• 1. Saints (7-0) Last Week: 1
  In each of the past two weeks New Orleans has been tested, only to come out victorious -- good teams find ways to win. The Saints next three opponents are Carolina, St. Louis and Tampa Bay. It's easy to imagine this high-powered offense at 10-0.-- Knox Bardeen
• 2. Colts (7-0) Last Week: 2
  Squeaked out a home win over the Alex Smith-led 49ers. Still, a win's a win, and that's what the Colts do. That is now 16 straight in the regular season, giving them a 82-21 record since the beginning of 2003. -- Matt Snyder
  
• 3. Vikings (7-1) Last Week: 6
  They head to their bye with a cushy lead in the NFC North. They come out of the bye with three straight home games (Lions, Seahawks, Bears). Really, if you look at the whole rest of the schedule and consider how well they are playing, it's hard to see the Vikes finishing worse than 13-3 -- and 14 or 15 wins are reachable. -- MS
• 4. Steelers (5-2) Last Week: 4
  The hardest call of the week was who to put fourth in advance of Pittsburgh's trip to Denver this weekend. Ultimately it came down to making a call about who was going to win the game, a call that was decided by the Steelers having two weeks to prepare for a Broncos team that just took a healthy licking. They're really 4A and 4B at this point, though.
• 5. Broncos (6-1) Last Week: 3
  Finally. I can't tell you how sick I was of writing "Josh McDaniels" and "undefeated" over and over. But I'm not so sure that these guys are "pretenders" (as my esteemed colleague KB called them recently). I mean, they're not the '72 Dolphins or even the '09 Saints, but at 6-1 and with the Skins, the Raiders and KC (twice) on the schedule, the playoffs still seem pretty likely. -- Will Brinson
• 6. Patriots (5-2) Last Week: 5
  They can put a stranglehold on the AFC East this weekend by beating Miami this weekend and there's no reason to think they won't. The offense is clicking, the defense is well-versed in the Wildcat and they've had two weeks to get healthy.
• 7. Bengals (5-2) Last Week: 7
  It's prove it time for the Bengals with a home game against the Ravens and a trip to Pittsburgh over the next two weeks. They've beaten both of them once, but it will take at least a split for Cincy to remain in the playoff picture at the top of the stretch run.
• 8. Eagles (5-2) Last Week: 10
  Welcome back, Eagles offense! The Eagles took flight against the Giants and showed the productivity we've been waiting to see all season. A showdown with the Cowboys looms, and you have to like the Eagles' chances at home against a team that's been lightly tested during their three-game winning streak.
  
• 9. Cowboys (5-2) Last Week: 11
  Speaking of the lightly-tested devil, Tony Romo and the Cowboys return to the house of horrors that ended his 2008 season. Wide receiver Patrick Crayton said "it's still to be determined" if the 'Boys are better than that team. We'll find out soon enough.
  
• 10. Ravens (4-3) Last Week: 14
  We finally got the defensive performance we've been waiting to see all season. Defensive coordinator Greg Mattison may have been a member of Rex Ryan's staff but it still takes time to adjust to a different voice at the top. If the Ravens have made the transition, we're looking at quite a race in the AFC North.
• 11. Texans (5-3) Last Week: 17
  This has the makings of the best Houston Texans team yet. They are legitimate playoff threat, especially now that the defense can stop the run. Hopefully Steve Slaton can fix his fumbling woes. They will have a big test in Indy this coming week. -- MS
  
• 12. Chargers (4-3) Last Week: 18
  The division "lock" managed to barely beat a Raiders team that played surprisingly well, but still isn't nearly as talented as the Chargers. Norv Turner & Co. welcome the first half of their NFC East schedule over the next few weeks and not winning at least one of those games is gonna put the Bolts in a serious hole.-- WB
• 13. Falcons (4-3) Last Week: 12
  Who couldn't see this coming? Teams that throw the ball well can beat Atlanta. Teams that have handed the Falcons their beat-downs were lead by Tom Brady, Tony Romo and Drew Brees, and each quarterback threw for more than 275 yards while dissecting the Atlanta secondary. The Falcons only face one team over the next five weeks that has a top-ten passing attack. Atlanta can get right back on track. -- KB
  
• 14. Packers (4-3) Last Week: 8
  Aaron Rodgers leads the NFL in passer rating with a mark of 110.4. Of course, he's constantly being compared to Brett Favre, who has a far superior team due to offensive line, running game, special teams and the entire defense. But that's not gonna matter to the masses, because the Vikings are 7-1 while the Packers are 4-3. -- MS
• 15. Cardinals (4-3) Last Week: 9
  I don't buy the whole 'revenge factor' against the Panthers; a 2009 regular season win does not equate to last years playoff loss. But the truth might be that the 'Cats are a little better than we thought and the Cards a little worse. -- WB
  
• 16. Bears (4-3) Last Week: 19
  Is it possible to think your favorite team played like horse manure in a 30-6 win? Because that's how most Bears fans feel after Sunday's "victory" over the Browns. The offensive line is a major concern. -- MS
• 17. Giants (5-3) Last Week: 13
  If the Giants were a Simpsons character, they'd be actor Troy McClure. You may remember them from such blowouts as 44-6 over the Raiders and 24-0 against the Buccaneers, but they've been a shell of their former selves for three weeks running. The biggest worry isn't whether Eli Manning's foot is still hurt, it's if it isn't and his poor play has no easy explanation.
• 18. Dolphins (3-4) Last Week: 21
  Ted Ginn looked closer to the unemployment line than one of Week Eight's standout performers this time last week. That's why they play the games, though. The Dolphins can put themselves into the middle of the playoff discussion with a win at New England, but they're going to need a whole lot more from their offense and defense to make it happen.
  
• 19. Jets (4-4) Last Week: 15
  The Jets have all the confidence and none of the bona fides. Teams that swagger like champions can't beat themselves, but that's what the Jets have done in three of the last four weeks. If that continues they'll be the mouthiest sub-.500 team in NFL history.
• 20. 49ers (3-4) Last Week: 20
  Moral victories are not for the pantsless (trust me) and Mike Singletary can't really be that happy that his team eeked out a third straight loss against the Colts Sunday. But on the bright side, Vernon Davis is turning into a stud, Alex Smith is working on redemption and this division is wide open. -- WB
  
• 21. Jaguars (3-4) Last Week: 16
  Need a bright spot after getting stomped by the winless Titans? Maurice Jones-Drew only needed eight carries to gain 177 yards and score twice -- on runs of 80 and 79 yards. Talk about excitement, even in a loss. -- MS
  
• 22. Panthers (3-4) Last Week: 24
  The Panthers defense gave Kurt Warner fits last week and Carolina pulled off an upset in the desert. Few teams are running the ball better than Carolina right now, but they head into a three game stretch against New Orleans, Atlanta and Miami that could leave the Panthers outside of the divisional race looking in. -- KB
  
• 23. Bills (3-5) Last Week: 22
  Trent Edwards is expected to return to the starting lineup following the bye week which is something of a mixed blessing. We're happy that he's feeling better, but the Bills won two of three without him in the mix. That's not really an argument for Ryan Fitzpatrick mind you, just a reminder that the Bills aren't a very good team.
  
• 24. Seahawks (2-5) Last Week: 23
  Somewhere, on a motorcycle or golf course, Mike Holmgren is smiling -- Jim Mora's first season is looking about as hopeful as the walrus' last. But hey, again, at least it's the NFC West.-- WB
  
• 25. Raiders (2-6) Last Week: 25
  An Outside the Lines report indicates that Tom Cable not only punched his assistant coach, but also often beat the women in his life. So that's pretty awesome, right? Wrong, obviously -- in fact, if you believe all the reports that are floating out in the media, you'd understand that Cable beats anyone and everyone except for the team that he's playing that week. -- WB
  
• 26. Titans (1-6) Last Week: 30
  The embarrassment in New England, the bye, getting Cortland Finnegan back and starting Vince Young all seemed to be just what the doctor ordered, as the Titans actually looked respectable again. Chris Johnson is so talented. -- MS
  
• 27. Chiefs (1-6) Last Week: 26
  How in the hell does a team suspending a running back for using homoexual slurs to reporters and calling his head coach out on Twitter suddenly become the second most talked about story in this division? I'm starting to think that Jason Whitlock was right about the Chiefs wanting Larry Johnson around; worst case is he tries to out-publicize Cable, right?-- WB
  
• 28. Rams (1-7) Last Week: 31
  It isn't necessarily "good" to take knees for the first time since 2007 by beating the Lions, but it's certainly better than the opposite outcome, no? One win at a time. -- WB
  
• 29. Lions (1-6) Last Week: 27
  Good thing they already got their win, because if you can't handle the Rams at home there aren't many things you can handle. Looks like they'll have another nice draft slot to continue the rebuilding process. -- MS
  
• 30. Redskins (2-5) Last Week: 28
  Well, they've banned signs from FedEx Field which should fix all the problems for this team. It's hard to win when you're constantly looking into the stands and seeing people reminding you how much you suck. Still, it's a good bet that the team remembers it without any prompting.
  
• 31. Browns (1-7) Last Week: 29
  A round of applause for Browns owner Randy Lerner! It takes a special kind of man to rush into hiring a coach and general manager and then fire that general manager halfway through his first season. That's the kind of leadership that will have people flocking to join your organization, Mr. Lerner, and it is sure to make Daniel Snyder green with envy.
• 32. Buccaneers (0-7) Last Week: 32
  The Buccaneers have decided to use their bye week to indoctrinate a new quarterback, their third of the season. Rookie Josh Freeman takes over an offense that can barely pass or run. The lumps he'll take should be considered a lesson in tough love or at best a learning experience. Stay focused on the future Tampa, because your 2009 football team surely stinks. -- KB

NFL Power Rankings, Week 9: There Will Be Blood originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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• 1. Saints (6-0) Last Week: 1
  Prior to Week 7, the whispered question around the NFL revolved around whether or not New Orleans could play effectively without a big lead. After coming back from 21 points down to thump Miami we know they can. -- Knox Bardeen
• 2. Colts (6-0) Last Week: 3
  You get the feeling that the Colts like all of the attention being paid to the league's other remaining unbeaten teams as they stealthily fly under the radar all season. Attention will be paid at some point, if only because Peyton Manning might be having his best season ever.
  
• 3. Broncos (6-0) Last Week: 4
  Denver returns from its bye with a trip to Baltimore that has the potential to end any further questions about the team. A win in Charm City will almost certainly punch their playoff ticket and prove that they can win anywhere and anytime.
• 4. Steelers (5-2) Last Week: 8
  The best thing about their victory over the Vikings was the way that the defense stepped up and made plays in the fourth quarter. It's hard to put much faith in a team that doesn't finish games with a flourish, and that was the biggest question mark about Pittsburgh.
• 5. Patriots (5-2) Last Week: 7
  Yes, the Titans and Bucs stink. But a 94-7 scoring edge over two games is something that knocks your socks off no matter the opposition. There are some niggling questions about the offensive line, but two weeks between games gives Bill Belichick plenty of time to come up with answers.
• 6. Vikings (6-1) Last Week: 2
  They lost, but it's hard to really hold it against them. They weren't going undefeated, and losing in Pittsburgh is hardly anything over which to start hanging heads (especially with that funky fourth quarter). On the plus-side, Sidney Rice is emerging as a star wideout. On the minus-side, Brad Childress cannot justify throwing 50 passes and giving Adrian Peterson only 18 carries. That's absurd play-calling. -- Matt Snyder
• 7. Bengals (5-2) Last Week: 9
  They continued their baffling trend of playing their best against good competition (although the Bears may not actually be any good), and they'll seal a playoff invite if they can keep up the good work against the remaining cupcakes on their schedule.
• 8. Packers (4-2) Last Week: 10
  In the past five weeks, the Packers have defeated three of the worst teams in football and lost to two of the best. They squeaked out an opener against the Bears at home. It's hard to be down on them for playing this schedule, but it's also difficult to get overly excited just yet. Getting the Vikings at home, in addition to Favre-mania, will be a good measuring stick for the prospects of this team. -- MS
  
• 9. Cardinals (4-2) Last Week: 16
  After a slow start, it's pretty safe to say the defending NFC Champs are back. The best news? They may have found a workhorse. Beanie Wells was their first round draft pick last April, and he looked the part Sunday night against the Giants. If he provides balance, the offense gets even more dangerous. -- MS
  
• 10. Eagles (4-2) Last Week: 12
  They don't have a quality win yet and haven't looked good on offense at all over the last two weeks, but a good defense and the playmaking of DeSean Jackson are getting the job done. A win over the struggling Giants would give them the stamp of approval that they need.
• 11. Cowboys (4-2) Last Week: 15
  Miles Austin has seven fewer yards in the last two games than Roy Williams has in his entire Cowboys career. Now that Austin's in the starting lineup and Patrick Crayton is also producing, the calls to bench Williams and admit trading for him was a mistake should get louder.
  
• 12. Falcons (4-2) Last Week: 6
  Atlanta is now two games behind the Saints and play much better at home than on the road. They travel to New Orleans this week and must find a way to win if they have any hope of a home playoff game. -- KB
• 13. Giants (5-2) Last Week: 5
  How can the Giants be below a Cowboys team they beat in Week 2? The Cowboys looked like a team with a future against the Falcons last week, while the Giants are only living on past reputation based on their last two outings. Serious problems on both sides of the ball plague the team on their way into a must-win game with the Eagles.
  
• 14. Ravens (3-3) Last Week: 14
  This is the perfect spot for a team that will either shoot up the rankings in the next two weeks or drop like a Mafia victim in a bodybag loaded with rocks. If the defense has repaired itself over the bye week, bet on the former.
• 15. Jets (4-3) Last Week: 20
  Reading much into the win over the Raiders is difficult, but it's hard not to like a team that's run for more than 600 yards over the last two weeks. If Shonn Greene remains a suitable replacement for Leon Washington, the Jets have found a formula that works because it limits the risk that Mark Sanchez will kill them with mistakes.
  
• 16. Jaguars (3-3) Last Week: 17
  Things are setting up well for the Jaguars to remain in the thick of the AFC playoff hunt. The Titans and Chiefs are the next two opponents, they've got games against the Jets and Texans and confidence is on the rise in northern Florida.
• 17. Texans (4-3) Last Week: 18
  Just when you think it's safe to believe in the Texans, they give up 21 second-half points to a quarterback who hasn't played in years. Focus on the good and the Texans should be higher on the list, but they've got to start showing it for 60 minutes at a time. Steve Slaton holding onto the ball is a good place to start.
  
• 18. Chargers (3-3) Last Week: 22
  There was lots to like about the way the Bolts played on Sunday, especially in the resurgent ground game, but Norv Turner's bunch needs to show they can come up with these efforts every week before they get rewarded in these rankings.
  
• 19. Bears (3-3) Last Week: 11
  That was a disgraceful showing in Cincy this past weekend. The Bears have a chance to get things right against the Browns at home, but will that simply be window dressing? There are serious issues with the offensive line and the secondary and minor ones almost everywhere else. -- MS
• 20. 49ers (3-3) Last Week: 13
  The change from Shaun Hill to Alex Smith was probably the right move, but it's nothing Earth-shattering. The Texans are awful against the pass. It's going to be a different story for Smith in Indianapolis this Sunday. On the other hand, Vernon Davis is definitely for real. -- MS
  
• 21. Dolphins (2-4) Last Week: 19
  If you're an optimist, you'll look at Sunday's loss and see a game Dolphins team that nearly knocked off the NFL's best team to this point in the season. If you're a pessimist, you saw a team that choked away a victory on their home field. Either way, the Dolphins need to beat the Jets this weekend or they'll stop mattering.
  
• 22. Bills (3-4) Last Week: 25
  Ryan Fitzpatrick may never be on the cover of a video game, but you can't deny that he's got something going for him. His teams have won the last five regular season games he's played, which makes you wonder if Trent Edwards's eventual return to the lineup really makes sense.
  
• 23. Seahawks (2-4) Last Week: 23
  They had a chance to lick their wounds with the bye, but things aren't going to be easy for their defense against the reinvigorated Cowboys this coming weekend. The 'Hawks have been awful on the road this year, 0-2, outscored 57-27, and the 'Boys are looking better than ever. -- MS
  
• 24. Panthers (2-4) Last Week: 21
  Jake Delhomme reverted back to his interception prone ways on Sunday and could be in danger of losing his job. The Panthers have a brutal schedule over the next five weeks, so it may get worse in Charlotte before it gets better. -- KB
  
• 25. Raiders (2-5) Last Week: 24
  Richard Seymour said that the Raiders couldn't have beaten a high school team on Sunday. The only way to prove him wrong would be if the high schoolers started JaMarcus Russell.
  
• 26. Chiefs (1-6) Last Week: 26
  Jason Whitlock made a very good point in the Kansas City Star Tuesday when he argued that Larry Johnson being a raving lunatic was a good thing for the Chiefs. Anything that takes eyes off games like the one K.C. turned in on Sunday can't be a bad thing, after all.
  
• 27. Lions (1-5) Last Week: 29
  Hopefully they were able to get a bit healthier during that bye week, because the rebuilding Lions have a shot at a confidence-building victory this coming week against the hapless Rams. They'll need to put their trust in the running game and make sure Steven Jackson doesn't single-handedly beat them. -- MS
  
• 28. Redskins (2-5) Last Week: 27
  Note to Redskins: It doesn't much matter who calls the plays or what plays you call when your offensive line fears contact with opposing players. Lost in all of the offensive mess is that the defense isn't half-bad, but that's not enough lipstick for this pig.
  
• 29. Browns (1-6) Last Week: 28
  The Browns were hit with several cases of swine flu last week. The bad news is that their players healed in time to play on Sunday.
  
• 30. Titans (0-6) Last Week: 30
  Too much was probably made of Jeff Fisher wearing a Peyton Manning jersey last week, but it does open the door to questions about how much damage this lost season will do to his job security. If he keeps resisting ownership calls for Vince Young, there could be a new moustache in town when the season ends.
  
