagles comeback, they would be in the bottom five. The defense looked good, but they mostly capitalized on an awful day by Mike Vick. Brandon Weeden barely had more yards per attempt than Trent Richardson had yards per rush, and that is even worse since Richardson barely had 2.0 yards per rush. That offense is a mess, which is sad since their o-line is actually pretty good.
30.) Tennessee Titans (0-1 = 13-34)
There are this low for two reasons: 1.) Jake Locker is hurt again and Matt Hasselbeck is now in the building, and 2.) Chris Johnson looks like Chris Johnson from the first half of last season, which is not any good at all. Nate Washington also got hurt. That was about as bad a result as the Titans could have gotten. I feel dirty for even picking them to cover. I now this team isn't all that good, and I went against my own prediction.
29.) Indianapolis Colts (0-1 = 21-41)
It started out so well, but.. poof, it was gone. Andrew Luck looked really skittish, and I blame that mostly on an o-line that is just pathetic. Other than LT Anthony Costanzo, they can barely stop anyone. Their guards will get whipped all year long. Their defense just crashed after Freeney went out. This is a team that will get better, and had a tough assignment, but that was an absolute failure.
28.) St. Louis Rams (0-1 = 23-27)
Sam Bradford had a nice game against heavy pressure, but that was about the only good news for the Rams. They played really hard, and they always will for Fisher, but that doesn't make them a good team. Steven Jackson looked slow. Their defense looked slow against the run (I mean, Kevin Smith should not be rushing for nearly 5 yards per carry). Cortland Finnegan does seem to be a nice pickup.
27.) Minnesota Vikings (1-0 = 26-23)
That was a very good game between two teams bad enough to make each other look competent. Adrian Peterson is just a monster. It is stunning how well he has come back from that ACL injury. Christian Ponder looked nice, and that o-line looked pretty good. But at the end of the day, they were at home against the worst starting QB in the NFL and made him look pretty competent.
26.) Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1 = 23-26)
That was a very good game between two teams bad enough to make each other look competent. Maurice Jones-Drew is just a monster. It is stunning how well he has come back from that holdout. Blaine Gabbert looked nice, and that o-line looked pretty good. But at the end of the day, they were at home against one of the five worst starting QBs in the NFL and made him look pretty competent.
25.) Kansas City Chiefs (0-1 = 24-40)
The Chiefs are who I thought they were. Yes, they were missing Tamba Hali, and despite him being a Top-25 player, I don't think he means that much. I still think the Chiefs are the worst team in the AFC West. Matt Cassel looked positively liked Matt Cassel, and Peyton Hillis looked like Peyton Hillis. Their o-line played awfully. Their defense didn't have a chance in hell of stopping that Falcons unit. And all this happened at home. For the 2nd straight year, the Chiefs gave up 40+ in Week 1 in Arrowhead.
24.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0 = 16-10)
The Buccaneers won, but mainly because of a nearly impossible-to-repeat performance by their rush defense. That will not happen again. A team doesn't go from being the worst rush defense in the NFL to the best rush defense of all time in one year. When their rush defense returns to normal, their results will return to what they really should be. Nice dink-and-dunk game by Freeman too.
23.) Carolina Panthers (0-1 = 10-16)
Yeah, I'm putting them ahead of the Bucs. First, Cam is still better than Josh Freeman. Steve Smith is still a God. DeAngela will not have -1 yards on 6 carries again. That defense also looked a lot better than they did last year. That will also regress back to their true level, but if the Panthers and Buccaneers played tomorrow, I'm still picking the Panthers.
22.) Buffalo Bills (0-1 = 28-48)
I'm going to wait a couple more weeks to accurately judge Ryan Fitzpatrick. Yes, that was a terrible game, and yes he is coming off of a terrible second half, but the Jets defense has often given Fitzpatrick a world of trouble. CJ Spiller looked really, really good on Sunday, but that defense didn't do a thing. I'm not surprised that Kyle Williams and Marcel Dareus didn't do much, but that's mainly because of one Mr. Nicholas Mangold.
21.) Cincinnati Bengals (0-1 = 13-44)
The Bengals were playing really, really impressively until that successful challenge by Harbaugh to force a 4th down when the Bengals were trailing 17-13. Ever that, the game went away from them. Andy Dalton started strong, but didn't respond to well to that adversity, but it is hard to do in Baltimore in a prime-time game. BenJarvus looked really good, though.
