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NFL Power Rankings: Bring on The Playoffs
Published: January 4, 2010
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1. (1) Indianapolis Colts (14-2)
2. (2) San Diego Chargers (13-3)
3. (3) Dallas Cowboys (11-5)
The Cowboys dominated the Eagles, 24-0, to capture the NFC East crown and earn the right to host the rematch next week in the Wild Card playoff round. I expect a closer game this weekend, but with Dallas still coming out on top. Let’s say 21-14.
4. (4) New Orleans Saints (13-3)
With the Saints riding a two-game losing streak heading into their Week 17 matchup at Carolina, I thought Sean Payton would’ve wanted to get Drew Brees and the rest of the starters a little more playing time in this one, but Mark Brunell and the rest of the backups played just as poorly as the stars have been, as New Orleans enters its bye week.
The Eagles better figure out a way to get their running game going against Dallas. In their two meetings with the Cowboys this season, Philly has gained a grand total of just 125 yards on the ground.
6. (6) Minnesota Vikings (12-4)
The stumbling Vikes got just what they needed heading into the playoffs: a momentum builder against The Team Formerly Known as the New York Giants.
7. (7) Cincinnati Bengals (10-6)
I don’t blame the Bengals for tanking the game at the Jets. Now, Cincinnati gets to host New York in a rematch this weekend, instead of facing division rival Baltimore for the third time this season.
8. (8) Green Bay Packers (11-5)
The Packers’ defense will decide the team’s fate this postseason. Green Bay finished the year 11-0 when giving up less than 30 points and 0-5 when yielding more than that.
9. (9) Arizona Cardinals (10-6)
10. (10) New England Patriots (10-6)
If Bill Belichick didn’t start Wes Welker and then the receiver didn’t play well this weekend leading to a playoff loss, everyone would’ve been on the coach for not getting his guys ready to play in the postseason.
If Welker’s injury had come in the fourth quarter, then I think Patriots fans would have something to complain about, but you have to get your starters some real game action heading into the Wild Card round. The receiver was hurt in the opening minutes of the first quarter, so I think you chalk this up to bad luck, not bad coaching.
11. (13) Baltimore Ravens (9-7)
Ray Rice and Willis McGahee form the best running back combo among the six AFC playoff participants.
12. (12) Atlanta Falcons (9-7)
The Falcons are the best team not in the playoffs and when at full strength, they may be better than some of the squads to make the postseason.
13. (16) New York Jets (9-7)
If you’re a Jets fan, you have to be worried that the only reason you made the playoffs is because the teams you played the past two weeks were resting their starters.
14. (11) Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)
16. (18) Houston Texans (9-7)
Since Week One, the Texans have either won or lost by eight or fewer points. An unfortunate end to the season for a very underrated team.
17. (19) Miami Dolphins (7-9)
In a season tarnished by injuries (Chad Pennington, Ronnie Brown), it was fitting that the Dolphins’ year ended with a game in which two of their quarterbacks were hurt.
18. (20) Carolina Panthers (8-8)
19. (14) Denver Broncos (8-8)
With their season on the line at home against a 3-12 Chiefs team, the Broncos surrendered 44 points, completing one of the worst second halves in NFL history.
20. (21) New York Giants (8-8)
The Giants were 24-5 in the 29 games before Plaxico Burress shot himself in the leg in late November 2008. They are 10-12 since.
21. (22) San Francisco 49ers (8-8)
The Niners finished at .500 for the first time in seven years and won my friend, Brad, a bunch of money in his survivor pool.
22. (23) Chicago Bears (7-9)
At least the disappointing season ended with two divisional wins.
23. (17) Jacksonville Jaguars (7-9)
The Jags’ four-game losing streak to end the season ended their season.
24. (24) Buffalo Bills (6-10)
If the Colts win the Super Bowl, at least the Bills can look back on this season and say they beat the champs—sort of.
25. (25) Seattle Seahawks (5-11)
The Seahawks finish the season 5-11 and Mike Holmgren is returning with the Browns. At least the Mariners will be better this year.
26. (26) Cleveland Browns (5-11)
27. (29) Kansas City Chiefs (4-12)
KC won its first game in Denver since 2000.
28. (27) Tampa Bay Bucs (3-13)
29. (28) Oakland Raiders (5-11)
That makes seven consecutive seasons that the Raiders have failed to win more than five games.
30. (30) Washington Redskins (4-12)
The Redskins couldn’t even beat a team with nothing to play for.
31. (31) St. Louis Rams (1-15)
If this trend continues, the Rams won’t win a single game next season.
32. (32) Detroit Lions (2-14)
With just two wins and a home loss to the Rams, I can’t rank the Lions anywhere but last for the second straight season.
Follow me on Twitter at JordanHarrison.
Jordan Schwartz is Bleacher Report’s New York Yankees Community Leader. His book “Memoirs of the Unaccomplished Man” is available at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and authorhouse.com.
Jordan can be reached at jordanschwartz2003@yahoo.com
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
NFL Power Rankings: Week 17
Published: December 29, 2009
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1. (1) Indianapolis Colts (14-1)
2. (2) San Diego Chargers (12-3)
3. (5) Dallas Cowboys (10-5)
4. (3) New Orleans Saints (13-2)
The Saints were so shocked that they actually led a game at the end of the first quarter that they gave up 20-straight points to lose at home to the woeful Bucs.
Are the Eagles the team to beat in the NFC?
6. (4) Minnesota Vikings (11-4)
Brett Favre was good after halftime, but his poor play prior to the break helped drop the quarterback to 1-8 in his life away from home when the game begins under 35 degrees. You could almost hear Ron Jaworski tear up when the Bears won in overtime.
7. (7) Cincinnati Bengals (10-5)
The Bengals clinched a home playoff game by beating the Chiefs, which is good news because they’ve won five straight in Cincinnati.
8. (8) Green Bay Packers (10-5)
Aaron Rodgers hasn’t thrown a pick in three games, and the Packers are now 10-0 when holding opponents to under 30 points.
9. (9) Arizona Cardinals (10-5)
10. (12) New England Patriots (10-5)
The Pats have won nine consecutive home games.
11. (14) Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7)
12. (17) Atlanta Falcons (8-7)
If Matt Ryan and Michael Turner didn’t miss a combined six games this season, the Falcons would be playing for a playoff spot this Sunday at Tampa Bay instead of just playing out the string.
13. (13) Baltimore Ravens (8-7)
Following a penalty-ridden loss on the road against a division rival, the Ravens still control their own destiny with a winnable game coming up at Oakland.
14. (10) Denver Broncos (8-7)
The Broncos live and die by their defense. They allow just 10.6 points per game in wins, but 27.9 in their losses.