• 31. Rams (0-7) Last Week: 31
  We're going to have 17 weeks worth of negative things to say about the Rams, so let's mix it up and be nice. Steven Jackson is an absolute stud. For a team who has been outscored 211-60, it's incredible that Jackson is third in the NFL in rushing. And he's getting all the attention. Imagine him on a team like the Colts. Man, he'd be out of this world. -- MS
  
• 32. Buccaneers (0-7) Last Week: 32
  The Bucs enter their bye week with a huge decision looming over their heads. The season is lost and Josh Johnson is floundering. Is it time to hand the quarterback job to the future of the franchise, Josh Freeman? Whoever is throwing the ball in Tampa, don't expect too many wins from here on out. -- KB

NFL Power Rankings, Week 8: Return of The Kings originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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• 1. Saints (5-0) Last Week: 2
  With their win over the Giants New Orleans learned that they aren't just big-dogs in the NFC South. This Drew Brees led offense is fantastic, but it's a defense that only gives up 18.6 points per game that makes this team one of the best in the NFL. -- Knox Bardeen
• 2. Vikings (6-0) Last Week: 4
  There are creeping concerns about the defense and eternal concerns about Brad Childress's game management, but it's impossible to doubt this offense. Sidney Rice is breaking out, Brett Favre is hanging tough and Adrian Peterson is, as always, Purple Jesus.
  
• 3. Colts (5-0) Last Week: 3
  There's a pretty good chance that they'll be 8-0 when the Patriots pay a visit to the Midwest on a November Sunday night, which will make that night feel like a throwback to the middle of the decade when the yearly meeting between the teams would determine homefield advantage in the AFC playoffs.
• 4. Broncos (6-0) Last Week: 5
  Okay, enough already -- they're just good, they're winning the Super Bowl and Josh McDaniels looks like the smartest man alive. Maybe that's going too far, but, even with a really tough schedule after the bye week, the Broncos would need a collapse like last year to miss the playoffs. Fortunately they have BORN WINNER Kyle Orton (and not Jay Cutler) running the show, right?. -- Will Brinson
• 5. Giants (5-1) Last Week: 1
  The loss to the Saints exposed some serious flaws in the Giants secondary, especially when it comes to safety C.C. Brown's ability to recognize the difference between running and passing plays. More troubling was new defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan's complete inability to adapt as the game progressed. Even more is on Eli Manning's shoulders now.
• 6. Falcons (4-1) Last Week: 8
  The Atlanta offensive line stymied a great Chicago pass-rush and proved to Matt Ryan that they are the best in the league at protecting their quarterback. That will pay dividends as Ryan continues to grow as a passer, but it would still be nice to see more from Michael Turner. -- KB
• 7. Patriots (4-2) Last Week: 11
  In a 17-play stretch during their rout of the Titans, the Patriots threw three touchdown passes and forced three turnovers. That's what's called firing on all cylinders, now they need to keep it up against teams that aren't self-destructing.
• 8. Steelers (4-2) Last Week: 10
  Why do the Patriots jump them even though they both won? Because they did to the Titans what the Steelers should have done to the Browns. There were enough signs that they were over their rough patch, however, to leap them ahead of a Bengals team that's already beaten them this season.
  
• 9. Bengals (4-2) Last Week: 9
  Marvin Lewis should have told his team that the Texans were undefeated entering their game on Sunday. Perhaps they would have continued to play up to their level of competition instead of diving down to meet a team with a lesser record halfway. Hopefully Lewis is already posting signs trumpeting the Bears' winning record.
  
• 10. Packers (3-2) Last Week: 17
  Impressive outing for the defense, but, oh, that offensive line. They're going to get Aaron Rodgers seriously injured unless they can figure out a way to slow down opposing pass rushers. It might help if Ryan Grant ever looked something like the back who took the league by storm in 2007, but even that shouldn't stop Rodgers from making sure his insurance premiums are paid up.
• 11. Bears (3-2) Last Week: 7
  Maybe they just have problems in prime time? Their second appearance on Sunday Night Football was just as sloppy as their opening week game against the Packers, which is the reason why they wound up with their second loss.
  
• 12. Eagles (3-2) Last Week: 6
  They've turned in their "Get Out of a Bad Performance Free" card so there will be no more excuses made if the Eagles flop again this season. The offensive line looked putrid, but at least they have Jason Peters's injury to use as a crutch. The rest of the team has no explanation for allowing the Raiders to push them around.
• 13. 49ers (3-2) Last Week: 14
  First, the bad news: the Cardinals seem to be getting their, ahem, groove back. Or something. Now the good news: San Fran's still leading the division, they're likely getting Frank Gore back next week and Michael Crabtree is supposed to be starting (I think that's good), so they should probably still be favored. This could actually end up being an enjoyable division race. -- WB
  
• 14. Ravens (3-3) Last Week: 12
  Is there some kind of municipal code in Baltimore that stipulates a football team can have a good offense or a good defense, but not both at the same time? Maybe ESPN's next documentary should be about the midnight departure of the Ravens defense.
• 15. Cowboys (3-2) Last Week: 16
  This was the best week of the Cowboys season thus far. Every other team in the NFC East lost and they didn't have to hear a single thing about how awful Tony Romo played or how Wade Phillips coaches like a man unaware that he actually has some control over what his team does on the field.
  
• 16. Cardinals (3-2) Last Week: 19
  Great couple of weeks if you're one of the 42 people that care for the Cardinals; Kurt Warner looks fantastic, Arizona spanked division "rival" Seattle when they were completely healthy, and they're now right behind the 49ers in the standings. Next week's game against the Giants will be nothing if not interesting, because we'll really be able to gauge where these two teams stand. 2 outta the next 3 is a requirement for AZ's legitimacy though. -- WB
• 17. Jaguars (3-3) Last Week: 21
  The Jaguars had a 300-yard passer, a 100-yard rusher and two 100-yard receivers against the Rams this week. That's a good sign for a team that had been criticized for their offensive shortcomings for the entire week leading up to the game. They're schizophrenic, they're flawed and they're in the same spot they were before tanking last season, but they're in the thick of the AFC playoff race with tiebreaker edges on the Bengals and Texans. Not too shabby when you put it all together.
  
• 18. Texans (3-3) Last Week: 22
  Brian Cushing is looking like a serious contender for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, a good which could be the reason why rumors of their defense's existence are gaining some currency. We've seen flashes from the Texans before, though, so we'll stick with myth until they do it several weeks in a row.
  
• 19. Dolphins (3-2) Last Week: 18
  Is the Wildcat the thing that will burst the Saints' bubble? Or will it be the little-known fact that Drew Brees turns to mush every time he hears Marc Anthony sing?
• 20. Jets (3-3) Last Week: 13
  There aren't enough negative superlatives to express how poorly the Jets played and coached against the Bills on Sunday, so we'll just say that given the choice between watching a Pauly Shore film festival or a replay of that game we'd choose suicide.
  
• 21. Panthers (2-3) Last Week: 23
  Two straight wins give the Panthers a bit of a boost but this offense still needs to define itself. Steve Smith wants more passing but DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are both gaining over four yards per carry. -- KB
  
• 22. Chargers (2-3) Last Week: 15
  Philip Rivers can only do so much. But when the defense isn't good, the special teams are playing like poopy and the running game is non-existent because it features a combination of an over-the-hill Hall of Famer (LaDainian Tomlinson) and a guy who everyone gave way too much "legit RB" credit to (Darren Sproles), well, there are going to be problems. Norv Turner deserves credit for helping Phil progress, but how long can San Diego management let these guys stink early in the season and late in games. -- WB
  
• 23. Seahawks (2-4) Last Week: 20
  What a miserable, miserable performance that was. It's easy to just glance at the numbers and blame Matt Hasselbeck, because he was awful, but that's not entirely fair: Seattle was basically down 17-0 having only touched the ball once and there wasn't ever any recovering from that deficit. Still, the only "statement" that came out of that game from Seattle was "we still suck, thanks for asking." -- WB
  
• 24. Raiders (2-4) Last Week: 26
  I have no earthly idea what got into Richard Seymour on Sunday, but it was basically the exact opposite of whatever got into the Eagles offensive line, who were so collectively horrible that they allowed Philly to drop a game in Oakland. Seriously, people, the Eagles jumped two spots last week (on a bye!) based on their studs returning and an easy schedule and then just, well, WTF. -- WB
  
• 25. Bills (2-4) Last Week: 28
  Yes, they won a game and kept the rapidly disintegrating Dick Jauron employed for another week. But don't be fooled into thinking anything much about this team. They were gifted six interceptions and still needed overtime to come through.
  
• 26. Chiefs (1-5) Last Week: 30
  Don't look now, but they won a game! Of course, what does it say that non-rebuilding (in theory) Redskins are vastly inferior to this team? However, any good will they generated with the win and the obvious +6.5 cover (thanks, Vegas!) was immediately erased when they threw Gatorade on Todd Haley for getting his first win ... six weeks into the season. This cooler-tossing stuff is getting worse than storming the floor in college basketball.-- WB
  
• 27. Redskins (2-4) Last Week: 25
  Why is it that Al Davis remains the go-to for media members looking for quick jokes about owners? At least Davis has a history that ranks alongside the greatest in the game's history. Daniel Snyder has taken what was a proud franchise, used it as toilet paper and then slipped the toilet paper into a public restroom so that everyone else can see what a mess he made of it.
  
• 28. Browns (1-5) Last Week: 27
  The bright side of their latest loss is that they may have actually found a quarterback. Unfortunately Joshua Cribbs is also needed to play wide receiver, run the ball, return kicks, drive the team bus, stroke Eric Mangini's hair until he falls asleep and play the role of trade bait.
  
• 29. Lions (1-5) Last Week: 24
  No Calvin Johnson spells no chance for this bunch, so they'd better get him back quickly if they want to put a crooked number in that win column. The best news of the weekend was that there was a Julian Peterson sighting, quelling rumors that he floated away in a balloon of his own design.
  
• 30. Titans (0-6) Last Week: 30
  Jeff Fisher may be a proud man with a proud moustache, but it's time to start worrying about 2010 and beyond. Dumping Jevon Kearse was the right move, Kerry Collins should be the next to go and then work your way down the list of veterans until you figure out what the foundation is for the next good Titans team.
  
• 31. Rams (0-5) Last Week: 30
  After missing a pretty good opportunity to pick up a win against the Jags (overtime, Jacksonville? Really? REALLY?), the Rams have, by my count, two more chances to pick up a win this season, and both are on the road: Week 8 at Detroit and Week 14 at Tennessee. I suppose they could randomly grab one along the way, but, man, even Rush Limbaugh would be a welcome distraction for this awful squad. -- WB
  
• 32. Buccaneers (0-5) Last Week: 31
  I'm still scouring the Bucs schedule to find a possible first victory for the 0-6 basement-dwellers. Another quarterback controversy between Josh Freeman and Josh Johnson is looming which won't help morale at all. -- KB

NFL Power Rankings, Week 7: Who Dat? The Saints in the Top Spot originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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• 1. Giants (5-0) Last Week: 1
  It's high time that the Giants started playing some games against teams that won't pick in the first hour of April's draft and you couldn't ask for a better test than a trip to the Superdome. Will Eli Manning's homecoming be a sweet one or will a real defense renew questions about Big Blue's post-Plaxico era?
• 2. Saints (4-0) Last Week: 2
  The bye week resulted in a rested Drew Brees and a healthy running back tandem of Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell, which sounds like a recipe for success. But their next three games are brutal against the Giants, Dolphins and Falcons. -- Knox Bardeen
  
• 3. Colts (5-0) Last Week: 3
  Scary thought for the rest of the AFC: Anthony Gonzalez is expected back after the bye week which means that Peyton Manning will have another weapon at his disposal when the Colts return to the field.
• 4. Vikings (5-0) Last Week: 4
  Let's be honest: regardless of the Vikings' skill level and easy schedule, no one thought God would allow Brett Favre to be sitting at 5-0 right now in the 2009 season. But here we are, cruising along this purple highway to hell an undefeated season. Actually, it's probably fair to say that the Vikings should be undefeated -- Cleveland, St. Louis and Detroit in the first five weeks of the season is just too easy. We'll get to see them tested soon. -- Will Brinson
• 5. Broncos (5-0) Last Week: 7
  The logistics of Denver's start took an earth-shattering turn when Josh McDaniels upset Bill Belichick, even if the whole "old assistant knows too much about his boss' players and strat-egery" was obvious. But it's not fair to keep making excuses for why the Broncos are winning: they're just doing it. Bet the Bears with they'd kept Kyle Orton now! -- WB
• 6. Eagles (3-1) Last Week: 8
  Sometimes it's hard to see the forest for the trees. In the Eagles case, it's been hard to notice the fact that no one has stopped their offense yet because of all the attention paid to the players who have been moving in and out of the lineup. Facts are facts, though, and the Eagles actual ability is starting to shine through.
• 7. Bears (3-1) Last Week: 10
  A lot of momentum coming out of the bye week for Da Bears, what with Jay Cutler slinging tons of touchdown passes, Matt Forte getting on track and that uber-awkward Sunday night opener now long behind this team. Two tough games are on the schedule next -- if the Bears beat Atlanta and Cincy, there's a good chance that the number of Cutler columns could outnumber the Favre ones. What a glorious world we live in! -- WB
• 8. Falcons (3-1) Last Week: 12
  The Falcons put up 45 points against a 49'ers defense only allowing 13.25 points per game before their Week 5 shellacking. The Atlanta offense is for real. But remember that holding a San Francisco team to only ten points doesn't mean the Atlanta defensive overhaul is complete - they'll be tested by far greater offensive juggernauts, which is a nice way of reminding the Falcons not to rest on their laurels. The 49ers offense stinks. -- KB
  
• 9. Bengals (4-1) Last Week: 14
  With a slim plus-11 point margin, it's hard to know if we should attribute the Bengals record to being lucky or being good. The answer may be that they've been both, and if they can make the most of three straight home games sandwiched around a bye no one will be mentioning the lucky half of the equation. They just need the home fans to pick up on the good vibes so they can avoid dreaded blackouts.
  
• 10. Steelers (3-2) Last Week: 11
  What's the deal with the Steelers defense? Troy Polamalu is a beast, but his absence alone can't explain why the Lions were able to march up and down the field against the defending champs. If the Browns do the same thing it may be time to halt the Dick Lebeau-to-Canton push in the bud. Gut feeling is that they get back on track this week.
• 11. Patriots (3-2) Last Week: 5
  Tough at home, ordinary on the road is no way to go through life in Bill Belichick's New England. The fold-up job the defense did in the final minutes against the Broncos wasn't just because of the thin air and Junior Seau isn't going to be able to fix the problems all by himself.
  
• 12. Ravens (3-2) Last Week: 6
  It's show-me-something week for the Ravens. Losses to the Patriots and Bengals are understandable, but a third straight loss in the Metrodome would make it hard to buy into the Ravens making another run deep into the playoffs.
• 13. Jets (3-2) Last Week: 9
  How can they fall below a team they've already beaten even though both of them lost last week? Look no further than the way the Dolphins rammed the ball down their throats on Monday night, a visual representation of making a bully eat his words. Now it's time for Rex Ryan's defense to show how good they are instead of telling everyone.
  
• 14. 49ers (3-2) Last Week: 13
  Being obliterated at home by the Falcons was more an indictment of the entire NFC West than it was of the 49ers. They are the best team in one of the NFL's worst divisions and neither the destruction of the Rams nor the home loss to Atlanta change that. Getting Frank Gore back after their bye week would be a big help before having to travel to Houston and Indy. -- Matt Snyder
• 15. Chargers (2-2) Last Week: 15
  Injuries to important personnel as well as the difficulty in establishing a running game is making life very difficult for Norv Turner's bunch. Philip Rivers will probably keep putting up huge numbers, but he'll have to -- the Chargers are looking more and more like they'll be limping into the playoffs (again). -- WB
  
• 16. Cowboys (3-2) Last Week: 16
  Miles Austin saved the Cowboys season. I'll take six words I never thought I'd hear for $800, Alex. That it took a Herculean performance by an unheralded receiver to beat one of the league's worst teams in overtime and that it made everyone in Dallas happy tells you everything you need to knpw about the way the Cowboys season is going.
• 17. Packers (2-2) Last Week: 18
  It seems surprising to see the Packers -- with their theoretically high-powered offense -- sitting at 2-2. But you just have to remember that they can't a) play defense and b) run the ball. Which, if I recall correctly, are actually considered decent qualities of teams that usually don't suck. Or something. -- WB
  
• 18. Dolphins (2-3) Last Week: 20
  After watching Miami dismantle the Jets, it's funny that the Wildcat offense ever gets called a gimmick. They simply ran the ball with power and very little deception all night long before letting Chad Henne rain some fire deep down the field. That's about as gimmicky as white bread and vanilla ice cream.
  
• 19. Cardinals (2-2) Last Week: 21
  Bounced back to outlast the Texans following a bye, but now they have to travel to Seattle and the Meadowlands (Giants) the next two weeks. In these two games, we'll find out a lot about how the rest of the season will pan out for the defending NFC Champs. -- MS
• 20. Seahawks (2-3) Last Week: 24
  Apparently they missed Matt Hasselbeck, as the signal-caller returned to heave four touchdowns in leading his team to a 41-0 romp. Of course, they had just endured a pretty tough stretch that included hosting the Bears and road trips to San Francisco and Indy. Beating Arizona this week would go a long way toward their playoff hopes. -- MS
  
• 21. Jaguars (2-3) Last Week: 17
  The deeper we get into this season, the more it looks like the last one for Jacksonville. Players getting in trouble for off-field shenanigans, Maurice Jones-Drew criticizing the offense and decent performances followed by complete futility. You wonder how long Jack Del Rio gets to keep presiding over a stereo stuck on repeat.
  
• 22. Texans (2-3) Last Week: 19
  There was a lot of positive talk about the way the Texans defense played in the second half on last week's loss to Arizona and how it's a sign of better things to come. It sounds a lot like all the preseason talk about how this is the year everything changes for the Texans.
  
• 23. Panthers (1-3) Last Week: 27
  The Panthers found a way to win in Week 5, earning their first victory of the season against a declining Redskins team. The win wasn't pretty and is nothing huge to brag about, but no longer being winless goes a long way in Carolina. -- KB
  
• 24. Lions (1-4) Last Week: 26
  I understand that this franchise has hit bottom and bounced back up (as opposed to actually "turning the corner" or something positive in nature) but was it really necessary for a Matt Stafford injury to precede Daunte Culpepper playing? And did they have to let Calvin Johnson get hurt? Okay, the second one was probably out of Detroit's control, but Culpepper gives this team a better chance to win NOW while also allowing Stafford to get time on the bench learning. I honestly have no clue how that's not easier to understand. -- WB
  
• 25. Redskins (2-3) Last Week: 22
  The Redskins are about as much fun as a barrel of anthrax right now as they continue to provide a weekly reminder of why it's so hard to go winless in the NFL. This week will make six straight games against winless opponents, and the fact that the Redskins are hoping to be .500 makes you wonder how they're this high on the power rankings. And then you look down.
  
