After 5 Weeks, it is still too early to make any real judgements on any team not 0-5 (0-4) or 5-0. 1-4 is pretty much done, and 4-1 is pretty much real, but anything in between is just a mash. Anyway, here we go, with a quick version of the power rankings.
32.) St. Louis Rams (0-4)
I hate to blame a team for picking a QB #1 overall, but will we look back and say that the Rams made a horrible pick with Sam Bradford over Ndamukong Suh? Bradford was a consensus top-5 pick so you can't blame the Rams too much, but everyone saw this Suh thing coming.
31.) Miami Dolphins (0-4)
Well, the Dolphins got a nice bye week. I'm surprised Sparano wasn't axed over the bye week, as that is usually a favorite time to in-season fire a coach. I don't think it is all Sparano's fault, mainly because the one thing Miami was counting on, their defense, has been really bad.
30.) Denver Broncos (1-4)
Tebow time!!! I've never seen someone go 4-10 passing and be praised like Tebow has. Orton was not the problem. He wasn't the solution. But this might be a scheme to go get Andrew Luck.
29.) Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4)
They should also follow a scheme to get Andrew Luck, but they probably would rather get some corners. I was in Jacksonville over the weekend, and the headlines were talking about a Jack Del Rio getting fired, which is odd, since I thought no one cared.
28.) Indianapolis Colts (0-5)
If Manning was playing they easily win the Chiefs, Browns and Bucs games, and probably win the Steelers game (it helped the Steelers played like shit). I don't know about that Texans game, but they would be 4-1. Fuck neck injuries.
27.) Kansas City Chiefs (2-3)
Somehow, they've won two straight games. Somehow, Todd Haley and Matt Cassel may make it to year 4 together. This makes me so happy, because this team is not any good, and having the Raiders play him twice a year is good.
26.) Seattle Seahawks (2-3)
In a similar vein, the Seahawks are somehow 2-3. I believe in them slightly more than the Chiefs just because they have that home field, and they have more talent. I think they'll stick with Charlie Whitehurst now, which lends me to wonder why they ever wanted Tarvaris.
25.) Arizona Cardinals (1-4)
I still think they are the 2nd best team in the division. That was the first time they weren't competitive in a game. Kolb looks to be somewhat of a disaster, but he's no worse than Tarvaris/Whitehurst or Bradford.
24.) Cleveland Browns (2-2)
2-2, and the two wins are against teams that are currently 0-9. They do have an easy schedule the rest of the way, so their record will probably end up better than their actual level of play. Watching Colt McCoy really reminds me of watching a shittier Brian Griese.
23.) Minnesota Vikings (1-4)
So, after four straight close losses they drill the Cards. Their season is pretty much shot, but at least they are still trying damn hard. Jared Allen is a fucking monster. Watching Jared Allen and Dwight Freeney play great for bad teams is really tough to stomach.
22.) Carolina Panthers (1-4)
The Cam Express is still doing business, but all the attention being paid to Cam overscores what the real issue his. HolyFuckingSteveRules&RegulationsSmith. Steve Smith is a monster, close to what he was in 2005. 609 yards in just 27 catches? That is insane.
21.) New York Jets (2-3)
I still see this team as not being good. They can turn it around if they can get that running game going, and it was good for them to have Mangold back, but the Jets don't have an offensive identity, and as I've said a lot so far in 2011, that defense just isn't as good.
20.) Philadelphia Eagles (1-4)
They could easily be 4-1 (The Giants loss was totally legitimate), but that doesn't mean anything now. There has been five teams that were 1-4 that made the playoffs. Three happpened in the last 10 years ('02 Jets, '02 Titans, '04 Packers). They have a shot, but it better get turned around quick.
19.) Cincinnati Bengals (3-2)
Where was this defense last year? Does Carson Palmer want to know unretire? How are they winning games with Andy Dalton and Bruce Gradkowski? The Bengals are doing kind of what the '09 Bengals did, just without as good of a QB. That's the difference from 7-9 and 10-6.
18.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)
I never really believed in them. Two teams have beaten the Colts by less than a touchdown (Steelers, Bucs) and both lost their next game. The difference was the Bucs got smacked in a way that hurts. The Bucs just can't consistently play offense the way they need to.
17.) Atlanta Falcons (2-3)
That game showed the Falcons just aren't Super Bowl worthy. They controlled the Packers in the 1st half, but sooner or later, Matt Ryan and his cavalcade of plodding receivers and mid-level throws stop getting it done. That defense hasn't done enough either.
16.) Chicago Bears (2-3)
The Bears have lost by 10 to the Packers and 11 to the Lions. That's about where I see them. They have had a really tough schedule so far (their three losses are to teams currently 14-1), and here on out it isn't as bad. Look for them to make a run at some point.
15.) Tennessee Titans (3-2)
Mike Munchak finally got his welcome to the NFL. That was one team who was 3-1 off an easy schedule and a flukey win (over Baltimore) playing a team with a defense that can still tar up a bad offense. Hasselbeck finally looked like a 38 year old.
14.) Dallas Cowboys (2-2)
I'll talk more about this later, but the Cowboys are a bad matchup for New England. They can throw and throw and throw, and the Pats can't stop the pass. The Cowboys can rush the passer without blitzing, which is key to beating the Pats. I expect this game to be relatively close.
13.) Washington Redskins (3-1)
The NFC East will be a dogfight, but with three dogs that aren't best in show. Rex Grossman is still doing a Jake Plummer impression, but Plummer only once went better than 10-6. The Redskins defense is still excellent.
12.) New York Giants (3-2)
That was a horrifying loss. I did not see that coming at all. The Giants should have pulled it off, and that was a truly flukey interception that Seattle returned for 6, but the Giants should never have been in that sort of game. They have Buffalo and @NE in their next three games. Step up, New York.
11.) Houston Texans (3-2)
Tough loss, but that was a game that would be tough. Losing to the Raiders is not a bad loss anymore. They way it ended was tough with Schaub throwing that pick, but he did convert a 3rd and 23 two plays earlier. I feel bad for them with Mario out, but Wade should be able to scheme them well enough.
10.) San Francisco 49ers (4-1)
I still don't trust this team to be the elite, but they should win the division. They still have Zona and St. Louis twice, as well as Cleveland. The NFL Playoffs will return to the Bay. Will it return to both sides of the bay? Well, that should be interesting to watch play out.
9.) Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2)
The Steelers have one win where they were shitty (@IND), and two blowout wins. They also have two losses were they looked really bad. I think the Steelers will not catch the Ravens, but they have a pretty easy schedule, with St. Louis and Arizona still on it.
8.) Oakland Raiders (3-2)
They should be 4-1. They blew that Bills game. Their defense has been bad so far, but they have played three excellent offenses (Pats, Texans and Bills). Their pass rush is still excellent. The problem is their corners, but they'll get experience as the year goes on. BTW, look for an Al Davis piece coming up later this week.
7.) Buffalo Bills (4-1)
Teams that get a lot of interceptions usually are more than being just lucky. The Bills have had talented players in the sencondary for years, and although I didn't think they had that, they obviously do. The Bills offense is also still legitimate.
6.) Detroit Lions (5-0)
They aren't as good as the other 4-1 (or 5-0 in GB's case) teams in front of them. They still have a big play offense, but if they can't get those plays, I'm not sure how good their offense really is. Megatron is amazing, but he makes up for a lot of spotty throws by Stafford.
5.) San Diego Chargers (4-1)
Here is the scary part about the Chargers. They've started slow like they always do. Phil Rivers hasn't really played well yet. Antonio Gates will come back at some point. They are still already 4-1. They have a chance to go on a run. The schedule is tough, but history points to the Chargers getting a lot better.
4.) New England Patriots (4-1)
38, 35, 31, 31, 30. That is their point total in their games in order. Yup, it has been decreasing each week. They are still an excellent offense, but they can't count on getting huge Welker plays each game. The Patriots will have a game sooner or later where they need their defense to step up. I'm not sure what will happen then.
3.) New Orleans Saints (4-1)
They are like the Chargers in that they haven't got it fully together yet, but are still 4-1 with a great QB. They have the full cavalcade of offensive weapons back (in that direction, how good is Jimmy Graham?). They've already finished 3 road games, and will end with 4 of 6 in the dome.
2.) Baltimore Ravens (3-1)
That defense is something I want to see again. Leaguewide the offensive numbers are scarily high, but the Ravens are playing better defense than anything they've played since 2008 or 2006. They get a banged up Texans team and then Jacksonville and Arizona before a showdown with the Steelers in Heinz. The Ravens should enter that game 6-1.
1.) Green Bay Packers (5-0)
I always say that until the Champs lose, they have the top spot. Even if they weren't the Champs, the Packers would have the top spot. The Packers just won a road primetime game against a team that is still talented, and won by 11 without playing anything near their best. They will lose eventually, but it will take a great effort for it too happen, or for Rodgers to play badly. Rodgers played about a "C" against Carolina, so it is still possible.
Projected Playoff Predictions
AFC
1.) Baltimore Ravens 13-3
2.) San Diego Chargers 13-3
3.) New England Patriots 12-4
4.) Houston Texans 10-6
5.) Buffalo Bills 11-5
6.) Oakland Raiders 10-6
NFC
1.) Green Bay Packers 13-3
2.) New Orleans Saints 13-3
3.) New York Giants 10-6
4.) San Francisco 49ers 10-6
5.) Detroit Lions 12-4
6.) Dallas Cowboys 10-6
'Till Next Time
Showing posts with label power rankings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label power rankings. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Week 5 NFL Power Rankings
That was a less satisfying week of football, but the last two night games were good. The Sunday Night Game showed that when they are riled up, in that stadium, the Ravens are the most amazing defense on earth, still. On Monday Night, we saw that the Colts are a proud team. They would be 3-1 if Manning was still playing. The AFC is below the NFC right now, which makes it worse that the Colts can't take advantage of a weaker AFC.
32.) St. Louis Rams 0-4
Boy, oh boy. The defense finally played competently again, but the offense continues to be awful. In the "Year of the QB" Sam Bradford is putting up lethargic numbers. Maybe, just maybe, we just shouldn't of anointed a player who went 7-9 in the first season mainly because the defense got a lot better. Oh, and in other news, Roger Saffold is absolute crap.
31.) Miami Dolphins 0-4
Tony Sparano watch is on, since they are on a bye-week right now, the perfect time to make a change. Chad Henne is not the problem. He's not the answer, but he's basically what Jason Campbell was when he was in Washington. There are loads of problems on that team, like Reggie Bush being a bust in Miami and that defense really deteriorating.
30.) Minnesota Vikings 0-4
I still think they are talented, and the Vikings could easily be 3-1 after losing three straight close games. At this point, I think they should switch to Christian Ponder. McNabb is not getting them anywhere, and in a hyper-competitive NFC, they are absolutely done. Adrian Peterson's long extension is looking like a move that will keep him on a middling team for the rest of his productive career.
29.) Kansas City Chiefs 1-3
It is great that they have looked like an actual NFL team again the last two weeks, but they needed a lot to beat an 0-3 team last week at home. They still have the 2nd worst point differential in football. I still wouldn't trust them to win three more games. If any team should "suck for luck" it is the Chiefs, who's true biggest liability is at quarterback.
28.) Jacksonville Jaguars 1-3
They won their opening game. Since then, they put up 3 points against a Jets team in an effort that looks more embarrassing each week. They then put up 8 against Carolina (admittedly, part of that game was played in a monsoon). Finally, they put up 10 against the Saints at home. They have the worst offense in the NFL. Hey, who knew getting rid of one of your two best receivers and then cutting your starting quarterback and replacing him with a McCown and a rookie would end badly?
27.) Indianapolis Colts 0-4
I always feel bad doing this, but without Manning, I can't see them beating any team. I think they will play more competitively day in and day out with most of these teams in this range, but the other QBs just can't pull games out. The defense has played well two straight games, and the running game has been a revelation. Apart from QB, this is a good team.
26.) Seattle Seahawks 1-3
How the Seahawks came close to winning that game is beyond me. Tarvaris Jackson actually looked decent. All of this is probably just due to that damn Qwest Field, which is still an evening factor of any game the Seahawks play. I think they are still in deep trouble, but that crowd will make games watchable, at least.
25.) Denver Broncos 1-3
Orton and that offense actually moved the ball pretty well against the Packers. It was that defense that is still recovering from bad personnel management since the end of the Shanahan days and through the McDaniels' dictatorship. I love that they finally brought in Tim Tebow for a useless play. If you told NCAA fans two years ago that Tim Tebow would amount to nothing while a renegade QB Cam Newton would be setting rookie passing records, I think they would have killed you.
24.) Arizona Cardinals 1-3
This team came within the following of being 4-0: Two missed field goals in Seattle. A 1-point loss in Washington. A controversial call being called the way a majority of the people in the world saw it. The Cardinals are the best 1-3 team in the NFL (other than the Eagles, who are easily the most talented). Since they haven't played SF yet, I still think they have a good shot at an NFC West title.
23.) Cleveland Browns 2-2
The two teams the Browns beat are both 0-4 (Indy, Miami), and their two losses have come to teams that are among the lesser .500+ teams (Cincy, Tennessee). The Browns are a team with average talent that is unsurprisingly getting average results. All of that amounts to optimism in Cleveland. This isn't the mirage 2007 team, but a team that is worth following, that will end up with single digit losses. That can be an upgrade, just ask Raiders fans' about the 2010 season.
22.) Cincinnati Bengals 2-2
AJ Green is really, really good. The Bengals defense is good. Their schedule, like everyone in the AFC North, is really weak (the AFC South and NFC West will do that to you). They have @JAX, vs IND, bye, @ SEA, @ TEN before their first meeting with the Steelers. There is a real chance they could be 5-3 heading into that game. That is incredible. And just think if Mike Brown and Carson Palmer didn't have to sooth their egos and if he was playing QB.
21.) Carolina Panthers 1-3
Cam Newton is a lot better that what I thought he would be. But that isn't as important as the sudden revival of one Stevonne Latrall Smith (his real name), the master of the rules and regulations of the game. Mr. 89. From 2003-2008, Steve Smith was, other than Moss and Johnson/Ocho, the most exciting receiver in the game. His touchdown dances were underrated (changing the baby). He singlehandidly made Jake Delhomme into a good QB. He's the real secret behind Cam having a great rookie year.
20.) Philadelphia Eagles 1-3
This is just sad. It is just pathetic. Lose to Atlanta: Fine, they were desperate at 0-1 in their home opener. Lose to the Giants: Less fine, but the Giants are still a good team. Blow a 23-3 lead at home to the 49ers: ABSOLUTELY INEXCUSABLE. Michael Vick isn't the issue. It is all the old Eagles' foibles, like not being able to score touchdown and not being able to prevent them when inside the red zone. It also is dumb shit like Frank Gore doing his best Aaron Brooks impression.
19.) Dallas Cowboys 2-2
Tony Romo is really the new-old-Brett Favre (2002-2006). Favre in those years won a lot of games, but he also lost just as many with dumb, idiotic interceptions. Picks #1 and #3 were just bad decisions and throws. Good NFL QBs just cannot make those decisions. I said in the offseason that getting Romo back isn't that big of a deal since the difference between him and Kitna's performance in 2010 wasn't that much. Romo can make throws Kitna can't, but he'll make idiotic decisions like those picks.
18.) San Francisco 49ers 3-1
I thought they would be bad. I'm still not sure they aren't. They don't really do anything well other than not turn the ball over and stop the run. They've been outgained by about 80 yards a game, have no one rushing for over 4.0 ypc, and have Alex Smith throwing for just 800 yards (Brady crossed that in two games, so did Cam Newton). They've given up 14 sacks. They honestly do nothing well, yet came within a Tony Romo comeback of being 4-0.
17.) Atlanta Falcons 2-2
They are what they are, an unexplosive team with good players on paper that aren't any more than the some of their parts. This doesn't mean they are bad. They were the same thing in 2009, when they went 9-7. I don't think they are headed to the playoffs, but they still are a tough out for anybody.
16.) Tennessee Titans 3-1
They have given up the fewest points in the NFL so far, and Matt Hasselbeck is completing 2/3rds of his passes and has a ypa of 8.7. They are 3-1, with Chris Johnson being among the worst RBs in the NFL in ypr right now. Kenny Britt is also gone, but they went out and blasted the Browns in Cleveland. This probably won't continue too much longer, but right now, the Titans are a legitimate wild card threat in the weaker conference.
15.) Washington Redskins 3-1
Holy Rex. He just wins games. He just does what is needed. Enter in whatever Rex Grossman platitude Lovie Smith used to use in 2006. The Redskins have a good defense, capable of winning games if the offense doesn't make too many mistakes. The Redskins have a good offense with a great play-caller running the show. The Redskins played pretty well in their only loss as well. Grossman is really doing a Jake Plummer impression, and that usually ended in January.
14.) New York Jets 2-2
I had a feeling that the Jets would take a step back in 2011 from 2009-2010, but my thoughts were mostly about their defense. I thought Sanchez would get better. Their receiving corp didn't make a great exchange of players, but Sanchez would get better. Well, bang me silly, that really hasn't happened. The Jets need Nick Mangold back, and quick. Seeing them without Mangold get destroyed, I think my selection of Mangold being the higher ranked player over Revis doesn't look as outlandish.
13.) Pittsburgh Steelers 2-2
The old Steelers never let a "finesse" team like Houston run for 170 yards. The Steelers just lost to the Texans in a defensive struggle. That sentence just made a terrible towel eat itself. I think they will snap out of it a bit, and that easy schedule is still there, but their close loss to the Colts was not a mirage. The Steelers o-line has somehow become worse and more injured. The defense still looks old, and now James Harrison is having orbital bone surgery. Black and Blue for the Black and Gold.
12.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3-1
I love that the Buccaneers win all these close games, but that just means that they aren't that great of a team. They haven't gone out and beaten a good team straight up. They play all these middling teams close (Indy, Minnesota). Can they just go out and blast a team like all the other good teams? It is like Freeman just wants to get as many 4th-quarter comebacks as possible.
11.) Oakland Raiders 2-2
That was a loss that is acceptable. They aren't ready to beat a team of New England's caliber when they make mistakes. They played Brady well, holding him to just over 50% completion percentage. They were the first team to shut down Gronkowski. If Campbell doesn't throw that ridiculous interception, the worst they go into halftime is 17-13 (or even 17-17). That game could've been different. I still took positives out of it.
10.) Chicago Bears 2-2
Devin Hester is ridiculous. Devin Hester is the greatest returner in NFL history. You know what, it is always fun to watch the absolute best. It was fun to watch Manning carve up teams to no end, to throw balls into tight windows to covered receivers. It was fun to watch Tiger in his prime, or Federer in his. Watching people who are the best to play their sport is fun, and Hester is one of those guys. He's the best ever at what he does.
9.) Buffalo Bills 3-1
That was a crushing loss. I picked that they would not cover the Bengals, but I truly didn't expect them to lose, and in that fashion. I don't think the Bills are the frauds that they were in 2008 when they started 4-0, but the Bills aren't going to the playoffs if they lose these winnable games. By the way, what exactly is CJ Spiller doing these days?