20.) Arizona Cardinals (1-0 = 20-16)
They are ranked below the team they just beat mainly because they are back in that state of flux with their QBs, with Skelton leaving and Kolb replacing him and playing pretty well. The Cardinals defense was as advertised, but their offense really struggled. Admittedly, the Seahawks do have a good defense, but their run game was just pitiful. Beanie Wells looked lost.
19.) Oakland Raiders (0-1 = 14-22)
I'm to angry about this game to say much. Fuck Travis Goethal, and can Denarius Moore and Jacoby Ford ever be healthy?
18.) Seattle Seahawks (0-1 = 16-20)
I still like them over the course of the season more than the Cardinals mainly because I think Russell Wilson and potentially Matt Flynn would do a better job than Kolb/Skelton. What was surprising was how flaccid the Seahawks pass rush seemed. They couldn't establish much pressure for any length of time in that game against one of the worst o-lines in the NFL.
17.) Philadelphia Eagles (0-1 = 17-16)
The Eagles were a complete mess, but at least they pulled out the game in the end. Michael Vick looked bad, but he probably won't have another four-pick game again. They also have to try more to get a run game going. The good sign was that the Eagles defense looked awesome. Nnamdi was doing his thing (blanketing), while DRC his (picking). Their d-line wasn't great, but man those linebackers were an improvement over last year.
16.) New Orleans Saints (0-1 = 32-40)
Bill Simmons made a good point in his NFL preview column. Considering he was writing about the NFL, that is quite rare, but a good point it was. He said that it is ridiculous to think the loss of Sean Payton will have little effect on the Saints chances after the media has spent the last five years saying just how good a coach Payton is. All I know is Drew Brees completed less than half of his passes, the run game sucked, and the defense looked as bad as ever.
15.) Detroit Lions (1-0 = 27-23)
That was a messy win, but a win nonetheless. Calvin Johnson looked good, but that TD record is probably safe. The Lions pass rush looked like they were playing in midseason form, as Ndamukong Suh had a monster game. Their running game also seemed alive. The only problem the Lions really had was Stafford's three interceptions, but they showed resolve getting past that.
14.) San Diego Chargers (0-1 = 22-14)
I don't know if they win that game even if Travis Goetheld didn't reinvent the position of long-snapper, but Rivers looked good, never really putting the ball in harms way like he did so often last season. The run game was awful, but their defense was really good for much of the night. That was a big win for the Chargers after the complete mess to end 2011.
13.) Washington Redskins (1-0 = 40-32)
I don't want to overreact to one single win, but man was that impressive. The only thing better than RGIII's play was Shanahan's game plan and play-calling. They made him feel totally comfortable in that offense, running easy screens and zone reads. Just great stuff from a Head Coach who looks like he's enjoying himself for the first time in Washington.
12.) Dallas Cowboys (1-0 = 24-17)
As long as Murray, Bryant and Austin stay healthy, the Cowboys will be a good team, but they did something again that I've harped on since 2009 (my first year blogging). They put up over 400 yards but only 24 points. That season, they averaged 400 yards a game (2nd in the NFL) but scored just 24 points a game (11th). It was kind of similar this weekend. Still, one year after they melted down and lost a 24-10 lead to the Jets, they closed the deal. Now they just have to figure out how to beat the Giants in Jerry World.
11.) New York Jets (1-0 = 48-28)
That was probably the zenith of offense in the Rex Ryan era. Mark Sanchez looked terrific other than that bonehead pick. Their o-line dominated their individual matchups against the Bills. Darrelle Revis was in fine form, as was the rest of the pass defense. That said, what was up with the run D? That has to get better if they want to challenge New England.
10.) New York Giants (0-1 = 17-24)
The Giants have a propensity to lay eggs at home, and many times to the Cowboys (who've won four of the last five meetings in New York when Romo's played) or Redskins. This isn't unusual, but they better turn it around soon, as after the Bucs they go to Carolina on Thursday, then travel to Philly for a SNF game. Big games are ahead.
9.) Pittsburgh Steelers (0-1 = 19-31)
That was a tough position to be in, playing without Ryan Clark and James Harrison. They get those two back this weekend, and that will come in handy against the Jets this weekend. The offense looked fine except for the running game which was understandably awful without their top two runners. I'll say it now, after he retires, I will miss Ben Roethlisberger. Never have I seen a player quite like him.