• 26. Raiders (1-4) Last Week: 25
  Just to clarify: Over the past month, Clay Travis has written a letter where he pretended to be JaMarcus Russell asking if he could coach the Raiders. Ryan Wilson created an "Al Davis Trade Requirement Cheat Sheet." And we fired up an NFL Coaching Steel Cage Battle based on this team. So, yeah, keep doing whatever you're doing Oakland. We love you out here. -- WB
  
• 27. Browns (1-4) Last Week: 32
  True story: I was on a plane last Sunday and upon landing checked out the scores from the day. I announced that Derek Anderson completed two passes to the entire cabin and heard the second biggest laugh on the plane that day. If only Night at the Museum 2 hadn't been the onboard movie.
  
• 28. Bills (1-4) Last Week: 23
  The fact that the Bills lost to the misfiring Anderson would be even funnier if it wasn't for the fact that they're so damned pathetic. It's only going to get worse. They scrapped the no-huddle this week, an offensive strategy that was supposed to help them compensate for having an offensive line staffed by UFL rejects.
  
• 29. Titans (0-5) Last Week: 28
  Kerry Collins turned back into Kerry Collins at just the wrong time for the Titans. Jeff Fisher and his moustache are still holding on tight but the time has come to see what they've got with Vince Young because they're heading for a high draft pick and need to know if they have a quarterback on their roster.
  
• 30. Chiefs (0-5) Last Week: 29
  I know people are talking about how Scott Pioli might not know what he's doing, but did anyone expect the Chiefs to be good? Sure, they're 0-5, but at least their point differential is better than the Lions, Raiders, Rams, Bucs, Titans and Browns. It's all about the silver lining, people! -- WB
  
• 31. Rams (0-5) Last Week: 30
  Pathetic now, but they will have some chances for a win. Choose one from these: at Jacksonville, at Detroit, vs. Seattle, at Tennessee, vs. Houston. It doesn't look great, but it's awfully tough to go winless. Just because it happened to someone last year doesn't mean it's going to start becoming common. -- MS
  
• 32. Buccaneers (0-5) Last Week: 31
  Looking at the remaining 11 games on the schedule I only see two chances for this Buccaneers team to get into the win column - Week 6 against Carolina and Week 13 against... Carolina. Tampa Bay really is that bad. -- KB

NFL Power Rankings, Week 6: Showdown Up Top originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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• 1. Giants (4-0) Last Week: 1
  Ho-hum. Another week, another workmanlike road victory for the G-men, who are now 3-0 away from the Meadowlands. With Oakland visiting New York this week, the Giants should be 5-0 when they head to New Orleans next week for a monster NFC clash.
  
• 2. Saints (4-0) Last Week: 3
  Everyone knows that the Saints lead the league with 36 points per game. But did you know that they rank seventh in defense, giving up only 16.5 points per game? That's a stellar combination. -- Knox Bardeen
  
• 3. Colts (4-0) Last Week: 5
  At this point, another division title is all but a lock. There was some worry affixed to the wholesale changes in the coaching staff, but Peyton Manning has proven again why he's the best QB in football. Up next is a Sunday night trip to 0-4 Tennessee, but primetime is where Manning and the Colts shine. -- R.J. White
  
• 4. Vikings (4-0) Last Week: 6
  Brett Favre's bunch hasn't been perfect (except record-wise, of course), but Minnesota keeps finding a way to get it done. The Vikes let Green Bay back in a game they dominated Monday, but they hung on for the win and continue to look more and more comfortable with Favre at the helm.
  
• 5. Patriots (3-1) Last Week: 7
  How can the Patriots be four spots ahead of a Jets team that beat them? Back-to-back wins over Atlanta and Baltimore, plus a healthier-by-the-week Tom Brady gives New England the benefit of the doubt. If the Pats get through Denver this week, their current two-game win streak could turn into a six-gamer in the blink of an eye.
  
• 6. Ravens (3-1) Last Week: 2
  Hard to drop Baltimore too far after losing on a late fourth-quarter dropped pass in Foxborough. The defense still doesn't look quite right for the Ravens, but the offensive improvement is making up for it.
  
• 7. Broncos (4-0) Last Week: 8
  Each week everyone dismisses the Broncos as a flash-in-the-pan, and every week the Broncos throw up a dominant defensive performance to win a game. Next up are the Patriots at home, where student (McDaniels) faces master (Belichick). Can student prevail? -- White
  
• 8. Eagles (2-1) Last Week: 10
  Philly makes a two-spot jump while on a bye. Why? Blame it on the return of Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook this week, which takes the Eagles from a good team to a great team. Tampa Bay, Oakland and Washington are the next three opponents, so look out.
  
• 9. Jets (3-1) Last Week: 4
  The good news is that the defense played incredible against Drew Brees and the Saints' aerial attack. The bad news is that New York still lost by 14 to New Orleans because Mark Sanchez finally looked like a rookie. Monday night's game at Miami is a big one in the early season, for both teams.
  
• 10. Bears (3-1) Last Week: 9
  Chicago rebounded from a lethargic first half against Detroit on Sunday to roll by 24. Still, the Lions picked apart the Bears' pass defense for those opening 30 minutes, so that aspect of Chicago's defense remains a concern.
  
• 11. Steelers (2-2) Last Week: 17
  The Steelers make a huge jump -- but that's based on their first three quarters Sunday night against the Chargers, not the final 15 minutes. Pittsburgh dominated San Diego for a long time, but once again showed some weakness late and almost let one slip away. This is a top-10 team once it remembers how to close out games.
  
• 12. Falcons (2-1) Last Week: 12
  It's good news for the Falcons' run defense that Frank Gore will not play on Sunday. To prove that their offense can overcome defensive liabilities, the Falcons will need to put up points against a stingy 49ers defense. -- Bardeen
  
• 13. 49ers (3-1) Last Week: 15
  Hard to know how much to read into the Niners' 35-0 shellacking of St. Louis in Week 4, given the state of the Rams. This week's game versus Atlanta, then Week 6 and 7 road trips to Houston and Indianapolis will give us a pretty good indication where San Fran stands.
  
• 14. Bengals (3-1) Last Week: 13
  Three straights wins for Cincinnati, including big ones over Pittsburgh and Green Bay. But ... you can't need a rally and overtime to knock off Cleveland and earn a lot of power rankings respect. Get a Week 5 win at Baltimore and we'll talk.
  
• 15. Chargers (2-2) Last Week: 12
  After getting destroyed by the defending champions for three quarters, the Chargers finally showed some signs of life at the end of the Sunday night game. This was supposed to be an easy year for the supposed 2009 AFC West champions, but Denver has thrown a wrench in those plans. -- White
  
• 16. Cowboys (2-2) Last Week: 14
  So far, Dallas' record pretty accurately depicts what we've seen on the field -- this is an average football team. The defense is good, not great, and the offense is talented, but struggles mightily at times. There's lots of time to turn it around, but so far, Dallas looks much more comparable to Washington than Philly or New York in the NFC East.
  
• 17. Jaguars (2-2) Last Week: 19
  It's hard to know what to make of this team. We think of them as a run-first team, led by uber-talented back Maurice Jones-Drew, but David Garrard has been finding emerging weapons Mike Sims-Walker and Marcedes Lewis in the passing game recently. A cross-country win in Seattle would legitimize the Jaguars' 2009 prospects. -- White
  
• 18. Packers (2-2) Last Week: 16
  This is a good time for a bye for the Pack, because this team needs to regroup a bit. The defense has been mediocre, but not nearly as mediocre as the offensive line, which might wind up getting Aaron Rodgers killed. The schedule is favorable for the next two months, so Green Bay needs to make some headway.
  
• 19. Texans (2-2) Last Week: 20
  Everyone's favorite preseason sleeper, the Texans were written off mighty quickly after a rough Week 1 loss to the Jets. Yet after an easy win against the Raiders, one where the Houston rush defense actually stopped somebody, the Texans are back to .500 and thinking Wild Card yet again. -- White
  
• 20. Dolphins (1-3) Last Week: 24
  Not a bad debut for quarterback Chad Henne, who looked plenty comfortable slinging passes against Buffalo's battered secondary. If the Dolphins can take advantage of Monday night's home game versus the Jets, they'll be right back in the playoff picture.
  
• 21. Cardinals (1-2) Last Week: 21
  Arizona had Week 4 off, so we don't know any more or less about the Cards than we did following their Week 3 blowout loss to Indianapolis. They certainly haven't looked like an NFC elite team yet, though.
  
• 22. Redskins (2-2) Last Week: 27
  Washington's five-spot leap in the power rankings has more to do with its record and the utter ineptitude of the teams below than it does anything Washington's shown. The Redskins barely beat a terrible Tampa Bay team in Week 4 -- it's hard to have any confidence that they'll turn it around soon.
  
• 23. Bills (1-3) Last Week: 18
  Remember back in Week 1 when Buffalo handed away a game to the Patriots? This Bills team barely resembles that fiesty squad. In the last two weeks, New Orleans and Miami have taken Buffalo behind the woodshed.
  
• 24. Seahawks (1-3) Last Week: 22
  The question everyone wants to know the answer to is: Will Matt Hasselbeck play this week against Jacksonville? The bigger issue looming, though, is whether his presence really matters or not -- Seattle hasn't shown any signs of being a top-notch team.
  
• 25. Raiders (1-3) Last Week: 26
  Previously on The Raiders: The running game was just embarrassed by the worst rushing defense in the league. Now, Coach Tom must now suffer the consequences of his tirade (as seen on the season premiere), Tune in next week, as Crazy Al plays coaching roulette and JaMarcus tries to cement his place as the worst NFL QB of all time. -- White
  
• 26. Lions (1-3) Last Week: 25
  Detroit's got to be wondering how bad you have to be before getting an easy schedule. The Lions have run a gauntlet so far, with Pittsburgh visiting Motown Sunday. Daunte Culpepper looks like he's in for the injured Matthew Stafford for that one -- and it might not be a bad time for Stafford to sit one out.
  
• 27. Panthers (0-3) Last Week: 28
  The Panthers were killed by the league from a strength of schedule standpoint and an anemic offense that has only gained 880 total yards thus far doesn't instill hope for a Panthers turn around. -- Bardeen
  
• 28. Titans (0-4) Last Week: 23
  Where did it all go wrong? After taking the defending champions to the wire on Kickoff Thursday, the Titans have dropped three more games to start the season at 0-4, which is a veritable death toll for their playoff hopes. People are clamoring for Vince Young to get a second (or third, or whatever it is) chance. -- White
  
• 29. Chiefs (0-4) Last Week: 29
  The Chiefs get the Cowboys and Chargers at home and the Redskins in Washington before the bye. They could potentially be winless heading into December. Maybe they should hire Herm Edwards -- I heard he plays to win the game. -- White
  
• 30. Rams (0-4) Last Week: 30
  St. Louis could easily be No. 32 in this thing. Heck, 35-0 losses don't happen very often in the NFL, let alone to a division rival. Kyle Boller just stinks at QB, which means he fits right in with the rest of this disaster.
  
• 31. Buccaneers (0-4) Last Week: 31
  The offense is in over its head and a few key cogs in the wheel, like Antonio Bryant, seem to be injured at all times. If only the defense weren't miserable too. -- Bardeen
  
• 32. Browns (0-4) Last Week: 32
  Cleveland missed an opportunity to break through against Cincinnati in Week 4 -- and if the Browns blow another chance this week in Buffalo, they're a very good bet to start 0-9 before a Week 10 visit to Detroit. Plus, if any team gives the appearance of one ready to implode, it's Eric Mangini's rag-tag bunch.
  

NFL Power Rankings, Week 5: Shift in Top 10 originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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• 1. Giants (3-0) Last Week: 1
  Injuries haven't slowed down the Giants defense one bit. They didn't give up a first down to the Bucs until five minutes were left in the third quarter of last Sunday's shutout. The only dark cloud above their heads is the slow start of Brandon Jacobs, but it's unlikely to trip them up against the Chiefs.
• 2. Ravens (3-0) Last Week: 2
  Joe Flacco is averaging just under nine yards per passing attempt and Ray Rice and Willis McGahee are each going for more than five yards per carry. After years as the patron saints of defense, the Ravens have become an offensive juggernaut.
• 3. Saints (3-0) Last Week: 3
  The Saints have been scoring at will in the first three weeks, averaging 40 points per game. Two tough tests in the Jets and the Giants are wrapped around a bye week, so it won't be until after Week 6 that we find out if New Orleans is the cream of the crop in the division of in the NFL. - Knox Bardeen
• 4. Jets (3-0) Last Week: 4
  The Jets took some haymakers from a desperate Titans team, but got off the mat and won their third straight. The hits keep on coming with this week's trip to the Superdome, but it's clear that this year's Jets don't shrink from challenges.
• 5. Colts (3-0) Last Week: 6
  No Marvin Harrison, no Anthony Gonzalez, no running game, no problem for Peyton Manning and the offense. He could take the field with the Browns and actually win games.
• 6. Vikings (3-0) Last Week: 7
  Why aren't they higher? Lingering questions about their inability to win big against the Browns, Lions and a 49ers team that lost its best player on the first snap. Brett Favre's throw to Greg Lewis was thrilling, but it probably shouldn't have been necessary.
• 7. Patriots (2-1) Last Week: 9
  Rumors of their demise appear to have been greatly exaggerated. Their red zone production is still troubling, however. Only four of 13 trips have resulted in touchdowns through the first three games.
• 8. Broncos (3-0) Last Week: 14
  No, they probably aren't going to keep this up but a defense that's allowed only 16 points in three games deserves recognition. Only two teams in history have allowed fewer points in the season's first three weeks, an impressive accomplishment no matter the opposition.
  
• 9. Bears (2-1) Last Week: 11
  Jay Cutler answered the doubters about his ability to play efficient football over the last two weeks, which means that the questions are now all about what happened to Matt Forte? An improved passing attack was supposed to open the field for the running game, but the Bears are stuck in neutral.
  
• 10. Eagles (2-1) Last Week: 13
  The revolving cast of characters have hogged the spotlight, so let's take the bye week to turn our attention to DeSean Jackson. The receiver has blossomed into a big play threat on offense and special teams AND he's learned where the end zone actually begins.
  
• 11. Chargers (2-1) Last Week: 12
  The Chargers have allowed 304 yards in the first quarter and 684 yards over the rest of their games. Perhaps Norv Turner needs to change the clocks in the locker room before sending his defenders out on the field? Or maybe "Lights Out" Shawne Merriman needs to finally turn the lights on.
  
• 12. Falcons (2-1) Last Week: 5
  The Falcons are spending a good portion of their bye week working on defensive schemes against the run since they've allowed 136 yards per game on the ground. What they aren't doing is panicking after a tough road loss in New England. This team knows they're good enough to push for the playoffs -- the tinkering by the coaching staff now will determine how far Atlanta can advance in the playoffs. - KB
  
• 13. Bengals (2-1) Last Week: 18
  The victory against the Packers proved they have talent, but the win against Pittsburgh showed they might also have the mental makeup of a team that can win big. Throw in a healthy Carson Palmer and you've got a mix that's worth watching even after the HBO cameras stopped rolling.
  
• 14. Cowboys (2-1) Last Week: 15
  The Cowboys remain an enigmatic bunch. DeMarcus Ware has no sacks, but the defense made a lot of big plays against the Panthers. The offense has rolled up 200-plus yards on the ground in each of their last two games, but Jason Garrett still called two straight fades on the goal line on Monday night. Focusing on what's working and not on the big names is their best strategy going forward.
  
• 15. 49ers (2-1) Last Week: 10
  Dealing with Frank Gore's injury will be a problem for a team that has a rather slim margin for error. If they can get through the next couple of weeks without another stumble, it will be time to start talking playoffs. If they can't, the rest of the NFC West will remain in the picture.
  
• 16. Packers (2-1) Last Week: 19
  Was their mediocre performance against the Rams a sign that they were looking ahead to visiting Mr. Favre or are they just a mediocre team? The defense's performance points to the latter, but a win this week will quell many a fear.
  
• 17. Steelers (1-2) Last Week: 7
  If this is a Super Bowl hangover, they've got to find the coffee quick. The Chargers won't make it easy to get back on track and another loss will result in much worry around Steel City.
  
• 18. Bills (1-2) Last Week: 16
  Terrell Owens showed a lot of class by not allowing himself to get pulled into ripping his team after their embarrassing effort against the Saints. Let's see if he keeps it up if the offense keeps scuffling its way toward a losing record.
  
• 19. Jaguars (1-2) Last Week: 28
  The Jaguars must have the smallest playbook in NFL history. Get the ball to Maurice Jones-Drew only takes up so many pages. But, as they say, it's not the size but how you use it.
  
• 20. Texans (1-2) Last Week: 17
  Saying this week is a must-win for Gary Kubiak is a massive understatement. A home loss to the Raiders would all but ensure that Elway's former backup would be, at best, an offensive coordinator next season.
  
• 21. Cardinals (1-2) Last Week: 21
  The bye week probably came at the right time for a Cardinals team that needs to find what they did with last year's potion mighty quickly. They haven't resembled the team we saw in January and February for one moment of this season.
  
• 22. Seahawks (1-2) Last Week: 22
  The lime green jerseys were a terrific eyesore, but things wouldn't be looking so hot in any color scheme. The Seahawks are sloppy right now in all phases of the game, and they can only hope that injuries are the reason for all their troubles.
  
• 23. Titans (0-3) Last Week: 20
  The only thing uglier than the Seahawks uniforms may have been the smock Jeff Fisher wore while watching his team blow a lead late to the Jets. Everyone thinks the Titans are better than their record, but it's high time that they actually show it.
  
• 24. Dolphins (0-3) Last Week: 24
  The Chad Henne era may have come earlier than expected, but it has a chance to get off to a good start with the injury-riddled Bills secondary coming to town on Sunday.
  
• 25. Lions (1-2) Last Week: 32
  Winning would have been sweet no matter how it came about, but how much sweeter is it when it comes on the back of a strong Matthew Stafford performance? A lot sweeter, which will sustain them until the next victory comes along.
  
• 26. Raiders (1-2) Last Week: 25
  Everyone who said JaMarcus Russell would turn a corner this season has been proven correct. What's that? They meant it in a good way? Ah, well, better luck next time.
  
• 27. Redskins (1-2) Last Week: 23
  Tom Cruise is preparing a sequel to Risky Business which features a post-Redskins Jim Zorn operating a brothel out of his suburban home. The twist? It's a documentary.
  