8.) New York Giants 3-1
Oh, G-Men. I'm sorry I doubted you. With Osi back, and Eli getting more acclimated to those new weapons, the G-Men are about to go on a streak. History tells us so. History also tells us that there could be problems in the 2nd half, but that can't last forever. The G-Men still have that great running game and have the best pass-rushing d-line in the NFL. Those two in tandem with Eli playing awesome make a combination ripe for 11-5.
7.) Houston Texans 3-1
Just like I wrote in the Steelers part, the Texans just out-physicaled a physical team. The Texans did what they did, most of the game without Andre Johnson, against the Steelers. Yes, the Steelers o-line is about as good as most Div-III colleges, but that doesn't take away fully from the fact that the Texans pass rush was just dominating on Sunday. The Texans don't have to play great offense to win their games, winning two games when scoring a combined 40 points.
6.) Detroit Lions 4-0
Congratulations for being undefeated one more week. They ripped the heart out of the Jerry Dome. The Jerry-Pire State Building opened in the beginning of the 2009 season. That year, the Lions were in a 5-47 run. A year after that ended (end of 2010), they outgunned the Cowboys in the Jerry-Canyon. Calvin Johnson is also a beast. But we always knew that.
5.) San Diego Chargers 3-1
The Chargers have looked tired and lazy in their three wins, and looked like the "same old Chargers" in their only loss. The Calendar is flipped, and this is when the Chargers start playing good again. That's a good thing, because in this season, the Chargers are already 3-1 in their lazy, tired phase of the season. Phil Rivers won't have more picks than TDs for long. That defense is still really good, and that offense will get better (hasn't score 30 yet this year, I expect that to change, maybe this week). The Chargers are still my pick to win the Super Bowl, but then again, after picking the White Sox to win the Super Bowl, that is probably going to make the Chargers miss the playoffs again.
4.) New England Patriots 3-1
This defense is still awful. They've given up over 410 yards in every game. They can't rush the passer at all. They are virtually the 2004 Colts, with less explosiveness and more efficiency (basically, they won't hit the same amount of deep plays as that Colts team did, but will get more long drives and YAC). That isn't a recipe for success. They've finished their transition to the 2003-2004 Colts. Have fun with that, Pats fans. You have become your enemy.
3.) New Orleans Saints 3-1
That was a game that good teams win in just that fashion. The Saints weren't playing 100%. But they still won by 13 on the road. That's how a good team gets it done. The Saints played the Packers damn tough in what has been the NFL's impossible game (road teams still haven't won the Week-1 game at the defending champ since it started in 2004. Many have been close 2004, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, but the road team hasn't gotten it done ever). The Saints have since been the Saints, and now their defense finally had a great outing.
2.) Baltimore Ravens 3-1
My oh my. How the hell did they lose 13-26 in Tennessee. Even if you include that game, this team has the best point differential in the NFL. Their defense has been fantastic. Some of it will regress back to the mean (like already recovering 8 fumbles and having 14 takeaways through 4 games), but Flacco will probably not end the 2011 season with less than 50% completions. Torrey Smith looks really good, and Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta look to be a solid 1-2 TE combo. The Ravens, in the conventional sense, are the most complete team in the NFL. They just aren't the best, yet.
1.) Green Bay Packers 4-0
They are really good. They are the champs and they are undefeated. They are the best team in the NFL right now. Aaron Rodgers cannot play at a 124.7 passer rating pace for too much longer since that is pretty much impossible (and as good as he looks now, he hasn't played as good as Peyton in 2004 when he had a 121.1). That defense, though, will probably get better. They still haven't had a great game, but they are still getting turnovers. Until they lose they won't drop. I honestly think they have a shot to lose this Sunday night in Atlanta, but that's just a gut feeling. My head is telling me it could be something resembling the 48-21 playoff game.
Playoff Projections/Predictions
AFC
1.) Baltimore Ravens 13-3
2.) San Diego Chargers 13-3
3.) New England Patriots 12-4
4.) Houston Texans 11-5
5.) Pittsburgh Steelers 10-6
6.) Oakland Raiders 10-6
NFC
1.) Green Bay Packers 13-3
2.) New Orleans Saints 13-3
3.) New York Giants 11-5
4.) San Francisco 49ers 9-7
5.) Detroit Lions 12-4
6.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10-6
'Till Next Time
32.) St. Louis Rams 0-4
Boy, oh boy. The defense finally played competently again, but the offense continues to be awful. In the "Year of the QB" Sam Bradford is putting up lethargic numbers. Maybe, just maybe, we just shouldn't of anointed a player who went 7-9 in the first season mainly because the defense got a lot better. Oh, and in other news, Roger Saffold is absolute crap.
31.) Miami Dolphins 0-4
Tony Sparano watch is on, since they are on a bye-week right now, the perfect time to make a change. Chad Henne is not the problem. He's not the answer, but he's basically what Jason Campbell was when he was in Washington. There are loads of problems on that team, like Reggie Bush being a bust in Miami and that defense really deteriorating.
30.) Minnesota Vikings 0-4
I still think they are talented, and the Vikings could easily be 3-1 after losing three straight close games. At this point, I think they should switch to Christian Ponder. McNabb is not getting them anywhere, and in a hyper-competitive NFC, they are absolutely done. Adrian Peterson's long extension is looking like a move that will keep him on a middling team for the rest of his productive career.
29.) Kansas City Chiefs 1-3
It is great that they have looked like an actual NFL team again the last two weeks, but they needed a lot to beat an 0-3 team last week at home. They still have the 2nd worst point differential in football. I still wouldn't trust them to win three more games. If any team should "suck for luck" it is the Chiefs, who's true biggest liability is at quarterback.
28.) Jacksonville Jaguars 1-3
They won their opening game. Since then, they put up 3 points against a Jets team in an effort that looks more embarrassing each week. They then put up 8 against Carolina (admittedly, part of that game was played in a monsoon). Finally, they put up 10 against the Saints at home. They have the worst offense in the NFL. Hey, who knew getting rid of one of your two best receivers and then cutting your starting quarterback and replacing him with a McCown and a rookie would end badly?
27.) Indianapolis Colts 0-4
I always feel bad doing this, but without Manning, I can't see them beating any team. I think they will play more competitively day in and day out with most of these teams in this range, but the other QBs just can't pull games out. The defense has played well two straight games, and the running game has been a revelation. Apart from QB, this is a good team.
26.) Seattle Seahawks 1-3
How the Seahawks came close to winning that game is beyond me. Tarvaris Jackson actually looked decent. All of this is probably just due to that damn Qwest Field, which is still an evening factor of any game the Seahawks play. I think they are still in deep trouble, but that crowd will make games watchable, at least.
25.) Denver Broncos 1-3
Orton and that offense actually moved the ball pretty well against the Packers. It was that defense that is still recovering from bad personnel management since the end of the Shanahan days and through the McDaniels' dictatorship. I love that they finally brought in Tim Tebow for a useless play. If you told NCAA fans two years ago that Tim Tebow would amount to nothing while a renegade QB Cam Newton would be setting rookie passing records, I think they would have killed you.
24.) Arizona Cardinals 1-3
This team came within the following of being 4-0: Two missed field goals in Seattle. A 1-point loss in Washington. A controversial call being called the way a majority of the people in the world saw it. The Cardinals are the best 1-3 team in the NFL (other than the Eagles, who are easily the most talented). Since they haven't played SF yet, I still think they have a good shot at an NFC West title.
23.) Cleveland Browns 2-2
The two teams the Browns beat are both 0-4 (Indy, Miami), and their two losses have come to teams that are among the lesser .500+ teams (Cincy, Tennessee). The Browns are a team with average talent that is unsurprisingly getting average results. All of that amounts to optimism in Cleveland. This isn't the mirage 2007 team, but a team that is worth following, that will end up with single digit losses. That can be an upgrade, just ask Raiders fans' about the 2010 season.
22.) Cincinnati Bengals 2-2
AJ Green is really, really good. The Bengals defense is good. Their schedule, like everyone in the AFC North, is really weak (the AFC South and NFC West will do that to you). They have @JAX, vs IND, bye, @ SEA, @ TEN before their first meeting with the Steelers. There is a real chance they could be 5-3 heading into that game. That is incredible. And just think if Mike Brown and Carson Palmer didn't have to sooth their egos and if he was playing QB.
21.) Carolina Panthers 1-3
Cam Newton is a lot better that what I thought he would be. But that isn't as important as the sudden revival of one Stevonne Latrall Smith (his real name), the master of the rules and regulations of the game. Mr. 89. From 2003-2008, Steve Smith was, other than Moss and Johnson/Ocho, the most exciting receiver in the game. His touchdown dances were underrated (changing the baby). He singlehandidly made Jake Delhomme into a good QB. He's the real secret behind Cam having a great rookie year.
20.) Philadelphia Eagles 1-3
This is just sad. It is just pathetic. Lose to Atlanta: Fine, they were desperate at 0-1 in their home opener. Lose to the Giants: Less fine, but the Giants are still a good team. Blow a 23-3 lead at home to the 49ers: ABSOLUTELY INEXCUSABLE. Michael Vick isn't the issue. It is all the old Eagles' foibles, like not being able to score touchdown and not being able to prevent them when inside the red zone. It also is dumb shit like Frank Gore doing his best Aaron Brooks impression.
19.) Dallas Cowboys 2-2
Tony Romo is really the new-old-Brett Favre (2002-2006). Favre in those years won a lot of games, but he also lost just as many with dumb, idiotic interceptions. Picks #1 and #3 were just bad decisions and throws. Good NFL QBs just cannot make those decisions. I said in the offseason that getting Romo back isn't that big of a deal since the difference between him and Kitna's performance in 2010 wasn't that much. Romo can make throws Kitna can't, but he'll make idiotic decisions like those picks.
18.) San Francisco 49ers 3-1
I thought they would be bad. I'm still not sure they aren't. They don't really do anything well other than not turn the ball over and stop the run. They've been outgained by about 80 yards a game, have no one rushing for over 4.0 ypc, and have Alex Smith throwing for just 800 yards (Brady crossed that in two games, so did Cam Newton). They've given up 14 sacks. They honestly do nothing well, yet came within a Tony Romo comeback of being 4-0.
17.) Atlanta Falcons 2-2
They are what they are, an unexplosive team with good players on paper that aren't any more than the some of their parts. This doesn't mean they are bad. They were the same thing in 2009, when they went 9-7. I don't think they are headed to the playoffs, but they still are a tough out for anybody.
16.) Tennessee Titans 3-1
They have given up the fewest points in the NFL so far, and Matt Hasselbeck is completing 2/3rds of his passes and has a ypa of 8.7. They are 3-1, with Chris Johnson being among the worst RBs in the NFL in ypr right now. Kenny Britt is also gone, but they went out and blasted the Browns in Cleveland. This probably won't continue too much longer, but right now, the Titans are a legitimate wild card threat in the weaker conference.
15.) Washington Redskins 3-1
Holy Rex. He just wins games. He just does what is needed. Enter in whatever Rex Grossman platitude Lovie Smith used to use in 2006. The Redskins have a good defense, capable of winning games if the offense doesn't make too many mistakes. The Redskins have a good offense with a great play-caller running the show. The Redskins played pretty well in their only loss as well. Grossman is really doing a Jake Plummer impression, and that usually ended in January.
14.) New York Jets 2-2
I had a feeling that the Jets would take a step back in 2011 from 2009-2010, but my thoughts were mostly about their defense. I thought Sanchez would get better. Their receiving corp didn't make a great exchange of players, but Sanchez would get better. Well, bang me silly, that really hasn't happened. The Jets need Nick Mangold back, and quick. Seeing them without Mangold get destroyed, I think my selection of Mangold being the higher ranked player over Revis doesn't look as outlandish.
13.) Pittsburgh Steelers 2-2
The old Steelers never let a "finesse" team like Houston run for 170 yards. The Steelers just lost to the Texans in a defensive struggle. That sentence just made a terrible towel eat itself. I think they will snap out of it a bit, and that easy schedule is still there, but their close loss to the Colts was not a mirage. The Steelers o-line has somehow become worse and more injured. The defense still looks old, and now James Harrison is having orbital bone surgery. Black and Blue for the Black and Gold.
12.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3-1
I love that the Buccaneers win all these close games, but that just means that they aren't that great of a team. They haven't gone out and beaten a good team straight up. They play all these middling teams close (Indy, Minnesota). Can they just go out and blast a team like all the other good teams? It is like Freeman just wants to get as many 4th-quarter comebacks as possible.
11.) Oakland Raiders 2-2
That was a loss that is acceptable. They aren't ready to beat a team of New England's caliber when they make mistakes. They played Brady well, holding him to just over 50% completion percentage. They were the first team to shut down Gronkowski. If Campbell doesn't throw that ridiculous interception, the worst they go into halftime is 17-13 (or even 17-17). That game could've been different. I still took positives out of it.
10.) Chicago Bears 2-2
Devin Hester is ridiculous. Devin Hester is the greatest returner in NFL history. You know what, it is always fun to watch the absolute best. It was fun to watch Manning carve up teams to no end, to throw balls into tight windows to covered receivers. It was fun to watch Tiger in his prime, or Federer in his. Watching people who are the best to play their sport is fun, and Hester is one of those guys. He's the best ever at what he does.
9.) Buffalo Bills 3-1
That was a crushing loss. I picked that they would not cover the Bengals, but I truly didn't expect them to lose, and in that fashion. I don't think the Bills are the frauds that they were in 2008 when they started 4-0, but the Bills aren't going to the playoffs if they lose these winnable games. By the way, what exactly is CJ Spiller doing these days?
8.) New York Giants 3-1
Oh, G-Men. I'm sorry I doubted you. With Osi back, and Eli getting more acclimated to those new weapons, the G-Men are about to go on a streak. History tells us so. History also tells us that there could be problems in the 2nd half, but that can't last forever. The G-Men still have that great running game and have the best pass-rushing d-line in the NFL. Those two in tandem with Eli playing awesome make a combination ripe for 11-5.
7.) Houston Texans 3-1
Just like I wrote in the Steelers part, the Texans just out-physicaled a physical team. The Texans did what they did, most of the game without Andre Johnson, against the Steelers. Yes, the Steelers o-line is about as good as most Div-III colleges, but that doesn't take away fully from the fact that the Texans pass rush was just dominating on Sunday. The Texans don't have to play great offense to win their games, winning two games when scoring a combined 40 points.
6.) Detroit Lions 4-0
Congratulations for being undefeated one more week. They ripped the heart out of the Jerry Dome. The Jerry-Pire State Building opened in the beginning of the 2009 season. That year, the Lions were in a 5-47 run. A year after that ended (end of 2010), they outgunned the Cowboys in the Jerry-Canyon. Calvin Johnson is also a beast. But we always knew that.
5.) San Diego Chargers 3-1
The Chargers have looked tired and lazy in their three wins, and looked like the "same old Chargers" in their only loss. The Calendar is flipped, and this is when the Chargers start playing good again. That's a good thing, because in this season, the Chargers are already 3-1 in their lazy, tired phase of the season. Phil Rivers won't have more picks than TDs for long. That defense is still really good, and that offense will get better (hasn't score 30 yet this year, I expect that to change, maybe this week). The Chargers are still my pick to win the Super Bowl, but then again, after picking the White Sox to win the Super Bowl, that is probably going to make the Chargers miss the playoffs again.
4.) New England Patriots 3-1
This defense is still awful. They've given up over 410 yards in every game. They can't rush the passer at all. They are virtually the 2004 Colts, with less explosiveness and more efficiency (basically, they won't hit the same amount of deep plays as that Colts team did, but will get more long drives and YAC). That isn't a recipe for success. They've finished their transition to the 2003-2004 Colts. Have fun with that, Pats fans. You have become your enemy.
3.) New Orleans Saints 3-1
That was a game that good teams win in just that fashion. The Saints weren't playing 100%. But they still won by 13 on the road. That's how a good team gets it done. The Saints played the Packers damn tough in what has been the NFL's impossible game (road teams still haven't won the Week-1 game at the defending champ since it started in 2004. Many have been close 2004, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, but the road team hasn't gotten it done ever). The Saints have since been the Saints, and now their defense finally had a great outing.
2.) Baltimore Ravens 3-1
My oh my. How the hell did they lose 13-26 in Tennessee. Even if you include that game, this team has the best point differential in the NFL. Their defense has been fantastic. Some of it will regress back to the mean (like already recovering 8 fumbles and having 14 takeaways through 4 games), but Flacco will probably not end the 2011 season with less than 50% completions. Torrey Smith looks really good, and Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta look to be a solid 1-2 TE combo. The Ravens, in the conventional sense, are the most complete team in the NFL. They just aren't the best, yet.
1.) Green Bay Packers 4-0
They are really good. They are the champs and they are undefeated. They are the best team in the NFL right now. Aaron Rodgers cannot play at a 124.7 passer rating pace for too much longer since that is pretty much impossible (and as good as he looks now, he hasn't played as good as Peyton in 2004 when he had a 121.1). That defense, though, will probably get better. They still haven't had a great game, but they are still getting turnovers. Until they lose they won't drop. I honestly think they have a shot to lose this Sunday night in Atlanta, but that's just a gut feeling. My head is telling me it could be something resembling the 48-21 playoff game.
Playoff Projections/Predictions
AFC
1.) Baltimore Ravens 13-3
2.) San Diego Chargers 13-3
3.) New England Patriots 12-4
4.) Houston Texans 11-5
5.) Pittsburgh Steelers 10-6
6.) Oakland Raiders 10-6
NFC
1.) Green Bay Packers 13-3
2.) New Orleans Saints 13-3
3.) New York Giants 11-5
4.) San Francisco 49ers 9-7
5.) Detroit Lions 12-4
6.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10-6
'Till Next Time
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Week 4 NFL Power Rankings
So, after a great weekend of football from beginning to end, I'm back in for the 2011 NFL Season, and this time for good, starting here with the Power Rankings.
32.) Kansas City Chiefs (0-3)
The good news is that they actually looked like a competent NFL team for once, not losing by more than 30. The bad news is they should have lost by 30, and they don't have their best player for the rest of the season, and in a year when passing yardage numbers are becoming the home run numbers of the 2010's, Matt Cassel hasn't passed for 200 yards yet.
31.) Miami Dolphins (0-3)
I don't think they are any good, and for once, it is not really Chad Henne's fault. Brandon Marshall is not good enough to do it alone. Their defense also has become average, which is a big step down. They can't get a good pass rush, and their linebackers are old. Not a good combination.
30.) Seattle Seahawks (1-2)
They won a game, which only matters because now they cannot possibly go 0-16. They got lucky with Arizona suffering through two missed field goals. There was once a time when the NFC West was not horrible. I know it happened at some point. Hell, from 1984-1994, the NFC West consistently had two good teams each year. Now, that is not the case, at all.