8.) Atlanta Falcons (1-0 = 40-24)
That was a great win for them. Each of the past two seasons they opened up on the road against a good but not great opponent (Chicago last year, Steelers without suspended Ben in 2010) and lost. Here they laid the smack down in the 2nd half. Matt Ryan looked great. It is hard to believe that he is still just in his 5th year in the league, but he looks comfortable. Now, though, he'll have to face a pass rush again.
7.) Green Bay Packers (0-1 = 22-30)
We'll there goes that dilemma of having to always place the Defending Champ #1 until they lose. They made it easy for me. For the second straight game, the Packers just couldn't get anything deep on offense, and Rodgers was severely limited. Just short throw after short throw, and when the defense is bad enough, that just won't do it. Their pass rush seems better, but their coverage is just as bad as it was in 2011 if not worse.
6.) Denver Broncos (1-0 = 31-19)
I'm not going to overrate them (Surprised, but they came out as the #1 team in Football Outsiders' DVOA ratings after Week 1), but I think they'll get better. That no-huddle can be lethal in Denver. The Steelers just looked gassed. I really want to know, though, is if the pass rush that dominated late can show itself more in the games. Ben is probably better at converting 3rd-and-longs like that than any other QB, but that can't keep happening.
5.) Chicago Bears (1-0 = 41-21)
What the hell happened in the beginning? Jay Cutler starts 1-10 with a pick. Ends 20-25 with two TDs. Overall, the game was about as good as it could be for the Bears. Their pass rush was great (against an admittedly awful line). They flustered Andrew Luck. Their secondary played great. Brandon Marshall and Jay Cutler seem to have not missed a beat since 2009. Everything is working. Now comes the real test. Can they beat the Packers when they are down.
4.) San Francisco 49ers (1-0 = 30-22)
I don't know why I fell for the Seahawks. I love watching the 49ers play. I love defense, and other than Baltimore and Pittsburgh, the 49ers are the most dynamic, dominant defense I have seen in some time (maybe since Tennessee in 2008, or Chicago 2005-2006). They are just so loaded. Their offense looks to be improved from last year. Undoubtedly they will turn the ball over more, but still, the acquisitions of Mario Manningham and Randy Moss have seemed to work so far. Scary Thought: Peyton Manning almost went here, rememeber.
3.) New England Patriots (1-0 = 34-13)
That was a classic 2004 Patriots win. Brady didn't go deep a lot and hit a lot underneath. He was cool and efficient. Their running game took advantage of a bad run defense. Their defense made big plays. I would like to see them do it against a better team, but that was a good start from a Patriots team that looks like it is at least trying to be more of what it was when they won Super Bowls.
2.) Houston Texans (1-0 = 30-10)
Scary part about the Texans is they didn't even play all that well in Week 1, at least on offense. JJ Watt looks like a future Hall-of-Famer so far in his one year and one game career, and the rest of that pass rush is still fearsome. Their defense just flew around that field against a bad offense. The offense needs to get better, but I trust them. Foster still had two TDs. Andre Johnson still had a TD catch and over 100 yards. Matt Schaub didn't throw a pick. they noticeably shut it down in the 2nd half. We'll see more in two weeks when they go to Denver.
1.) Baltimore Ravens (1-0 = 44-13)
I think I picked the wrong AFC North team this year to fall back. The Bengals did play with them for a half, but they had to work for each yard (and twice converted 4th downs - where did those balls come from, Marvin?). After that overturned tackle by Lewis, it was a wrap. Pick-Six by Ed (cherish him now). Sacks abound. Haloti still unblockable. I think they miss Suggs, but with that improved offense, it might not matter too much.
Postseason Projections will start after Week 3.