16. (19) New York Jets (8-7)
The Jets were handed a gift when the Colts pulled their starters in the third quarter. The Bengals won’t have a ton to play for this Sunday either, so we could wind up with Mark Sanchez starting his first playoff game in Foxboro. Gamblers are salivating.
17. (18) Jacksonville Jaguars (7-8)
The Jags have the sixth-worst passing defense (244.4 yards per game) in the NFL.
18. (20) Houston Texans (8-7)
That’s three straight 100-plus passer-rating games for Matt Schaub.
19. (16) Miami Dolphins (7-8)
The Dolphins are a running team and so a 27-0 deficit meant the end of their season.
20. (21) Carolina Panthers (7-8)
21. (11) New York Giants (8-7)
In their final game at Giants Stadium and with their season on the line against a Carolina team without its best player, the G-Men were absolutely embarrassed, 41-9.
22. (23) San Francisco 49ers (7-8)
The Niners have a chance to finish at .500 for the first time in seven years.
23. (25) Chicago Bears (6-9)
Devin Aromashodu’s 150 receiving yards more than doubled his career total of 102 yards entering Monday night.
24. (24) Buffalo Bills (5-10)
The Falcons scored more points in the third quarter on Sunday than the Bills have put up in the past two weeks combined.
25. (26) Seattle Seahawks (5-10)
The Seahawks have surrendered at least 30 points six times in their last 12 games.
26. (27) Cleveland Browns (4-11)
27. (30) Tampa Bay Bucs (3-12)
28. (22) Oakland Raiders (5-10)
The Raiders have alternated wins and losses the past seven weeks.
29. (28) Kansas City Chiefs (3-12)
Matt Cassel has been one of the most disappointing players in the league this year, throwing eight interceptions with just three touchdowns in his past four games.
30. (29) Washington Redskins (4-11)
Following five solid performances, Washington has been absolutely terrible the past two weeks.
31. (31) St. Louis Rams (1-14)
The Rams only have 24 more points this season than Nate Kaeding.
32. (32) Detroit Lions (2-13)
The last time the Lions won a road game, Brian Griese was quarterbacking the opposition.
Follow me on Twitter at JordanHarrison.
Jordan Schwartz is Bleacher Report’s New York Yankees Community Leader. His book “Memoirs of the Unaccomplished Man” is available at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and authorhouse.com.
Jordan can be reached at jordanschwartz2003@yahoo.com
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
NFL Power Rankings: Week 16
Published: December 22, 2009
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This past weekend featured a number of upsets and last-minute victories, leaving us with eight teams battling for the final two playoff spots in the AFC. It should be a fun last couple of weeks in the NFL.
1. (1) Indianapolis Colts (14-0)
2. (6) San Diego Chargers (11-3)
3. (2) New Orleans Saints (13-1)
The Saints had been overcoming early game deficits all season to remain perfect, but their luck ran out on Saturday night when they couldn’t bounce back from a 14-0 first-quarter hole against the Cowboys.
4. (3) Minnesota Vikings (11-3)
Just when Brett Favre was starting to get back into America’s good graces, the quarterback challenged his coach’s authority on the sideline by refusing to be pulled from the game against the Panthers because he was getting hit hard and not playing well.
5. (11) Dallas Cowboys (9-5)
With a five-game winning streak, the Eagles are the hottest team in the NFC.
7. (4) Cincinnati Bengals (9-5)
An impressive effort on the road by a team dealing with the loss of a teammate came up just short as the Bengals fell on a last-second field goal at San Diego.
8. (5) Green Bay Packers (9-5)
The trend continues. The Packers drop to 0-5 when giving up at least 30 points. They are 9-0 when they don’t.
9. (9) Arizona Cardinals (9-5)
10. (7) Denver Broncos (8-6)
You know a team doesn’t belong in the playoffs when it loses at home in December to an Oakland squad using its second, third, and fourth-string quarterbacks.
11. (10) New York Giants (8-6)
That was the Giants’ first road win since Oct. 4. They’ll probably need another big one at Minneapolis in two weeks to make the playoffs.
12. (12) New England Patriots (9-5)
It took until Dec. 20, but the Patriots finally won their first true road game.
13. (13) Baltimore Ravens (8-6)
Over the past two weeks, Joe Flacco is 34 of 49 for 464 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions.
14. (18) Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7)
15. (19) Tennessee Titans (7-7)
Chris Johnson’s streak of eight straight games with at least 113 rushing yards was snapped, but his streak of nine straight games with at least 104 rushing yards is still in tact.
16. (14) Miami Dolphins (7-7)
Yet another overtime game lost by the team that won the coin toss. There is nothing wrong with this system.
17. (15) Atlanta Falcons (7-7)
Matt Ryan returned to lead the Falcons to a win at the Jets, but it was too little too late as the Cowboys’ victory over the Saints the night before eliminated Atlanta from playoff contention.
18. (16) Jacksonville Jaguars (7-7)
The Colts didn’t rest their starters, and now the Jags will almost definitely have to win their final two games—both on the road and one at New England —to get into the playoffs. I don’t like their chances.
19. (17) New York Jets (7-7)
With games against Indy and Cincy coming up, the Jets are another 7-7 AFC team without a good shot at the playoffs.
20. (20) Houston Texans (7-7)
Andre Johnson’s 223-yard advantage on Reggie Wayne for the NFL receiving lead is a wider gap than the difference between Wayne and 17th place Marques Colston.
21. (23) Carolina Panthers (6-8)
22. (28) Oakland Raiders (5-9)
For the third time this year, the Raiders failed to pass for 70 yards, yet they still managed to win at Denver.
23. (21) San Francisco 49ers (6-8)
The Niners have alternated wins and losses for the past seven weeks, and that streak should continue versus Detroit this Sunday.
24. (22) Buffalo Bills (5-9)
Is Terrell Owens still in the league?
25. (24) Chicago Bears (5-9)
The Bears haven’t beaten a winning team all season.
26. (25) Seattle Seahawks (5-9)
Another team without a victory over a winning squad.
27. (29) Cleveland Browns (3-11)
Joshua Cribbs and Jerome Harrison, who were ranked 289th and 172nd, respectively, on Yahoo’s preseason fantasy list, combined for 603 all-purpose yards on Sunday. Then again, it was against the Chiefs.
28. (26) Kansas City Chiefs (3-11)
KC has given up more than 40 points in three of its past four games.
29. (27) Washington Redskins (4-10)
After five straight competitive games, the ‘Skins laid a complete egg on Monday night against the Giants, summed up by the ridiculous swining gate fake field goal heave to end the first half.
30. (32) Tampa Bay Bucs (2-12)
The secret to the Bucs’ success is scoring 24 points. They’re 2-0 when they reach that mark.