29.) Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2)
That win in Week 1 is looking more and more like a mirage. Luke McCown is horrible. Blaine Gabbert looked like a raw rookie, which is no surprise. Maurice Jones-Drew hasn't exactly had a great year. Their defense is surprisingly playing quite well, especially up front, but they need more than that when their offense struggles to cross the 20 point number.
28.) St. Louis Rams (0-3)
Wow, I did not expect them to be this bad at all. But then again, it probably is not a total surprise. Sam Bradford seems to have not developed at all in year 2. His receivers are no better. The reason I don't have them below the teams above them is mainly because I think at some point they'll get better, while I think those teams will all get worse.
27.) Indianapolis Colts (0-3)
That was an awesome performance. I haven't been as proud of the Colts in a long time. They played incredible on rush defense and rush offense. They gave up big plays in the passing game, but more then made it up with the rush of Maths and Freeney. Those two better never get old.
26.) Cincinnati Bengals (1-2)
Andy Dalton looks like what I thought he was, a prospect who because of a run on quarterbacks was overvalued, and QB who because of Mike Brown's paucity, is a starting QB. The defense is good again, which should help them win four games or so, but they aren't doing any favors by losing winnable home games against teams of San Francisco's ilk.
25.) Denver Broncos (1-2)
Denver is a team that if they stopped making dumb mistakes, could've put together a KC in 2010 type run, because they are well coached with a capable QB, and a defense that actually has gameplans. It is amazing what losing a autocratic buffoon can do to a team. They don't need Tim Tebow to save them, they just need time.
24.) Arizona Cardinals (1-2)
Yes, they are 1-2 and a loss to Seattle is disappointing even if it was in Seattle, but I still like this team to get things right and sneak out this division. They lost two road games so far, one by 1 point on a last second field goal against a 2-1 team, and the other a game in Seattle when they missed two makeable field goals. They still have more talent than anyone in that division, and probably the best QB and head coach in it as well.
23.) Minnesota Vikings (0-3)
The Vikings aren't bad, but are honestly the same team they were a year ago, just with a different aging QB. They're defense has played three straight great 1st halves, and three straight bad 2nd halves, which happened a lot last year, just not to these extremes. The Vikings pass rush was incredible in the first half and then couldn't generate much in the second. That's the key to this team.
22.) Carolina Panthers (1-2)
I like Cam Newton, who ironically had his worst game against a bad defense. I never thought he would be a JaMarcus-ian bust just because he seemed totally committed, and I still think that. The other revelations of the 2011 Panthers are that Steve Smith can still designate "the rules and regulations of the game" (ahh, the classic 2009 season. If the Colts just recovered that damn onside kick, that would've really been a perfect NFL season for me).
21.) San Francisco 49ers (2-1)
Somehow, they are 2-1. Alex Smith is still the quarterback. Michael Crabtree is still underperforming everyone's projections for him out of college. More amazingly, they are a great Romo comeback away from being 3-0. If they were 3-0, I think they should just be automatically awarded the NFC West.
20.) Cleveland Browns (2-1)
They are also 2-1, and they've played no one. But look at their schedule. They play no one. Other than set matchups with Baltimore and Pittsburgh, their schedule features a trip to Oakland, and then the entire NFC West and AFC South (other than Indy). They can do exactly what KC did in 2011. Sadly for them, they have Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Those two aren't going away.
19.) Tennessee Titans (2-1)
Two questions? What is more surprising: Matt Hasselbeck having two games that easily could've come out of the 2005 season for him? or that Chris Johnson has yet to cross 100 yards... total? Actually the most surprising is that they are 2-1.
18.) Washington Redskins (2-1)
They blew that game. The Cowboys also blew it, but the Redskins played great defense for 58 minutes, all until that all out blitz on 3rd and 21. Just play freakin zone and make the Cowboys convert a 4th and 9 or whatever. What exactly was the point of that big blitz. Holy God, was that a stupid defensive playcall.
17.) Dallas Cowboys (2-1)
That was the most pitiful performance by a center ever. They stuck to what they do, and although they never got a touchdown, they finally started running the ball near the end, and Romo made some plays. At the end of the day, I can't be too excited about a team that won two games, one in overtime and the other with a last minute come-from-behind field goal against a Rex Grossman QB-ed team.
16.) Atlanta Falcons (1-2)
They aren't this bad, but they have the same problem they had last year: they can't score quickly. You need to be able to do that in 2011. They couldn't really do it last year, but their o-line play was better, so they could at least run the ball all day. Matt Ryan is stuck throwing short throws, and the odd deep ball. The defense really hasn't stepped up either.
15.) Chicago Bears (1-2)
That loss to the Packers was bad, but what was more telling was that the Bears lost the field position all day. They didn't play all that bad on defense, but the Packers just had shorter fields all day long, so they converted it into points. I will say that their o-line has been a lot better, despite giving up 14 sacks, and their two losses are to two damn good football teams. Finally, Brian Urlacher is a hall of famer., He's incredible.
14.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)
They are 2-1, with a great chance to go 3-1 with Indy next Monday Night, and then a great chance to go 4-1 after a road date with San Fran. It would behoove them to win those two games, since they have two big home games with New Orleans and Chicago next. Other than Detroit, they are the team that has continued their upward trend from 2010 (unlike St. Louis and Atlanta), and that should be less of a surprise than it is for me.
13.) Philadelphia Eagles (1-2)
Thank God for them that Michael Vick isn't missing three weeks, because they would be screwed. Even with Michael Vick, their offense just isn't what it was a year ago, and that probably boils down to Avant not being the same and DeSean not being the same either. Their linebackers need serious work, and for all the money they spent on Babin and Cullen, you would've thought their d-line would be better as well.
12.) Oakland Raiders (2-1)
For the first time in years, they beat a good team without playing their best, and without getting lucky. This wasn't a fluke win, like the time in 2009 when the Bengals fumbled back to back drives, or when Bruce Gradkowski threw three 4th quarter TDs to beat Pittsburgh. No, this was real. That win over the Jets felt like two even teams. If they can even keep close with New England, I think the Raiders are truly serious wild-card contenders, if not in the division.
11.) Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1)
Their defense looks old. Of course, it is old, but they really show it. Mike Pollak may be many things, but the sight of him pushing Aaron Smith around was sad to see. James Harrison didn't get any pressure until the Painter fumble. Troy looked good for once, but the team just looks slower. Their offense is still good, but that defense is just not the same.
10.) New York Jets (2-1)
They made a mistake by essentially trading Jericho and Braylon for Mason and Plax. That isn't a winning scenario. The run defense was non-existent on Sunday. Yes, the Raiders are a very good running team, but what they are not are a very good pass-blocking team, and they held that Jets pass rush completely. Also, what is going on with Shonn Greene. All that said, they are still a good team, and if Mark Sanchez can just stop throwing ridiculous interceptions, should be fine.
9.) Buffalo Bills (3-0)
A lot of people are citing the Bills 4-0 start in 2008 as reasons to not believe. Well, here's why that's crap. In 2008, they beat Seattle (4-12), Jacksonville (5-11), Oakland (5-11) and St. Louis (2-14) in those four games (admittedly, the Seattle and St. Louis wins were blowouts). The Chiefs suck, but the Raiders are mediocre at worst and good at best, and the Pats are the Pats. These are legitimate wins. They overcame a 21 point defecit pretty easily.
8.) New York Giants (2-1)
So, they just beat the Eagles without Manningham, Hixon, a good tight end, good corners, and Osi. They were never going to be the 6-10 team some people said, and they might not be the 8th best team, but when they play well, they play really well and they usually string together a nice run. In the past four seasons, they've had a 6 game winning streak (2007), two five game winning streaks (2009, 2010) and a seven game winning streak (2008). This might be the start of a run, especially with some of the calvary coming back.
7.) Houston Texans (2-1)
A lot of the media sang the same tune about the Texans, that "they are not a new team, they haven't grown up". That's all bull. They were just outgunned by a powerful offense in their building. Anyone else loses 40-33 to the Saints and it is probably no big deal. Hell, the Packers came one yard away from blowing a 21-7 lead on the Saints in Lambeau. Their defense isn't good enough to shut down good teams on the road, but if just two of those field goals were touchdowns they are 3-0.
6.) Detroit Lions (3-0)
They are 3-0. Of course, they were down 20-0 to the Vikings, but then again, the other 3-0 surprise team was down 21-0. If the Lions keep Matthew Stafford healthy, they will make the playoffs. Calvin Johnson is a beast. Their d-line has underperformed, and they are still good. That team gets the Packers in their building on Thanksgiving, which will make all those "why the hell do the Lions get to host a Thanksgiving game from now to eternity?" jokes totally irrelevant. They also play in Lambeau Week 17. Should be fun.
5.) San Diego Chargers (2-1)
They are put here more because they are a great "buy" right now. Everyone knows the Chargers start slowly. The funny thing is that they are winning the games that the past Chargers teams lose, like their opener and even last week. They were much more in that New England game than the score indicated. Phil Rivers won't be this pick-prone for too long. The only worry is Gates' injury might be serious.
4.) New England Patriots (2-1)
Their defense sucks. It might be worse than last years. They get no pass rush. For all those offseason acquisitions, it looks like none of them have really paid divedends, especially Shaun Ellis and Mark Anderson. Brady remains on fire (although those picks were enjoyable). The biggest reason I still have them this high is that West Welker is 100% back from that ACL tear. He's gotten back the agility and quick-step that he didn't have in 2010.
3.) New Orleans Saints (2-1)
They lost a nail-biter to the best team in the NFL, then beat the Bears easily, and then made a spirited comeback against a good Houston team. I think they are over that Week 1 loss. Their defense still seems to have taken a step back from last year when they were legitimate top-10, but their offense has gone along fine without Marques Colston, which is a shock. With an easier schedule than Green Bay, I still like them to get HFA.
2.) Baltimore Ravens (2-1)
That loss to Tennessee is a mirage. It happens. Hell, just last year 14-2 New England lost to 5-11 Cleveland. What means more is they have crushed their other two opponents into submission 72-14. They have been great on defense as always, and this Torrey Smith, along with Lee Evans, will stretch the field. Joe Flacco has made the leap.
1.) Green Bay Packers (3-0)
They are still the champs. They are 3-0. They really haven't put together one great game from start to finish, winning by 8, 7 and 10. That all said, they are still the champs and have yet to lose. Jermichael Finley is a beast (on the other hand, Donald Driver looks completely burned out). Aaron Rodgers has thrown 10 tds to 1 int. Their defense has yet to hit their stride. Holy God.
Playoff Projections:
AFC
1.) Baltimore 13-3
2.) San Diego 13-3
3.) New England 12-4
4.) Houston 11-5
5.) Pittsburgh 10-6
6.) Oakland 10-6
NFC
1.) New Orleans 13-3
2.) Green Bay 12-4
3.) New York 11-5
4.) Arizona 9-7
5.) Detroit 11-5
6.) Tampa Bay 10-6
'Till Next Time.
32.) Kansas City Chiefs (0-3)
The good news is that they actually looked like a competent NFL team for once, not losing by more than 30. The bad news is they should have lost by 30, and they don't have their best player for the rest of the season, and in a year when passing yardage numbers are becoming the home run numbers of the 2010's, Matt Cassel hasn't passed for 200 yards yet.
31.) Miami Dolphins (0-3)
I don't think they are any good, and for once, it is not really Chad Henne's fault. Brandon Marshall is not good enough to do it alone. Their defense also has become average, which is a big step down. They can't get a good pass rush, and their linebackers are old. Not a good combination.
30.) Seattle Seahawks (1-2)
They won a game, which only matters because now they cannot possibly go 0-16. They got lucky with Arizona suffering through two missed field goals. There was once a time when the NFC West was not horrible. I know it happened at some point. Hell, from 1984-1994, the NFC West consistently had two good teams each year. Now, that is not the case, at all.
29.) Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2)
That win in Week 1 is looking more and more like a mirage. Luke McCown is horrible. Blaine Gabbert looked like a raw rookie, which is no surprise. Maurice Jones-Drew hasn't exactly had a great year. Their defense is surprisingly playing quite well, especially up front, but they need more than that when their offense struggles to cross the 20 point number.
28.) St. Louis Rams (0-3)
Wow, I did not expect them to be this bad at all. But then again, it probably is not a total surprise. Sam Bradford seems to have not developed at all in year 2. His receivers are no better. The reason I don't have them below the teams above them is mainly because I think at some point they'll get better, while I think those teams will all get worse.
27.) Indianapolis Colts (0-3)
That was an awesome performance. I haven't been as proud of the Colts in a long time. They played incredible on rush defense and rush offense. They gave up big plays in the passing game, but more then made it up with the rush of Maths and Freeney. Those two better never get old.
26.) Cincinnati Bengals (1-2)
Andy Dalton looks like what I thought he was, a prospect who because of a run on quarterbacks was overvalued, and QB who because of Mike Brown's paucity, is a starting QB. The defense is good again, which should help them win four games or so, but they aren't doing any favors by losing winnable home games against teams of San Francisco's ilk.
25.) Denver Broncos (1-2)
Denver is a team that if they stopped making dumb mistakes, could've put together a KC in 2010 type run, because they are well coached with a capable QB, and a defense that actually has gameplans. It is amazing what losing a autocratic buffoon can do to a team. They don't need Tim Tebow to save them, they just need time.
24.) Arizona Cardinals (1-2)
Yes, they are 1-2 and a loss to Seattle is disappointing even if it was in Seattle, but I still like this team to get things right and sneak out this division. They lost two road games so far, one by 1 point on a last second field goal against a 2-1 team, and the other a game in Seattle when they missed two makeable field goals. They still have more talent than anyone in that division, and probably the best QB and head coach in it as well.
23.) Minnesota Vikings (0-3)
The Vikings aren't bad, but are honestly the same team they were a year ago, just with a different aging QB. They're defense has played three straight great 1st halves, and three straight bad 2nd halves, which happened a lot last year, just not to these extremes. The Vikings pass rush was incredible in the first half and then couldn't generate much in the second. That's the key to this team.
22.) Carolina Panthers (1-2)
I like Cam Newton, who ironically had his worst game against a bad defense. I never thought he would be a JaMarcus-ian bust just because he seemed totally committed, and I still think that. The other revelations of the 2011 Panthers are that Steve Smith can still designate "the rules and regulations of the game" (ahh, the classic 2009 season. If the Colts just recovered that damn onside kick, that would've really been a perfect NFL season for me).
21.) San Francisco 49ers (2-1)
Somehow, they are 2-1. Alex Smith is still the quarterback. Michael Crabtree is still underperforming everyone's projections for him out of college. More amazingly, they are a great Romo comeback away from being 3-0. If they were 3-0, I think they should just be automatically awarded the NFC West.
20.) Cleveland Browns (2-1)
They are also 2-1, and they've played no one. But look at their schedule. They play no one. Other than set matchups with Baltimore and Pittsburgh, their schedule features a trip to Oakland, and then the entire NFC West and AFC South (other than Indy). They can do exactly what KC did in 2011. Sadly for them, they have Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Those two aren't going away.
19.) Tennessee Titans (2-1)
Two questions? What is more surprising: Matt Hasselbeck having two games that easily could've come out of the 2005 season for him? or that Chris Johnson has yet to cross 100 yards... total? Actually the most surprising is that they are 2-1.
18.) Washington Redskins (2-1)
They blew that game. The Cowboys also blew it, but the Redskins played great defense for 58 minutes, all until that all out blitz on 3rd and 21. Just play freakin zone and make the Cowboys convert a 4th and 9 or whatever. What exactly was the point of that big blitz. Holy God, was that a stupid defensive playcall.
17.) Dallas Cowboys (2-1)
That was the most pitiful performance by a center ever. They stuck to what they do, and although they never got a touchdown, they finally started running the ball near the end, and Romo made some plays. At the end of the day, I can't be too excited about a team that won two games, one in overtime and the other with a last minute come-from-behind field goal against a Rex Grossman QB-ed team.
16.) Atlanta Falcons (1-2)
They aren't this bad, but they have the same problem they had last year: they can't score quickly. You need to be able to do that in 2011. They couldn't really do it last year, but their o-line play was better, so they could at least run the ball all day. Matt Ryan is stuck throwing short throws, and the odd deep ball. The defense really hasn't stepped up either.
15.) Chicago Bears (1-2)
That loss to the Packers was bad, but what was more telling was that the Bears lost the field position all day. They didn't play all that bad on defense, but the Packers just had shorter fields all day long, so they converted it into points. I will say that their o-line has been a lot better, despite giving up 14 sacks, and their two losses are to two damn good football teams. Finally, Brian Urlacher is a hall of famer., He's incredible.
14.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)
They are 2-1, with a great chance to go 3-1 with Indy next Monday Night, and then a great chance to go 4-1 after a road date with San Fran. It would behoove them to win those two games, since they have two big home games with New Orleans and Chicago next. Other than Detroit, they are the team that has continued their upward trend from 2010 (unlike St. Louis and Atlanta), and that should be less of a surprise than it is for me.
13.) Philadelphia Eagles (1-2)
Thank God for them that Michael Vick isn't missing three weeks, because they would be screwed. Even with Michael Vick, their offense just isn't what it was a year ago, and that probably boils down to Avant not being the same and DeSean not being the same either. Their linebackers need serious work, and for all the money they spent on Babin and Cullen, you would've thought their d-line would be better as well.
12.) Oakland Raiders (2-1)
For the first time in years, they beat a good team without playing their best, and without getting lucky. This wasn't a fluke win, like the time in 2009 when the Bengals fumbled back to back drives, or when Bruce Gradkowski threw three 4th quarter TDs to beat Pittsburgh. No, this was real. That win over the Jets felt like two even teams. If they can even keep close with New England, I think the Raiders are truly serious wild-card contenders, if not in the division.
11.) Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1)
Their defense looks old. Of course, it is old, but they really show it. Mike Pollak may be many things, but the sight of him pushing Aaron Smith around was sad to see. James Harrison didn't get any pressure until the Painter fumble. Troy looked good for once, but the team just looks slower. Their offense is still good, but that defense is just not the same.
10.) New York Jets (2-1)
They made a mistake by essentially trading Jericho and Braylon for Mason and Plax. That isn't a winning scenario. The run defense was non-existent on Sunday. Yes, the Raiders are a very good running team, but what they are not are a very good pass-blocking team, and they held that Jets pass rush completely. Also, what is going on with Shonn Greene. All that said, they are still a good team, and if Mark Sanchez can just stop throwing ridiculous interceptions, should be fine.
9.) Buffalo Bills (3-0)
A lot of people are citing the Bills 4-0 start in 2008 as reasons to not believe. Well, here's why that's crap. In 2008, they beat Seattle (4-12), Jacksonville (5-11), Oakland (5-11) and St. Louis (2-14) in those four games (admittedly, the Seattle and St. Louis wins were blowouts). The Chiefs suck, but the Raiders are mediocre at worst and good at best, and the Pats are the Pats. These are legitimate wins. They overcame a 21 point defecit pretty easily.