• 28. Panthers (0-3) Last Week: 27
  The fact that John Fox has to announce that he's sticking with Jake Delhomme after just three weeks of play is not good. Neither is the fact that Carolina is winless. Three "light" games on the schedule after the bye week could bring the Panthers back up to .500 by Week 9. - KB
  
• 29. Chiefs (0-3) Last Week: 26
  The Chiefs' offensive line is going to be featured on a future episode of the show FlashForward. They black out for two minutes and have a vision of six weeks into the future. Matt Cassel is getting sacked there too.
  
• 30. Rams (0-3) Last Week: 30
  The relative nature of the phrase "good news" was illustrated this week when the Rams proclaimed themselves relieved to hear that Marc Bulger would not miss the rest of the season with an injury.
  
• 31. Buccaneers (0-3) Last Week: 29
  Raheem Morris has already had to change quarterbacks, the wheels seem to be falling off of the bus around him and the schedule ahead doesn't provide too many sure things. It could be a very long season for this rookie head coach. - KB
  
• 32. Browns (0-3) Last Week: 31
  We've finally found out the loser of the quarterback battle between Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn. The game of football.
  

NFL Power Rankings, Week 4: The Lions Have Left The Basement originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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• 1. Giants (2-0) Last Week: 3
  Well, it looks as if Eli Manning has a couple of receivers he likes after all. Mario Manningham (must be the name) and Steve Smith have emerged as guys to whom Eli is quite comfortable throwing the ball, thank you, especially in that two-minute drill. Now, about those 251 rushing yards the Cowboys rolled up on the defense... - Dan Graziano
• 2. Ravens (2-0) Last Week: 6
  Baltimore made it to the AFC Championship game with a rookie quarterback and a play-it-safe passing game. How far can they go now that they trust Joe Flacco to make plays? - JJ Cooper
• 3. Saints (2-0) Last Week: 8
  The Saints are throwing up 46.5 points per game on opponents and Drew Brees is on pace to throw 72 touchdown passes. Does anything else matter? Hopefully not a healthy set of running backs. It looks like the Saints will be down to Lynell Hamilton this Sunday and at some point they may actually have to use Reggie Bush as a runner. The horror! - Knox Bardeen
• 4. Jets (2-0) Last Week: 14
  This is a confusing week. As part of the AFL throwback deal, the Jets this week will play as "The Titans of New York," which is of course what they were in the AFL. What's confusing is that they're playing the Tennessee Titans, who will play as the Houston Oilers. So the Titans are Houston and the Jets are the Titans, which means the Titans can come out of this game 3-0. Or 0-3. Or 2-1. Or 1-2. See? Confusing. - DG
• 5. Falcons (2-0) Last Week: 11
  The Falcons looked sharp on offense against Carolina, but the Panthers found holes in the Atlanta secondary late in the game and almost came back to win. Atlanta has beaten two good teams (or teams people thought would be good) thus far -- another huge test looms ahead in Week 3 on the road in New England. - KB
• 6. Colts (2-0) Last Week: 9
  Only 14:53 time of possession? Only run the ball 10 times? Tight end is the leading receiver by far? A defense that gives up 71% on third downs? And the Colts still win? Peyton Manning is a witch. - Stephanie Stradley
• 7. Steelers (1-1) Last Week: 1
  Jeff Reed's worst game of his career gave the Steelers a shake-your-head loss. If Pittsburgh bounces back to beat Cincinnati, it's a one-week blip. But a loss this week would ratchet Steelers fans up to Defcon One. - JJC
• 8. Vikings (2-0) Last Week: 4
  Two weeks in a row they have done just enough to win against two of the NFL's worst teams. Are they just saving their best play for better competition or really just not that good? We'll soon find out, as the upstart 49ers visit Minnesota this weekend. - Matt Snyder
• 9. Patriots (1-1) Last Week: 5
  Panic in the cobblestone streets, as Tom Brady and the Pats look ordinary against the Jets. We still say the offense will get it together, though it would help if the receiving corps looked a little deeper. But if you think the Patriots' defense is going to be any good this year, we'd like to see your evidence. Because we've been looking, and haven't found any. - DG
• 10. 49ers (2-0) Last Week: 13
  An impressive start by an impressive squad that is blatantly winning this division the year AFTER everyone finally stopped picking them. If Kurt Warner's back gives out, the starters will be resting by Week 6. - Will Brinson
• 11. Bears (1-1) Last Week: 17
  Looking at the schedule, they really needed to at least split the first two games. We know how good the Steelers are and it's never easy for the Bears (or Vikings) to travel to Green Bay. Now, things soften up a bit. They'll visit the likely Matt Hasselbeck-less Seahawks and then host the Lions before a bye week. Looks like 3-1. - MS
• 12. Chargers (1-1) Last Week: 7
  Norv Turner performed a lobotomy on his own touted offensive mastermind with the potentially game-winning (and ultimately last) play of the game against the Ravens. The 4th and 2 handoff to Darren Sproles was sniffed out and stuffed by Ray Lewis. At least someone got a career highlight, I guess. - WB
• 13. Eagles (1-1) Last Week: 2
  The quarterback situation is goofy all right, and it's getting the bulk of the attention. But the greater concern here is how meek Sean McDermott's defense looked against Drew Brees and the Saints on Sunday. They get a break this week with the Chiefs coming to town, but the Eagles' D still has some things still to figure out. - DG
• 14. Broncos (2-0) Last Week: 19
  If Josh McDaniels were an Internet meme, he might yell, "LOL!!!1 your wins iz all for teh Broncos!" or something. The point is that actual football analysis of the Broncos is about as relevant as the Bengals and Browns this year, i.e. not very, but 2-0 is 2-0. - WB
• 15. Cowboys (1-1) Last Week: 10
  Whether they're playing in old Texas Stadium, JerryWorld or on Saturn, the Cowboys are much more effective when they're running the ball than when they're asking Tony Romo to win games with his arm. This was obvious to everybody who was watching Sunday night except the people calling the Cowboys' plays. They gave away a game, and they'll keep doing it if they keep failing to identify their strength. - DG
• 16. Bills (1-1) Last Week: 18
  The offense looked even better in Week 2 than it did in its Week 1 near-upset of the Patriots. Could Trent Edwards be at the beginning of his breakout year? With Terrell Owens, Lee Evans, Roscoe Parrish and Fred Jackson -- and Marshawn Lynch still to come -- he's got the weapons. It's going to come down to how well the line protects him and how well he can manage the game. - DG
• 17. Texans (1-1) Last Week: 27
  The Texans won last week with woeful defense and no running game. They look to get Steve Slaton going this week, and their defense consistent, or at least not letting Maurice Jones-Drew pull a Chris Johnson on them. - SS
• 18. Bengals (1-1) Last Week: 29
  They may have lost in Week One on a fluke play, but the win over the Packers shows that this is not your normal Bengals team. Carson Palmer feels healthy and for once Cincinnati has a defense. - JJC
• 19. Packers (1-1) Last Week: 12
  One step forward and two steps back. As Bruce Ciskie wrote earlier this week, the defense could be in serious trouble (again). Plus, if they have to outscore people, Greg Jennings needs to be involved -- the star receiver had an empty stat-line Sunday. - MS
• 20. Titans (0-2) Last Week: 15
  If it weren't for bad luck, they'd have no luck at all at 0-2. Hard to think that the Jets on the road is a get healthy game. The Titans of last year were mostly about defense, and getting pressure from their front four--so far they've given up 720 passing yards in two games compared to 537 in first three games last year. - SS
• 21. Cardinals (1-1) Last Week: 21
  You can't ask for a much better division loss bounceback win than the spanking the Cards put on Jacksonville, can you? Of course, if it turns out the Jags are just awful - which is entirely possible - then next week probably won't clear anything up either. At some point old age will catch up. It has to. - WB
• 22. Seahawks (1-1) Last Week: 15
  R.J. White nearly convinced me that Seneca Wallace can capably replace Matt Hasselbeck, but that's not going to stop me from crying everytime John Carlson gets overthrown in the end zone. At least they didn't draft Mark Sanchez - what a nightmare *that* would be right now! - WB
• 23. Redskins (1-1) Last Week: 20
  All right, you can buy the Albert Haynesworth-led defense. It looks like a strong unit, and it might keep them in games, especially against their weak early-season schedule. But the Jason Campbell-led offense is another matter, and ought to be handing out apologies and refunds for that performance last week against the woeful Rams. If you can't get in the end zone against the Rams...yikes. - DG
• 24. Dolphins (0-2) Last Week: 22
  Well, they totally dominated the Colts, controlling the ball for more than three quarters, and they still lost. What this tells us is that they don't have enough good players. Ted Ginn Jr. is their No. 1 receiver, and he can't catch. That's the kind of thing that's going to hold an offense back. After all, Ronnie Brown needs somebody he can throw to. - DG
• 25. Raiders (1-1) Last Week: 28
  Newsflash to meathead jock dudes who play football: punching a teammate/coach/waterboy somehow makes your team better. Well played, Tom Cable. Well played. For his next trick, Cable will give JaMarcus Russell an atomic wedgie. - WB
• 26. Chiefs (0-2) Last Week: 26
  This team is 0-2, but Matt Cassel isn't healthy and they're playing with inferior talent. Despite that, they've been competitive both weeks and seem to have a bright future. Kind of like the NFL version of the Royals! - WB
• 27. Panthers (0-2) Last Week: 23
  Jake Delhomme looked better in Week 2, which wasn't difficult, but came up a bit short in his comeback attempt against Atlanta. More at issue than Delhomme might be the play of Julius Peppers -- only two tackles in Atlanta. - KB
• 28. Jaguars (0-2) Last Week: 24
  After keeping it close against the Colts, they were embarrassed by the Cardinals. They travel to Houston this week, where their last visit ended in a blowout loss on Monday Night Football. Hard place to go to get their first win especially with the Texans wearing their ketchup bottles all red uniforms since they're 7-2 on Battle Red Days. - SS
• 29. Buccaneers (0-2) Last Week: 25
  All of the offseason focus on the quarterback might have been misguided. Tampa Bay's defense is giving up 282 yards in the air each game. In a division with Matt Ryan and Drew Brees throwing against them twice -- it'll be a long season for the Buccaneers no matter who is taking snaps. - KB
• 30. Rams (0-2) Last Week: 31
  Motorcycle cop: "Tell me, coach, do you have any idea how many points you were scoring?
  
  Steve Spagnuolo: Well, I got an aged QB here, 3/4 a wide reciever corps, a decent running back, I can get 'er up to as good as 155! Never do, though, of course, unless I'm chasing a cute chick in a Ferrari! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I guess I was scorin' about... 65, tops.
  
  Motorcycle Cop: SEVEN! SEVEN points! And normally, when I stop people, they pull onto the shoulder! - WB
• 31. Browns (0-2) Last Week: 30
  The Bengals usually are the AFC North's cellar dwellers, but the Browns have clearly taken that title away for 2009. The only question is whether or not Eric Mangini can lead his team past the Lions for the title of NFL cellar dweller. - JJC
• 32. Lions (0-2) Last Week: 32
  It's going to be interesting to see long-term if the Lions are helping or hurting Matthew Stafford by letting him take his lumps as the number one quarterback. It worked out when the Colts did the same with Peyton Manning. Some others (Ryan Leaf, David Carr) ... not so much. - MS

NFL Power Rankings, Week 3: New York State Of Mind originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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• 1. Steelers (1-0)
  It wasn't pretty, but Ben Roethlisberger added another comeback win to his bio -- should this one count twice because of Hines Ward's fumble? And finally, the national media has caught up to the average Steelers fan, now everyone realizes this offensive line is kind of scary. - JJ Cooper
  
• 2. Eagles (1-0)
  Who'd have thought Michael Vick would turn out to be the low-maintenance Eagles quarterback? - Dan Graziano
  
• 3. Giants (1-0)
  If Eli can't find a receiver Sunday night, it's okay. He can always just throw one off the scoreboard and take the do-over. - Graziano
  
  
• 4. Vikings (1-0)
  Adrian Peterson carried the offense while the other team was allegedly focused on stopping him. It's a credit to the ability of Peterson and the blocking up front. However, that blocking was pretty sour when it was time to protect Brett Favre in the first half. If the Vikings aren't careful, they could end up being purely one-dimensional despite Favre's presence. - Bruce Ciskie
  
• 5. Patriots (1-0)
  Tom Brady and a gift from the bungling Bills saved them from an 0-1 start. But the offense looked shaky for the first 55 minutes, and the depleted defensive...well, it honestly just looks bad. - Graziano
  
• 6. Ravens (1-0)
  This is a Ravens team? Giving up 24 points to a Brodie Croyle-led Chiefs team? Throwing for over 300 yards? It may not be what you expected when Rex Ryan and Brian Billick were around, but it seems to be just as effective. - Cooper
  
• 7. Chargers (1-0)
  The Raiders may not have been able to beat the Bolts, but they succeeded in beating them up. Several injuries, including one to LaDainian Tomlinson, raise the question of if the Chargers are strong enough to make the Super Bowl run many have predicted. - Josh Alper
  
• 8. Saints (1-0)
  I know it was against the Lions, but the Saints offense looked unstoppable in Week 1. Drew Brees threw twice as many touchdown passes than the other three quarterbacks in the NFC South division combined. - Knox Bardeen
  
• 9. Colts (1-0)
  Hard to ever bet against Peyton Manning, even when you see weaknesses with the offensive line and defense (and now wide receiver?). Is the Peyton finally going to have a mortal season? Nope, dude is a witch. - Stephanie Stradley
  
• 10. Cowboys (1-0)
  Impressive season-opening air show against the Bucs, but it's dangerous. Boys will still be at their best if they lean toward the run. - Graziano
  
• 11. Falcons (1-0)
  Surprise, surprise. The Falcons defense looked awesome against the Dolphins. If that trend continues, Atlanta will make a deep playoff run. Matt Ryan and Michael Turner weren't as sharp as they are going to be in the weeks to come. - Bardeen
  
• 12. Packers (1-0)
  Many of the problems Sunday night can be blamed on the offensive line. Until the Packers find a way to run-block and pass-protect better, it's going to be hard for them to move the ball consistently, no matter how much skill-position talent they may have. - Ciskie
  
• 13. 49ers (1-0)
  Someone may have called their defense a "sleeper" this year, and at first glance, that's the right call -- they dominated the high-octane Cardinals in a win that shouldn't have been as surprising as it was. Bonus: winning the first week seems to have yanked all of Michael Crabtree's leverage off the table. - Will Brinson
  
• 14. Jets (1-0)
  Mark Sanchez got a pep talk from Joe Namath. Then he went out and played so well, hysterical Jet fans have forgotten who Namath was. - Graziano
  
• 15. Seahawks (1-0)
  Sure, it was the Rams, but Matt Hasselbeck looked back, John Carlson is going to be a STAR this year (what? Tila Tequila's single ...), and Nate Burleson appears poised to take some pressure off of Housh. Don't give too much credit to the running game, but those receivers are red zone-effective enough to score anywhere. - Brinson
  
• 16. Titans (0-1)
  Too bad losses don't have style points. In Tennessee, the Titans look to put the stomp on the Texans with a decisive win. They allowed Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson 207 yards in their last meeting, but that was in Houston. - Stradley
  
• 17. Bears (0-1)
  Don't read too much into Jay Cutler's poor performance. It will get better from here. Be more worried about Brian Urlacher's absence from a defense that was already looking a bit low on playmakers. - Ciskie
  
• 18. Bills (0-1)
  Crazy Bills fans vandalize Leodis McKelvin's lawn after his dumb fumble costs them a sure win in Foxborough. Most amazing: There are still Bills fans who don't expect to lose? - Graziano
  
• 19. Broncos (1-0)
  If it's possible, forget about the miracle catch for a moment. The biggest thing to come out of Sunday's game was the emergence of a Broncos defense. It's been years since we've seen one and things can change, but the shift to a 3-4 may have paid off. - Alper
  
• 20. Redskins (0-1)
  The Jason Campbell watch is on -- again, and already -- in D.C. After an offseason spent trying to find Campbell's replacement, it still doesn't look as if head coach Jim Zorn trusts him in a big spot. - Graziano
  
• 21. Cardinals (0-1)
  It just doesn't seem possible that this team can repeat last year's success. Also, there's absolutely nothing good about Tim Hightower being the leading receiver on a team that features Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. - Brinson
  
• 22. Dolphins (0-1)
  The Dolphins lost a total of six fumbles in 2008. They lost three on Sunday. Unless they have another league-altering gimmick in their offensive bag of tricks, last year's magic is going to be tough to repeat. - Graziano
  
• 23. Panthers (0-1)
  If you count their final playoff game from last season, Jake Delhomme has thrown nine interceptions and only one touchdown in his last two games. The Panthers cannot begin to flourish unless Delhomme fixes whatever his problems may be. - Bardeen
  
• 24. Jaguars (0-1)
  With 122 yards passing and a 50% completion rate, David Garrard managed to have worse first week numbers than Schaub's 166/54.5%. Losing DE Reggie Hayward for the season doesn't help an already depleted defensive line. - Stradley
  
• 25. Buccaneers (0-1)
  On one side of the coin you have the fact that the Bucs gained 450 total yards against the Cowboys in week 1. The other side shows Tampa being outscored by almost two touchdowns and giving up 462 total yards themselves on defense. When flipped, the Buccaneers coin will land on the bad side more than the good this season. - Bardeen
  
• 26. Chiefs (0-1)
  By playing better than expected against the Ravens, Brodie Croyle may have given the Chiefs exactly what they needed least in the world. If Matt Cassel doesn't play well upon his return to health, the Chiefs could have themselves a quarterback issue.
  