31. (30) St. Louis Rams (1-13)
It makes sense that the Rams’ quarterback is named Null.
32. (31) Detroit Lions (2-12)
The Lions will attempt to snap a 19-game road losing streak when they travel to San Francisco this weekend.
Follow me on Twitter at JordanHarrison .
Jordan Schwartz is Bleacher Report’s New York Yankees Community Leader. His book “Memoirs of the Unaccomplished Man” is available at amazon.com , barnesandnoble.com , and authorhouse.com .
Jordan can be reached at jordanschwartz2003@yahoo.com
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
NFL Power Rankings: Week 15
Published: December 15, 2009
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1. (1) Indianapolis Colts (13-0)
After setting a new NFL record with 22 consecutive regular season victories and clinching home field advantage throughout the playoffs, the only question remaining is whether the Colts will let their starters play the full 60 minutes over the final three weeks in their quest for perfection.
As a fan, I’d love to see them go for it and they may not even need to have Peyton Manning and others play the entire game in Weeks 16 and 17 vs. the Jets and at Buffalo, but this Thursday at a playoff desperate division rival Jags team will be the biggest test.
2. (2) New Orleans Saints (13-0)
After eeking out a win at a Matt Ryan and Michael Turner-less Falcons team, the Saints also face their largest hurdle in their race towards perfection this week, as they host Dallas in another NFL Network game that many won’t see. New Orleans, at least, has the incentive to hold off the Vikings in the quest for home field advantage in the NFC.
3. (5) Minnesota Vikings (11-2)
After Adrian Peterson‘s 19 yards in the loss at Arizona last week, the star back rebounded with a 97-yard, two-touchdown effort on the ground in the win over Cincy.
4. (3) Cincinnati Bengals (9-4)
Carson Palmer’s 94 pass yards at Minnesota were his lowest since 2005.
5. (6) Green Bay Packers (9-4)
In what continues to be one of the most telling stats in the NFL, the Packers improved to 9-0 when they give up fewer than 30 points. They are 0-4 when they don’t.
6. (7) San Diego Chargers (10-3)
The Chargers‘ streak of 21 straight quarters with a score was snapped in the third quarter at Dallas, but San Diego rebounded to put up 10 in the fourth to beat the Cowboys.
7. (8) Denver Broncos (8-5)
Despite an NFL record 21 catches by Brandon Marshall, the Broncos lost their fourth straight meeting with the Colts.
8. (9) Philadelphia Eagles (9-4)
After 1,071 days without a touchdown, Michael Vick has scored three in the past two weeks as the Eagles are slowly figuring out a way to use him effectively.
9. (4) Arizona Cardinals (8-5)
Seven turnovers. Yikes.
10. (10) New York Giants (7-6)
In an extremely sloppy game, the G-Men managed to lose despite putting up 38 points and 512 yards of offense, thanks to seven penalties, four turnovers and terrible defense.
11. (11) Dallas Cowboys (8-5)
Dallas is 1-5 vs. teams with winning records. I don’t like their chances at New Orleans.
12. (12) New England Patriots (8-5)
Wes Welker’s league leading 105 receptions are 18 more than second place.
13. (13) Baltimore Ravens (7-6)
After committing four turnovers and 12 penalties at Green Bay last week, the Ravens responded nicely with a 48-3 romp of the Lions. They have another very winnable game at home against Chicago coming up as they attempt to get back into playoff position.
14. (15) Miami Dolphins (7-6)
The Dolphins are 7-3 with Chad Henne starting at quarterback.
15. (16) Atlanta Falcons (6-7)
Applaud the Falcons for hanging in there against the Saints without the injured Ryan and Turner.
16. (17) Jacksonville Jaguars (7-6)
The Jags are 1-3 vs. teams with winning records. They better hope the Colts sit their starters because they stand little chance of coming away victorious at New England the following week.
17. (18) New York Jets (7-6)
Another utterly unwatchable Jets game with nothing else on at 1 pm in the New York market.
18. (14) Pittsburgh Steelers (6-7)
The Steelers offensive line is terrible and Ben Roethlisberger refuses to throw the football.
19. (19) Tennessee Titans (6-7)
Eight straight games with at least 113 rushing yards for next year’s No. 1 fantasy pick Chris Johnson.
20. (21) Houston Texans (6-7)
Andre Johnson’s 193 yards and two touchdowns knocked me out of the fantasy playoffs.
21. (24) San Francisco 49ers (6-7)
Frank Gore’s 167 rush yards were more than his previous three games combined.
22. (23) Buffalo Bills (5-8)
If the Bills didn’t lose at home to the Browns, 6-3, on Oct. 11, I’d think Buffalo was actually quite a mediocre team. But instead, the Bills are just “not terrible.”
23. (20) Carolina Panthers (5-8)
Matt Moore did not throw an interception at New England, but he completed just 15 of 30 passes in the 20-10 loss.
24. (25) Chicago Bears (5-8)
Matt Forte (3.4 yards per attempt) is one of the biggest disappointments in the NFL this season.
25. (26) Seattle Seahawks (5-8)
The Seahawks fall to 2-12 at AFC teams since 2003.
26. (27) Kansas City Chiefs (3-10)
Remember when Arrowhead used to be a tough place to play in December?
27. (28) Washington Redskins (4-9)
The Redskins are playing a lot better over the past five weeks. They’ve beaten Denver, crushed an improved Oakland team on the road, and lost to three potential playoff teams by a combined seven points. I’d watch out if I were the Giants and Cowboys coming to town the next two weeks.
28. (22) Oakland Raiders (4-9)
If the Raiders beat Washington at home for Oakland’s third win in four games with Bruce Gradkowski under center, they Silver and Black could’ve built some momentum heading into 2010. But in true Raiders fashion, they lost by 21.
29. (32) Cleveland Browns (2-11)
The Browns’ eight sacks of Big Ben jump them to eighth in the league in that category with 32.
30. (30) St. Louis Rams (1-12)
The Rams lowered their scoring average from 11.8 to 11.2.
31. (31) Detroit Lions (2-11)
From last week: “Daunte Culpepper vs. an angry Ravens defense won’t be pretty if you’re a Lions fan.” It wasn’t as Culpepper threw two picks in a 48-3 beat down.
32. (29) Tampa Bay Bucs (1-12)
The Bucs entered their game with the Jets ranked 28th in scoring, yet managed to drop a spot after putting up only a field goal.
Follow me on Twitter at JordanHarrison .
Jordan Schwartz is Bleacher Report’s New York Yankees Community Leader. His book “Memoirs of the Unaccomplished Man” is available at amazon.com , barnesandnoble.com , and authorhouse.com .