8.) New York Giants (2-1)
So, they just beat the Eagles without Manningham, Hixon, a good tight end, good corners, and Osi. They were never going to be the 6-10 team some people said, and they might not be the 8th best team, but when they play well, they play really well and they usually string together a nice run. In the past four seasons, they've had a 6 game winning streak (2007), two five game winning streaks (2009, 2010) and a seven game winning streak (2008). This might be the start of a run, especially with some of the calvary coming back.
7.) Houston Texans (2-1)
A lot of the media sang the same tune about the Texans, that "they are not a new team, they haven't grown up". That's all bull. They were just outgunned by a powerful offense in their building. Anyone else loses 40-33 to the Saints and it is probably no big deal. Hell, the Packers came one yard away from blowing a 21-7 lead on the Saints in Lambeau. Their defense isn't good enough to shut down good teams on the road, but if just two of those field goals were touchdowns they are 3-0.
6.) Detroit Lions (3-0)
They are 3-0. Of course, they were down 20-0 to the Vikings, but then again, the other 3-0 surprise team was down 21-0. If the Lions keep Matthew Stafford healthy, they will make the playoffs. Calvin Johnson is a beast. Their d-line has underperformed, and they are still good. That team gets the Packers in their building on Thanksgiving, which will make all those "why the hell do the Lions get to host a Thanksgiving game from now to eternity?" jokes totally irrelevant. They also play in Lambeau Week 17. Should be fun.
5.) San Diego Chargers (2-1)
They are put here more because they are a great "buy" right now. Everyone knows the Chargers start slowly. The funny thing is that they are winning the games that the past Chargers teams lose, like their opener and even last week. They were much more in that New England game than the score indicated. Phil Rivers won't be this pick-prone for too long. The only worry is Gates' injury might be serious.
4.) New England Patriots (2-1)
Their defense sucks. It might be worse than last years. They get no pass rush. For all those offseason acquisitions, it looks like none of them have really paid divedends, especially Shaun Ellis and Mark Anderson. Brady remains on fire (although those picks were enjoyable). The biggest reason I still have them this high is that West Welker is 100% back from that ACL tear. He's gotten back the agility and quick-step that he didn't have in 2010.
3.) New Orleans Saints (2-1)
They lost a nail-biter to the best team in the NFL, then beat the Bears easily, and then made a spirited comeback against a good Houston team. I think they are over that Week 1 loss. Their defense still seems to have taken a step back from last year when they were legitimate top-10, but their offense has gone along fine without Marques Colston, which is a shock. With an easier schedule than Green Bay, I still like them to get HFA.
2.) Baltimore Ravens (2-1)
That loss to Tennessee is a mirage. It happens. Hell, just last year 14-2 New England lost to 5-11 Cleveland. What means more is they have crushed their other two opponents into submission 72-14. They have been great on defense as always, and this Torrey Smith, along with Lee Evans, will stretch the field. Joe Flacco has made the leap.
1.) Green Bay Packers (3-0)
They are still the champs. They are 3-0. They really haven't put together one great game from start to finish, winning by 8, 7 and 10. That all said, they are still the champs and have yet to lose. Jermichael Finley is a beast (on the other hand, Donald Driver looks completely burned out). Aaron Rodgers has thrown 10 tds to 1 int. Their defense has yet to hit their stride. Holy God.
Playoff Projections:
AFC
1.) Baltimore 13-3
2.) San Diego 13-3
3.) New England 12-4
4.) Houston 11-5
5.) Pittsburgh 10-6
6.) Oakland 10-6
NFC
1.) New Orleans 13-3
2.) Green Bay 12-4
3.) New York 11-5
4.) Arizona 9-7
5.) Detroit 11-5
6.) Tampa Bay 10-6
'Till Next Time.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Post-Draft Power Rankings
This is a weird time to do power rankings, and not just because I should use my time to study for Finals (which I mostly am doing - hence the total of zero posts since the draft). It's weird mainly because there is a lockout, and although I am almost sure that no games will be missed (granted, my prediction track record over the past 12 months is piss-poor), with free agency not yet started, the teams as they are constituted today could change in so many ways. For the sake of the power rankings, I am going to assume the following things.
1.) Nnamdi Asomugha does not resign in Oakland - but I will not project him to join a team. The team he does join will get a one spot bump.
2.) Either Carson Palmer/Donovan McNabb/Kevin Kolb are traded to Arizona, and Carson Palmer is not the Bengals starter come Week 1.
3.) Any restricted free agent that has been tendered stays with the current team.
4.) Peyton Manning resigns in Indianapolis (note: I will shave my head for the next year if he doesn't actually resign in Indianapolis)
Anyway, yes, those are a lot of assumptions, especially #3, which in a new CBA could unload a whole bevy of talented players into free agency, but this is the inherent problem in making a power ranking when the future of the NFL is in the hands of the 8th Circuit of Appeals.
The Andrew Luck Sweepstakes Division
The Teams that will be fighting for the 1st overall pick
32.) Carolina Panthers
It's been a long time since the same team had the #1 overall pick two years in a row, and despite Carolina probably being better than 2-14 quality, it might happen to them. The weird thing is they are probably the best worst team in recent memory, with widely defined strengths (rush offense, o-line, pass defense), but glaring weaknesses (pass offense, with a raw, overhyped QB that doesn't seem to be able to immediately produce and average to bad WR talent). This team has problems, and their schedule doesn't help (AFC South, NFC North). Tough, tough times for the Cats.
31.) Denver Broncos
I like John Fox, so most of my unrelenting hatred of this team has pretty much died along with the Josh McDaniels' experience. That said, they aren't a team that is going to contend in 2010, especially in a better division. Getting Elvis Dumervil back is nice, and pairing him with Von Miller should be really good, but that offense. My God, that offense. John Fox isn't an offensive coach, and I don't think anyone in the Elway/Xanders/Fox regime actually thinks Tim Tebow is the future.
30.) Jacksonville Jaguars
One of these years, this thing is going to explode. They've gone by with not a lot of talent for years, and although their drafting has been better under Gene Smith than it was during the Shack Harris era, this team still has problems. Their defense was just not good in 2011, and they really were a 5-11 team masquerading at 9-7 somehow. This thing will fall of the rails, especially since Jack Del Rio is still their coach, and that has an expiration date that is quickly approaching.
29.) San Francisco 49ers
Yup, I don't think just because John Harbaugh has been really successful that his brother will be. That team has QB problems, between Alex Smith who really proved that he'll be nothing more than a poor man's Jeff Garcia, and Colin Keapernick, who is not pro-ready at all. Their defense took a large step backwards in 2010, and their o-line also regressed. They have talent deficiencies, and will probably lose a lot more games than they should. That division will help though.
28.) Miami Dolphins
Now I realize why Bill Parcells left Miami so quickly. He doesn't want the blame that will come when this team goes to Holy Hell. I also realize I was an idiot for buying into Chad Henne, who will be a lifelong poor man's Kyle Orton. The Ronnie and Ricky RB Show is past its prime, and their o-line has major problems apart from Jake Long. Brandon Marshall was not a success. This team quietly had a really bad second half of 2010, and I don't think their draft helped much. Tony Sparano should be keeping watch, because I don't think he count on the 2008 Wildcat Fluke team giving him the clout to stay around.
The Team Mired on a Path to Nowhere Division
The teams that aren't bad, but are nowhere near good.
27.) Buffalo Bills
I like Chan Gailey, but he inherited a mess. He's done good work to make it better (in many ways, they were a better team than Miami in 2010. The problem I have is the team is still not addressing the QB position. Ryan Fitzpatrick is not a long term answer. Maybe they'll be in the Kolb/McNabb/Palmer sweepstakes. Their running game should be better, but I don't have too much faith. Their defense is good enough to keep the Bills in about half of their games, and they'll do what they always do: go 5-11 or 6-10.
26.) Seattle Seahawks
It's hard to say that the Seahawks will return to reality in 2011, because in reality, the 2010 Seahawks were a 5-11 team that won two extra games and somehow won their division. They have some uncertainty at the QB position, and although Pete Carroll might think that they have the replacement for Hasselbeck there in Whitehurst, the fact that they still are looking for a new QB gives me pause. The Seahaws have a lot of young players, but none of them have seemed to reach their potential, from Kelly Jennings, to Russell Okung to Aaron Curry.
25.) Washington Redskins
Oh, Michael Shanahan. You better hope that this Washington thing turns around, or you might be the next Tom Flores or George Seifert (a two time Super Bowl winner whose horrible run in another city ruined that sheen). They are actually considering going with John Beck as a QB, and that should be sign one that things are going to be horrible. Rex Grossman is their other option, who might be more intriguing due to some odd parallels to Grossman and Jake Plummer who had a really nice run from 2003-2005 with Shanahan, before Shanny inexplicably pulled him for Cutler when the Broncos were 7-4 in 2006. From 2003 until then, the Broncos were 40-19. Since, they are 29-40.
24.) Tennessee Titans
Vince Young might be gone, but that doesn't make them any better. I have no idea who they are planning to play. The current QBs are Rusty Smith, Brett Ratliff and Jake Locker. Good luck winning games with that. Their running game is good, and with Britt and Nate Washington, they have skill position players, so they might be able to drag up the level of the QB. Their defense is still what it always was, a group of talented D-Lineman who makes the rest of the defense play better. Mike Munchak will have a tough task ahead of him, and people may finally realize that Jeff Fisher might have actually been an over-acheiver.
23.) Cincinnati Bengals
I am assuming Carson Palmer is gone, and whether to QB is Andy Dalton (who I like) or Jordan Palmer, or anyone else, they have enough talent to be a frisky bad team. Their defense wasn't as bad as it may have seemed in 2010, and their offense has some potential. Jordan Shipley quietly had a really nice season, and Jermaine Gresham came on late. Jerome Simpson did as well, and AJ Green is a great prospect. Out of all of the teams in this division of teams, they have the most potential, especially if Dalton is the real deal. That said, they are the Bengals.
The Last Year Was a Fluke Division
The Team that won 10 games, and will fall back to reality
22.) Kansas City Chiefs
Yup, this is the only team that qualifies (as Seattle was not playoff-worthy anyway). They rode an insanely east schedule to 10 wins, and proceeded to shit the bed in a playoff performance everyone saw coming. Other than their Week 1 win against San Diego, they didn't beat a single team above .500 other than Jacksonville (one of the few teams more fraudulent than the Chiefs). Matt Cassel was great against Denver and Miami. Their running game might be nice, but the rest of the team inspires no confidence, and Charlie Weis leaving for Florida probably won't help Matt Cassel any.
The Intriguing Wild Card Fodder Division
The teams that if everything break right, might sneak into a wild card spot.
21.) Arizona Cardinals
Again, I am assuming they get either Palmer, Kolb or McNabb, who are all about equal in my book (Palmer being the best, but probably the least likely to actually end up there). This team has everything but a QB. Their defense has a nice array of young players, and older studs like Dockett and Wilson. Their young guys should take a step up in 2011, especially if they have an offense that doesn't put the defense in compromising situations. Their offense's biggest hole is the o-line, but with Max Hall and John Skelton, the pocket presence deficiencies were probably as big of a problem. I like Zona in that division, and they have the pieces. They just need that QB, and they'll get him, since Arizona is an attractive place to go.
20.) Cleveland Browns
Call me a believer in this teams ability to approach .500. I like Colt McCoy. More than that, I like his ability to play in Pat Shurmur's West Coast offense. That team has a lot of players on defense that play well enough to limit opposition. They have a good young secondary. They need more weapons on offense, but Peyton Hillis was no fluke and Mohammad Massaquoi continues to improve. With Carson Palmer gone, I think they will leapfrog the Bengals in that division. If they were in the NFC West, they could challenge for the division.
19.) Minnesota Vikings
I doubt they let Christian Ponder start right away, but I doubt it matters much. This is basically what the Vikings were from 2005-2008, before Favre came in and for one year worked wonders. They are a good team in a lot of areas. Adrian Peterson rebounded to have a great year in 2010, and their defense is still in the better half of the NFL. They should get more out of second year corener Chris Cook, and they need guys like Brian Robison to step up in place of an almost certainly gone Ray Edwards.
The Last Year Wasn't a Fluke Division
The teams that all year people thought were flukes, but really have a solid foundation and will be great come 2013.
18.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Everyone thought the Bucs were a hollow 2-0 team after that start last year, and big blowout losses to the Saints and Steelers early reaffirmed that fact...... until the somehow won 10 games despite never having a winning streak of more than two games all year long (which I don't need Elias Sports Bureau to tell me is something that probably hasn't happened in my lifetime). If not for a hard overtime loss to the Lions in Week 15, they go 11-5, the Packers don't make the playoffs, and Ben Roethlisberger has another Super Bowl ring. And they did all that without either of their first two picks (tackles Gerald McCoy and Brian Price) doing much do to injury. Without any pass rush, they held opponents to under 20 a game. They probably are a year away, but this team is for real. Josh Freeman is for real, and very soon the Bucs will be a power.
17.) St. Louis Rams
Improving to 7-9 isn't a great thing, unless the season before you were 1-15 and were starting a rookie QB. The Rams have all the pieces that are hard to get: franchise QB in Bradford, solid LT in Saffold, mauling defensive front in the resurgent Chris Long among others. They have good corner play. They have a coach who can scheme and coach up that defense like no other. They just need more weapons for Bradford to play with. Well, they attempted to do that, by picking a tight end in round two and two nice slot-type receivers in rounds 3-4, and with the return of Donnie Avery, the Rams might actually have a nice little nucleus of weapons. They, like the Bucs, are set up beautifully.
The Teams That Could Put it Together or Could Bomb Division
The teams that have the talent to have strong seasons and play into mid-January, but also have enough combustible parts to falter into 6-10 territory.
16.) Dallas Cowboys
Ah yes, those Cowboys. Yes, Tony Romo is coming back, but surprisingly, I don't think that makes them that much better. Jon Kitna played rather well in relief of Romo, and the offense wasn't the problem. That defense was utter shit in 2010. They couldn't cover anyone. There is noise they might go after Asomugha, which would help, but it is still a mess. They don't have anyone at safety worth a damn. Mike Jenkins was awful in 2010. Some say it was a fluke, but he was bad in 2008, so maybe him being good in 2009 was the fluke. That said, the offense is still explosive, and they were an 8-8 team that played 5-11 in 2010. They could further implode if Romo is what he normally is and they don't sign Asomugha, but they have a shot to get back in the playoff picture.
15.) Houston Texans
I'm happy they gave Kubiak another year, because the offense was actually better in 2010 than it was in 2009. The defense was atrocious, but that is not really Kubiak's fault. I like the Wade move, because Wade Phillips can coach defense as good as anyone else, but they just aren't built for a 3-4. Mario Williams is a beast as a 4-3 DE, and I'm not sure how he'll be used and how effective he will be. DeMeco Ryans will also have to learn a new position. They still need corner help (Asomugha? Haven't heard his name in connection there but it makes sense). Their defense is a huge question mark. If Wade works, they could threaten for a Wild Card spot. If it doesn't, they might be in trouble, and I don't think Kubiak has one more reappearance act in him.
14.) Oakland Raiders
Yes, I am a believer, but I'm not that crazy enough that I can still say that this team could really dissappoint, or it could go for a Wild Card. They are clearly in my mind the second best team in the AFC West. Jason Campbell really played well at the end of 2010, and Darren McFadden played well throughout 2010. Their draftee running back Taiwan Harris is supposedly as fast as his name is cool. Their receivers were starting to gel. However, the brightest spot is that defense. Sure, Aso might leave, but accross the board, the Raiders got great production from their safeties, and #2 corner Stanford Routt had a great year. Their d-line is among the league's best at rushing the passer, as Tommy Kelly, Trevor Scott, Matt Shuaghnessy, Richard Seymour combine to force a beautiful pass-rush by committee unit that led the team to 47 sacks. The Raiders are really talented. They also have a tough schedule outside the division, but they can do it.
13.) Chicago Bears
I think they could play about where they played last year and go about 9-7. Of course, if the o-line imrpoves as it should, Cutler will get more time and they could get better on offense. Their defense is still very good, but it will be interesting to see if Peppers is as motivated year 2 of his contract, and if Briggs and Urlacher can play as well as they both did in 2010. The big question is can they stay as amazingly healthy again. The Bears were probably the team with the fewest injuries, and that is something that usually doesn't stay constant year to year. Injuries could derail a team that is in a really tough division.
The Young Talented Teams Division
The two teams that have loads of young talent, and are about one year away from putting it all together. They just lack a couple things to make the top 10.
12.) Atlanta Falcons
Nice team, and this trade for Julio Jones will either make them or break them. Sure, they gave up a lot, and sure, if they probably could have traded for Andrew Johnson for all that they gave up, but that is a move that could potentially make this team a true superpower for the next six years. What makes me nervous is that they are a team that does everything average to well, but nothing bad and nothing great. Matt Ryan is a nice player, but he can't take over games the way Rodgers did. Their defense is good, but it will never shut anyone down. They still are a good team, but I think they need more impact players, and Julio Jones could be just that. They need one for that defense though.
11.) Detroit Lions
The only thing they really need is for Matthew Stafford to stay healthy. Everything else is there. Their defense got immensely better in year two under Jim Schwartz, who not only coached up Ndamukong Suh, but got something out of former 1st round pick Lawrence Jackson and journeyman Cliff Avril. They have a beast d-line that will only get better with Nick Fairley. Their offense is loaded with skill players, and if rookie Titus Young comes in and contributes, they actually have a really nice group of weapons, which gets better if Mikel LeShoure is as good as he can be. Matthew Stafford just HAS to stay healthy.
The Just-One-Level Behind Division
The two teams that look great on paper, and have track records of success, but I just possibly cannot see holding that Silver Lombardi trophy come February.
10.) New York Jets
Their defense was incredible in the playoffs, but regressed in the regular season in 2010 from its amazing level of play in 2009. Their pass defense is what fell, as their pass rush deteriorated even more. That area needs to improve in 2011. Their offense is fine, but they have days where they can't do anything. Mark Sanchez should get better, but even then, they are a level behind the other major AFC teams.
9.) Philadelphia Eagles
I just can't see a team led by Mike Vick actually winning a Super Bowl. They have an explosive offense, which rivals anything the McNabb era did. Vick possibly can't throw as few interceptions as he did in 2010, but even then, his ability to read defenses and be accurate has greatly improved in the second life of his career. Their defense is still living on the memory and reputation of Jim Johnson, as it has been just average for two straight seasons. Their defense just isn't championship ready, and they aren't doing too much in the draft to really fix that.
The Super Bowl Contender Division
The teams that have it all together, and if a couple things break their way will be holding that Silver Lombardi come February.
8.) New York Giants
Their running game needs to get back to 2009, 2008 levels if they want to make a real run. Just by their injuries returning back to league average and Manning not having so many tipped interceptions, they should be a playoff team. They honestly were better than the Eagles in 2010, but just lost a fluke game against them. Their o-line has regressed a bit, but that is more with age. Their young guys have played well. Their defense needs better play out of their linebackers, and secondary, but that should be fixed with fewer injuries.
