1. (1) Green Bay Packers (8-0) – The Packers continue to roll behind Aaron Rodgers. Every week they show they can win a different way; whether it is defensively, special teams, in the running game or their favorite: a SHOOT OUT!
2. (3) San Francisco 49ers (7-1) – The 49ers continue to play football the way they want to. They are pounding the ball with Frank Gore and playing outstanding defense. They don’t get the glamorous big blowout victories, but that isn’t the way they play ball. They have won 6 straight games and 4 straight in the Eastern Time Zone, not an easy task.
3. (5) Baltimore Ravens (6-2) – The Ravens played two tough games in a row, losing to the Jags and barely beating the Cardinals. But they went into Pittsburgh and swept the season series at Heinz Field. Now that is a statement!
4. (2) Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) – Big Ben and company ran into a tough, physical Ravens team, and despite the loss they played very good on defense. Up next: the 6-2 Bengals in Cincinnatti.
5. (6) New Orleans Saints (6-3) – Showed toughness to beat a good Buccaneers team after an embarrassing loss to the Rams. Sproles is looking like one of the best if not the best offseason acquisition this year.
6. (4) New England Patriots (5-3) – I am a bit concerned about this team due to their lack of defense. The offense can’t be expected to put up 30 points every game. Where is Ochocinco?
7. (7) Detroit Lions (6-2) – Seems like the bye week came at a good time for the Lions, who will hopefully get Jahvid Best back. I expect them to come back healthier and hungrier.
8. (9) Chicago Bears (5-3) – Cutler is beginning to look like his gun-slinger self with a rejuvenated offensive line. Their defense played the Eagles tough and got the job done.
9. (10) Houston Texans (6-3) – The Texans offensive line is pushing around everyone, unleashing the best 1-2 punch in the NFL with Foster and Tate. And remember, this is all without Super Mario or Andre Johnson. This team is very dangerous.
10. (13) New York Giants (6-2) – The Giants seem to have Tom Brady and the Patriots number. They did it again with another spectacular catch from #85, but this time it wasn’t David Tyree. The Giants looked great despite not having Bradshaw at RB. They will play another big game this weekend when they head over to San Francisco with the #2 seed in the NFC on the line.11. (11) Atlanta Falcons (5-3) – With a string of tough games on their schedule their starters got some much needed rest in a blowout victory over the Colts. If Julio Jones continues to get going, this offense could be one of the best in the NFL.
12. (12) New York Jets (5-3) – Another big win for the Jets. Even though Mark Sanchez is flinching, the rest of the team is not. They are gearing up for a late season push and have the division lead on the line next week when they face the slumping Patriots.
13. (17) Cincinnati Bengals (6-2) – Another big win for the Bengals, who now stand as the #2 seed in the AFC! Their defense is rock solid but they face a tough task playing the Steelers this Sunday. Let’s see if the Dalton-Green connection can continue to propel this team to victories.14. (8) Buffalo Bills (5-3) – The Jets defense shut down Fitzpatrick and the gang and forced three turnovers, very uncharacteristic of the Bills this year. This team is good, but they cannot turn the ball over and expect to win games.
15. (15) Philadelphia Eagles (3-5) – The Eagles came close to beating the Bears, but couldn’t pull it off despite creating two Forte fumbles. They are a great team that ran into a solid Bears team. Maclin and the Eagles just continue to slip up.
16. (19) Dallas Cowboys (4-4) – Demarco Murray has established himself as the starting RB, putting up over 100 yards against a stout Seahawk run defense. If they can keep the Austin-Bryant combo healthy, this team could be dangerous. For now, they have to continue to find ways to win.
17. (14) San Diego Chargers (4-4) – Phillip Rivers is either very hot or very cold. You can't expect to win many games in the NFL with inconsistent play at the QB position. They will have to fight for the division title in a tight three team race at 4-4.
18. (16) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4) – They beat the Saints earlier this year without Blount, but lost this week with him (and all his Boise St. antics). They seem to be coming up just short in games with costly turnovers.
19. (18) Kansas City Chiefs (4-4) – Two huge wins in a row against division rivals followed up by an embarrassing blowout loss to the winless Dolphins earn the Chiefs the "Most Unpredictable Team" award. Inconsistent play on both offense and defense is really hurting this team, but they are still in the hunt for the AFC West title.
20. (20) Oakland Raiders (4-4) – Palmer showed shades of his past with some remarkable throws, but they were overshadowed by his three interceptions (that's six interceptions in six quarters for all those keeping track at home). If the Raiders want to win, they need to limit turnovers and pound the rock.
21. (21) Tennessee Titans (4-4) – The Bengals defense exploited Tennessee for much of the game, as the Titans are developing into a one-demensional passing team. Hasselbeck can only carry this team so far and CJ2K or Javon Ringer need to step up to balance out the attack.
22. (22) Minnesota Vikings (2-6) – The Vikings energy looks renewed with Ponder at QB. If they continue to ride AP while their defense keeps putting pressure on opposing QB’s, they could put up some nice victories.
23. (24) Carolina Panthers (2-6) – The Panthers are not defined by their record. They have been in many close games this year and just haven’t found ways to close them out. Cam Newton will continue to do his thing and hopefully the defense will step up to the task.
24. (23) Washington Redskins (3-5) – Played a physical game against the 49ers, but if Helu and Torain can’t get going then it’s going to be a long year with John Beck trying to carry the team.
25. (29) Denver Broncos (3-5) – Raider Nation got a hefty dose of TEBOW TIME this past Sunday. McGahee and Tebow ran for nearly 300 yards combined on a defense that prides itself on stopping the run. At 3-5, the Broncos are only 1 game out of the division lead, watch out!26. (30) Arizona Cardinals (2-6) – The Cardinals obviously missed Kevin Kolb against the Rams, but got the win thanks to Patrick Peterson. Their offense is going to need to find ways to score more points, especially against teams like the Rams, if they want to win football games.
27. (25) Cleveland Browns (3-5) – Though their defense is very good, it isn’t good enough to hide how bad their offense is. The Browns struggled to do anything on offense without running backs Hillis and Hardesty. McCoy needs someone to help take the pressure off him, but who will be that guy?
28. (26) Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6) – Got a week to rest and prepare for the winless Colts. If Gabbert and the Jags can’t pull off the win this week, they may find themselves at the bottom of the rankings. SHAME!
29. (28) Seattle Seahawks (2-6) – The Seahawks and their great run defense got ran over by the Cowboys this past Sunday. And it doesn’t get an easier as they face the Ravens next.
31. (27) St. Louis Rams (1-7) – Contrary to popular belief, the miraculous sports week in St Louis did end and the Rams lost to the Cardinals on a 99 yard punt return TD. I’m not sure what has happened to this team ever since their devastating loss to the Seahawks in Week 17 last year.
32. (32) Indianapolis Colts (0-9) – Once again, the Colts get blown out by a team that they otherwise would meet with playoff implications. However, they are playing the 2-6 Jaguars this Sunday! I have a feeling the Colts will NOT be 0-10 after all!
No comments:
Post a Comment