Jordan can be reached at jordanschwartz2003@yahoo.com
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
NFL Power Rankings: Week 13
Published: December 1, 2009
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Well, it’s December and we still have two undefeated teams (for the first time in NFL history). The Saints remained unbeaten by blowing out the Patriots, 38-17, a much more convincing victory than the Colts’ 35-34 win over New England in Week 10.
Because of that, New Orleans jumps ahead of Indy in the Power Rankings. Could we be headed for a ‘perfect’ Super Bowl? Still two months to go.
1. (2) New Orleans Saints (11-0)
When talking about the two best current quarterbacks in the NFL, Drew Brees might’ve snuck ahead of Tom Brady on Monday night to join Peyton Manning in that elite group.
2. (1) Indianapolis Colts (11-0)
Indy has won five consecutive games when trailing in the final quarter.
3. (3) Minnesota Vikings (10-1)
Brett Favre has thrown 12 touchdowns since last being picked off.
4. (5) Cincinnati Bengals (8-3)
The Bengals seven straight divisional wins ties Indianapolis and Minnesota for the longest streak in the NFL.
5. (4) New England Patriots (7-4)
Here are some teams with better road records than the Patriots: Carolina, Miami, Buffalo, Jacksonville and Kansas City.
6. (7) Green Bay Packers (7-4)
After trouncing the Lions on Thanksgiving, the Pack gets 10 days off before hosting the Ravens on Monday night.
7. (8) Dallas Cowboys (8-3)
The schedule makers have smiled on the Cowboys as well. After a delicious Turkey Day serving of the Raiders, Dallas enjoys a long week before traveling to the Meadowlands for a crucial NFC East showdown with the Giants.
8. (9) Baltimore Ravens (6-5)
Yet another overtime game won by the team that didn’t start with the football.
9. (10) Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5)
Ben Roethlisberger’s late scratch combined with the NFL’s current push to force players to sit out a game following a concussion makes me believe the league may have had something to do with the Steelers’ quarterback missing the game against Baltimore.
10. (11) San Diego Chargers (8-3)
The Chargers have won six straight, including a string of 15 consecutive quarters with a score, but with their best wins coming over the Broncos, Eagles and Giants, I have a hard time putting San Diego ahead of Baltimore and Pittsburgh, two teams they lost to earlier this season.
11. (12) Denver Broncos (7-4)
The Broncos , who were averaging just 9.25 points a game over their recent four-game slide, put up 26 on the exhausted Giants defense.
12. (13) Philadelphia Eagles (7-4)
Philly is 4-1 when LeSean McCoy leads the team in rushing.
13. (6) Arizona Cardinals (7-4)
That’s Arizona’s first road loss since Dec. 21.
14. (14) New York Giants (6-5)
The G-Men stood little chance of picking up a victory after traveling to Mile Hile on a short week. We should see a completely different team on Sunday, when a rested Big Blue hosts Dallas.
15. (15) Atlanta Falcons (6-5)
Atlanta escaped with a victory over the Bucs, but the Falcons lost quarterback Matt Ryan and running back Michael Turner to injury. They’ll need both of those guys at full strength when they welcome Philly to town on Sunday for a game with big NFC playoff implications.
16. (16) Miami Dolphins (5-6)
With New England, Pittsburgh and a surging Tennessee team still left on the schedule, Miami could not afford to lose at Buffalo this week, especially when they had three extra days of rest.
17. (18) Jacksonville Jaguars (6-5)
The Jags have been outscored, 61-3, in their two West Coast games this year.
18. (19) New York Jets (5-6)
The Jets defense is tied for 11th in the NFL with 11 picks.
19. (20) Tennessee Titans (5-6)
Chris Johnson has been the main reason for the Titans’ turnaround, as he’s rushed for at least 125 yards in a record-tying six consecutive games, but the victory over the Cardinals was all about Vince Young, who was 9-of-16 for 94 yards, including a 10-yard touchdown to Kenny Britt, which capped the 99-yard game-winning drive.
20. (21) Carolina Panthers (4-7)
Jake Delhomme’s broken finger on his throwing hand might be the best thing to happen to the Panthers all season. Look for backup Matt Moore to lead Carolina past Tampa Bay before tossing three picks at New England, leading to Carolina fans clamoring for Delhomme’s return.
21. (22) Houston Texans (5-6)
That’s the fourth straight time the Texans have blown a second half lead vs. the Colts.
22. (23) San Francisco 49ers (5-6)
Alex Smith has thrown five touchdowns with just one interceptions over the past two weeks.
23. (26) Buffalo Bills (4-7)
The Bills scored more points (24) in the fourth quarter against the Dolphins than they did in their previous eight quarters combined.
24. (17) Chicago Bears (4-7)
Jay Cutler leads the league with 20 interceptions.
25. (24) Kansas City Chiefs (3-8)
The Chiefs have been outscored, 80-21, by the Chargers this season.
26. (25) Oakland Raiders (3-8)
Bruce Gradkowski’s quarterback rating (66.3) is still 18.6 points higher than JaMarcus Russell’s 47.7.
27. (27) Seattle Seahawks (4-7)
Over the past two seasons, the Seahawks are 2-0 at St. Louis and 1-12 in all other road games.
28. (28) Washington Redskins (3-8)
That’s nine straight road losses for the ‘Skins.
29. (29) Tampa Bay Bucs (1-10)
No Buc has rushed for more than 56 yards in their last five games.
30. (30) St. Louis Rams (1-10)
I thought the Rams’ 10-game home loss streak would come to an end against Seattle, a team that entered the contest 2-10 on the road over the past two seasons, but St. Louis is simply that much worse.
31. (31) Detroit Lions (2-9)
Six consecutive Thanksgiving Day losses for the Lions, and yet the NFL keeps serving us these putrid holiday games.
32. (32) Cleveland Browns (1-10)
The Browns have lost eight straight divisional games.
Follow me on Twitter at JordanHarrison .
Jordan Schwartz is Bleacher Report’s New York Yankees Community Leader. His book “Memoirs of the Unaccomplished Man” is available at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and authorhouse.com.
Jordan can be reached at jordanschwartz2003@yahoo.com
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
NFL Power Rankings: Week 12
Published: November 24, 2009
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1. (1) Indianapolis Colts (10-0)
The oddsmakers had the undefeated Colts underdogs at Baltimore, expecting a letdown after that incredible comeback win over the Pats. Peyton Manning, however, is never an underdog.
2. (2) New Orleans Saints (10-0)
For the fifth straight contest, New Orleans was not ahead after one quarter of play. The Saints certainly played a lot better over the final 45 minutes, but they can’t afford to get off to a slow start next Monday Night against New England.