7.) New England Patriots
Yup, I'm still the same Patriots hater. Most Patriots fans use the logic that they went 14-2 with a young team last year, and they should stand to just get better, but that has a serious problem. They overacheived a shit load in 2010. Their offense cannot possibly play that well again. Tom Brady cannot possibly go 300+ passes in a row without a pick. The team cannot possibly have just 10 turnovers next year. And if their offense does fall off as it almost has to, there will be problems, as that defense showed it really didn't make any real improvement. Other than the Jets game, the Patriots supposed defensive improvement was built on playing bad teams (Miami and Buffalo to finish the season). They still gave up 26 to Pittsburgh, 28 to the Colts, 24 to the Lions and 27 to a Rodgers-less Packers team in their long winning streak. They are still a good team, but there is no way they go 14-2 again.
6.) Pittsburgh Steelers
Runner ups recently have done better than defending champions. In that a runner up has actually won a playoff game in the last 5 years (while the last Super Bowl Champion to win a playoff game the next year was the 2005 Pats, who won their Wild Card game). That defense is still great, but they didn't really get any help for their corners. Their ability to play still great defense despite not having great corners was amazing, but it can't last. Troy also looked really old and a step slower late in 2010. Their offense should get better, but I still worry about that o-line, as their best player in an unrestricted free agent.
5.) Indianapolis Colts
Here's my thinking. They had a great offense in 2010 with Manning having an off year (although apart from that horrendous three game stretch he had a good year), and them missing Austin Collie, Dallas Clark, Anthony Gonzalez for long stretches of time, and with Joseph Addai and Donald Brown rotating in and out of the ER. Their defense struggled a lot, but they had as much injuries, as by the playoffs the #1, #2 corners were both out and they were down to their fifth string SS. They cannot be that injured again, and with the o-line draft picks, the o-line should be better. Their offense should be great. Their defense should be a bit better. I think the Colts defense will be their downfall, but it should be a fun ride.
4.) New Orleans Saints
I love this team heading into 2010. Drew Brees threw way too many picks, which probably won't happen again, and their receivers and backs were shuffling in and out of the lineup. Unlike the Colts, their offense fell off a bit, but also unlike the Colts, the Saints defense took a huge step up. The Saints defense was legitimately really good in 2010, and didn't get all the lucky turnovers they got in 2009. Their run defense was great. Their pass defense was great. The addition of Cameron Jordan should only help this. The Saints have a team that is perfectly set up to return to the level of the bye-teams in 2011.
The Super Bowl Favorites Division
The two best challengers to the Green Bay throne, and the teams that have it all together and can easily go 13-3 or 14-2.
3.) Baltimore Ravens
I shouldn't like them this much. They are aging on defense. Their offense fell a bit in 2010. Joe Flacco has never really done anything to earn the credit he gets. That said, I still love this team. They play so well, never getting blown out, staying in every game. Their defense is still really good, and they get the additional addition of Sergio Kindle, and new first round pick Jimmy Smith, who has immense talent but needs the right direction. Well, Ray Lewis will put him in the right direction. Getting Jared Gaither back healthy also will help a run game that lagged a bit in 2010. I also think that the addition of Torrey Smith, and the return of Donte Stallworth makes their offense better, as does the improvement of their two young tight ends. I just like this team.
2.) San Diego Chargers
On the other hand, I hate this team, mainly because I fear them to all hell. Philip Rivers is amazing, although he's yet to play great in the playoffs except for one half game against the Colts in 2007. Their offense was great in 2010 despite missing Vincent Jackson for little time and Rivers' throwing to guys like Seyi Ajiratutu and Patrick Crayton. Just unbelievable. I don't think Ryan Mathews is any good, but he should be better. The amazing thing is how good that defense was in 2010, and without any real name players except for the resurgent Shaun Phillips. If Bob Sanders gives them anything, then look out. They should have been 12-4 in 2010. Their special teams cannot possibly be as bad again. They are loaded. Again. In previous years they probably shouldn't have earned the title of most talented team in the league. I don't know if they do now, but they certainly earn the title of scariest.
The Defending Champ Who Won't Get Knocked Off Until he Loses Division
The Champs..... 'Nuff Said
1.) Green Bay Packers
They are the champs. They get the crown for now. Aaron Rodgers is sensational. That defense probably won't get that level from Charles Woodson again, and the loss of Cullen Jenkins will be felt, but they are still loaded everywhere except for o-line, and even that is servicable. The Packers are the champs, and until they lose, or until Aaron Rodgers has some massive injury, they will be the top ranked team.
'Till Next Time
1.) Nnamdi Asomugha does not resign in Oakland - but I will not project him to join a team. The team he does join will get a one spot bump.
2.) Either Carson Palmer/Donovan McNabb/Kevin Kolb are traded to Arizona, and Carson Palmer is not the Bengals starter come Week 1.
3.) Any restricted free agent that has been tendered stays with the current team.
4.) Peyton Manning resigns in Indianapolis (note: I will shave my head for the next year if he doesn't actually resign in Indianapolis)
Anyway, yes, those are a lot of assumptions, especially #3, which in a new CBA could unload a whole bevy of talented players into free agency, but this is the inherent problem in making a power ranking when the future of the NFL is in the hands of the 8th Circuit of Appeals.
The Andrew Luck Sweepstakes Division
The Teams that will be fighting for the 1st overall pick
32.) Carolina Panthers
It's been a long time since the same team had the #1 overall pick two years in a row, and despite Carolina probably being better than 2-14 quality, it might happen to them. The weird thing is they are probably the best worst team in recent memory, with widely defined strengths (rush offense, o-line, pass defense), but glaring weaknesses (pass offense, with a raw, overhyped QB that doesn't seem to be able to immediately produce and average to bad WR talent). This team has problems, and their schedule doesn't help (AFC South, NFC North). Tough, tough times for the Cats.
31.) Denver Broncos
I like John Fox, so most of my unrelenting hatred of this team has pretty much died along with the Josh McDaniels' experience. That said, they aren't a team that is going to contend in 2010, especially in a better division. Getting Elvis Dumervil back is nice, and pairing him with Von Miller should be really good, but that offense. My God, that offense. John Fox isn't an offensive coach, and I don't think anyone in the Elway/Xanders/Fox regime actually thinks Tim Tebow is the future.
30.) Jacksonville Jaguars
One of these years, this thing is going to explode. They've gone by with not a lot of talent for years, and although their drafting has been better under Gene Smith than it was during the Shack Harris era, this team still has problems. Their defense was just not good in 2011, and they really were a 5-11 team masquerading at 9-7 somehow. This thing will fall of the rails, especially since Jack Del Rio is still their coach, and that has an expiration date that is quickly approaching.
29.) San Francisco 49ers
Yup, I don't think just because John Harbaugh has been really successful that his brother will be. That team has QB problems, between Alex Smith who really proved that he'll be nothing more than a poor man's Jeff Garcia, and Colin Keapernick, who is not pro-ready at all. Their defense took a large step backwards in 2010, and their o-line also regressed. They have talent deficiencies, and will probably lose a lot more games than they should. That division will help though.
28.) Miami Dolphins
Now I realize why Bill Parcells left Miami so quickly. He doesn't want the blame that will come when this team goes to Holy Hell. I also realize I was an idiot for buying into Chad Henne, who will be a lifelong poor man's Kyle Orton. The Ronnie and Ricky RB Show is past its prime, and their o-line has major problems apart from Jake Long. Brandon Marshall was not a success. This team quietly had a really bad second half of 2010, and I don't think their draft helped much. Tony Sparano should be keeping watch, because I don't think he count on the 2008 Wildcat Fluke team giving him the clout to stay around.
The Team Mired on a Path to Nowhere Division
The teams that aren't bad, but are nowhere near good.
27.) Buffalo Bills
I like Chan Gailey, but he inherited a mess. He's done good work to make it better (in many ways, they were a better team than Miami in 2010. The problem I have is the team is still not addressing the QB position. Ryan Fitzpatrick is not a long term answer. Maybe they'll be in the Kolb/McNabb/Palmer sweepstakes. Their running game should be better, but I don't have too much faith. Their defense is good enough to keep the Bills in about half of their games, and they'll do what they always do: go 5-11 or 6-10.
26.) Seattle Seahawks
It's hard to say that the Seahawks will return to reality in 2011, because in reality, the 2010 Seahawks were a 5-11 team that won two extra games and somehow won their division. They have some uncertainty at the QB position, and although Pete Carroll might think that they have the replacement for Hasselbeck there in Whitehurst, the fact that they still are looking for a new QB gives me pause. The Seahaws have a lot of young players, but none of them have seemed to reach their potential, from Kelly Jennings, to Russell Okung to Aaron Curry.
25.) Washington Redskins
Oh, Michael Shanahan. You better hope that this Washington thing turns around, or you might be the next Tom Flores or George Seifert (a two time Super Bowl winner whose horrible run in another city ruined that sheen). They are actually considering going with John Beck as a QB, and that should be sign one that things are going to be horrible. Rex Grossman is their other option, who might be more intriguing due to some odd parallels to Grossman and Jake Plummer who had a really nice run from 2003-2005 with Shanahan, before Shanny inexplicably pulled him for Cutler when the Broncos were 7-4 in 2006. From 2003 until then, the Broncos were 40-19. Since, they are 29-40.
24.) Tennessee Titans
Vince Young might be gone, but that doesn't make them any better. I have no idea who they are planning to play. The current QBs are Rusty Smith, Brett Ratliff and Jake Locker. Good luck winning games with that. Their running game is good, and with Britt and Nate Washington, they have skill position players, so they might be able to drag up the level of the QB. Their defense is still what it always was, a group of talented D-Lineman who makes the rest of the defense play better. Mike Munchak will have a tough task ahead of him, and people may finally realize that Jeff Fisher might have actually been an over-acheiver.
23.) Cincinnati Bengals
I am assuming Carson Palmer is gone, and whether to QB is Andy Dalton (who I like) or Jordan Palmer, or anyone else, they have enough talent to be a frisky bad team. Their defense wasn't as bad as it may have seemed in 2010, and their offense has some potential. Jordan Shipley quietly had a really nice season, and Jermaine Gresham came on late. Jerome Simpson did as well, and AJ Green is a great prospect. Out of all of the teams in this division of teams, they have the most potential, especially if Dalton is the real deal. That said, they are the Bengals.
The Last Year Was a Fluke Division
The Team that won 10 games, and will fall back to reality
22.) Kansas City Chiefs
Yup, this is the only team that qualifies (as Seattle was not playoff-worthy anyway). They rode an insanely east schedule to 10 wins, and proceeded to shit the bed in a playoff performance everyone saw coming. Other than their Week 1 win against San Diego, they didn't beat a single team above .500 other than Jacksonville (one of the few teams more fraudulent than the Chiefs). Matt Cassel was great against Denver and Miami. Their running game might be nice, but the rest of the team inspires no confidence, and Charlie Weis leaving for Florida probably won't help Matt Cassel any.
The Intriguing Wild Card Fodder Division
The teams that if everything break right, might sneak into a wild card spot.
21.) Arizona Cardinals
Again, I am assuming they get either Palmer, Kolb or McNabb, who are all about equal in my book (Palmer being the best, but probably the least likely to actually end up there). This team has everything but a QB. Their defense has a nice array of young players, and older studs like Dockett and Wilson. Their young guys should take a step up in 2011, especially if they have an offense that doesn't put the defense in compromising situations. Their offense's biggest hole is the o-line, but with Max Hall and John Skelton, the pocket presence deficiencies were probably as big of a problem. I like Zona in that division, and they have the pieces. They just need that QB, and they'll get him, since Arizona is an attractive place to go.
20.) Cleveland Browns
Call me a believer in this teams ability to approach .500. I like Colt McCoy. More than that, I like his ability to play in Pat Shurmur's West Coast offense. That team has a lot of players on defense that play well enough to limit opposition. They have a good young secondary. They need more weapons on offense, but Peyton Hillis was no fluke and Mohammad Massaquoi continues to improve. With Carson Palmer gone, I think they will leapfrog the Bengals in that division. If they were in the NFC West, they could challenge for the division.
19.) Minnesota Vikings
I doubt they let Christian Ponder start right away, but I doubt it matters much. This is basically what the Vikings were from 2005-2008, before Favre came in and for one year worked wonders. They are a good team in a lot of areas. Adrian Peterson rebounded to have a great year in 2010, and their defense is still in the better half of the NFL. They should get more out of second year corener Chris Cook, and they need guys like Brian Robison to step up in place of an almost certainly gone Ray Edwards.
The Last Year Wasn't a Fluke Division
The teams that all year people thought were flukes, but really have a solid foundation and will be great come 2013.
18.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Everyone thought the Bucs were a hollow 2-0 team after that start last year, and big blowout losses to the Saints and Steelers early reaffirmed that fact...... until the somehow won 10 games despite never having a winning streak of more than two games all year long (which I don't need Elias Sports Bureau to tell me is something that probably hasn't happened in my lifetime). If not for a hard overtime loss to the Lions in Week 15, they go 11-5, the Packers don't make the playoffs, and Ben Roethlisberger has another Super Bowl ring. And they did all that without either of their first two picks (tackles Gerald McCoy and Brian Price) doing much do to injury. Without any pass rush, they held opponents to under 20 a game. They probably are a year away, but this team is for real. Josh Freeman is for real, and very soon the Bucs will be a power.
17.) St. Louis Rams
Improving to 7-9 isn't a great thing, unless the season before you were 1-15 and were starting a rookie QB. The Rams have all the pieces that are hard to get: franchise QB in Bradford, solid LT in Saffold, mauling defensive front in the resurgent Chris Long among others. They have good corner play. They have a coach who can scheme and coach up that defense like no other. They just need more weapons for Bradford to play with. Well, they attempted to do that, by picking a tight end in round two and two nice slot-type receivers in rounds 3-4, and with the return of Donnie Avery, the Rams might actually have a nice little nucleus of weapons. They, like the Bucs, are set up beautifully.
The Teams That Could Put it Together or Could Bomb Division
The teams that have the talent to have strong seasons and play into mid-January, but also have enough combustible parts to falter into 6-10 territory.
16.) Dallas Cowboys
Ah yes, those Cowboys. Yes, Tony Romo is coming back, but surprisingly, I don't think that makes them that much better. Jon Kitna played rather well in relief of Romo, and the offense wasn't the problem. That defense was utter shit in 2010. They couldn't cover anyone. There is noise they might go after Asomugha, which would help, but it is still a mess. They don't have anyone at safety worth a damn. Mike Jenkins was awful in 2010. Some say it was a fluke, but he was bad in 2008, so maybe him being good in 2009 was the fluke. That said, the offense is still explosive, and they were an 8-8 team that played 5-11 in 2010. They could further implode if Romo is what he normally is and they don't sign Asomugha, but they have a shot to get back in the playoff picture.
15.) Houston Texans
I'm happy they gave Kubiak another year, because the offense was actually better in 2010 than it was in 2009. The defense was atrocious, but that is not really Kubiak's fault. I like the Wade move, because Wade Phillips can coach defense as good as anyone else, but they just aren't built for a 3-4. Mario Williams is a beast as a 4-3 DE, and I'm not sure how he'll be used and how effective he will be. DeMeco Ryans will also have to learn a new position. They still need corner help (Asomugha? Haven't heard his name in connection there but it makes sense). Their defense is a huge question mark. If Wade works, they could threaten for a Wild Card spot. If it doesn't, they might be in trouble, and I don't think Kubiak has one more reappearance act in him.
14.) Oakland Raiders
Yes, I am a believer, but I'm not that crazy enough that I can still say that this team could really dissappoint, or it could go for a Wild Card. They are clearly in my mind the second best team in the AFC West. Jason Campbell really played well at the end of 2010, and Darren McFadden played well throughout 2010. Their draftee running back Taiwan Harris is supposedly as fast as his name is cool. Their receivers were starting to gel. However, the brightest spot is that defense. Sure, Aso might leave, but accross the board, the Raiders got great production from their safeties, and #2 corner Stanford Routt had a great year. Their d-line is among the league's best at rushing the passer, as Tommy Kelly, Trevor Scott, Matt Shuaghnessy, Richard Seymour combine to force a beautiful pass-rush by committee unit that led the team to 47 sacks. The Raiders are really talented. They also have a tough schedule outside the division, but they can do it.
13.) Chicago Bears
I think they could play about where they played last year and go about 9-7. Of course, if the o-line imrpoves as it should, Cutler will get more time and they could get better on offense. Their defense is still very good, but it will be interesting to see if Peppers is as motivated year 2 of his contract, and if Briggs and Urlacher can play as well as they both did in 2010. The big question is can they stay as amazingly healthy again. The Bears were probably the team with the fewest injuries, and that is something that usually doesn't stay constant year to year. Injuries could derail a team that is in a really tough division.
The Young Talented Teams Division
The two teams that have loads of young talent, and are about one year away from putting it all together. They just lack a couple things to make the top 10.
12.) Atlanta Falcons
Nice team, and this trade for Julio Jones will either make them or break them. Sure, they gave up a lot, and sure, if they probably could have traded for Andrew Johnson for all that they gave up, but that is a move that could potentially make this team a true superpower for the next six years. What makes me nervous is that they are a team that does everything average to well, but nothing bad and nothing great. Matt Ryan is a nice player, but he can't take over games the way Rodgers did. Their defense is good, but it will never shut anyone down. They still are a good team, but I think they need more impact players, and Julio Jones could be just that. They need one for that defense though.
11.) Detroit Lions
The only thing they really need is for Matthew Stafford to stay healthy. Everything else is there. Their defense got immensely better in year two under Jim Schwartz, who not only coached up Ndamukong Suh, but got something out of former 1st round pick Lawrence Jackson and journeyman Cliff Avril. They have a beast d-line that will only get better with Nick Fairley. Their offense is loaded with skill players, and if rookie Titus Young comes in and contributes, they actually have a really nice group of weapons, which gets better if Mikel LeShoure is as good as he can be. Matthew Stafford just HAS to stay healthy.
The Just-One-Level Behind Division
The two teams that look great on paper, and have track records of success, but I just possibly cannot see holding that Silver Lombardi trophy come February.
10.) New York Jets
Their defense was incredible in the playoffs, but regressed in the regular season in 2010 from its amazing level of play in 2009. Their pass defense is what fell, as their pass rush deteriorated even more. That area needs to improve in 2011. Their offense is fine, but they have days where they can't do anything. Mark Sanchez should get better, but even then, they are a level behind the other major AFC teams.
9.) Philadelphia Eagles
I just can't see a team led by Mike Vick actually winning a Super Bowl. They have an explosive offense, which rivals anything the McNabb era did. Vick possibly can't throw as few interceptions as he did in 2010, but even then, his ability to read defenses and be accurate has greatly improved in the second life of his career. Their defense is still living on the memory and reputation of Jim Johnson, as it has been just average for two straight seasons. Their defense just isn't championship ready, and they aren't doing too much in the draft to really fix that.