• 27. Texans (0-1)
  The Texans offense typically struggles against physical 3-4 teams but their showing against the Jets is among the worst in the Gary Kubiak era. Defense allowing 55% on third downs isn't going to work either. The Titans game plan is all about abusing quarterback Matt Schaub. Again. And again. - Stradley
  
• 28. Raiders (0-1)
  The good news is that the trade for Richard Seymour looks like a masterstroke after his two sacks fueled a strong defensive performance in Monday night's opener. The bad news is that JaMarcus Russell's accuracy still wouldn't let him hit the ocean if he fell out of a boat. - Alper
  
• 29. Bengals (0-1)
  If one play could sum up the life of a Bengals fan it's Brandon Stokley's immaculate deflection. It's not the fact that the Bengals lost on a fluke play, it's the fact that Stokley was able to run an extra five seconds off the clock because no Bengals could be bothered to run downfield to try to tackle him. - Cooper
  
• 30. Browns (0-1)
  Eric Mangini's decision to keep Brady Quinn's start a secret really paid off. I'm guessing that the Vikings hadn't prepared the defense to handle Quinn's "let the ball slip out when no one's hitting me" play. But when you have Adrian Peterson running through the Browns' still leaky run defense it doesn't matter. - Cooper
  
• 31. Rams (0-1)
  Rams -- Stevie Spags might be a good coach, but there's probably not a whole lot he can do to keep the Rams from finishing out of the cellar this year. Of course, what does it say about the team that they're forced to play Marc Bulger when he's got a broken pinkie. Long year for Spags coming. - Brinson
  
• 32. Lions (0-1)
  Midseason form on defense, as Drew Brees carved them up for six TD passes. Stafford was shaky most of the afternoon, but the offense made some plays, and there is at least a basis for hope. - Ciskie
  

NFL Power Rankings, Week 2: Win and You're In originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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5. St. Louis Rams

Saints Top Worst-to-First Power Rankings originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:39:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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• 1. Giants (12-3) | Previous Week: 2
  The defending champs have been at the top of the NFL for most of the season, and that's where they'll be heading into the playoff after clinching home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.
  
• 2. Titans (13-2) | Prev.: 4
  The Titans have had a better record than the Giants for most of the season, and all those Tennessee fans who think their team is being disrespected might be right. I just see Tennessee as a little less likely to win two games in the AFC playoffs than the Giants are to win two games in the NFC playoffs.
  
• 3. Steelers (11-4) | Prev.: 1
  I thought they'd put up a better effort against the Titans, but I still think if they get a rematch in the AFC Championship, that's a game the Steelers have a good chance of winning.
  
  
• 4. Panthers (11-4) | Prev.: 3
  That was a great performance by DeAngelo Williams at the Meadowlands. I like the Panthers' chances of getting a rematch in the NFC Championship.
  
• 5. Colts (11-4) | Prev.: 5
  It's such a difficult task to win three straight road games in the playoffs, but then again, two of the last three Super Bowl winners have done it. It wouldn't shock me to see the Colts make it three out of four.
  
• 6. Falcons (10-5) | Prev.: 10
  I would've said you were crazy if you had told me before the season that the Falcons would turn it around this quickly.
  
• 7. Ravens (10-5) | Prev.: 6
  It would shock me to see the Ravens win three road playoff games. I think they're an excellent team, and they'll beat Jacksonville to get to the playoffs, but the Joe Flacco-led offense is still a year away.
  
• 8. Cowboys (9-6) | Prev.: 8
  After all the injuries, all the squabbles, all the drama, it really is this simple for the Cowboys: Win and they're in the playoffs.
  
• 9. Eagles (8-6-1) | Prev.: 7
  I'm just sick of thinking about this team, that will look great one week and then choke the next. Who knows what they'll do in Week 17?
  
• 10. Buccaneers (9-6) | Prev.: 9
  A very uninspiring performance on Sunday against the Chargers.
  
• 11. Patriots (10-5) | Prev.: 12
  The Patriots still need help to get to the playoffs, but I think they're the best team in the AFC East. If they make it, the playoffs are more interesting.
  
• 12. Vikings (9-6) | Prev.: 13
  Adrian Peterson can never be called an MVP candidate until he learns to hold onto the ball.
  
• 13. Dolphins (10-5) | Prev.: 15
  I think the Falcons and head coach Mike Smith are getting so much attention that some people are overlooking what a great job Tony Sparano has done in Miami. They've gone from 1-15 to, perhaps, one week away from the playoffs.
  
• 14. Jets (9-6) | Prev.: 11
  Brett Favre played what may have been his worst game in a Jets uniform at a very bad time.
  
• 15. Cardinals (8-7) | Prev.: 14
  This is simply not a very good football team, in a division with three even worse teams. Fans of the wild card team that travels to Arizona should rejoice.
  
• 16. Bears (9-6) | Prev.: 16
  All of a sudden, that playoff berth that seemed so far-fetched looks close. The key is that the Bears need the Giants to play as hard in Week 17 against the Vikings as they played last year in Week 17 against the Patriots..
  
• 17. Chargers (7-8) | Prev.: 22
  After a season of mediocrity, they've earned a chance to prove they belong in the playoffs after all. ...
  
• 18. Broncos (8-7) | Prev.: 18
  ... And unfortunately for the Broncos, Ed Hcohuli won't be the referee this time.
  
• 19. Saints (8-7) | Prev.: 19
  Blowing out the Lions doesn't count for much in my book. It will be interesting, in a meaningless Week 17 game, to see how often the Saints pass, in an effort to get Drew Brees the NFL record for passing yards in a season.
  
• 20. Redskins (8-7) | Prev.: 20
  They played well enough in beating the Eagles to make it official: Jim Zorn is not the worst coach in America.
  
• 21. Bills (7-8) | Prev.: 21
  The Bills played well in beating the Broncos, but Bill Belichick isn't going to let the Patriots look past Buffalo on Sunday.
  
• 22. 49ers (6-9) | Prev.: 25
  If Mike Singletary had been the head coach and Shaun Hill had been the starting quarterback since September, the 49ers might very well have beaten out the Cardinals in the NFC West.
  
• 23. Jaguars (5-10) | Prev.: 23
  The Jaguars have actually played pretty well against good teams this year -- the were competitive against the Colts, Titans and Steelers. That makes Sunday's game against the Ravens at least worth keeping an eye on.
  
• 24. Texans (7-8) | Prev.: 17
  Texans linebacker DeMeco Ryans did a good job of summing up the disappointment of losing to the Raiders: "We were looking forward to having the first winning season in our history. When you play the way we played last week, with a big win over a big team, you have to find a way to play with the same effort, and we didn't do it."
  
• 25. Packers (5-10) | Prev.: 22
  There's just one goal left for the Packers: Don't humiliate yourselves by losing to the Lions.
  
• 26. Seahawks (4-11) | Prev.: 27
  Give Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren credit for having his team playing hard enough to beat the Jets in his last game in Seattle. Of course, that game was more about the Jets playing badly than the Seahawks playing well.
  
• 27. Bengals (3-11-1) | Prev.: 28
  Running back Cedric Benson had 38 carries for 171 yards, prompting Bears fans everywhere to ask, "Where was this guy the last three years?"
  
• 28. Raiders (4-11) | Prev.: 29
  JaMarcus Russell picked apart the Texans' secondary on Sunday. If I were an Oakland fan, I'd be feeling cautiously optimistic. Now the Raiders just need to find Russell a coach with an offense that takes advantage of his skills.
  
• 29. Browns (4-11) | Prev.: 26
  It's amazing to think this team had a winning record last year. They just looked beyond awful in the loss to the Bengals.
  
• 30. Chiefs (2-13) | Prev.: 30
  Kansas City has now had two straight games in which it stayed close, down to the last minute, against a team that is probably going to the playoffs. Herm Edwards' team stinks, but at least he can say they haven't quit on him.
  
• 31. Rams (2-13) | Prev.: 31
  They actually showed that they have a little bit of fight left in them against the 49ers, although if you're taking pride in a loss at home to the 49ers because it was close, well, that tells you what kind of season you've had.
  
• 32. Lions (0-15) | Prev.: 32
  One loss from history.
  

NFL Power Rankings: Giants, Titans Head Into the Playoffs on Top originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 24 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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• 1. Giants (11-2) | Previous Week: 1
  So what went wrong against the Eagles? For one thing, I think the Eagles are a better team than their record indicates (more on that later). But I also think that despite what everyone on the team said, the whole Burress mess was a distraction last week. They'll put the distraction behind them by the time the playoffs roll around, but last week it was a real issue.
  
• 2. Steelers (10-3) | Prev.: 2
  Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward says he's looking forward to playing the Ravens, who allegedly have a bounty out on him. I just love the fact that the Ravens have had the toughest defense in football over the last decade, and yet they're all mad because Ward -- a 200-pound wide receiver -- hits them too hard.
  
  
• 3. Titans (12-1) | Prev.: 3
  The Titans have the best record in football, so it's reasonable for their fans to think they deserve to be No. 1 in the power rankings as well. The reason they're not, however, is Kerry Collins. By the standards of a 35-year-old whose best years were supposedly well behind him, Collins has been good this year. But by the standards of what you want from a quarterback in the playoffs, well, I just don't think the fans in Tennessee can feel too good about what he'll do in January.
  
• 4. Ravens (9-4) | Prev.: 4
  Ed Reed is absolutely amazing with the ball in his hands. Two weeks after he broke his own NFL record for the longest interception return against the Eagles, he picked up a fumble and ran it back 22 yards for a touchdown against the Redskins. I'd like to see the Ravens use Reed about five plays a game as a quarterback in the Wildcat offense.
  
• 5. Panthers (10-3) | Prev.: 5
  It's pretty amazing that this team now controls its path to home-field advantage throughout the playoffs: Win the last three games (home against the Broncos, at the Giants, at the Saints) and the Panthers would have to be considered the favorites to get to the Super Bowl out of the NFC. I don't think they'll win at New York in Week 16, though.
  
• 6. Buccaneers (9-4) | Prev.: 6
  I won't drop the Bucs after a hard-fought loss on the road to the Panthers. Wide receiver Antonio Bryant made the catch of the year in that game and deserves consideration for comeback player of the year.
  
• 7. Colts (9-4) | Prev.: 7
  It's amazing that this team was once 3-4 and looking like it would miss the playoffs. Now the Colts are going to be the wild-card team that no division winner wants to play.
  
• 8. Eagles (7-5-1) | Prev.: 15
  I'm just sick of trying to find the right place for the Eagles in my power rankings. I think they're going to miss the playoffs, but I also think that if they get there, they could go on the same kind of run in January that the Giants went on last year.
  
• 9. Cowboys (8-5) | Prev.: 8
  The Cowboys' season is on the line Sunday night against the Giants. If they lose, I wonder which player will be called out by Jerry Jones for not being tough enough.
  
• 10. Jets (8-5) | Prev.: 9
  Wow, was it really just two weeks ago that I thought the Jets were the second-best team in the league? I don't know what's gotten into the Jets the last two weeks, but it looks like the team that beat up the Titans never made the trip back from Tennessee.
  
• 11. Patriots (8-5) | Prev.: 10
  The Patriots might set an NFL record for fewest penalties in a 16-game season. I've always believed that avoiding penalties is overrated in terms of its significance in winning games, but I do think that stat is another example of how Bill Belichick has done perhaps his finest coaching job this season.
  
• 12. Cardinals (8-5) | Prev.: 11
  Not to put a damper on this team finally winning the division or anything, but there could be serious trouble ahead with Kurt Warner becoming an unrestricted free agent. GM Rod Graves says the team is well positioned to keep its nucleus of key players in place, but the Cardinals are not in good cap shape.
  
• 13. Falcons (8-5) | Prev.: 13
  Falcons running back Michael Turner looked a little worn down as he trudged along for 61 yards on 18 carries in Sunday's loss to the Saints. Was it just a one-game anomaly, or is a guy who has never been a starter before starting to struggle through the strain of a 300-carry season?
  
• 14. Broncos (8-5) | Prev.: 14
  It really is extraordinary how many injuries the Broncos have suffered at running back this season. If you're going to lose five running backs to injuries, though, you could do a lot worse than turning to Tatum Bell as your sixth.
  
• 15. Dolphins (8-5) | Prev.: 16
  Whether the Dolphins make the playoffs or not, Bill Parcells is the league's executive of the year. No one in the history of professional football is better at turning bad teams into good teams quickly. The latest reminder: Parcells managed to finagle a second-round pick out of the Redskins for washed-up defensive end Jason Taylor.
• 16. Redskins (7-6) | Prev.: 12
  I like Clinton Portis, and I think there's some truth to his complaints that Jim Zorn's offense isn't getting him the ball enough. But one of the things Portis said while complaining in a radio interview about his lack of playing time is that if you watch film of the Redskins' loss to the Ravens, you'll see that he didn't make any mistakes. Uh, Clinton? You lost a fumble that got returned for a touchdown. I'd call that a pretty big mistake.
  
• 17. Saints (7-6) | Prev.: 18
  The way the NFC South is shaping up, there's virtually no chance of the Saints making the playoffs, but as long as Drew Brees is within striking distance of Dan Marino, this team is worth watching.
  
• 18. Vikings (8-5) | Prev.: 17
  Good for Visanthe Shiancoe for having a sense of humor about it when FOX showed his genitals on TV. I still think it's ridiculous professional football players can't get dressed in privacy after games, though.
  
• 19. Bears (7-6) | Prev.: 21
  I can't think of two more different players than Matt Forte, who has now clearly established himself as the Bears' running back of the future, and Cedric Benson, who was once supposed to be the Bears' running back of the future. Forte is hard-working and productive on the field and, from all accounts, a fine young man off the field, Benson is, well, none of those things.
  
• 20. Texans (6-7) | Prev.: 22
  Rookie running back Steve Slaton looks every bit as fast and explosive with the Texans as he did in college at West Virginia. A whole lot of NFL teams messed up when he lasted until the third round.
  
• 21. Bills (6-7) | Prev.: 20
  This team has fallen apart over the last six weeks, but the special teams are still strong, as they have been for the last five years. It's time for Bills special teams coach Bobby April to get some head-coaching consideration.
  
• 22. Packers (5-8) | Prev.: 19
  The Packers won't be a playoff team, and their poorly coached defense is the biggest reason. But when the Packers are on Monday Night Football in Week 16, I'm sure Tony Kornheiser will spend the entire evening discussing whether they'd be headed for the playoffs if they had Brett Favre at quarterback instead of Aaron Rodgers.
  
• 23. 49ers (5-8) | Prev.: 28
  Although his pants-dropping halftime speech last month was embarrassing, I've liked everything that Mike Singletary has done since then, from the way he's trying to motivate tight end Vernon Davis to the classy way he honored Mike Nolan after Sunday's win. He's doing everything he needs to do to earn the head-coaching job on a permanent basis.
  
• 24. Browns (4-9) | Prev.: 23
  Romeo Crennel wants to get wide receiver Josh Cribbs more involved in the offense. Really, at this point, why not just let him play a game at quarterback, which is the position he played in college at Kent State? He can't be worse than Ken Dorsey.
  
• 25. Chargers (5-8) | Prev.: 24
  The Chargers probably aren't as bad as my ranking of them would suggest; they've actually out-scored their opponents by a cumulative 43 points this season. So why don't I move them up? Basically because there have been so many big games in which they've done just enough to lose. I hate teams like that.
  
• 26. Jaguars (4-9) | Prev.: 25
  In a season that just keeps getting worse, the Jaguars have now lost their top receiver, Matt Jones, for the rest of the season. Jones was suspended three games for getting busted with cocaine; it's a good thing he didn't take an over-the-counter diet supplement or he would have been suspended for four games.
  
• 27. Raiders (3-10) | Prev.: 27
  Will former Raider Randy Moss be booed when the Patriots enter the Black Hole on Sunday? Probably not, because by this point, the fans in Oakland don't much care anymore.
  
• 28. Seahawks (2-11) | Prev.: 28
  Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu has played in the last three Pro Bowls, but he says he hasn't played well enough this year to merit a fourth straight. Pro Bowl voting is basically a popularity contest, and Tatupu is well known enough that he might get in anyway, but kudos to him for his candor.
  
• 29. Bengals (1-11-1) | Prev.: 29
  I can't believe the Bengals are still claiming that Carson Palmer might play this year, despite an injured elbow on his throwing arm. Is Cincinnati actually stupid enough to risk an injury to Palmer this late in a lost season?
• 30. Rams (2-11) | Prev.: 30
  Steven Jackson and Jim Haslett are BFF again. Which means there's exactly one thing going well for the Rams right now.
  
• 31. Chiefs (2-11) | Prev.: 31
  The Chiefs think they may have found their quarterback of the future in Tyler Thigpen. If they're right, they have exactly as many things going as well for them as the other team in Missouri. (And one more than the team in Michigan.)
  
• 32. Lions (0-13) | Prev.: 32
  Lions center Dominic Raiola is unapologetic about giving fans the finger when they heckled him on Sunday. It's hard to blame Raiola for being angry about his lot in life; he was part of Matt Millen's inaugural draft class, and in his eight years on the team the Lions have had the worst record over any eight-year stretch in modern NFL history. But here's some advice for Raiola: Don't give the fans the finger. Wait until the next time you see Millen, and give him the finger.
  

NFL Power Rankings: Giants Stay on Top originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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• 1. Giants (11-1) | Previous Week: 1
  Although the Giants shouldn't miss Burress too much, they would miss middle linebacker Antonio Pierce if he's suspended for his involvement in the Burress fiasco. (Pierce allegedly took possession of Burress's gun after Burress shot himself in the leg, and Pierce could face charges in connection with the incident.) All indications are that if Pierce is disciplined at all, it wouldn't happen within the next couple of months, but Pierce is a player this team can ill afford to lose.
  
• 2. Steelers (9-3) | Prev.: 4
  There haven't been many more impressive performances in the NFL this season than the one the Steelers' defense put together against the Patriots on Sunday.
  
  
• 3. Titans (11-1) | Prev.: 3
  The Titans destroyed the Lions on Thanksgiving and should destroy the Browns and Texans in their next two weeks. By the time the schedule gets tough (Steelers in Week 16, Colts in Week 17) the Titans might have clinched homefield advantage.
  
• 4. Ravens (8-4) | Prev.: 7
  The three Pro Bowl defensive tackles in the AFC will be, I'm sure, the Jets' Kris Jenkins, the Titans' Albert Haynesworth and the Browns' Shaun Rogers. Those are all good choices, but we shouldn't overlook what a strong year Haloti Ngata is having for the Ravens. Baltimore has the best defense in the NFL, and no one deserves more credit for that than Ngata.
  
• 5. Panthers (9-3) | Prev.: 8
  After that lousy Monday night game we got this week, it'll be a treat to watch the Panthers take on the Bucs in a game that will likely determine the winner of the NFC South. I like the Panthers, mostly because I like the way their defense matches up against.
  
• 6. Buccaneers (9-3) | Prev.: 12
  The Buccaneers' offense just hasn't shown that it can move the ball consistently, especially on the ground. I love Warrick Dunn, but he's just not going to hold up as a 20-carries-a-game back.
  
• 7. Colts (8-4) | Prev.: 5
  I had to drop the Colts after the ugly game they played against a weak Cleveland team. I've seen some writers praise the Colts for "finding a way to win" that game, but when you're playing a team as bad as the Browns, shouldn't you dominate, and not just "find a way to win"?
  