3. (4) Minnesota Vikings (9-1)
I’m not happy about it, but Brett Favre has to be near the top of the list of NFL MVP candidates right now. He leads the league in QB rating (112.1) and has thrown the least amount of interceptions among full-time starters (three). I’d still go with Manning right now, though.
4. (5) New England Patriots (7-3)
Les Miles’ coaching at the end of the LSU/Mississippi game was far worse than anything Bill Belichick did against Indy in Week 10.
5. (3) Cincinnati Bengals (7-3)
The Bengals allowed 10 points in the final minute to drop to 0-10 at Oakland.
6. (8) Arizona Cardinals (7-3)
Tim Hightower’s 110 yards on the ground were the most by a Cardinals running back since Edgerrin James rushed for 114 on Dec. 2, 2007.
7. (9) Green Bay Packers (6-4)
The Packers defense once again did just enough to win. Green Bay is now 6-0 when it holds its opponents under 30 points.
8. (10) Dallas Cowboys (7-3)
The Cowboys have scored a grand total of two touchdowns over the past two weeks, and yet here they are at 7-3.
9. (7) Baltimore Ravens (5-5)
The Ravens would be doing very well in the BCS. Their five losses are to teams that are a combined 33-7.
10. (6) Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4)
The Steelers’ stunning loss at Kansas City not only knocked me out of my eliminator pool, but it also leaves Pittsburgh with the possibility of starting a third string quarterback in a very important game at Baltimore this Sunday.
11. (12) San Diego Chargers (7-3)
The Chargers have scored in 11 straight quarters.
12. (11) Denver Broncos (6-4)
The Broncos are averaging just 9.25 points a game over their current four-game losing streak.
13. (13) Philadelphia Eagles (6-4)
The Eagles are 3-1 when LeSean McCoy leads the team in rushing.
14. (14) New York Giants (6-4)
All of those people who say NFL overtime rules are unfair because the team who wins the coin toss automatically wins the game must have missed that Pittsburgh-KC contest.
15. (15) Atlanta Falcons (5-5)
Atlanta has now lost six of its last seven on the road. The Falcons will be happy to hear that their next three are at home.
16. (16) Miami Dolphins (5-5)
Even with Ronnie Brown lost for the season, the Dolphins got a big victory at Carolina on Thursday (thanks to three touchdowns by Ricky Williams), and now have an extra three days to prepare for a very winnable game at Buffalo.
17. (17) Chicago Bears (4-6)
The Bears have lost five of six and have the unenviable task of traveling to Minnesota on Sunday.
18. (18) Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4)
Don’t look now, but the Jags have won three straight and have three more winnable games coming up.
19. (19) New York Jets (4-6)
The Jets are 1-5 since Braylon Edwards showed up.
20. (22) Tennessee Titans (4-6)
Chris Johnson is averaging 161.5 yards per game during the Titans’ four consecutive victories.
21. (21) Carolina Panthers (4-6)
The Panthers are 2-5 when Jake Delhomme throws a pick.
22. (20) Houston Texans (5-5)
Kris Brown’s 71.4% field goal percentage ranks him 26th out of 30 qualifying kickers.
23. (23) San Francisco 49ers (4-6)
The Niners are 1-4 since Michael Crabtree joined the squad.
24. (26) Kansas City Chiefs (3-7)
The Chiefs got a gift when the Steelers decided to call a pitch play on third and two at the KC 35 in overtime. Instead of putting itself in position to attempt a game-winning field goal, Pittsburgh was forced to punt and Kansas City quickly marched down the field and scored.
25. (28) Oakland Raiders (3-7)
Why did it take this long to start Bruce Gradkowski?
26. (24) Buffalo Bills (3-7)
The Bills would win a lot more games if Terrell Owens was more involved. Oh wait, he had 197 yards and they still lost.
27. (25) Seattle Seahawks (3-7)
The Seahawks have lost six in a row on the road.
28. (27) Washington Redskins (3-7)
The ‘Skins are another member of the Can’t Win on the Road Club. They’ve lost eight consecutive away from home.
29. (29) Tampa Bay Bucs (1-9)
You can’t beat the Saints when you turn the ball over four times.
30. (30) St. Louis Rams (1-9)
The Rams have lost 10 straight home games.
31. (32) Detroit Lions (2-8)
Not only did Matthew Stafford throw for 422 yards and five scores, but one of them came with a separated shoulder and no time left on the clock.
32. (31) Cleveland Browns (1-9)
Brady Quinn had the best game of his short career, throwing for 304 yards and four touchdowns, and yet the Browns still lost.
Follow me on Twitter at JordanHarrison .
Jordan Schwartz is Bleacher Report’s New York Yankees Community Leader. His book “Memoirs of the Unaccomplished Man” is available at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and authorhouse.com.
Jordan can be reached at jordanschwartz2003@yahoo.com
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
NFL Power Rankings: Week 11
Published: November 17, 2009
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Parity returned to the NFL for one week as six underdogs pulled off upsets on Sunday. But the two biggest Super Bowl favorites – the Colts and Saints – managed to avoid falling from the ranks of the unbeaten by the slimmest of margins. So where does this all leave the Power Rankings?
1. (2) Indianapolis Colts (9-0)
Peyton Manning just might be the best quarterback ever.
2. (1) New Orleans Saints (9-0)
For the fourth consecutive game, the Saints failed to hold the lead at the end of the first quarter, but they overcame three turnovers to avoid an embarrassing loss at St. Louis and remain undefeated.
3. (4) Cincinnati Bengals (7-2)
The Bengals won at Pittsburgh without scoring an offensive touchdown to sweep the Steelers and take sole possession of first place in the AFC North.
4. (6) Minnesota Vikings (8-1)
Sidney Rice’s 201 receiving yards were the third most in a game this season behind Miles Austin’s 250 and Roddy White’s 210 – both in Week 5.
5. (3) New England Patriots (6-3)
I thought there was nothing wrong with Bill Belichick’s fourth and two decision .
6. (5) Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3)
The Bengals held Ben Roethlisberger without a touchdown for the first time this season.
7. (9) Baltimore Ravens (5-4)
I was wondering why ESPN would schedule the Baltimore/Cleveland game for Monday night until The Network started doing in-game promos for The Blind Side , a movie about Ravens offensive lineman Michael Oher opening on Friday. Because that’s how NFL games should be scheduled.
8. (11) Arizona Cardinals (6-3)
The real Cardinals have stood up. They’ve won five of six and are tied for the third best record in the NFC.
9. (13) Green Bay Packers (5-4)
The Packers are 5-0 when they hold their opponents under 30 points. Seems like an easy enough formula.
10. (8) Dallas Cowboys (6-3)
The Cowboys were done in by three costly turnovers, including one that should’ve been reversed if not for the latest NFL Made Up Rule of the Week when the referee revealed that the recovery of a loose ball in the field of play is not reviewable.