The Super Bowl Contender Division
The teams that have it all together, and if a couple things break their way will be holding that Silver Lombardi come February.
8.) New York Giants
Their running game needs to get back to 2009, 2008 levels if they want to make a real run. Just by their injuries returning back to league average and Manning not having so many tipped interceptions, they should be a playoff team. They honestly were better than the Eagles in 2010, but just lost a fluke game against them. Their o-line has regressed a bit, but that is more with age. Their young guys have played well. Their defense needs better play out of their linebackers, and secondary, but that should be fixed with fewer injuries.
7.) New England Patriots
Yup, I'm still the same Patriots hater. Most Patriots fans use the logic that they went 14-2 with a young team last year, and they should stand to just get better, but that has a serious problem. They overacheived a shit load in 2010. Their offense cannot possibly play that well again. Tom Brady cannot possibly go 300+ passes in a row without a pick. The team cannot possibly have just 10 turnovers next year. And if their offense does fall off as it almost has to, there will be problems, as that defense showed it really didn't make any real improvement. Other than the Jets game, the Patriots supposed defensive improvement was built on playing bad teams (Miami and Buffalo to finish the season). They still gave up 26 to Pittsburgh, 28 to the Colts, 24 to the Lions and 27 to a Rodgers-less Packers team in their long winning streak. They are still a good team, but there is no way they go 14-2 again.
6.) Pittsburgh Steelers
Runner ups recently have done better than defending champions. In that a runner up has actually won a playoff game in the last 5 years (while the last Super Bowl Champion to win a playoff game the next year was the 2005 Pats, who won their Wild Card game). That defense is still great, but they didn't really get any help for their corners. Their ability to play still great defense despite not having great corners was amazing, but it can't last. Troy also looked really old and a step slower late in 2010. Their offense should get better, but I still worry about that o-line, as their best player in an unrestricted free agent.
5.) Indianapolis Colts
Here's my thinking. They had a great offense in 2010 with Manning having an off year (although apart from that horrendous three game stretch he had a good year), and them missing Austin Collie, Dallas Clark, Anthony Gonzalez for long stretches of time, and with Joseph Addai and Donald Brown rotating in and out of the ER. Their defense struggled a lot, but they had as much injuries, as by the playoffs the #1, #2 corners were both out and they were down to their fifth string SS. They cannot be that injured again, and with the o-line draft picks, the o-line should be better. Their offense should be great. Their defense should be a bit better. I think the Colts defense will be their downfall, but it should be a fun ride.
4.) New Orleans Saints
I love this team heading into 2010. Drew Brees threw way too many picks, which probably won't happen again, and their receivers and backs were shuffling in and out of the lineup. Unlike the Colts, their offense fell off a bit, but also unlike the Colts, the Saints defense took a huge step up. The Saints defense was legitimately really good in 2010, and didn't get all the lucky turnovers they got in 2009. Their run defense was great. Their pass defense was great. The addition of Cameron Jordan should only help this. The Saints have a team that is perfectly set up to return to the level of the bye-teams in 2011.
The Super Bowl Favorites Division
The two best challengers to the Green Bay throne, and the teams that have it all together and can easily go 13-3 or 14-2.
3.) Baltimore Ravens
I shouldn't like them this much. They are aging on defense. Their offense fell a bit in 2010. Joe Flacco has never really done anything to earn the credit he gets. That said, I still love this team. They play so well, never getting blown out, staying in every game. Their defense is still really good, and they get the additional addition of Sergio Kindle, and new first round pick Jimmy Smith, who has immense talent but needs the right direction. Well, Ray Lewis will put him in the right direction. Getting Jared Gaither back healthy also will help a run game that lagged a bit in 2010. I also think that the addition of Torrey Smith, and the return of Donte Stallworth makes their offense better, as does the improvement of their two young tight ends. I just like this team.
2.) San Diego Chargers
On the other hand, I hate this team, mainly because I fear them to all hell. Philip Rivers is amazing, although he's yet to play great in the playoffs except for one half game against the Colts in 2007. Their offense was great in 2010 despite missing Vincent Jackson for little time and Rivers' throwing to guys like Seyi Ajiratutu and Patrick Crayton. Just unbelievable. I don't think Ryan Mathews is any good, but he should be better. The amazing thing is how good that defense was in 2010, and without any real name players except for the resurgent Shaun Phillips. If Bob Sanders gives them anything, then look out. They should have been 12-4 in 2010. Their special teams cannot possibly be as bad again. They are loaded. Again. In previous years they probably shouldn't have earned the title of most talented team in the league. I don't know if they do now, but they certainly earn the title of scariest.
The Defending Champ Who Won't Get Knocked Off Until he Loses Division
The Champs..... 'Nuff Said
1.) Green Bay Packers
They are the champs. They get the crown for now. Aaron Rodgers is sensational. That defense probably won't get that level from Charles Woodson again, and the loss of Cullen Jenkins will be felt, but they are still loaded everywhere except for o-line, and even that is servicable. The Packers are the champs, and until they lose, or until Aaron Rodgers has some massive injury, they will be the top ranked team.
'Till Next Time
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Week 13 Power Rankings
Well, I still have not gotten over the Colts de-balling the Chargers laid upon them. I don't even care if that it was the Chargers who did it. They deserved to win the game (unlike their wins in the 2007 and 2008 playoffs). They were the (much) better team. Here we go, a quick version as I need to go back to studying, of the Power Rankings
32.) Carolina Panthers (1-10)
Fear not, Panthers fans. The Panthers went 1-15 in 2001. Two years later they were in the Super Bowl. So, when Super Bowl XLVII kicks off in February 2013, don't be surprised to see Matt Moore throwing lobs to David Gettis.
31.) Arizona Cardinals (3-8)
That was a despicable performance. I am very surprised that Derek Anderson's outburst to a dick of a reporter was given as much airtime as it was. Who gives a shit? The Cardinals suck. Can't their players laugh about it at least?
30.) Detroit Lions (2-9)
They might be the "best 2-9 team in NFL history" but they still are 2-9 and let a winnable game get away. Honestly, nothing was better than first seeing the score of the Pats-Lions game as 14-3 Detroit. What the hell happened, Lions?
29.) Denver Broncos (3-8)
So the Broncos get caught videotaping another teams actual practice and there is no public outcry. Even the biggest Patriots hater in, well, NYU thinks that this is unfair to the Pats. There at least needs to be one senator to ask for a congressional hearing.
28.) Cincinnati Bengals (2-9)
Eight straight losses. When they started 2-1, I really thought this team would be what I thought it was. Instead, it was worse than what anyone thought it would be. There were people who did not like the Bengals heading into the season, but even they would have thought the teams would be better than 2-9.
27.) San Francisco 49ers (4-7)
They are just one week removed from being shutout at home. Even Bill Walsh would say that the 49ers would be one of the least deserving playoff teams in the history of the NFL.
26.) Buffalo Bills (2-9)
Steve Johnson should honestly stop crying. At the end of the 2010 season, the Bills will still suck, even if Johnson caught that pass. Plus, no one will remember Johnson's drop, but remember the fact that he swung a shitload of fantasy leagues with his great season.
25.) Dallas Cowboys (3-8)
I know I am setting myself up here by putting them this low, but I still don't think they are all that good. Their defense, espeically pass defense, is still abhorrently bad, which is not good when facing Peyton Manning who might finally get some people back.
24.) Washington Redskins (5-6)
That was just a flat performance. They lose close games (apart from that clusterfuck on Monday Night a couple weeks back) which is probably more maddening for their fans. It was nice to see Albert Haynesworth do something other than eat beef.
23.) Cleveland Browns (4-7)
In Bill Belichick's first year in New England, they went 5-11, and in the second he unearthed essentially a rookie named Tom Brady. In Eric Mangini's first year in Cleveland, they went 5-11, and in the second he unearthed a real rookie named Colt McCoy. Stranger things have happened. Actually, they haven't.
22.) Jacksonville Jaguars (6-5)
If they win the division because of a hail mary to win one game and a 59-yard field goal to win another, I will never watch football again. (I am almost serious about that threat). This team's ability to stay around .500 is truly commendable.
21.) Seattle Seahawks (5-6)
What happened to that home field advantage. That division is still their's for the taking if they can win their second game over St. Louis, but holding fort at what usually is one of the league's best home fields would have helped.
20.) Oakland Raiders (5-6)
They still are a massive improvement over any Raiders team since 2002 and I will take it. Also, Darren McFadden's seems to still be affected by that injury. If he keeps putting up crap stats, I would IR him and wait till next year.
19.) Tennessee Titans (5-6)
If Rusty Smith was their starter for the rest of the year, they would be 29, not 19. Also, Chris Johnson oficially should not say another word for the rest of the 2010 season after that pathetic showing against the worst defense in the NFL.
18.) St. Louis Rams (5-6)
A 1-15 had never made the playoffs the following year until the Dolphins did it in 2008. However, they had to go 11-5 in a division with three teams over .500 and the last place team at 7-9. The 1st place team in the NFC West may be 7-9, but the Rams have a chance to be the second team in three years to make the playoffs following a 1-15 season.
17.) Miami Dolphins (6-5)
Speaking of the Dolphins. It was nice to see that vaunted running game, if only for one day, roll an opponent. On the negative side, their pass rush has really diminished the past couple of weeks.
16.) Minnesota Vikings (4-7)
I think they will be a solid team under Frazier. They seem to really love him (unlike Garrett), and there seems to be a distinct possbility that if the Vikings approach the .500 number, Frazier may be coach full time. Me thinks that Jared Allen, the Williami, and co. like that idea.
15.) Houston Texans (5-6)
My biggest fear is the Texans winning out and stealing the division from the Colts. With that in mind, I am SO happy the Texans have to be a road team for a Thursday Game. I am so not happy to hear that Roger "I Bend Over for Owners" Goodell didn't have the decency to suspend Andre Johnson.
14.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-4)
That was the most impressive loss of the weekend. The Bucs have now hung tough with a good team on the road twice (Atlanta as well). The Bucs used to be a mirage of a team that capitalized on an easy scheduled. Now they are a solid team that is one year away.
13.) Kansas City Chiefs (7-4)
Matt Cassel's numbers have been amazing of late. Not Dwayne Bowe amazing, but somewhere close. I really want them to win the AFC West, because I love the idea of San Diego being out of the tournament, and love the idea of one of the AFC's Big 4 (NYJ, NE, BAL, PIT) to go to Arrowhead on Wild Card Saturday.
12.) New York Giants (7-4)
Any team that has to come back from 11 down against Jacksonville on the road should be reprimanded for such behavior. That was the weakest I have seen the Giants against the run since the 2006 season.
11.) Indianapolis Colts (6-5)
I guess I don't have to worry about any "rest starters" scenarios in Week 17. Not because the team is not that good to have things locked up, but because the Colts don't have enough players to "rest" people.
10.) San Diego Chargers (6-5)
Over the next five weeks, everyone around everywhere will say "You don't want to play the Chargers in the playoffs". Of course, since they have entered the playoffs with 10, 6, 4 and 11 game winning streaks in the last four years and never even made the Super Bowl, there is always one team that very much would want to play the Chargers.
9.) Philadelphia Eagles (7-4)
Well, I think it is time to reevaluate the stance that Michael Vick is the greatest player on earth. The Bears showed that if you can cover the deep throw, and actually get a rush up the middle (not allowing Vick to step up and run forward, but force him sideways), he is beatable.
8.) Green Bay Packers (7-4)
That was a tough loss, but one that showed that they can hang with the best team in the NFC at home. The Packers are still very much a question mark to even make the playoffs, but with a win over the Eagles and them hosting the Giants, they could get some good wild card draws. Plus, the division is still possibly there's.
7.) New Orleans Saints (8-3)
Quietly, the Saints have had one of the best defenses all year long. This is not like last year, when their defense was great in a "they force a ton of turnovers and do things that are not at all sustainable." Now they are just good, and that is really scary.
6.) Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3)
Any team that needs the luck of a drop to beat a Bills team in OT, after blowing a 13 point halftime lead to that same Bills team, needs to be dealt with. They are not the 2008 Steelers at all. That team threw the hammer down against the few bad teams they played. That would have been a 31-3 thrashing if that was the 2008 Steelers.
5.) New England Patriots (9-2)
For all the orgasms about their amazing offense, they were still tied entering the 4th quarter. Sure, the Lions self-destructed, and Brady was perfect, but they were still tied entering the 4th quarter. The Patriots defense continues to suck, and as a Colts fan who has had followed teams in pretty much the same circumstances (2003, 2004), it doesn't end well.
4.) Chicago Bears (8-3)
That was the Bears team I expected all year long. That game was not close. The Eagles had good field position early, which helped them even be in that game. Cutler, taking out that Washington game, has 6 picks in 10 games, and has been playing within himself. The defense is starting to lay the smack down. They have the surest tackling defense in the NFL. Barely a missed tackle.
3.) New York Jets (9-2)
I hear all this whining from Pats fans and Jets haters that "The Jets haven't been impressive". So what. Their defense is still very good, and Santonio Holmes is getting better each week. This Monday Night game is the true test of the Jets mettle. In the Brady era, the Jets have actually had more success in Foxboro than in the Meadowlands, so it should be fun.
2.) Baltimore Ravens (8-3)
The only team with no bad losses. All on the road, all by four points or less (one with a losing TD in the last minute and the other in OT). What I love is that the Colts absolutely own this team, so any way I can sign up with a playoff game against the Ravens (whether it be in round 1 or 2) I will take it. Please, football Gods, give us Baltimore.
1.) Atlanta Falcons (9-2)
Matt Ryan is really the next Peyton Manning in terms of his ownership of the game. He will never put up the stats Manning did (or still does). But he has a control of the position I have never seen from a guy so young. He changes plays, he barks signals, he knows where to go with the ball. Most importantly, he is absolute money in two minute situations. Love the guy.
Playoff Projections
AFC
1.) Baltimore Ravens 13-3
2.) New York Jets 12-4
3.) San Diego Chargers 11-5
4.) Indianapolis Colts 10-6
5.) New England Patriots 12-4
6.) Pittsburgh Steelers 11-5
NFC
1.) Atlanta Falcons 13-3
2.) Chicago Bears 12-4
3.) Philadelphia Eagles 11-5
4.) St. Louis Rams 8-8
5.) New Orleans Saints 12-4
6.) New York Giants 11-5
32.) Carolina Panthers (1-10)
Fear not, Panthers fans. The Panthers went 1-15 in 2001. Two years later they were in the Super Bowl. So, when Super Bowl XLVII kicks off in February 2013, don't be surprised to see Matt Moore throwing lobs to David Gettis.
31.) Arizona Cardinals (3-8)
That was a despicable performance. I am very surprised that Derek Anderson's outburst to a dick of a reporter was given as much airtime as it was. Who gives a shit? The Cardinals suck. Can't their players laugh about it at least?
30.) Detroit Lions (2-9)
They might be the "best 2-9 team in NFL history" but they still are 2-9 and let a winnable game get away. Honestly, nothing was better than first seeing the score of the Pats-Lions game as 14-3 Detroit. What the hell happened, Lions?
29.) Denver Broncos (3-8)
So the Broncos get caught videotaping another teams actual practice and there is no public outcry. Even the biggest Patriots hater in, well, NYU thinks that this is unfair to the Pats. There at least needs to be one senator to ask for a congressional hearing.
28.) Cincinnati Bengals (2-9)
Eight straight losses. When they started 2-1, I really thought this team would be what I thought it was. Instead, it was worse than what anyone thought it would be. There were people who did not like the Bengals heading into the season, but even they would have thought the teams would be better than 2-9.
27.) San Francisco 49ers (4-7)
They are just one week removed from being shutout at home. Even Bill Walsh would say that the 49ers would be one of the least deserving playoff teams in the history of the NFL.
26.) Buffalo Bills (2-9)
Steve Johnson should honestly stop crying. At the end of the 2010 season, the Bills will still suck, even if Johnson caught that pass. Plus, no one will remember Johnson's drop, but remember the fact that he swung a shitload of fantasy leagues with his great season.
25.) Dallas Cowboys (3-8)
I know I am setting myself up here by putting them this low, but I still don't think they are all that good. Their defense, espeically pass defense, is still abhorrently bad, which is not good when facing Peyton Manning who might finally get some people back.
24.) Washington Redskins (5-6)
That was just a flat performance. They lose close games (apart from that clusterfuck on Monday Night a couple weeks back) which is probably more maddening for their fans. It was nice to see Albert Haynesworth do something other than eat beef.
23.) Cleveland Browns (4-7)
In Bill Belichick's first year in New England, they went 5-11, and in the second he unearthed essentially a rookie named Tom Brady. In Eric Mangini's first year in Cleveland, they went 5-11, and in the second he unearthed a real rookie named Colt McCoy. Stranger things have happened. Actually, they haven't.
22.) Jacksonville Jaguars (6-5)
If they win the division because of a hail mary to win one game and a 59-yard field goal to win another, I will never watch football again. (I am almost serious about that threat). This team's ability to stay around .500 is truly commendable.
21.) Seattle Seahawks (5-6)
What happened to that home field advantage. That division is still their's for the taking if they can win their second game over St. Louis, but holding fort at what usually is one of the league's best home fields would have helped.
20.) Oakland Raiders (5-6)
They still are a massive improvement over any Raiders team since 2002 and I will take it. Also, Darren McFadden's seems to still be affected by that injury. If he keeps putting up crap stats, I would IR him and wait till next year.
19.) Tennessee Titans (5-6)
If Rusty Smith was their starter for the rest of the year, they would be 29, not 19. Also, Chris Johnson oficially should not say another word for the rest of the 2010 season after that pathetic showing against the worst defense in the NFL.
18.) St. Louis Rams (5-6)
A 1-15 had never made the playoffs the following year until the Dolphins did it in 2008. However, they had to go 11-5 in a division with three teams over .500 and the last place team at 7-9. The 1st place team in the NFC West may be 7-9, but the Rams have a chance to be the second team in three years to make the playoffs following a 1-15 season.
17.) Miami Dolphins (6-5)
Speaking of the Dolphins. It was nice to see that vaunted running game, if only for one day, roll an opponent. On the negative side, their pass rush has really diminished the past couple of weeks.
16.) Minnesota Vikings (4-7)
I think they will be a solid team under Frazier. They seem to really love him (unlike Garrett), and there seems to be a distinct possbility that if the Vikings approach the .500 number, Frazier may be coach full time. Me thinks that Jared Allen, the Williami, and co. like that idea.
15.) Houston Texans (5-6)
My biggest fear is the Texans winning out and stealing the division from the Colts. With that in mind, I am SO happy the Texans have to be a road team for a Thursday Game. I am so not happy to hear that Roger "I Bend Over for Owners" Goodell didn't have the decency to suspend Andre Johnson.
14.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-4)
That was the most impressive loss of the weekend. The Bucs have now hung tough with a good team on the road twice (Atlanta as well). The Bucs used to be a mirage of a team that capitalized on an easy scheduled. Now they are a solid team that is one year away.