• 8. Cowboys (8-4) | Prev.: 10
  I like the talent on this Cowboys team, but it's been a star-crossed season, with the injuries and the Pacman Jones distractions and whatnot. And looking at the schedule ahead, they probably need to go 3-1 in December to make the playoffs. Their final four games? At Pittsburgh, home against the Giants, home against the Ravens, at Philadelphia. I don't think they're going 3-1.
• 9. Jets (8-4) | Prev.: 2
  I ranked the Jets too highly last week, thinking their domination of the Titans was a sign that they had turned a corner and were one of the league's elite teams. I don't think the Jets are as bad a team as they looked Sunday against the Broncos, but they're also not as good as they looked the week before that in Tennessee.
  
• 10. Patriots (7-5) | Prev.: 9
  At a time when receivers routinely get up and complain to the officials every time a defensive back touches them, I respect Wes Welker for not complaining about the hard hit he took Sunday against the Steelers. I still say Welker is overrated, though.
  
• 11. Cardinals (7-5) | Prev.: 6
  Kurt Warner has struggled a little bit in the last couple of weeks against two of the best team on the Cardinals' schedule, but if he rebounds with a strong December -- as I think he will, beginning Sunday against the Rams -- he will absolutely deserve his third MVP award.
  
• 12. Redskins (7-5) | Prev.: 11
  Clinton Portis continues to have an absolutely incredible year, and if he keeps up his current pace he'll notch the fourth 1,500-yard season of his career. How impressive is that? Emmitt Smith had three career 1,500-yard seasons.
  
• 13. Falcons (8-4) | Prev.: 13
  Roddy White had his sixth 100-yard receiving game on Sunday, including a great 38-yard catch on which he had to come back for a ball that Matt Ryan underthrew. White might just be the best receiver in the NFL right now.
  
• 14. Broncos (7-5) | Prev.: 19
  One guy who's having a great season is center Casey Wiegmann, who says he was 90 percent sure he was going to retire before the Broncos offered him a contract in the off-season. The 35-year-old Weigmann, who started every game but one in the last seven years for the Chiefs, is the best center in the NFL this decade.
  
• 15. Eagles (6-5-1) | Prev.: 18
  All season everyone kept telling me I was overrating the Eagles, and then in last week's power rankings I finally listened. So then, of course, the Eagles went out and pounded the Cardinals. So let's just keep them somewhere in the middle of the league and move on.
  
• 16. Dolphins (7-5) | Prev.: 20
  Dolphins running back Ricky Williams will return to Toronto -- the city where he briefly played for the Canadian Football League's Argonauts -- on Sunday when the Bills host the Dolphins north of the border. For the record, Williams had 109 carries for 526 yards as an Argonaut.
• 17. Vikings (7-5) | Prev.: 22
  For now, I think the Vikings are the best team in the NFC North, but I'm not sure they will be down the stretch without their two stellar defensive tackles, Pat Williams and Kevin Williams, both of whom have been suspended for four games for taking a supplement with a banned ingredient. Those suspensions could cost the Vikings a playoff berth.
  
• 18. Saints (6-6) | Prev.: 14
  The Saints were hit hard by the same set of suspensions as the Vikings; New Orleans lost defensive linemen Charles Grant and Will Smith and running back Deuce McAllister. The difference is that the Vikings are in a bad division and the Saints are in a good division, so New Orleans isn't going to make the playoffs anyway.
  
• 19. Packers (5-7) | Prev.: 15
  At 5-7 and behind both the Vikings and Bears, the Packers probably have to go 4-0 the rest of the way -- which is definitely doable, considering they get the Texans, Jaguars, Bears and Lions.
  
• 20. Bills (6-6) | Prev.: 16
  In October, the Bills were off to a 5-1 start, and they gave coach Dick Jauron a contract extension. They've gone 1-5 since then. This is the ninth different season that Jauron has been a head coach (counting previous stints in Chicago and Detroit), and he's had a winning record exactly once. Do you think maybe the Bills shouldn't have rushed into that contract extension?
  
• 21. Bears (6-6) | Prev.: 17
  The Bears' play-calling when faced with first-and-goal early Sunday night against the Vikings -- running right into the middle of the Minnesota line -- is the kind of thing that costs teams playoff berths.
  
• 22. Texans (5-7) | Prev.: 23
  The Texans aren't a good team, but they do have good young players, like running back Steve Slaton and defensive end Mario Williams. Looking at the Texans' roster, there's a lot of reason for optimism about the future.
  
• 23. Browns (4-8) | Prev.: 26
  I guess I should give the Browns a little bit of a bump in the power rankings for keeping it close against a good Colts team. The key, again, was defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, who absolutely abused the Colts' center and guards. It's kind of sad that a player as great as Rogers has spent his career with teams as bad as the Lions and Browns.
  
• 24. Chargers (4-8) | Prev.: 21
  For a while there I thought the Chargers were going to catch the Broncos in the AFC West, but no. Two years after firing Marty Schottenheimer following a 14-2 season, the best-case scenario I can see for the Chargers is they go 3-1 the rest of the way to finish 7-9.
  
• 25. Jaguars (4-8) | Prev.: 25
  After the Jaguars lost on Monday night, ESPN analyst Steve Young said, "I've never seen a more disinterested team in a Monday night moment." Can Jack Del Rio keep his job if the team keeps playing that way?
  
• 26. 49ers (4-8) | Prev.: 28
  Not that it's enough to make up for a bad offense and defense, but the 49ers have the best special teams in the NFL. Punt and kickoff returner Allen Rossum, who's on his fifth NFL team, has had an especially strong year.
  
• 27. Raiders (3-9) | Prev.: 24
  Raiders coach Tom Cable says he and Al Davis share a passion for winning. I don't know if I'd pride myself about having anything in common with Al Davis.
  
• 28. Seahawks (2-10) | Prev.: 27
  The Lions were obviously the worst team to play on Thanksgiving, but the Seahawks didn't look much better. How is it possible that this team, with most of these same players, has been in the playoffs each of the last five years?
  
• 29. Bengals (1-10-1) | Prev.: 29
  Asked about the Bengals' history of having bad teams, coach Marvin Lewis said, "I've not been a part of that, so I don't have to worry about that, nor has anybody in that locker room ever been a part of that other than a couple players." Well, actually, coach Lewis, every guy in your locker room has been part of a bad team. This year.
• 30. Rams (2-10) | Prev.: 30
  Rams running back Steven Jackson and coach Jim Haslett aren't seeing eye to eye. Considering that Haslett has gone 2-6 since taking over and Jackson signed a six-year contract extension three months ago, I think this is one coach vs. player battle that the player is going to win.
  
• 31. Chiefs (2-10) | Prev.: 31
  This team is putrid, but it should be noted that tight end Tony Gonzalez is having another stellar year. It's too bad he couldn't do it on a halfway decent team.
  
• 32. Lions (0-12) | Prev.: 32
  Good news, Lions fans: Your general manager is actually taking the job of preparing for the draft seriously. Too bad Matt Millen never thought of that.
  

NFL Power Rankings: Giants Still No. 1 Without Plaxico Burress originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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• 1. Giants (10-1) | Previous Week: 1
  Even without Brandon Jacobs and Plaxico Burress, the Giants managed to put 37 points on the board in Arizona. Behind an outstanding offensive line, Eli Manning is running the most complete offense in football.
  
• 2. Jets (8-3) | Prev.: 13
  I love the way the Jets are using running back Leon Washington. He's not going to be the every-down back, not as long as the Jets have Thomas Jones, and not as long as Washington is handling punt and kickoff returns. But getting him about 10 touches a game on offense is perfect. In the win over the Titans, Washington had eight carries for 82 yards and two touchdowns. If he can be even close to that productive on offense going forward, the Jets are going to be in very good shape.
  
• 3. Titans (10-1) | Prev.: 2
  I don't want to move the Titans down too far in my power rankings after just one loss. They are, after all, tied for the best record in football. But I also don't want to overlook just how badly they got beaten. The final score of 34-13 doesn't even tell the whole story; the Titans didn't reach the end zone until midway through the fourth quarter, when the Jets had gone into a soft zone on defense. I can't rank them ahead of the Jets after that.
  
• 4. Steelers (8-3) | Prev.: 5
  Pittsburgh has a murderer's row ahead: at New England, home against the Cowboys, at Baltimore, at Tennessee. I think they'll win two of those four, then win the season finale against the Browns. Pencil them in for 11-5.
  
  
• 5. Colts (7-4) | Prev.: 6
  Yes, that was a clutch kick by Adam Vinatieri to win Sunday night's game. But it's a funny thing about being "clutch." Once people decide that a guy like Vinatieri is clutch, they conveniently forget all the times that he's choked. Everyone remembers that Vinatieri hit the game-winning 41-yard field goal in Super Bowl XXXVIII. No one remembers that Vinatieri missed field goals of 31 and 36 yards earlier in that game. That's why Vinatieri will end up in the Hall of Fame some day, while superior kickers like Jason Hanson are overlooked.
  
• 6. Cardinals (7-4) | Prev.: 3
  Neil Rackers booted just about the most perfect onside kick I've ever seen on Sunday, right into the hands of teammate Ralph Brown, who stood there like a statue as it bounced off his hands. And that's how you become one of the duds of the week.
  
• 7. Ravens (7-4) | Prev.: 8
  Ed Reed is the best interception returner in NFL history. His 108-yarder on Sunday was the longest in NFL history, breaking his own record. He already has more than 1,000 interception return yards in his career. Now if he can just stop lateraling the ball when he picks it off, as he stupidly did at the end of his other interception return on Sunday.
  
• 8. Panthers (8-3) | Prev.: 4
  After back-to-back bad games against the Raiders and Lions, Jake Delhomme's numbers were good against the Falcons. Unfortunately, he put up those good numbers after the Panthers fell into a 17-0 hole against the Falcons. I still like the Panthers to win the NFC South, mostly because they still get to play the Buccaneers at home, but it's been a while since they've played a complete football game.
  
• 9. Patriots (7-4) | Prev.: 15
  Back-to-back 400-yard games have me believing in Matt Cassel. His teammates believe in him, too: Guard Logan Mankins says there's not another quarterback in the league he'd rather have. Does that include Tom Brady?
  
• 10. Cowboys (7-4) | Prev.: 7
  For all the justified criticism Terrell Owens gets for his inconsistency on the field and his attitude off the field, when he's on -- as he was Sunday against the 49ers -- there's not an NFL wide receiver I'd rather have on my team.
  
• 11. Redskins (7-4) | Prev.: 9
  If the Redskins are going to get to the playoffs, they're going to do it on the back of Clinton Portis, who had 143 yards on Sunday and is on pace for more than 1,750 this season. My only question is whether his body can withstand the pounding of many more 29-carry games.
  
• 12. Buccaneers (8-3) | Prev.: 10
  The Bucs won by 18 on the road on Sunday, and I dropped them two spots in the power rankings. That's how bad the Lions are.
  
• 13. Falcons (7-4) | Prev.: 18
  The Falcons have been a pleasant surprise all season, and a huge game from Harry Douglas was the latest example. It's still a very tough path to the playoffs, but beating the Panthers makes it possible.
  
• 14. Saints (6-5) | Prev.: 19
  The Saints are the best last-place team in the NFL. For what that's worth.
  
• 15. Packers (5-6) | Prev.: 12
  And the team the Saints beat, Green Bay, is the best team in the NFC North, even if both the Bears and Vikings are ahead of them in the standings. The North will be a three-way race down to the wire, but I like the Packers to pull it out.
  
• 16. Bills (6-5) | Prev.: 16
  Nothing quite like getting the Chiefs on the schedule to stave off a meltdown. And with San Francisco coming to town, the Bills should make it two in a row on Sunday. It won't be easy in the AFC East, but they're not out of it just yet.
  
• 17. Bears (6-5) | Prev.: 14
  People in Chicago are already talking about the Bears going after Donovan McNabb, which is utterly ridiculous. What makes anyone think the 32-year-old Donovan McNabb is going to be a better quarterback than the 26-year-old Kyle Orton next season?
  
• 18. Eagles (5-5-1) | Prev.: 11
  I can't think of a worse situation for a young quarterback to get his first significant playing time than on the road against the Ravens. For Andy Reid to throw Kevin Kolb to the wolves like that was incredibly stupid.
  
• 19. Broncos (6-5) | Prev.: 17
  As long as Champ Bailey is out, the Broncos' pass defense may be the worst in the league. In the AFC West, they're probably going to make the playoffs. Think Peyton Manning would love to see the Broncos in the wild card round?
  
• 20. Dolphins (6-5) | Prev.: 20
  The Dolphins don't like the Patriots running up the score on them. Of course, when the situation was reversed in Week 3, the Dolphins didn't just stop playing after they went up 35-13 in the fourth quarter.
  
• 21. Chargers (4-7) | Prev.: 21
  The fans in San Diego are making clear how they feel about this team: After selling out every game the last four years, the Chargers are in danger of being blacked out on local television and playing in front of thousands of empty seats.
  
• 22. Vikings (6-5) | Prev.: 22
  The Vikings' entire defensive line is in trouble with Commissioner Roger Goodell, with tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams both appealing four-game suspensions and ends Jared Allen and Ray Edwards both getting big fines for hitting quarterbacks. Edwards' response to all this? To remind us that men don't wear panties. Duly noted.
  
• 23. Texans (4-7) | Prev.: 25
  The Texans' defense finally looked good on Sunday. Too bad they don't get to play the Browns every week.
  
• 24. Raiders (3-8) | Prev.: 29
  The blowout win over the Broncos was nice, and it showed what great physical tools JaMarcus Russell has. I think this talk that they could still make the playoffs is going a little overboard, though.
  
• 25. Jaguars (4-7) | Prev.: 24
  Jaguars wide receiver Troy Williamson spent the week leading up to the game against the Vikings talking tough about confronting his old coach, Brad Childress. As it turns out, Williamson didn't confront Childress, or even suit up, because of a groin injury.
  
• 26. Browns (4-7) | Prev.: 23
  I don't really get the point of benching Brady Quinn, seeing as the rest of Cleveland's season seems mostly about getting Quinn ready to be the quarterback of the future. Of course, since Romeo Crennel won't be Quinn's coach next year anyway, I guess he doesn't really care about Quinn's development.
  
• 27. Seahawks (2-9) | Prev.: 26
  I looked for something good to say about Seattle, and this was the best I could come up with: Kickoff returner Josh Wilson, who ran one back 55 yards on Sunday, has had a good season.
  
• 28. 49ers (3-8) | Prev.: 27
  Coach Mike Singletary says the most important thing is to get better each week. Which, judging by the 49ers' performance against the Cowboys, means Singletary hasn't done his job.
  
• 29. Bengals (1-9-1) | Prev.: 28
  Carson Palmer still says he might play in December. Does anyone really believe that? Would the Bengals really risk their franchise quarterback aggravating an elbow injury just so he can try to help the team get from 1-11-1 to 2-11-1?
  
• 30. Rams (2-9) | Prev.: 30
  Here's a wild idea for Rams offensive lineman Richie Incognito: Instead of whining that the fans don't support you, how about playing like a team worthy of support?
  
• 31. Chiefs (1-10) | Prev.: 31
  Chiefs defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham says he hasn't slept in six weeks. Does it occur to him, after the Bills rang up 50 points on his defense, that maybe his sleep deprivation is one of the reasons his defense stinks?
  
• 32. Lions (0-11) | Prev.: 32
  I had the Lions-Buccaneers game on at the time that the Lions took a 17-0 lead. It never once even occurred to me that the Lions would actually hold on and win; I was just interested in seeing how they would blow their big lead. The answer: They'd give up five touchdowns in 20 minutes of playing time. Enjoy watching these guys on Thanksgiving.
  

NFL Power Rankings: New York, New York originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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• 1. Giants (9-1) | Previous Week: 1
  Everyone's talking about running back Brandon Jacobs and his big game against the Ravens, but the Giants' real stars are their starting offensive linemen: Left tackle David Diehl, left guard Rich Seubert, center Shaun O'Hara, right guard Chris Snee and right tackle Kareem McKenzie may be the best run-blocking line I've ever seen.
  
• 2. Titans (10-0) | Prev.: 2
  Another big game from a Titans wide receiver: Justin Gage had touchdown catches of 56 and 38 yards, plus a 47-yard catch on the first play of the game Sunday against the Jaguars. Let's stop all this talk about the Titans not having good receivers once and for all.
  
• 3. Cardinals (7-3) | Prev.: 4
  Can you imagine how much different this team would be if coach Ken Whisenhunt had followed the conventional wisdom that says you have to be patient with a young quarterback? The Cardinals are real threats to make noise in the postseason because Whisenhunt recognized that Kurt Warner is better than Matt Leinart, and wouldn't play Leinart over Warner just because Leinart is a first-round pick with a big contract.
  
• 4. Panthers (8-2) | Prev.: 5
  Jake Delhomme has been absolutely horrid the last couple of weeks, but the Panthers have won both games. Does that mean they're such a good team that they can overcome bad days from their leader? Or does it mean the Raiders and Lions are terrible? I think it's a little of both.
  
• 5. Steelers (7-3) | Prev.: 7
  It's too bad so much attention has been paid to Troy Polamalu's negated touchdown at the end of Sunday's game, because that attention has detracted from the attention that should have been paid to Polamalu's diving interception earlier in the game. That pick was one of the plays of the year.
  
  
• 6. Colts (6-4) | Prev.: 9
  Even after a nine-catch game against the Texans, it just can't be overstated what a bad wide receiver the 36-year-old Marvin Harrison is. The advanced stats at Football Outsiders rank Reggie Wayne sixth in the league in receiving value, Anthony Gonzalez 14th, Dallas Clark 21st and Harrison 64th. If you can't even get into the Top 60 when you've got Peyton Manning throwing to you, you really don't belong in the NFL anymore.
  
• 7. Cowboys (6-4) | Prev.: 14
  Although it's easier for me to do my job if players have loose lips, there's something about Marion Barber's silence with the media that I like. Barber is a tough, hard-nosed player, and knowing little or nothing about him off the field helps cultivate that silent assassin image.
  
• 8. Ravens (6-4) | Prev.: 10
  I'd like to see fullback Le'Ron McClain get the ball more often. McClain had two carries for 10 yards and three catches for 31 yards Sunday. For a 260-pounder, he can really move.
  
• 9. Redskins (6-4) | Prev.: 3
  You have to love a quarterback who runs over defensive backs, although it does kind of put defensive players in a bad position where if they hit a quarterback too hard they get fined, but if they slow down when a quarterback comes their way, they can get run over.
  