11. (7) Denver Broncos (6-3)
On Sunday at Washington, the Broncos not only lost their third straight, but they might have also lost quarterback Kyle Orton for next week’s game against San Diego.
12. (14) San Diego Chargers (6-3)
The Chargers are 27-7 in games played after Oct. 19 over the past four seasons.
13. (10) Philadelphia Eagles (5-4)
The Eagles lost their second game in a row despite 450 yards from Donovan McNabb.
14. (15) New York Giants (5-4)
Things don’t get any easier for the G-Men, whose next four opponents all have winning records.
15. (12) Atlanta Falcons (5-4)
The Falcons have lost five of their last six on the road.
16. (17) Miami Dolphins (4-5)
The Dolphins nearly knocked me and 330 other people out of my huge double elimination pool. Luckily the Bucs’ defense is terrible.
17. (16) Chicago Bears (4-5)
Matt Forte is averaging just 3.4 yards per carry, which ranks him 40th in the NFL.
18. (26) Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4)
I don’t agree with the Jags’ decision to have Maurice Jones-Drew kneel on the ball at the one yard line in the waning moments of the game against the Jets. That’s a good move if you’re up one, so that you don’t give the ball back to the opposition, but when you’re trailing by one, you need to make sure you get the points. There’s a better chance of the Jags botching the short field goal than there is of the Jets scoring a touchdown with no timeouts in the final minute.
19. (18) New York Jets (4-5)
Gang Green was 3-1 before Braylon Edwards arrived. They are 1-4 since.
20. (19) Houston Texans (5-4)
Coming off a bye, the Texans face their entire division over the next three weeks
21. (21) Carolina Panthers (4-5)
Jake Delhomme has gone three straight games without an interception for the first time since since Weeks 11-13 of last year.
22. (22) Tennessee Titans (3-6)
When Chris Johnson carries the ball at least 23 times, the Titans are 3-0.
23. (23) San Francisco 49ers (4-5)
It makes me feel better when games I miss because they’re on the NFL Network wind up being 10-6 snoozefests.
24. (20) Buffalo Bills (3-6)
No Bills running back has rushed for more than 71 yards in a game since Week 2.
25. (24) Seattle Seahawks (3-6)
Second-year running back Justin Forsett had a break out game rushing for 123 yards and a touchdown, but the Seahawks lost to the Cardinals, 31-20.
26. (28) Kansas City Chiefs (2-7)
This is how bad the Raiders are: the Chiefs have now beaten them seven consecutive times in Oakland.
27. (29) Washington Redskins (3-6)
Ladell Betts’ 114 rushing yards against the Broncos were the most by a Redskin since Clinton Portis ran for 126 on Oct. 26, 2008.
28. (25) Oakland Raiders (2-7)
JaMarcus Russell’s 67-yard effort against the Chiefs was not even his worst of the season. He threw for just 61 vs. Denver in Week 3.
29. (30) Tampa Bay Bucs (1-8)
Before Josh Freeman took over as quarterback, the Bucs were averaging just 13.7 points per game. Since his arrival, they’re putting up 30.5.
30. (31) St. Louis Rams (1-8)
The Rams came within five points of pulling off the biggest upset of the year.
31. (27) Cleveland Browns (1-8)
“The Big Bang Theory” must’ve seen a spike in ratings on Monday night.
32. (32) Detroit Lions (1-8)
The Lions haven’t had a 70-yard rusher since Week 3 against Washington, incidentally, their only win.
Follow me on Twitter at JordanHarrison .
Jordan Schwartz is Bleacher Report’s New York Yankees Community Leader. His book “Memoirs of the Unaccomplished Man” is available at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and authorhouse.com.
Jordan can be reached at jordanschwartz2003@yahoo.com
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
NFL Power Rankings: Week 9
Published: November 3, 2009
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And then there were two.
Baltimore’s 30-7 win over Denver knocked the Broncos from the ranks of the unbeatens, leaving just one team in each conference without a loss – New Orleans and Indianapolis. Could this be your Super Bowl match-up? There’s still a long way to go.
1. (1) New Orleans Saints (7-0)
The Saints remained undefeated by beating the Falcons, 35-27, on Monday Night Football, but I was busy watching Joe Girardi ruin the Yankees’ World Series chances.
2. (3) Indianapolis Colts (7-0)
The Colts haven’t turned the ball over since Oct. 11.
3. (2) Denver Broncos (6-1)
I’m not surprised the Broncos lost their first game of the year to the Ravens, but scoring one touchdown after having two weeks to prepare has to be disappointing.
4. (4) New England Patriots (5-2)
That bye week came at the perfect time for the Pats, who get set to play their next five games against teams with a combined record of 24-12.
5. (5) Cincinnati Bengals (5-2)
Baltimore’s last opponent had two weeks to prepare and it still got blown out. Hopefully the Bengals are studying harder before hosting the Ravens on Sunday.
6. (6) Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)
After an undefeated October, the Steelers had an off week before heading to Denver on Monday night and then playing the Bengals after a short week.
7. (7) Minnesota Vikings (7-1)
For the past two seasons, Brett Favre has played with the Packers fans’ hearts. On Sunday, he ripped them out completely.
8. (8) Baltimore Ravens (4-3)
The Ravens haven’t committed a turnover in more than 120 minutes of game time.
9. (24) Philadelphia Eagles (5-2)
Okay, I’m just going to treat that loss to Oakland as a complete and utter fluke and just go the rest of the season with the understanding that the Eagles are a good team.
10. (9) Green Bay Packers (4-3)
The Packers biggest problem is not Favre; it’s their offensive line which has given up a league leading 31 sacks.
11. (10) Arizona Cardinals (4-3)
In last year’s playoffs, the Cardinals took advantage of five Jake Delhomme interceptions to beat the Panthers, 33-13. On Sunday, Kurt Warner returned the favor as he was also picked off on five occasions in Arizona’s 34-21 loss.
12. (11) New York Giants (5-3)
Over their first five games, the G-Men allowed 14.2 points per game (all wins). Over their past three, they’ve given up 37.3 ppg. And it doesn’t get any easier as New York’s next five contests are against the Chargers, Falcons, Broncos, Cowboys and Eagles. Luckily, four of those are at home.
13. (12) Dallas Cowboys (5-2)
The Cowboys continue to roll, but they only have one victory over a winning team.
14. (13) Atlanta Falcons (4-3)
The Falcons have now lost four of their last five road games, including the playoffs.
15. (14) Chicago Bears (4-3)
The Bears entered the week 29th in rushing at just 80.7 yards per game, but racked up 170 against the Browns.