*New Section*
Look Back at the Previous Weeks' Picks
Giants -4 (WRONG = 0-1)
Bears -10 (CORRECT = 1-1)
Eagles -9 (WRONG = 1-2)
Jets -3 (CORRECT = 2-2)
Saints -7.5 (WRONG = 2-3)
Titans +5 (WRONG = 2-4)
Jaguars +3.5 (CORRECT = 3-4)
Texans -12 (CORRECT = 4-4) (LOCK OF THE WEEK)
Lions -7.5 (WRONG = 4-5)
Falcons -3 (CORRECT = 5-5)
49ers +4.5 (CORRECT = 6-5) (UPSET OF THE WEEK)
Panthers -2.5 (WRONG = 6-6)
Cardinals +2.5 (CORRECT = 7-6)
Broncos -1.5 (CORRECT = 8-6)
Ravens -6.5 (CORRECT = 9-6)
Raiders -1 (WRONG = 9-7)
Week 1: 9-7 (Lock 1-0; Upset 1-0)
Year-to-Date: 9-7 (1-0; 1-0)
Best Picks: I correctly predicted the Cardinals to beat the Seahawks 20-16. I also picked the Texans to beat the Dolphins 31-10 and the real score was 30-10.
*Other New Section*
Ranking the Week 2 Games
The first games are three games featuring two average to bad teams.
16.) Browns @ Bengals (1:00)
15.) Chiefs @ Bills (1:00)
14.) Vikings @ Colts (1:00)
The next group has one good team and one bad/middling team, making for what could be extremely boring football.
13.) Cardinals @ Patriots (1:00)
12.) Raiders @ Dolphins (1:00)
11.) Texans @ Jaguars (1:00)
10.) Buccaneers @ Giants (1:00)
9.) Titans @ Chargers (4:25)
These next three are in here for really entertainment purposes, with RGIII continuing against what should be a better defense (sad that playing the Rams is a tougher defensive challenge than the Saints). Also, I didn't know this until I read it, but this is the first time Tony Romo has started a game in Seattle since his infamous bobbled hold. Finally, the Saints and Panthers both look to avoid 0-2 starts, but the Saints have to do it on the road against a good offense with their putrid defense.
8.) Redskins @ Rams (4:05)
7.) Cowboys @ Seahawks (4:05)
6.) Saints @ Panthers (1:00)
These next two are good games featuring two good to great teams. The Eagles luckily got their win in Week 1, because now they aren't fighting to avoid 0-2. The last time those two teams met was in Baltimore in 2008, in a game that had two memorable moments: first with Ed Reed breaking his own NFL record with a 108-yard pick return, and the other was the benching of Donovan McNabb. Of course, the next game has another memorable moment from the last meeting. The postgame handshake here will be the most played-up since Mangini-Belichick in their 2006 playoff game.
5.) Ravens @ Eagles (1:00)
4.) Lions @ 49ers (SNF)
The Great Games of the Week
3.) Jets @ Steelers (4:25)
The Steelers look to avoid 0-2 against, shockingly, the league's highest scoring team. This is an interesting game because it will be a real test of how far the Jets offense has really come. Mark Sanchez will get a lot tougher test this week, especially with Ryan Clark and most likely James Harrison coming back. The Steelers also get a tough test again for their offense. It should be a fun crowd in Heinz Field as well for their home opener.
2.) Broncos @ Falcons (MNF)
I came close to putting this at #1, but the real #1 had more on the line. Here, the Broncos get another chance to show that they are most certainly for real and that Peyton Manning is most certainly back. The Falcons were really impressive against the Chiefs on offense, but that was without Brandon Carr and Tamba Hali. The Broncos are fully ready. Expect a fast game with both teams playing a lot of no-huddle. Another note is that ESPN for once got close to their money's worth with this years slate of MNF games.
1.) Bears @ Packers (TNF)
And a large reason why the MNF slate is better? Because there are 14 TNF games on the NFL network. I fully expect this package to be sold to TNT or someone in the next 5 years, but for now the NFL decided to stash the awful prime-time games (Cardinals @ Rams and Buccaneers @ Vikings will be happening soon). But that said, they gave themselves one marquee game here. There is so much on the line for the Packers. With another loss, they would not only start 0-2, but 0-2 at home with a division and conference loss against two of the teams that many think will be competing for playoff position come December. The Bears have so much to gain by inflicting all of that against the Packers and beating them in Lambeau for the first time since 2007's meaningless Week 17 win. Jay Cutler and that offense can have a real coming out party here, and go a long way to fullfilling my prediction of them winning that division. The Packers have a lot more to lose, but even when one team has little to gain, these games are usually good. Plus, it is the NFL's best rivalry getting centerstage. I wish this happened a little later in the year with a higher chance of a frozen tundra, but this looks to be a fun game.