13.) Kansas City Chiefs (7-4)
Matt Cassel's numbers have been amazing of late. Not Dwayne Bowe amazing, but somewhere close. I really want them to win the AFC West, because I love the idea of San Diego being out of the tournament, and love the idea of one of the AFC's Big 4 (NYJ, NE, BAL, PIT) to go to Arrowhead on Wild Card Saturday.
12.) New York Giants (7-4)
Any team that has to come back from 11 down against Jacksonville on the road should be reprimanded for such behavior. That was the weakest I have seen the Giants against the run since the 2006 season.
11.) Indianapolis Colts (6-5)
I guess I don't have to worry about any "rest starters" scenarios in Week 17. Not because the team is not that good to have things locked up, but because the Colts don't have enough players to "rest" people.
10.) San Diego Chargers (6-5)
Over the next five weeks, everyone around everywhere will say "You don't want to play the Chargers in the playoffs". Of course, since they have entered the playoffs with 10, 6, 4 and 11 game winning streaks in the last four years and never even made the Super Bowl, there is always one team that very much would want to play the Chargers.
9.) Philadelphia Eagles (7-4)
Well, I think it is time to reevaluate the stance that Michael Vick is the greatest player on earth. The Bears showed that if you can cover the deep throw, and actually get a rush up the middle (not allowing Vick to step up and run forward, but force him sideways), he is beatable.
8.) Green Bay Packers (7-4)
That was a tough loss, but one that showed that they can hang with the best team in the NFC at home. The Packers are still very much a question mark to even make the playoffs, but with a win over the Eagles and them hosting the Giants, they could get some good wild card draws. Plus, the division is still possibly there's.
7.) New Orleans Saints (8-3)
Quietly, the Saints have had one of the best defenses all year long. This is not like last year, when their defense was great in a "they force a ton of turnovers and do things that are not at all sustainable." Now they are just good, and that is really scary.
6.) Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3)
Any team that needs the luck of a drop to beat a Bills team in OT, after blowing a 13 point halftime lead to that same Bills team, needs to be dealt with. They are not the 2008 Steelers at all. That team threw the hammer down against the few bad teams they played. That would have been a 31-3 thrashing if that was the 2008 Steelers.
5.) New England Patriots (9-2)
For all the orgasms about their amazing offense, they were still tied entering the 4th quarter. Sure, the Lions self-destructed, and Brady was perfect, but they were still tied entering the 4th quarter. The Patriots defense continues to suck, and as a Colts fan who has had followed teams in pretty much the same circumstances (2003, 2004), it doesn't end well.
4.) Chicago Bears (8-3)
That was the Bears team I expected all year long. That game was not close. The Eagles had good field position early, which helped them even be in that game. Cutler, taking out that Washington game, has 6 picks in 10 games, and has been playing within himself. The defense is starting to lay the smack down. They have the surest tackling defense in the NFL. Barely a missed tackle.
3.) New York Jets (9-2)
I hear all this whining from Pats fans and Jets haters that "The Jets haven't been impressive". So what. Their defense is still very good, and Santonio Holmes is getting better each week. This Monday Night game is the true test of the Jets mettle. In the Brady era, the Jets have actually had more success in Foxboro than in the Meadowlands, so it should be fun.
2.) Baltimore Ravens (8-3)
The only team with no bad losses. All on the road, all by four points or less (one with a losing TD in the last minute and the other in OT). What I love is that the Colts absolutely own this team, so any way I can sign up with a playoff game against the Ravens (whether it be in round 1 or 2) I will take it. Please, football Gods, give us Baltimore.
1.) Atlanta Falcons (9-2)
Matt Ryan is really the next Peyton Manning in terms of his ownership of the game. He will never put up the stats Manning did (or still does). But he has a control of the position I have never seen from a guy so young. He changes plays, he barks signals, he knows where to go with the ball. Most importantly, he is absolute money in two minute situations. Love the guy.
Playoff Projections
AFC
1.) Baltimore Ravens 13-3
2.) New York Jets 12-4
3.) San Diego Chargers 11-5
4.) Indianapolis Colts 10-6
5.) New England Patriots 12-4
6.) Pittsburgh Steelers 11-5
NFC
1.) Atlanta Falcons 13-3
2.) Chicago Bears 12-4
3.) Philadelphia Eagles 11-5
4.) St. Louis Rams 8-8
5.) New Orleans Saints 12-4
6.) New York Giants 11-5
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Week 11 NFL Power Rankings
They are ranked so low..........
32.) Carolina Panthers (1-8)
Because I am still embarrassed that I thought this could be a playoff sleeper.
31.) Detroit Lions (2-7)
Because due to all the optimism they are a major disappointment.
30.) Buffalo Bills (1-8)
Because winning one game by two points at home to a 2-6 team is not a great achievement.
29.) Arizona Cardinals (3-6)
Because even though they are in a division where 5-4 is the best record, they don't really have any hope of the playoffs.
28.) Denver Broncos (3-6)
Because they are still the team that lost 59-14 at home.
27.) Dallas Cowboys (3-6)
Because winning one game doesn't erase giving up 121 points in the previous three.
26.) San Francisco 49ers (3-6)
Because they might somehow make the playoff and that will be a travesty.
25.) Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4)
Because they again are over .500 but no one thinks they can sniff the playoffs.
24.) Cincinnati Bengals (2-7)
Because they long for the days when "Carson Palmer is awful" since they were at least winning back then.
23.) Minnesota Vikings (3-6)
Because Tarvaris Jackson doesn't look so bad now, Chilly?
22.) St. Louis Rams (4-5)
Because that was a loss they never should have lost, and their playoff chances are now a question.
21.) Kansas City Chiefs (5-4)
Because they were who we thought they were.
20.) Seattle Seahawks (5-4)
Because with Matt Hasselbeck they have a chance, but with Whitehurst they have a chance... to lose by 40.
19.) Washington Redskins (4-5)
Because that was the most embarrassing home game in the history of Monday Night Football.
They are ranked so averagely....
18.) Cleveland Browns (3-6)
Because They are the best 3-6 team in the NFL, and just 9 days ago slaughtered the team that everyone loves now.
17.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3)
Because they have lasted long enough that the playoffs are now a real possibility.
16.) Miami Dolphins (5-4)
Because Tony Sparano probably never thought that his QB roullette would land on the "Tyler Thigpen" spot.
15.) Houston Texans (4-5)
Because, knowing the Texans M.O., they aren't dead yet (they are).
14.) Tennessee Titans (5-4)
Because Randy Moss will make Chris Johnson explode, and make Vince Young into something other than Vince Young.
13.) San Diego Chargers (4-5)
Because I am deathly afraid of this team sneaking into the playoffs.
They are ranked so high....
12.) Oakland Raiders (5-4)
Because guess who is in first place in the AFC West, bitches!!!
11.) Chicago Bears (6-3)
Because guess what team doesn't suck (directed at Bill Simmons).
10.) Green Bay Packers (6-3)
Because they have the best scoring defense in the NFL, and they have earned it.
9.) New Orleans Saints (6-3)
Because after all the shit about their downfall, they are tied for the second best record in the NFC.
8.) Philadelphia Eagles (6-3)
Because Michael Vick is great, and ironically, they only coaches who could routinely stop him are dead (Jim Johnson) or in college (Monte Kiffin).
7.) Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3)
Because with the o-line injuries and Aaron Smith out (again) that is not the 2008 Steelers.
6.) Indianapolis Colts (6-3)
Because they are winning games with their third and sixth string WR in the 3-WR sets, their second string TE, their second and fifth string RBs, their third string SS, and three LBs who did not start on opening day.
5.) New York Giants (6-3)
Because shit happens, and at least they came back.
4.) New England Patriots (7-2)
Because even I can't admit that that was a stellar performance.
3.) New York Jets (7-2)
Because they still have crushed the Patriots, and just beat a team that beat the Pats by 20.
2.) Baltimore Ravens (6-3)
Because I like what I saw on Thursday. Playing well on the road on Thursday Nights is really tough, and making a comeback is even tougher.
1.) Atlanta Falcons (7-2)
Because why not give it to the only 7-2 team in the NFC, and a team that took the 6-3 Steelers to OT, and beat the 6-3 Ravens, and who's defense is better than anyone thinks.
Playoff Projections
AFC
1/2/3.) Indianapolis Colts 12-4
1/2/3.) Baltimore Ravens 12-4
1/2/3.) New York Jets 12-4
4.) Oakland Raiders 9-7
5.) New England Patriots 11-5
6.) Pittsburgh Steelers 11-5
NFC
1.) Atlanta Falcons 13-3
2.) New York Giants 12-4
3.) Green Bay Packers 11-5
4.) Seattle Seahawks 9-7
5.) New Orleans Saints 11-5
6.) Chicago Bears/Philadelphia Eagles 10-6
32.) Carolina Panthers (1-8)
Because I am still embarrassed that I thought this could be a playoff sleeper.
31.) Detroit Lions (2-7)
Because due to all the optimism they are a major disappointment.
30.) Buffalo Bills (1-8)
Because winning one game by two points at home to a 2-6 team is not a great achievement.
29.) Arizona Cardinals (3-6)
Because even though they are in a division where 5-4 is the best record, they don't really have any hope of the playoffs.
28.) Denver Broncos (3-6)
Because they are still the team that lost 59-14 at home.
27.) Dallas Cowboys (3-6)
Because winning one game doesn't erase giving up 121 points in the previous three.
26.) San Francisco 49ers (3-6)
Because they might somehow make the playoff and that will be a travesty.
25.) Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4)
Because they again are over .500 but no one thinks they can sniff the playoffs.
24.) Cincinnati Bengals (2-7)
Because they long for the days when "Carson Palmer is awful" since they were at least winning back then.
23.) Minnesota Vikings (3-6)
Because Tarvaris Jackson doesn't look so bad now, Chilly?
22.) St. Louis Rams (4-5)
Because that was a loss they never should have lost, and their playoff chances are now a question.
21.) Kansas City Chiefs (5-4)
Because they were who we thought they were.
20.) Seattle Seahawks (5-4)
Because with Matt Hasselbeck they have a chance, but with Whitehurst they have a chance... to lose by 40.
19.) Washington Redskins (4-5)
Because that was the most embarrassing home game in the history of Monday Night Football.
They are ranked so averagely....
18.) Cleveland Browns (3-6)
Because They are the best 3-6 team in the NFL, and just 9 days ago slaughtered the team that everyone loves now.
17.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3)
Because they have lasted long enough that the playoffs are now a real possibility.
16.) Miami Dolphins (5-4)
Because Tony Sparano probably never thought that his QB roullette would land on the "Tyler Thigpen" spot.
15.) Houston Texans (4-5)
Because, knowing the Texans M.O., they aren't dead yet (they are).
14.) Tennessee Titans (5-4)
Because Randy Moss will make Chris Johnson explode, and make Vince Young into something other than Vince Young.
13.) San Diego Chargers (4-5)
Because I am deathly afraid of this team sneaking into the playoffs.
They are ranked so high....
12.) Oakland Raiders (5-4)
Because guess who is in first place in the AFC West, bitches!!!
11.) Chicago Bears (6-3)
Because guess what team doesn't suck (directed at Bill Simmons).
10.) Green Bay Packers (6-3)
Because they have the best scoring defense in the NFL, and they have earned it.
9.) New Orleans Saints (6-3)
Because after all the shit about their downfall, they are tied for the second best record in the NFC.
8.) Philadelphia Eagles (6-3)
Because Michael Vick is great, and ironically, they only coaches who could routinely stop him are dead (Jim Johnson) or in college (Monte Kiffin).
7.) Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3)
Because with the o-line injuries and Aaron Smith out (again) that is not the 2008 Steelers.
6.) Indianapolis Colts (6-3)
Because they are winning games with their third and sixth string WR in the 3-WR sets, their second string TE, their second and fifth string RBs, their third string SS, and three LBs who did not start on opening day.
5.) New York Giants (6-3)
Because shit happens, and at least they came back.
4.) New England Patriots (7-2)
Because even I can't admit that that was a stellar performance.
3.) New York Jets (7-2)
Because they still have crushed the Patriots, and just beat a team that beat the Pats by 20.
2.) Baltimore Ravens (6-3)
Because I like what I saw on Thursday. Playing well on the road on Thursday Nights is really tough, and making a comeback is even tougher.
1.) Atlanta Falcons (7-2)
Because why not give it to the only 7-2 team in the NFC, and a team that took the 6-3 Steelers to OT, and beat the 6-3 Ravens, and who's defense is better than anyone thinks.
Playoff Projections
AFC
1/2/3.) Indianapolis Colts 12-4
1/2/3.) Baltimore Ravens 12-4
1/2/3.) New York Jets 12-4
4.) Oakland Raiders 9-7
5.) New England Patriots 11-5
6.) Pittsburgh Steelers 11-5
NFC
1.) Atlanta Falcons 13-3
2.) New York Giants 12-4
3.) Green Bay Packers 11-5
4.) Seattle Seahawks 9-7
5.) New Orleans Saints 11-5
6.) Chicago Bears/Philadelphia Eagles 10-6
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Week 10 NFL Power Rankings
I'm finally free of all exam tethers, so I'll do my enhanced writing this week. Anyway, I'm planning to write something later tonight, so the power rankings will be the short version.
32.) Dallas Cowboys (1-7)
Just like we found out with the English National Team, maybe they aren't all that talented. They have to have pride in their own work. The Bills have pride, the 49ers have pride. Hell, the Raiders have pride. The 2010 Cowboys are a total embarrassment to the history of that club, and their performance over the last three weeks are probably the lowest in the history of the franchise.
31.) Carolina Panthers (1-7)
That was not a good performance, but I feel for them. This club has talent, as evidenced by their 8-5 finish to last season, but the Panthers o-line has not been anywhere near as good as it was for each of the last two years. DeAngelo Williams' injury really hurts, as does Matt Moore turning into Jake Delhomme circa 2009.
30.) Buffalo Bills (0-8)
Another week, another three point loss. This one wasn't as close as either of the last two, but the Bills really can't keep giving these chances away. I don't see many games ahead for the Bills that they could win, and even if they play better than quite a few other teams they might not be able to luck into wins.
29.) Denver Broncos (2-6)
The week off took some of the heat on the McDaniels' seat, but he has a chance to either douse the flames or ignite them even more with this game hosting the Chiefs. The Broncos have a chance to make a statement, but if they have another listless loss at home, the writing will be on the wall for Joshua F. McNasty.
28.) San Francisco 49ers (2-6)
Amazingly, they have the possibility of winning that division, as they are just two wins back. I really doubt they pull it off, but it should be fun to watch. The 49ers have some talent but they just dug themselves too far a hole to climb out of (and yes, I am trying to put in as many cliches in this column as possible).
27.) Detroit Lions (2-6)
I don't think Matt Stafford is injury prone, but extremely unlucky. Either way, there comes to a point where a player is no longer valuable because he is unlucky in injuries, and that point may be fast approaching for Stafford. Also, the Lions had no one else better at kicking than Ndomakung Suh? The punter can't even get a better extra point off?
26.) Arizona Cardinals (3-5)
That would have been a huge win, as all road wins in the NFC West are basically like two wins in any other division. The Cardinals have been the luckiest team in the league, winning one game because their opponent missed two makeable kicks (yes, we are one Sebastian Janikowski kick away from the Raiders being a 6-3 team), and another where they scored three non-offensive TDs. The luck has to run out at some point.
25.) Jacksonville Jaguars (4-4)
We'll see if they really deserve to be a middling .500 team this Sunday when they play host to Houston. I still don't think the Jaguars are anything better than a 4-12 or 5-11 team, but they inexplicably win a decent amount of games every year, kind of like the pre-Katrina Saints who were so average that you almost expected them to go 4-12 each year, but were surprised to find out they were around .500 most years.
24.) Seattle Seahawks (4-4)
Well, that NFC West spot is not a shoo-in anymore. People will overreact about the possibility that a NFC West team will get into the playoffs with a likely 8-8 record, but it isn't like this hasn't happened before. Just two years ago, the Chargers won the AFC West with a 9-7 record. Plus, the NFC West may seem to have been horrible since forever, but they are one of just three divisions to have a team in the Divisional Round of the playoffs each year since realignment, with the NFC East and AFC West being the other two. It was San Fran in '02, St. Louis '03-'04, Seattle '05-'07 and Arizona '08-'09.
23.) Cincinnati Bengals (2-6)
They are the best two win team in the NFL, if that says anything. Every single one of their losses in the five game losing streak has been by a touchdown or less. Essentially, they are the exact opposite of the 2009 Cincinnati Bengals, who won a string of close games. Also, there is nothing wrong with Carson Palmer, but Jermaine Gresham has been a major, major disappointment.
22.) Cleveland Browns (3-5)
You know Eric Mangini was orgasming during the end of that game. My God, what an ass-kicking. That was the greatest day the Browns franchise has had since the return of the Browns. Not only were they able to beat a 6-1 team, but Bill Belichick's horrible coaching job in Cleveland was part of the reason the relationship between the team and the city was beyond repair the first time.
21.) St. Louis Rams (4-4)
I really think they can win that division, and teams who haven't hosted a playoff game in years are usually hard to defeat (of course, there are many counters to this, but I like the sound of that). The Eddie Jones Dome was loud as shit back in the GSOT days, and it could come back as this team gets better. Steve Spagnuolo has also turned the Rams into an insanely competent defense.
20.) Miami Dolphins (4-4)
I find them a touch overrated. That Dolphins game was a big game. So far, the Dolphins are noted for their losses (to teams that were all before Week 8, one loss teams), but their wins haven't been impressive. The Ravens were a test for the Dolphins, and they failed miserably. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams haven't come anywhere close to matching their 2009 production.
19.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-3)
If you can ever have an impressive six point loss, that wasn't it. Like the Bengals the next night, they should have finished it off. Good for them for staying close, but when you get two yards away from taking the lead, if you think you have a future that resides in the 2010 NFL Playoffs, you get those two yards.
18.) Washington Redskins (4-4)
They had the bye week at the perfect time, cooling off some of the stories of Shanny skewering Donovan McNabb. They have a great chance to reclaim some magic against Philly, and go an amazing 3-0 in the NFC East. Will it happen? Who the fuck knows. Will it matter ultimately? Probably not, since you probably need ten wins to claim a wild card spot in the NFC.
17.) Kansas City Chiefs (5-3)
I'm not sold. That was a horrible loss, even after the refs handed them the ball when they were down four to get back in that game when the refs called an obvious down by contact a fumble. Matt Cassel just cannot make critical plays to win games. Also, that amazing running game really brought the wood against an average run defense, right?
16.) Minnesota Vikings (3-5)
That was a nice comeback, but it is probably delaying the inevitable. I will say that there still is no QB more fun to watch, emotionally, than Brett Favre. Sure, he throws abhorrently bad interceptions. Sure, he usually ends up one step short, but this is the third time he's almost pulled off amazing comebacks in the past month. Brett Favre has a penchant for playing in great endings, although he usually loses them.