16. (15) San Diego Chargers (4-3)
The Chargers had a lot of eliminator pool participants holding their breath in the fourth quarter as they held off the Raiders, 24-16.
17. (16) Miami Dolphins (3-4)
The Dolphins wish they could play the Jets every week.
18. (18) New York Jets (4-4)
The Jets defense let them down in their Week 5 loss to the Dolphins, their offense was bad the following game against Buffalo and the New York special teams was the culprit this past Sunday as Ted Jr. returned two kicks to the house for Miami.
19. (19) Houston Texans (5-3)
Before you get too excited about Ryan Moats’ 23 carries for 126 yards and three touchdowns, remember, the Bills rush defense is ranked dead last in the NFL giving up 174.1 yards per game. That being said, the Texans are red hot, winning three in a row.
20. (17) Buffalo Bills (3-5)
Don’t worry, Bills fans, Buffalo (1-3 at home) heads back on the road for two games after their bye.
21. (25) Carolina Panthers (3-4)
The Panthers are undefeated this year (1-0) when Delhomme throws more touchdowns than interceptions. They’re also undefeated when the opposing quarterback gets picked off five times.
22. (20) San Francisco 49ers (3-4)
I wouldn’t give up on the Niners just yet. If Alex Smith started that game against Houston, San Fran would be 4-3 and he kept his team close at Indy.
23. (21) Seattle Seahawks (2-4)
The ‘Haws are 2-9 on the road over the past two seasons.
24. (23) Oakland Raiders (2-6)
JaMarcus Russell has completed less than half of his passes this season and has a 2:9 touchdown to interception ratio. How is he still starting?
25. (22) Jacksonville Jaguars (3-4)
The Jags gave up 430 yards of offense to a previously winless team.
26. (28) Tennessee Titans (1-6)
The Vince Young experiment worked, but the Titans’ first win was more about Chris Johnson’s 228 yards and two rushing touchdowns.
27. (27) Cleveland Browns (1-7)
That’s two straight games without a touchdown.
28. (29) Kansas City Chiefs (1-6)
It’s incredible how this team isn’t even close to the worst in football.
29. (30) Washington Redskins (2-5)
Washington will almost definitely lose its next five games.
30. (32) St. Louis Rams (1-7)
The Rams won the Toilet Bowl, 17-10.
31. (26) Detroit Lions (1-6)
I don’t know how you bounce back after losing to St. Louis at home.
32. (31) Tampa Bay Bucs (0-7)
And we have a new biggest loser. The Bucs have dropped 11 in a row.
Follow me on Twitter at JordanHarrison .
Jordan Schwartz is Bleacher Report’s New York Yankees Community Leader. His book “Memoirs of the Unaccomplished Man” is available at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and authorhouse.com.
Jordan can be reached at jordanschwartz2003@yahoo.com
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
NFL Power Rankings: Week 8
Published: October 27, 2009
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One more team fell from the ranks of the unbeaten when Minnesota lost, 27-17, at Pittsburgh on Sunday, leaving three teams still undefeated, a record this deep in the season.
We know where that trio is ranked, so let’s take a look at how the other 29 squads line up.
1. (1) New Orleans Saints (6-0)
The Saints proved they can also come from behind to win, overcoming a 24-3 deficit at Miami.
2. (2) Denver Broncos (6-0)
Four of the Broncos’ games have come against playoff contenders and they have two more coming up at Baltimore and vs. Pittsburgh.
3. (3) Indianapolis Colts (6-0)
The Colts/Pats seven-point teaser was the easiest money I’ve ever made.
4. (7) New England Patriots (4-2)
In the past two weeks, the Pats have scored almost as many points (94) as they’ve given up all season (98).
5. (8) Cincinnati Bengals (5-2)
The Bengals absolutely manhandled the Bears, 45-10, and will now have two weeks to prepare for their second game against the Ravens since Oct. 11.
6. (12) Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)
Pittsburgh’s defense outscored its offense and Minnesota’s to send the Vikes to their first loss.
7. (4) Minnesota Vikings (6-1)
If not for a questionable tripping call late in the game, the Vikings could still be undefeated.
8. (9) Baltimore Ravens (3-3)
After three straight losses, Baltimore needed that bye week to make some changes and get ready for a big showdown against the Broncos.
9. (10) Green Bay Packers (4-2)
By the time the Packers take the field Sunday for their much anticipated match-up vs. Brett Favre and the Vikings, Green Bay’s defense will have gone 27 days without giving up a touchdown – incidentally that last score was surrendered to Minnesota.
10. (15) Arizona Cardinals (4-2)
The Cards’ defense, which allowed 22.3 points per game over its first four contests, has given up 10 ppg the past two weeks. Too bad I didn’t see a single down of this game because I was too busy watching the Yankees capture their 40th pennant .
11. (5) New York Giants (5-2)
The Giants are 1-2 vs. teams in the top half of the league in scoring and 4-0 against teams in the bottom half.
12. (14) Dallas Cowboys (4-2)
Despite a shaky start to the season, the Cowboys are just a two-point loss to the 5-2 Giants and a seven-point loss to the 6-0 Broncos away from being undefeated.
13. (6) Atlanta Falcons (4-2)
The Falcons began a very difficult stretch of four road games over the next five weeks – including three against winning teams – with a 16-point loss at Dallas, thanks to three turnovers.
14. (11) Chicago Bears (3-3)
Jay Cutler needs some help. The Bears are 29th in rushing at just 80.7 yards per game.
15. (16) San Diego Chargers (3-3)
The Chargers’ 37-7 win over the Chiefs was one of six games decided by at least four touchdowns this week.
16. (17) Miami Dolphins (2-4)
Up 24-3 on the Saints, the Dolphins had a chance to win their third consecutive game and make a statement by handing New Orleans its first loss, but the Fins curiously abandoned the run in the second half and allowed the Saints back in the game.
17. (18) Buffalo Bills (3-4)
That’s the first time the Bills have won road games in back-to-back weeks since 2004.
18. (19) New York Jets (4-3)
Nothing cures a three-game losing streak like a date with Oakland.
19. (22) Houston Texans (4-3)
Here come the Texans. Wins over the Bengals and 49ers have Houston back in the playoff chase in the AFC.
20. (13) San Francisco 49ers (3-3)
Alex Smith threw for more yards in the second half at Houston (206) than Shaun Hill has accumulated in a single game since Week 1.
21. (20) Seattle Seahawks (2-4)
Hopefully the Seahawks found their offense during the bye week.
22. (21) Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3)
After a week off, Jacksonville will look to avoid becoming Tennessee’s first victim this Sunday.
23. (23) Oakland Raiders (2-5)
I have no idea how the Raiders beat the Eagles.