• 10. Buccaneers (7-3) | Prev.: 12
  Losing starting running back Earnest Graham is a big blow to the Buccaneers. They'll now have to rely on 33-year-old Warrick Dunn to carry the load. Dunn has played well this season when getting about 10 carries a game, but I don't know if he can hold up if they're asking him to carry 20 times a game down the stretch.
  
• 11. Eagles (5-4-1) | Prev.: 6
  It's not just that Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb doesn't know games can end in ties. It's what that represents: The fact that McNabb, a man who has been an NFL quarterback for 10 years, cares so little about proper end-game strategy that he hasn't bothered to learn the most basic of rules relating to the end of a game. Clock management is an important part of being an NFL quarterback, and you can't manage the clock properly if you don't know what's going to happen when the clock reaches triple zeros. I've always had a lot of respect for McNabb. I lost some of that respect on Sunday.
  
• 12. Packers (5-5) | Prev.: 18
  That was a major statement Green Bay made on Sunday. The Packers are clearly the favorites to win the NFC North after that dominant win over the Bears.
  
• 13. Jets (7-3) | Prev.: 16
  Last Thursday's win over the Patriots was exactly why the Jets acquired Brett Favre before the season. And Favre's exuberant "F--- yeah!" after the game was a classic.
  
• 14. Bears (5-5) | Prev.:8
  After that brutal loss to the Packers, the best thing you can say about the Bears is that their remaining schedule is easy. They don't play any more games against teams with winning records, and they get the Packers at home in December.
  
• 15. Patriots (6-4) | Prev.: 11
  Good to see that Tom Brady is feeling better. Matt Cassel had an absolutely amazing game against the Jets -- first player in NFL history with 400 passing yards and 60 rushing yards in a game -- but you know things are getting crazy when people are seriously asking whether the Patriots would trade Brady.
  
• 16. Bills (5-5) | Prev.: 13
  I guess we all got excited a little too quickly about Trent Edwards. He's now at three touchdowns and eight interceptions in the last four games.
  
• 17. Broncos (6-4) | Prev.: 15
  Did any team have a better draft day than the Broncos? Denver got a couple of offensive starters on the first day in tackle Ryan Clady and wide receiver Eddie Royal, they got the new Chuck Bednarik in the sixth round in fullback/linebacker Spencer Larsen, and the best of the bunch may turn out to be the last guy they drafted, seventh-round running back Peyton Hillis, who's surprisingly effective with the ball in his hands. Mike Shanahan deserves credit for a big draft day.
  
• 18. Falcons (6-4) | Prev.: 17
  I still don't see Atlanta as a playoff team, but if they beat the Panthers on Sunday, I'll need to re-consider.
  
• 19. Saints (5-5) | Prev.: 19
  The Saints expect to have Reggie Bush back Monday night. Which is good, because they really needed someone who could average 3.4 yards a carry.
  
• 20. Dolphins (6-4) | Prev.: 21
  I know everyone else has the Dolphins a lot higher up in their power rankings than I have them in mine, but I just can't get excited about a team that needs to come from behind at the last minute to beat the Raiders.
  
• 21. Chargers (4-6) | Prev.: 20
  Norv Turner gets to keep his job no matter how badly the team closes out the season. Marty Schottenheimer is wondering why he can't get a deal like that.
  
• 22. Vikings (5-5) | Prev.: 22
  Vikings defensive end Jared Allen just got a $25,000 fine for illegally hitting Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a couple of weeks after a $50,000 fine for illegally hitting Texans quarterback Matt Schaub. I'm not sure why Roger Goodell thinks a second offense should call for a lesser fine than a first, but I am sure Goodell is pleased that Allen didn't also do any on-field dancing. That's where the really hefty fines come in.
  
• 23. Browns (4-6) | Prev.: 23
  Brady Quinn has been far from a great player in his first two starts, but the key is that he's not throwing games away, the way Derek Anderson was too often. Quinn has zero interceptions, zero fumbles and just one sack in two games. Anderson had seven interceptions, seven fumbles and 11 sacks in eight games.
  
• 24. Jaguars (4-6) | Prev.: 24
  With the Jaguars basically just playing for pride now, coach Jack Del Rio says he doesn't have any concerns about his team's attitude. But considering that Del Rio had to send home one of his supposed team leaders for having a bad attitude, well, I'm not sure I buy Del Rio's optimism.
  
• 25. Texans (3-7) | Prev.: 25
  The good news is that the Texans have now played two competitive games against the Colts. The bad news is that this franchise should be beyond the point where it's taking solace in having played competitive games.
  
• 26. Seahawks (2-8) | Prev.: 27
  Can you believe we have to watch this lousy team on Thanksgiving? It's bad enough that the Lions are on, but Seahawks-Cowboys is the kind of game that might make you actually want to spend time with your family.
  
• 27. 49ers (3-7) | Prev.: 31
  The 49ers signed free-agent tackle Jonas Jennings to one of the most lucrative contracts in the league in 2005, thinking he'd be the cornerstone of their offensive line for years to come. since then he's missed 35 games with a variety of injuries, and the 49ers just put him on injured reserve again this week. And that's the way life goes for the San Francisco 49ers.
  
• 28. Bengals (1-8-1) | Prev.: 29
  Don't get me wrong, the Bengals are a terrible team, but it should be said that they at least deserve credit for keeping it competitive against some pretty good teams: They only lost to the Ravens by seven points, they took the Giants into overtime, and then on Sunday they tied the Eagles. Yeah, the overall record stinks, but you can sorta kinda see how the Bengals could be good next year, which you can't say for any of the teams below them.
  
• 29. Raiders (2-8) | Prev.: 26
  The Raiders get a rematch Sunday against the Broncos, who embarrassed them on Monday Night Football in Week 1. There's not much reason to think anything will be different this time around.
  
• 30. Rams (2-8) | Prev.: 28
  A 19-point loss to the 49ers is about as bad as it gets. I'm still trying to wrap my head around how this team won back-to-back games against the Redskins and Cowboys.
  
• 31. Chiefs (1-9) | Prev.: 30
  Chiefs coach Herm Edwards says his team "is trying to learn how to win." Uh, coach? It's the 12th week of your third season. Shouldn't you have taught them that by now?
  
• 32. Lions (0-10) | Prev.: 32
  It's hard to believe that any team, in this age of NFL parity, could go 0-16. But when you look at Detroit's six remaining opponents -- Tampa Bay, Tennessee, Minnesota, Indianapolis, New Orleans, Green Bay -- well, it's possible.
  

NFL Power Rankings: Giants Win by Playing Tom Coughlin Football originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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• 1. Giants (8-1) | Previous Week: 1
  Domenik Hixon doesn't get enough credit for the Giants' success. He's a very good punt returner, averaging 11.5 yards a return, and although the Giants don't give him much playing time at wide receiver, he's caught 13 passes and leads the team with 16.9 yards a catch.
  
• 2. Titans (9-0) | Prev.: 2
  I keep hearing how the Titans don't have any good receivers, but I'd argue that Brandon Jones is a pretty good one. His eight-catch, 82-yard game against the Bears was typical of the kind of season he's having: He doesn't make a lot of highlight-reel catches, but if you need a first down on third-and-8, he'll get it for you.
  
• 3. Redskins (6-3) | Prev.: 6
  No. 3 is where it gets interesting, and for now, I'll pick the Redskins. Sunday night's game against the Cowboys is a big one, and Fred Smoot would like the Cowboys to know that he doesn't think highly of them.
  
• 4. Cardinals (6-3) | Prev.: 7
  The Cardinals' lead in the NFC West is now four games, the same as the Titans' lead in the AFC South. It's time for Cardinals fans to get ready for a home playoff game.
  
• 5. Panthers (7-2) | Prev.: 5
  They won despite Jake Delhomme putting up the worst stats of any quarterback in the league on Saturday. Luckily for Delhomme, he won't be seeing Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha again any time soon.
  
• 6. Eagles (5-4) | Prev.: 4
  Where would this team be if they hadn't drafted DeSean Jackson in the second round this year? He has 586 receiving yards; no other Eagle is within 300 of that. He's also a good punt returner and scored a rushing touchdown Sunday against the Giants. Based on the upcoming schedule, Philly isn't looking like a great bet to make the playoffs, but they wouldn't have a prayer without Jackson.
  
• 7. Steelers (6-3) | Prev.: 3
  Despite Ben Roethlisberger playing at a Gus Frerotte level, the Steelers are a first-place team, looking like they've got a very good chance of a first-round playoff bye. If I'm a Steelers fans, I have to be pleased with that. Because Roethlisberger can't keep playing as badly as he has the last few weeks. Can he?
  
  
• 8. Bears (5-4) | Prev.:8
  Kyle Orton wants to play on Sunday, and every Bears fan is praying that he will. It's amazing the extent to which the Chicago fans have come to love Orton and despise Rex Grossman.
  
• 9. Colts (5-4) | Prev.: 14
  After they lost to the Titans a couple of weeks ago, the Colts looked like they were a long shot to make the playoffs. But with back-to-back wins over the Patriots and Steelers, now they're looking like they're back in the playoff race. The problem, of course, is that they've got no chance of catching the Titans in their division, which means that to get to the Super Bowl they'd probably have to win three road games in January. And that's not going to happen.
  
• 10. Ravens (6-3) | Prev.: 9
  This year's offense, even with a rookie quarterback and Willis McGahee not having a particularly good season, is better than the offense the Patriots won the Super Bowl with in 2000. The Ravens have always been a defense-first team, and I don't think this defense is as good as that defense, but the Ravens' offense isn't quite the liability most people thought it would be with Joe Flacco running it.
  
• 11. Patriots (6-3) | Prev.: 10
  I haven't been able to figure the Patriots out since Tom Brady got hurt about 45 minutes after the opening kickoff of the season, but I think the big Thursday night game against the Jets might finally be the day when we determine whether this team wins the AFC East. And if they do win the AFC East, without Brady, is there any doubt that Bill Belichick wins his second straight coach of the year award?
  
• 12. Buccaneers (6-3) | Prev.: 12
  The Bucs getting Cadillac Williams back is treated like a big boost to the offense, but should it be? Williams is a guy, after all, who has missed 23 of the past 27 games, and was averaging about three-and-a-half yards per carry when he was on the field. I don't think Bucs fans should get their hopes up.
  
• 13. Bills (5-4) | Prev.: 11
  The Bills are in a tailspin, but one guy who deserves credit is cornerback Terrence McGee. He had a big game going one-on-one with Randy Moss on Sunday.
  
• 14. Cowboys (5-4) | Prev.: 15
  It all depends on your perspective. If you're a Cowboys fan who thought they were going to the Super Bowl, this team feels like a sinking ship. If you're wide receiver Roy Williams, who thinks his old team has a good chance at 0-16, you think Dallas is football paradise.
  
• 15. Broncos (5-4) | Prev.: 16
  So desperate are the Broncos at running back that they've gone to Tatum Bell, a guy last seen selling phones and stealing bags. If the Broncos are going to make the playoffs, they're doing it on the arm of Jay Cutler.
  
• 16. Jets (6-3) | Prev.: 20
  Call me crazy, but I actually think the 127-year-old Ty Law still has something left. He'll make a couple of plays in December that'll make the Jets glad they signed him.
  
• 17. Falcons (6-3) | Prev.: 17
  Jerious Norwood really needs to start getting the ball more. In his three NFL seasons, this guy has averaged 6.4, 6.0 and 5.6 yards a carry. He should be getting at least 10 carries a game until defenses show they can consistently stop him.
  
• 18. Packers (4-5) | Prev.: 13
  Linebacker Nick Barnett is a huge loss. Teams are going to run the ball at will on the Packers for the rest of the season.
  
• 19. Saints (4-5) | Prev.: 18
  Drew Brees is having a great season, but he does deserve plenty of blame for throwing some ugly interceptions in Sunday's loss.
  
• 20. Chargers (4-5) | Prev.: 19
  Given the way Tyler Thigpen played against them on Sunday, I'd have to say the Chargers' defense isn't any better after the firing of Ted Cottrell.
  
• 21. Dolphins (5-4) | Prev.: 22
  I think my favorite quote of the year comes from Courtney Bryan, a Dolphins safety who was cut after training camp but has now been re-signed. Bryan said he took a job at Arby's while waiting to get another NFL job: "It's not like I was broke," Bryan told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "I was just bored. I couldn't go to the movies every day. I like to work. I have to do something with my time." I hear you, Coutrney.
  
• 22. Vikings (5-4) | Prev.: 24
  Adrian Peterson is a great big cheater: He takes his helmet off when he shouldn't. Not that the officials noticed on Sunday.
  
• 23. Browns (3-6) | Prev.: 21
  The big question in Cleveland is whether the Browns quit in their loss to the Broncos. Count coach Romeo Crennel as one who says they didn't. Of course, what's he supposed to say? If he were to say his players did, indeed, quit, that wouldn't exactly reflect well on his leadership.
  
• 24. Jaguars (4-5) | Prev.: 25
  Last week everyone was talking about how Jack Del Rio had lost the locker room and the Jaguars were in disarray. It's amazing what a trip to Detroit can do to get a football team back on track.
  
• 25. Texans (3-6) | Prev.: 26
  Texans players say they don't want Gary Kubiak fired. Defensive coordinator Richard Smith is another matter. That's what happens when you're the worst team in the league at stopping the run.
  
• 26. Raiders (2-7) | Prev.: 27
  The responsibility of calling the Raiders' offensive plays has gone this season from head coach Lane Kiffin to offensive coordinator Greg Knapp to, now, new head coach Tom Cable. I'd like to propose that Al Davis call the plays. This team stinks on offense anyway, why not just have JaMarcus Russell chuck it as far as he can downfield 30 times a game?
  
• 27. Seahawks (2-7) | Prev.: 28
  Matt Hasselbeck is back this week. Just in time to play out the string, with the Seahawks basically out of playoff contention.
  
• 28. Rams (2-7) | Prev.: 23
  For the first couple of games after Scott Linehan got fired, I thought Jim Haslett was working a miracle with this team. Yeah, not so much. Against the Jets the Rams looked just as horrible as ever.
  
• 29. Bengals (1-8) | Prev.: 29
  Fair or not, the Bengals have a reputation among football fans as a team full of (to borrow the words of Bill Parcells) thugs and hoodlums. And yet when a Bengals player is actually the victim of some on-field violence, he gets fined just as much as the perpetrator. And so the Bengals are the latest team to learn a hard truth: When it comes to taking money out of players' paychecks, Roger Goodell is accountable to no man.
  
• 30. Chiefs (1-8) | Prev.: 30
  I'd like to go on the record as saying I support Herm Edwards' decision to go for two at the end of the loss to the Chargers. I'm sure that makes him feel better.
  
• 31. 49ers (2-7) | Prev.: 31
  Offensive coordinator Mike Martz blames the officials for the way the 49ers melted down on their final drive Monday night against the Cardinals. I'm one of the few people left who still thinks Martz is a good offensive coach, but I think the real problem is that Martz himself was melting down. I think head coach Mike Singletary needs to tell Martz to start calling plays from the press box. He looks like he freaks out under pressure on the sidelines.
  
• 32. Lions (0-9) | Prev.: 32
  Lions running back Kevin Smith complained after the loss to Jacksonville that the Jaguars' players were laughing at the Lions on the field. Former Lions GM Matt Millen was the butt of jokes at the Combine. The Lions provide comic relief for everyone in the NFL -- except fans in Detroit.
  

NFL Power Rankings: Giants Stay on Top originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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• 1. Giants (7-1) | Previous Week: 2
  I was in awe of the way the Giants absolutely stomped the Cowboys on Sunday, physically manhandling Dallas on both sides of the ball. It's true that the Cowboys are at less than 100%, but they were still good enough to beat the Buccaneers a week earlier. Against the Giants, the Cowboys looked like they had walked into a buzz saw.
  
• 2. Titans (8-0) | Prev.: 1
  Yes, I had the Titans ranked first last week, and they won again. But in watching that game, I came away somewhat unimpressed with the way Tennessee allowed Green Bay to stay in it until the end. Right now, I think the Titans would lose to the Giants on a neutral field.
  
• 3. Steelers (6-2) | Prev.: 3
  There's certainly no quarterback controversy in Pittsburgh, but it is nice for Steelers fans to know that if Ben Roethlisberger has to miss time, Byron Leftwich can fill in capably. Especially considering that this team's one weakness is its offensive line.
  
  
• 4. Eagles (5-3) | Prev.: 4
  With the Giants coming to town on Sunday, Philadelphia can make a huge statement about the NFC East race. But if the Giants win, they've got a commanding lead in the league's best division.
  
• 5. Panthers (6-2) | Prev.: 5
  Steve Smith is the best wide receiver in the NFL. Despite a two-game suspension to start the season, Smith is 10th in the league in catches and yards. In the Panthers' last three games, Smith has a ridiculous 17 catches for 351 yards.
  
• 6. Redskins (6-3) | Prev.: 6
  The Redskins turned in a clunker against the Steelers Monday night. Of course, having to play a road game in your own stadium doesn't make things any easier.
  
• 7. Cardinals (5-3) | Prev.: 16
  Will Kurt Warner win his third league MVP award this year? I hope so. And I'm proud that I was saying Warner is better than Matt Leinart long before most of the experts caught on.
  
• 8. Bears (5-3) | Prev.:8
  Wins don't get much less impressive than what the Bears did Sunday, needing to go down to the wire to beat the Lions at home. On the other hand, they managed to come from behind and win a game in which they lost their starting quarterback before halftime. So we'll leave them right where they were last week.
  
• 9. Ravens (5-3) | Prev.: 15
  Joe Flacco has gone three straight games without throwing an interception, and he was just named AFC offensive player of the week. I talked to a lot of people about Flacco at this year's combine, and I didn't meet anyone who thought he'd be this good, this soon.
  
• 10. Patriots (5-3) | Prev.: 9
  Wow, big surprise, the team that lost the Colts-Patriots game is complaining about the officiating. Hasn't this happened every time they've played in the last five years?
  
• 11. Bills (5-3) | Prev.: 7
  According to an article on the Bills' web site, they've got an easy schedule coming up. I have a feeling that article will be printed and posted on the bulletin boards in some of the Bills' upcoming opponents' locker rooms.
  
• 12. Buccaneers (6-3) | Prev.: 11
  That win over Kansas City on Sunday wasn't very impressive, and my biggest problem with the Bucs is that they're just not consistent enough. When they're playing their best, as they were when they blew out the Panthers in Week 6, they look like Super Bowl contenders. They're just not playing their best every week.
  