15.) Chicago Bears (5-3)
That was a nice win. There is no shame to losing to the Bills by three. The Ravens and Chiefs both beat the Bills by just three, and those two did it on home. Of course, no one is going to have the Bears in the same class as those other two, but that doesn't matter to me. Julius Peppers' injury late in that game is a concern.
14.) Oakland Raiders (5-4)
There is a Raider column coming up really, really soon. The Raiders are back, finally. The Oakland Coliseum was rocking. That place is so open and spacious, yet is loud as fuck when it is packed. The Raiders can defend their house (4-1 at home). The Raiders can play great defense when they want to. They can rush the passer with anyone. The Chiefs had allowed eight sacks in seven games. The Raiders put up three. That Richard Seymour trade doesn't seem as bad, anymore.
13.) Houston Texans (4-4)
That was a tough loss. The Texans played well enough to win that game, but they couldn't stop Seyi Ajiratutu (I have no idea if I spelled that right or not), or Kris Wilson. The Texans have a lot of games against teams that are in the playoff hunt (two against Tennessee, one against Baltimore, one against the Jets). If they don't go at worst 2-2 in those games, they are not making the playoffs.
12.) San Diego Chargers (4-5)
I will pull so hard for the Chiefs the rest of the year. I want no part of the Chargers come January. I think their defense is still beatable, and their o-line is not great, but that offense is great. They can't run the ball still (Ryan Mathews was so, so, so overrated), but that passing offense is just so good. Come on Chiefs and Raiders, keep this team out of the playoffs.
11.) New England Patriots (6-2)
Yes, I did just drop them five spots, and I do it because that was not a total fluke. Yes, they did not get the breaks in that game; however, here is an equation: In the games that the Patriots got all of the breaks (Minnesota, San Diego), they won by three points. In the game that they got no breaks: they lose by 20 to a 2-5 team. They need all the breaks to win games. This was the third time the Patriots have been outgained by at least 100 yards. That was a classic butt-whooping, which is not what good teams do against 2-5 teams.
10.) Tennessee Titans (5-3)
The Randy Moss show (Act III) is up and running starting this Sunday. I don't think it is a perfect fit for Moss, because I'm not sure VY can consistently get him the ball, but he will take some pressure off Chris Johnson, who needs it to spark his 2010 season. The Titans are also widely outplaying their yards numbers with scoring, which isn't very sustainable.
9.) Philadelphia Eagles (5-3)
That was the second best game I have ever seen Michael Vick play (after his rookie playoff game against the Packers in 2002). If the Eagles started McNabb, or Kevin Kolb, they lose that game. The Colts bottled up McCoy (after that first long run), and put the Eagles into 3rd downs time after time. Outside of not converting two 3rd and Goals, Vick was able to convert a ton of 3rd downs. He was the difference, and good for him.
8.) New Orleans Saints (6-3)
The Saints might finally be over their mid-season doldrums, and in good time, since their schedule gets a lot easier coming up. I think the Saints noticed after that Browns loss that this is a new season, a new team. Brees still seems off, and that offense is still not in total sync, but with Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush set to come back, they may approach that level.
7.) Atlanta Falcons (6-2)
That was a good win, with two physical, game-winning plays to win the game, stuffing the Buccaneers two yards away from victory. The offense was nice. The key for the Falcons is to get one of those top-2 seeds. Matt Ryan is an incredible 17-1 in the Georgia Dome. If they can get a Divisional Round game at home, lock them into the NFC Championship Game.
6.) New York Jets (6-2)
That is three straight average performances, but there is something to winning those types of games, especially when the breaks don't go against you. Coming back from 10 points down with five minutes to go showed good resolve. Mark Sanchez really throws a beautiful deep ball. The Jets defense has to start playing better, though.
5.) Green Bay Packers (6-3)
I don't want to overrate a blowout win over that Cowboys team, since the Jaguars essentially did the same thing the week earlier in Dallas, but they should get credit for being the team who finally killed off the last vestiges of the Wade Phillips era. Well done, Aaron. By the way, Aaron Rodgers' stupid belt celebration thing is so horrible and bitchy. If you throw a TD fine, but when you run for a first down? No need, Aaron, no need.
4.) Indianapolis Colts (5-3)
They had a short week against a team coming off a bye. That seems patently unfair. Still, they were one semi-miracle drive away from beating the Eagles on the road with those scheduling disadvantages. Also, it seems unfair that the Colts have played three teams coming off their bye already, as well as 5 out of 8 on the road. They have had one of the toughest schedules in the league.
3.) Baltimore Ravens (6-2)
Good win, solid win. Teams that want to win a title should lay the wood against average teams at home. The Ravens were able to take the Dolphins out of that game, and Ray Rice just went off. Joe Flacco had a good game against a solid defense for once, which was a nice change. Also, Ed Reed: 2 games played, 3 interceptions. Yes, that man is a sure-fire hall of famer.
2.) New York Giants (6-2)
Five straight wins. They haven't beat many good teams, but they have crushed four of the teams in the five game winning streak. Eli Manning is great when his receivers don't tip balls for interceptions, right? Their defense is great. Their pass rush is great. The only problem is we could have said all of the same things about the 2009 Giants in their 5-0 start as well, and they finished 3-8. I don't want to be burned again.
1.) Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)
They nearly blew it, but they won a game against a team playing for its life, which is big. The Steelers defense got tons of pressure on Palmer, and their running offense was quite good in the fourth quarter. Ben Roethlisberger still looks rusty, but if that throw to Hines Ward for the TD is any indication, he'll be back soon.
Playoff Projections
AFC
1.) Pittsburgh Steelers 13-3
2.) Indianapolis Colts 12-4
3.) New York Jets 11-5
4.) Oakland Raiders 9-7
5.) Baltimore Ravens 11-5
6.) New England Patriots 10-6/Houston Texans 10-6/Tennessee Titans 10-6
NFC
1.) New York Giants 13-3
2.) Atlanta Falcons 12-4
3.) Green Bay Packers 10-6
4.) St. Louis Rams 8-8
5.) New Orleans Saints 11-5
6.) Philadelphia Eagles 10-6
- Not sure who would win tiebreakers in the Texans, Titans, Patriots threesome. Head-to-head won't matter, but conference wins do. The Pats have two conference losses, which is the same as Houston. The Titans have three.
- The Saints have an easy enough schedule to go 6-2 over the second half.
- I think the Colts lose only the Thursday Night game @ Tennessee. Going on the road on Thursday Night games are really, really tough. Of course, the Colts have played a road Thursday Night game three straight years now.
- I think the Raiders and Chargers end up 9-7, but the Raiders win with a better divisional record.
Coming back later today with some Raider-centric ramblings.
32.) Dallas Cowboys (1-7)
Just like we found out with the English National Team, maybe they aren't all that talented. They have to have pride in their own work. The Bills have pride, the 49ers have pride. Hell, the Raiders have pride. The 2010 Cowboys are a total embarrassment to the history of that club, and their performance over the last three weeks are probably the lowest in the history of the franchise.
31.) Carolina Panthers (1-7)
That was not a good performance, but I feel for them. This club has talent, as evidenced by their 8-5 finish to last season, but the Panthers o-line has not been anywhere near as good as it was for each of the last two years. DeAngelo Williams' injury really hurts, as does Matt Moore turning into Jake Delhomme circa 2009.
30.) Buffalo Bills (0-8)
Another week, another three point loss. This one wasn't as close as either of the last two, but the Bills really can't keep giving these chances away. I don't see many games ahead for the Bills that they could win, and even if they play better than quite a few other teams they might not be able to luck into wins.
29.) Denver Broncos (2-6)
The week off took some of the heat on the McDaniels' seat, but he has a chance to either douse the flames or ignite them even more with this game hosting the Chiefs. The Broncos have a chance to make a statement, but if they have another listless loss at home, the writing will be on the wall for Joshua F. McNasty.
28.) San Francisco 49ers (2-6)
Amazingly, they have the possibility of winning that division, as they are just two wins back. I really doubt they pull it off, but it should be fun to watch. The 49ers have some talent but they just dug themselves too far a hole to climb out of (and yes, I am trying to put in as many cliches in this column as possible).
27.) Detroit Lions (2-6)
I don't think Matt Stafford is injury prone, but extremely unlucky. Either way, there comes to a point where a player is no longer valuable because he is unlucky in injuries, and that point may be fast approaching for Stafford. Also, the Lions had no one else better at kicking than Ndomakung Suh? The punter can't even get a better extra point off?
26.) Arizona Cardinals (3-5)
That would have been a huge win, as all road wins in the NFC West are basically like two wins in any other division. The Cardinals have been the luckiest team in the league, winning one game because their opponent missed two makeable kicks (yes, we are one Sebastian Janikowski kick away from the Raiders being a 6-3 team), and another where they scored three non-offensive TDs. The luck has to run out at some point.
25.) Jacksonville Jaguars (4-4)
We'll see if they really deserve to be a middling .500 team this Sunday when they play host to Houston. I still don't think the Jaguars are anything better than a 4-12 or 5-11 team, but they inexplicably win a decent amount of games every year, kind of like the pre-Katrina Saints who were so average that you almost expected them to go 4-12 each year, but were surprised to find out they were around .500 most years.
24.) Seattle Seahawks (4-4)
Well, that NFC West spot is not a shoo-in anymore. People will overreact about the possibility that a NFC West team will get into the playoffs with a likely 8-8 record, but it isn't like this hasn't happened before. Just two years ago, the Chargers won the AFC West with a 9-7 record. Plus, the NFC West may seem to have been horrible since forever, but they are one of just three divisions to have a team in the Divisional Round of the playoffs each year since realignment, with the NFC East and AFC West being the other two. It was San Fran in '02, St. Louis '03-'04, Seattle '05-'07 and Arizona '08-'09.
23.) Cincinnati Bengals (2-6)
They are the best two win team in the NFL, if that says anything. Every single one of their losses in the five game losing streak has been by a touchdown or less. Essentially, they are the exact opposite of the 2009 Cincinnati Bengals, who won a string of close games. Also, there is nothing wrong with Carson Palmer, but Jermaine Gresham has been a major, major disappointment.
22.) Cleveland Browns (3-5)
You know Eric Mangini was orgasming during the end of that game. My God, what an ass-kicking. That was the greatest day the Browns franchise has had since the return of the Browns. Not only were they able to beat a 6-1 team, but Bill Belichick's horrible coaching job in Cleveland was part of the reason the relationship between the team and the city was beyond repair the first time.
21.) St. Louis Rams (4-4)
I really think they can win that division, and teams who haven't hosted a playoff game in years are usually hard to defeat (of course, there are many counters to this, but I like the sound of that). The Eddie Jones Dome was loud as shit back in the GSOT days, and it could come back as this team gets better. Steve Spagnuolo has also turned the Rams into an insanely competent defense.
20.) Miami Dolphins (4-4)
I find them a touch overrated. That Dolphins game was a big game. So far, the Dolphins are noted for their losses (to teams that were all before Week 8, one loss teams), but their wins haven't been impressive. The Ravens were a test for the Dolphins, and they failed miserably. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams haven't come anywhere close to matching their 2009 production.
19.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-3)
If you can ever have an impressive six point loss, that wasn't it. Like the Bengals the next night, they should have finished it off. Good for them for staying close, but when you get two yards away from taking the lead, if you think you have a future that resides in the 2010 NFL Playoffs, you get those two yards.
18.) Washington Redskins (4-4)
They had the bye week at the perfect time, cooling off some of the stories of Shanny skewering Donovan McNabb. They have a great chance to reclaim some magic against Philly, and go an amazing 3-0 in the NFC East. Will it happen? Who the fuck knows. Will it matter ultimately? Probably not, since you probably need ten wins to claim a wild card spot in the NFC.
17.) Kansas City Chiefs (5-3)
I'm not sold. That was a horrible loss, even after the refs handed them the ball when they were down four to get back in that game when the refs called an obvious down by contact a fumble. Matt Cassel just cannot make critical plays to win games. Also, that amazing running game really brought the wood against an average run defense, right?
16.) Minnesota Vikings (3-5)
That was a nice comeback, but it is probably delaying the inevitable. I will say that there still is no QB more fun to watch, emotionally, than Brett Favre. Sure, he throws abhorrently bad interceptions. Sure, he usually ends up one step short, but this is the third time he's almost pulled off amazing comebacks in the past month. Brett Favre has a penchant for playing in great endings, although he usually loses them.
15.) Chicago Bears (5-3)
That was a nice win. There is no shame to losing to the Bills by three. The Ravens and Chiefs both beat the Bills by just three, and those two did it on home. Of course, no one is going to have the Bears in the same class as those other two, but that doesn't matter to me. Julius Peppers' injury late in that game is a concern.
14.) Oakland Raiders (5-4)
There is a Raider column coming up really, really soon. The Raiders are back, finally. The Oakland Coliseum was rocking. That place is so open and spacious, yet is loud as fuck when it is packed. The Raiders can defend their house (4-1 at home). The Raiders can play great defense when they want to. They can rush the passer with anyone. The Chiefs had allowed eight sacks in seven games. The Raiders put up three. That Richard Seymour trade doesn't seem as bad, anymore.
13.) Houston Texans (4-4)
That was a tough loss. The Texans played well enough to win that game, but they couldn't stop Seyi Ajiratutu (I have no idea if I spelled that right or not), or Kris Wilson. The Texans have a lot of games against teams that are in the playoff hunt (two against Tennessee, one against Baltimore, one against the Jets). If they don't go at worst 2-2 in those games, they are not making the playoffs.
12.) San Diego Chargers (4-5)
I will pull so hard for the Chiefs the rest of the year. I want no part of the Chargers come January. I think their defense is still beatable, and their o-line is not great, but that offense is great. They can't run the ball still (Ryan Mathews was so, so, so overrated), but that passing offense is just so good. Come on Chiefs and Raiders, keep this team out of the playoffs.
11.) New England Patriots (6-2)
Yes, I did just drop them five spots, and I do it because that was not a total fluke. Yes, they did not get the breaks in that game; however, here is an equation: In the games that the Patriots got all of the breaks (Minnesota, San Diego), they won by three points. In the game that they got no breaks: they lose by 20 to a 2-5 team. They need all the breaks to win games. This was the third time the Patriots have been outgained by at least 100 yards. That was a classic butt-whooping, which is not what good teams do against 2-5 teams.
10.) Tennessee Titans (5-3)
The Randy Moss show (Act III) is up and running starting this Sunday. I don't think it is a perfect fit for Moss, because I'm not sure VY can consistently get him the ball, but he will take some pressure off Chris Johnson, who needs it to spark his 2010 season. The Titans are also widely outplaying their yards numbers with scoring, which isn't very sustainable.
9.) Philadelphia Eagles (5-3)
That was the second best game I have ever seen Michael Vick play (after his rookie playoff game against the Packers in 2002). If the Eagles started McNabb, or Kevin Kolb, they lose that game. The Colts bottled up McCoy (after that first long run), and put the Eagles into 3rd downs time after time. Outside of not converting two 3rd and Goals, Vick was able to convert a ton of 3rd downs. He was the difference, and good for him.
8.) New Orleans Saints (6-3)
The Saints might finally be over their mid-season doldrums, and in good time, since their schedule gets a lot easier coming up. I think the Saints noticed after that Browns loss that this is a new season, a new team. Brees still seems off, and that offense is still not in total sync, but with Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush set to come back, they may approach that level.
7.) Atlanta Falcons (6-2)
That was a good win, with two physical, game-winning plays to win the game, stuffing the Buccaneers two yards away from victory. The offense was nice. The key for the Falcons is to get one of those top-2 seeds. Matt Ryan is an incredible 17-1 in the Georgia Dome. If they can get a Divisional Round game at home, lock them into the NFC Championship Game.
6.) New York Jets (6-2)
That is three straight average performances, but there is something to winning those types of games, especially when the breaks don't go against you. Coming back from 10 points down with five minutes to go showed good resolve. Mark Sanchez really throws a beautiful deep ball. The Jets defense has to start playing better, though.
5.) Green Bay Packers (6-3)
I don't want to overrate a blowout win over that Cowboys team, since the Jaguars essentially did the same thing the week earlier in Dallas, but they should get credit for being the team who finally killed off the last vestiges of the Wade Phillips era. Well done, Aaron. By the way, Aaron Rodgers' stupid belt celebration thing is so horrible and bitchy. If you throw a TD fine, but when you run for a first down? No need, Aaron, no need.
4.) Indianapolis Colts (5-3)
They had a short week against a team coming off a bye. That seems patently unfair. Still, they were one semi-miracle drive away from beating the Eagles on the road with those scheduling disadvantages. Also, it seems unfair that the Colts have played three teams coming off their bye already, as well as 5 out of 8 on the road. They have had one of the toughest schedules in the league.
3.) Baltimore Ravens (6-2)
Good win, solid win. Teams that want to win a title should lay the wood against average teams at home. The Ravens were able to take the Dolphins out of that game, and Ray Rice just went off. Joe Flacco had a good game against a solid defense for once, which was a nice change. Also, Ed Reed: 2 games played, 3 interceptions. Yes, that man is a sure-fire hall of famer.
2.) New York Giants (6-2)
Five straight wins. They haven't beat many good teams, but they have crushed four of the teams in the five game winning streak. Eli Manning is great when his receivers don't tip balls for interceptions, right? Their defense is great. Their pass rush is great. The only problem is we could have said all of the same things about the 2009 Giants in their 5-0 start as well, and they finished 3-8. I don't want to be burned again.
1.) Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)
They nearly blew it, but they won a game against a team playing for its life, which is big. The Steelers defense got tons of pressure on Palmer, and their running offense was quite good in the fourth quarter. Ben Roethlisberger still looks rusty, but if that throw to Hines Ward for the TD is any indication, he'll be back soon.
Playoff Projections
AFC
1.) Pittsburgh Steelers 13-3
2.) Indianapolis Colts 12-4
3.) New York Jets 11-5
4.) Oakland Raiders 9-7
5.) Baltimore Ravens 11-5
6.) New England Patriots 10-6/Houston Texans 10-6/Tennessee Titans 10-6
NFC
1.) New York Giants 13-3
2.) Atlanta Falcons 12-4
3.) Green Bay Packers 10-6
4.) St. Louis Rams 8-8
5.) New Orleans Saints 11-5
6.) Philadelphia Eagles 10-6
- Not sure who would win tiebreakers in the Texans, Titans, Patriots threesome. Head-to-head won't matter, but conference wins do. The Pats have two conference losses, which is the same as Houston. The Titans have three.
- The Saints have an easy enough schedule to go 6-2 over the second half.
- I think the Colts lose only the Thursday Night game @ Tennessee. Going on the road on Thursday Night games are really, really tough. Of course, the Colts have played a road Thursday Night game three straight years now.
- I think the Raiders and Chargers end up 9-7, but the Raiders win with a better divisional record.
Coming back later today with some Raider-centric ramblings.
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