24. (24) Philadelphia Eagles (4-2)
Philly bounced back nicely after its loss to Oakland, but a victory over No. 30 Washington isn’t moving them up this list.
25. (25) Carolina Panthers (2-4)
Jake Delhomme hasn’t thrown more touchdowns than interceptions in a game all season.
26. (26) Detroit Lions (1-5)
The Lions should be favored for the first time since 1973 when they host St. Louis this week.
27. (27) Cleveland Browns (1-6)
The Browns have lost eight straight home games.
28. (28) Tennessee Titans (0-6)
With two weeks to prepare for the Jags at home, I say the Titans get their first win this week.
29. (29) Kansas City Chiefs (1-6)
The Chiefs have a couple of weeks to prepare for a pair of winnable games at Jacksonville and Oakland.
30. (30) Washington Redskins (2-5)
Watching the Monday Night game, I IM’d my buddy Brad every time the ‘Skins did something absolutely terrible with “skins are awful.” I sent that message seven times.
31. (31) Tampa Bay Bucs (0-7)
The Bucs have now lost on two continents this year. They’ve won on none.
32. (32) St. Louis Rams (0-7)
The Rams are almost outscoring every individual player in the NFL, but that darn Lawrence Tynes still has them by nine points.
Follow me on Twitter at JordanHarrison .
Jordan Schwartz is Bleacher Report’s New York Yankees Community Leader. His book “Memoirs of the Unaccomplished Man” is available at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and authorhouse.com.
Jordan can be reached at jordanschwartz2003@yahoo.com
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
NFL Power Rankings: Week 5
Published: October 6, 2009
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The Mannings stand atop the NFL mountain after the quarter-pole of the regular season.
Eli’s Giants are 4-0 after dismantling the Chiefs down in Kansas City and Peyton’s Colts are also undefeated following a similar crushing of the Seahawks.
Could the brothers be headed for a sibling Super Bowl? We’ll see.
1. (1) New York Giants (4-0)
The G-Men’s Week 3-5 opponents are a combined 1-11, so it’ll be nice to see them play some real competition again in two weeks, when they travel to New Orleans to play the Saints, who will be coming off a bye. Eli’s heel injury also has to be cause for concern.
2. (3) Indianapolis Colts (4-0)
Peyton leads the league in QB rating (114.5), yards (1,336), touchdowns (nine) and yards per attempt (9.75).
3. (4) Minnesota Vikings (4-0)
Not only did Favre beat his old team, but he also helped out the Yankees.
4. (5) New Orleans Saints (4-0)
The Saints turned the ball over just once, while forcing four takeaways from the Jets.
5. (12) Denver Broncos (4-0)
The Broncos have given up just 26 points this season. That’s 27 less than any other team in the NFL.
6. (6) New York Jets (3-1)
Okay, so Mark Sanchez might not be Joe Namath just yet.
7. (9) New England Patriots (3-1)
The Pats picked up a big win at home against the Ravens, thanks in part to two questionable roughing-the-passer penalties.
8. (1) Baltimore Ravens (3-1)
Penalties aside, if Mark Clayton catches that fourth-down pass with 28 seconds left, the Ravens might still be undefeated.
9. (10) Atlanta Falcons (2-1)
The Falcons move up a spot during their bye week as they get set for a difficult game at San Francisco on Sunday.
10. (11) Philadelphia Eagles (2-1)
Coming off their bye, the Eagles have a very easy road ahead against the Bucs, Raiders, and Redskins and should be 5-1 for their Nov. 1 showdown with the Giants.
11. (13) Cincinnati Bengals (3-1)
After having his extra point blocked toward the end of the fourth quarter, Shayne Graham made amends when he nailed a 31-yard field goal to win the game in the final seconds of overtime.
12. (14) Green Bay Packers (2-2)
Aaron Rodgers’ eight sacks and one interception cost my fantasy team a victory this week because my opponent had Minnesota’s defense. Thanks, Aaron.
13. (15) Chicago Bears (3-1)
Jay Cutler has thrown seven touchdowns and one pick during his past three contests.
14. (16) Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2)
Ben Roethlisberger averaged 10.1 yards per attempt on Sunday night against the Chargers.
15. (7) San Diego Chargers (2-2)
San Diego’s defense surrendered 6.8 yards every time Pittsburgh snapped the football.
16. (17) San Francisco 49ers (3-1)
My eliminator pool pick was awfully shaky until the Niners remembered they were playing the Rams.
17. (8) Dallas Cowboys (2-2)
Tony Romo has thrown one touchdown and four interceptions over his last three games.
18. (19) Arizona Cardinals (1-2)
Coming off a bye, the Cards have a winnable game at home against the Texans on Sunday.
19. (20) Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2)
Back-to-back division wins has the Jags tied for second in the AFC South and just a game back of a Wild Card spot.
20. (21) Houston Texans (2-2)
The Texans’ defense, which entered the week as the worst in football, put up 26 points on my fantasy bench, while the defense I started (Tennessee) scored negative three.
21. (22) Tennessee Titans (0-4)
With the Colts and Pats coming up, the Titans are looking to become the best 0-6 team ever.
22. (23) Seattle Seahawks (1-3)
Seneca Wallace isn’t the problem with this team right now. The big issue is that their defense has allowed 82 points over the last three weeks.
23. (24) Carolina Panthers (0-3)
Jake Delhomme didn’t throw any interceptions this week. Hey-oooooo!
24. (25) Miami Dolphins (1-3)
The Fish should just run every play out of the wildcat for the rest of the season. And I’m not just saying that because I have Ronnie Brown on my fantasy team.
25. (18) Buffalo Bills (1-3)
I’m still trying to figure out how this team got so close to beating the Patriots in Week 1.
26. (26) Oakland Raiders (1-3)
Yahoo! Sports is reporting that head coach Tom Cable could be arrested soon in relation to an alleged assault on an assistant coach. That could actually be good news for a team that ranks last in total offense.
27. (30) Detroit Lions (1-3)
The Lions haven’t won since September.
28. (31) Washington Redskins (2-2)
Any game involving two teams ranked 26th or lower in these rankings (see Washington vs. Tampa Bay, Week 4) should be blacked out in all markets.
29. (27) Tampa Bay Bucs (0-4)
Not even close to the worst team in football.
30. (28) Cleveland Browns (0-4)
Still not the worst team in football.
31. (29) Kansas City Chiefs (0-4)
Almost there.
32. (32) St. Louis Rams (0-4)
Being outscored by Jeff Reed this year, 25-24.
Follow me on Twitter at JordanHarrison.
Jordan Schwartz is Bleacher Report’s New York Yankees Community Leader. His book “Memoirs of the Unaccomplished Man” is available at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and authorhouse.com.
Jordan can be reached at jordanschwartz2003@yahoo.com
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