• 13. Packers (4-4) | Prev.: 13
  I certainly won't drop them after an overtime loss on the road against an undefeated team. But I'm still worried about the Packers' run defense.
  
• 14. Colts (4-4) | Prev.: 14
  And speaking of teams with bad run defenses, the Colts got a very big win on Sunday night against the Patriots, but I don't think their run defense is going to be good enough to follow it up with another very big win this Sunday against the Steelers. Still, the Colts have such an easy schedule down the stretch that I like their chances of getting to 10 wins, which might be enough to become the wild card team no one wants to face.
  
• 15. Cowboys (5-4) | Prev.: 10
  Obviously, at this point you'd have to say the Cowboys aren't likely to make it to the playoffs because someone is going to be left out from the NFC East. But I also wonder if we're all overreacting to the Cowboys' struggles. Yes, they've lost three of their last four. But with Tony Romo getting healthy after the bye, they're going to be a tough team to beat.
  
• 16. Broncos (4-4) | Prev.: 12
  In the weak AFC West, Denver still has to be considered the favorite, with eight wins perhaps being enough to win the division.
  
• 17. Falcons (5-3) | Prev.: 17
  Could quarterback Matt Ryan be named not just the rookie of the year but maybe even the league MVP? I'm skeptical, but Sports Illustrated writer Peter King, who has an MVP vote, says he'd consider it.
  
• 18. Saints (4-4) | Prev.: 18
  Drew Brees could be a league MVP candidate, too -- except that quarterbacks are usually judged on the way their teams play, and the Saints' defense is going to keep them out of the playoffs.
  
• 19. Chargers (3-5) | Prev.: 19
  Said Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson, "OK, it was a bad first half of the season. Now let's focus on the second half and see how good we can be." I think they can be as good as 8-8, which means the Week 17 game against the Broncos could be for the AFC West title. Let's hope Ed Hochuli isn't the ref for that one.
  
• 20. Jets (5-3) | Prev.: 20
  Brett Favre says he's fine with the Jets' offense, which on Sunday consisted of Favre being a game manager. But are the Jets fine with trading for a future Hall of Famer and paying him $12 million to be a game manager?
  
• 21. Browns (3-5) | Prev.: 21
  The folks at NFL Network are the big winners with Brady Quinn now the Browns' starting quarterback. Notre Dame fans across the country will bolster the ratings for tonight's game against the Broncos.
  
• 22. Dolphins (4-4) | Prev.: 22
  Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter had a busy week, getting a penalty called on his alma mater on Saturday and then getting into a war of words with Brandon Marshall. Porter has 11.5 sacks in eight games, and as long as he keeps playing this well, he can talk all he wants.
  
• 23. Rams (2-6) | Prev.: 23
  Rams coach Jim Haslett sounds like he's getting a little frustrated with Steven Jackson's injury, saying he's not going to let Jackson play unless he's healthy enough to practice.
  
• 24. Vikings (4-4) | Prev.: 25
  The Vikings' phenomenal defense is going to keep them in every game, but their offense isn't getting the job done and the special teams is dreadful. If they don't beat the Packers on Sunday it's hard to see this as a playoff team.
  
• 25. Jaguars (3-5) | Prev.: 24
  Fresh off giving the Bengals their first win of the season, the Jaguars will now play the winless Lions. If it happens again, it'll be just about time for the Jaguars to pack it in for 2008.
  
• 26. Texans (3-5) | Prev.: 26
  The Texans are absolutely right to be upset about the hits quarterback Matt Schaub took from Vikings defensive end Jared Allen.
  
• 27. Raiders (2-6) | Prev.: 27
  The Raiders aren't the worst team in the league, but now that the Lions have finally fired Matt Millen, you can make a strong case that they've got the most incompetent front office. Cutting DeAngelo Hall eight games after giving him $8 million
  
• 28. Seahawks (2-6) | Prev.: 28
  Matt Hasselbeck is supposed to miss one more game, Sunday at Miami, and then return the following week against the Cardinals. That should help things, except that the Seahawks are probably going to be 2-7 and out of the playoff race by then.
  
• 29. Bengals (1-8) | Prev.: 31
  Well, they're not winless anymore. That's the good news. The bad news is that the fans have so little interest that people won't even fork over 99 cents for tickets.
  
• 30. Chiefs (1-7) | Prev.: 30
  The touchdown pass from wide receiver Mark Bradley to quarterback Tyler Thigpen was the most creative piece of play calling I've ever seen from a Herm Edwards-coached team. And it was about the only time all season I've thought the Chiefs looked like a well-coached team.
  
• 31. 49ers (2-6) | Prev.: 29
  Mike Singletary really needs to do some more pants dropping.
  
• 32. Lions (0-8) | Prev.: 32
  Daunte Culpepper, do you realize what you've gotten yourself into?
  

NFL Power Rankings: Titans or Giants? originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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• 1. Titans (7-0) | Prev.: 1
  The 1972 Miami Dolphins say they're not worried about the Titans, and I don't think they should be. But I do think the Titans have demonstrated that they're the class of the NFL.
  
• 2. Giants (6-1) | Previous Week: 2
  It's amazing that the Giants continue to play so well even though Plaxico Burress -- perhaps their most talented player -- is such a nuisance that Lawrence Taylor, of all people, is telling him how he ought to conduct himself.
  
• 3. Steelers (5-2) | Prev.: 3
  I'm not going to drop the Steelers in the power rankings after losing a close game to the No. 2 team. That's the type of thing that an AP college football poll voter would do, but not me.
  
  
• 4. Eagles (4-3) | Prev.: 5
  It's still going to be tough for the Eagles to get into the playoffs in the NFC East, but they're the No. 1 team in the league in DVOA, and they should be favored to win all their non-division games the rest of the season.
  
• 5. Panthers (6-2) | Prev.: 8
  Panthers coach John Fox claims he thinks of his two running backs as one unit, and he doesn't see a need to pick one as the No. 1 and the other as the No. 2. Which would be fine if they were of approximately equal ability, but in reality, DeAngelo Williams is playing a lot better than Jonathan Stewart. And although Fox won't say so publicly, he knows that, which is why Williams will remain the starter.
  
• 6. Redskins (6-2) | Prev.: 7
  Redskins coach Jim Zorn was in a bad mood on Sunday, but he's had a great first half of his first season as a head coach. Zorn took over for a Hall of Famer and has the Redskins looking like a better-coached team than they did in the Joe Gibbs era.
  
• 7. Bills (5-2) | Prev.: 6
  Speaking of coaches having surprisingly good seasons, Dick Jauron signed a three-year contract extension last week, and it's an extension he richly deserves: Jauron has a young team going in the right direction. I wonder how the Lions would look right now if Matt Millen hadn't fired Jauron at the end of his brief stint running the team in 2005. (Actually, I'm sure the Lions would look terrible; the players would still be the ones brought in by Matt Millen.)
  
• 8. Bears (4-3) | Prev.: 9
  The no-huddle offense is a big part of the Bears' attack, and Kyle Orton's effectiveness running it is a big reason the Bears are going to win the NFC North.
  
• 9. Patriots (5-2) | Prev.: 11
  Is Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork the one player in the league who knows how to turn NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell into a softy? Goodell's decision not to suspend Wilfork is a big surprise.
  
• 10. Cowboys (5-3) | Prev.: 12
  I like new Cowboys receiver Roy Williams, and I love his sense of humor, but wouldn't you think a guy who's just been traded to a new team would stay in town on his day off and do a little extra film study, rather than fly to his old city to attend a Halloween party?
  
• 11. Buccaneers (5-3) | Prev.: 4
  The Bucs had a big opportunity to make a big statement against a wounded team in Dallas, and they couldn't pull it off. Somehow I think they'll manage to put a W on the board against the Chiefs, though.
  
• 12. Broncos (4-3) | Prev.: 13
  Denver's defense is still terrible, and it's still probably good enough to win the AFC West, where all the defenses are bad.
  
• 13. Packers (4-3) | Prev.: 14
  Do people realize what a phenomenal season Greg Jennings is having? He's on pace to finish with more than 1,500 receiving yards, and he's averaging a ridiculous 18.5 yards per catch. He's the Packers' MVP this season.
  
• 14. Colts (3-4) | Prev.: 15
  The Colts' reign atop the AFC South is over, but I still like them to be a good team if everyone is healthy by December. Of course, if they don't beat the Patriots on Sunday, they'll probably be eliminated from wild card contention before everyone gets healthy.
  
• 15. Ravens (4-3) | Prev.: 16
  The pass from Troy Smith to Joe Flacco was my favorite play of the NFL season so far. I'd love to see the Ravens put both Smith and Flacco on the field together about five or 10 plays a game.
  
• 16. Cardinals (4-3) | Prev.: 17
  The Cardinals' offense is great. Just think how much better still it would be if Edgerrin James weren't looking like a washed-up old man.
  
• 17. Falcons (4-3) | Prev.: 18
  I don't condone taking banned substances, but if there's one guy in the league who could stand to take a few weight loss pills, it's Grady Jackson.
  
• 18. Saints (4-4) | Prev.: 19
  The Saints are in a fight to make the playoffs, and they can't afford to lose three players to four-game drug suspensions. Coach Sean Payton thinks his players have a good chance of getting those suspensions overturned.
  
• 19. Chargers (3-5) | Prev.: 10
  Norv Turner needed a scapegoat and he found one in defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell, but you've got to think that if the Chargers don't make the playoffs -- which would probably require a record of 7-1 over the second half of the season -- Turner is going to be general manager A.J. Smith's scapegoat.
  
• 20. Jets (4-3) | Prev.: 21
  It's a good thing Deanna Favre told Brett how to play before his six-touchdown game against the Cardinals. If the Jets are going to win the AFC East, they need Deanna to come up with a big game plan Sunday against the Bills.
  
• 21. Browns (3-4) | Prev.: 22
  I liked the offensive game plan against the Jaguars, with more deep passes to take advantage of Derek Anderson's arm strength. I'm just wondering when Braylon Edwards is going to start catching those deep balls consistently.
  
• 22. Dolphins (3-4) | Prev.: 28
  Chad Pennington is playing so well that the Jets have to be wondering if it was really such a good idea to cut him and trade for Brett Favre. Of course, that's through seven games of the season, and Favre has been just a wee bit more durable than Pennington over the course of his career.
  
• 23. Rams (2-5) | Prev.: 24
  Jim Haslett has a legitimate beef with the officiating after the Patriots' penalty-free game on Sunday. But I like the way Haslett dealt with it: He mentioned it at his press conference but didn't blame the loss on the officials. Come to think of it, I like just about everything Haslett has done since taking over the Rams.
  
• 24. Jaguars (3-4) | Prev.: 20
  Jaguars safety Brian Williams says the hardest thing about playing his position is getting everyone lined up properly. Considering the way the Jaguars' pass defense has played this season, I don't think Jacksonville has that worked out yet.
  
• 25. Vikings (3-4) | Prev.: 23
  Remember how I said the Saints couldn't afford to lose three players to drug suspensions? Well, the Vikings really can't afford to lose Pat Williams and Kevin Williams, the best pair of defensive tackles in the league. The defensive line is carrying this team.
  
• 26. Texans (3-4) | Prev.: 26
  Three-game winning streaks are nice, but when they come against the Dolphins, Lions and Bengals, all at home, they're not too impressive. If they win at Minnesota on Sunday I promise to move the Texans up at least one spot in next week's power rankings.
  
• 27. Raiders (2-5) | Prev.: 25
  Sunday's game was the fourth time this season that JaMarcus Russell completed less than half of his passes. Maybe Lane Kiffin was right.
  
• 28. Seahawks (2-5) | Prev.: 27
  With Matt Hasselbeck still hurting, the Seahawks may soon be entering Cincinnati Bengals territory: You've got a franchise quarterback who's hurt, and you've got a season that's going nowhere. Wouldn't it be wise just to shut your quarterback down and wait until next year?
  
• 29. 49ers (2-6) | Prev.: 29
  Benching J.T. O'Sullivan was the right move, but it was also a move reminiscent of rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.
  
• 30. Chiefs (1-6) | Prev.: 30
  Larry Johnson may have played his last game as a Chief. That might make some Chiefs fans happy at this point, but it makes me sad. There was a time when he looked like he was going to be a superstar in Kansas City.
  
• 31. Bengals (0-8) | Prev.: 31
  The jerk store called, and they're running out of Bengals owner Mike Brown.
  
• 32. Lions (0-7) | Prev.: 32
  Detroit must have the best football fans in the country. Do you realize that Sunday's game was the first time in the seven-year history of Ford Field that a Lions game didn't sell out? Is there another team in the league that could withstand the record of futility that Matt Millen has inflicted on the Lions and still sell out more than 50 games in a row?
  

NFL Power Rankings: Titans Stay on Top After Their Biggest Win of the Season originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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• 1. Titans (6-0) | Prev.: 1
  Titans coach Jeff Fisher said he was not amused with running back Chris Johnson's bongo-playing touchdown celebration. We at FanHouse do not share Fisher's humorlessness.
  
• 2. Giants (5-1) | Previous Week: 2
  The Giants' defense is so impressive, with six sacks on Sunday, that you'd never know this is a team that lost both of last year's starting defensive ends. There's no question that this year's Giants are a better regular-season team than last year's .
  
• 3. Steelers (5-1) | Prev.: 3
  Sunday's Steelers-Giants game should be one of the best games of the season. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin refers to Giants receiver Plaxico Burress as "a problem." I'm sure Tom Coughlin agrees, but for different reasons.
  
  
• 4. Buccaneers (5-2) | Prev.: 4
  The Bucs certainly are getting the Cowboys at the right time. Looking ahead at the schedule, with the Chiefs, Vikings and Lions up next, it's hard to see how Tampa Bay isn't in the mix for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs when December rolls around.
  
• 5. Eagles (3-3) | Prev.: 5
  I know the Top 5 seems lofty for a team with a .500 record, but I still believe that when they're healthy the Eagles really are this good. It's just going to be tricky for them to climb out of that three-loss hole, with a very important game against the Falcons coming up Sunday.
  
• 6. Bills (5-1) | Prev.: 7
  Coach Dick Jauron is gushing about his quarterback, Trent Edwards, and with good reason. Edwards looks as NFL-ready in his second season as Peyton Manning and Tom Brady did in theirs.
  
• 7. Redskins (5-2) | Prev.: 8
  Clinton Portis might break down if he keeps playing with reckless abandon, but until he does, he deserves to be discussed among the NFL MVP candidates.
  
• 8. Panthers (5-2) | Prev.: 9
  With Steve Smith finally back on track, the Panthers are looking like contenders. I don't think the NFC South is as good as the NFC East, but the division race might be every bit as interesting down the stretch.
  
• 9. Bears (4-3) | Prev.: 12
  Kyle Orton has made one of the most amazing transformations of any player in the NFL this season, and his numbers would look even better if his receivers could hold onto the ball. Just curious: Why aren't dropped passes an official statistic in football, like errors are in baseball?
  
• 10. Chargers (3-4) | Prev.: 13
  LaDainian Tomlinson says the Giants went to London last season and then went to the Super Bowl, so he thinks the Chargers, in London this week, will end up in the Super Bowl. Asked if he doesn't think that was just a coincidence, he said no. I'm afraid I'm going to have to disagree with LT there and say it was just a coincidence, but it's good to think positive.
  
• 11. Patriots (4-2) | Prev.: 19
  I really wish I knew which Patriots team was the real Patriots team. The one that blew out the Broncos on Monday looked like one of the best in the league. But the one that got blown out by the Chargers eight days earlier looked like one of the worst in the league. For this week, I'll put the Patriots a little closer to "best" than "worst." Now watch them get blown out by the Rams.
  
• 12. Cowboys (4-3) | Prev.: 10
  Right now the Cowboys look like a team in free fall, and maybe even having them at No. 12 is too high. I do think they're eventually going to right this ship, though. I wouldn't want to have to play the Cowboys in December.
  
• 13. Broncos (4-3) | Prev.: 11
  Even before injuries hit them hard, the Broncos looked like they were a team heading in the wrong direction. If they get anything less than MVP-caliber play by Jay Cutler the rest of the way, they're going to fade.
  
• 14. Packers (4-3) | Prev.: 14
  The whole controversy about Brett Favre doing some insider trading might have some Packers fans furious now, but we all know that in a few years Favre is going to go back to be inducted into the Packers' Hall of Fame, and all this bitterness will be behind them. Pete Rose still gets cheered in Cincinnati, and Favre would have to do a lot more than just give Matt Millen a scouting report before he's entered Pete Rose territory.
  
• 15. Colts (3-3) | Prev.: 6
  There's actually talk in Indianapolis that the Colts may have tuned Tony Dungy out. I don't think that's the case at all. I just think the personnel isn't very good right now, with age and injuries hitting this team hard. As soon as Bob Sanders is healthy and the offensive line is giving Peyton Manning some time, Dungy will be a genius again.
  
• 16. Ravens (3-3) | Prev.: 15
  There's a scandal in Baltimore: Cornerback Chris McAlister wore shorts and a T-shirt in the lobby of the team hotel, while all the other players wore suits. I'm just glad Mr. Blackwell wasn't alive to see this.
  
• 17. Cardinals (4-2) | Prev.: 18
  So, I assume Cardinals fans are going to be mad that their team is 4-2 and still not in the top half of the league. I'm not sold on their defense, but if they beat the Panthers on Sunday I'll re-assess.
  
• 18. Falcons (4-2) | Prev.: 21
  Everyone praises rookie quarterback Matt Ryan, and he is playing well, but we shouldn't overlook the Falcons' other first-round rookie, left tackle Sam Baker, who has only allowed half a sack so far this season.
  
• 19. Saints (3-4) | Prev.: 16
  It's interesting that when tight end Kellen Winslow criticized the Browns' handling of his health problem, he got suspended. But when tight end Jeremy Shockey criticized the Saints' handling of his health problem, no one made a big deal of it. I prefer the Saints' approach. If a guy wants to tell a reporter how he's feeling, let him.
  
• 20. Jaguars (3-3) | Prev.: 17
  The Jaguars rank 29th in the league in sacks. They traded up in the draft to get pass-rush specialist Derrick Harvey, who has zero sacks. They're going to become a very easy team to beat if opposing quarterbacks feel like they can just sit in the pocket and pick apart their secondary.
  
• 21. Jets (3-3) | Prev.: 20
  Are the Jets ever just going to unleash Brett Favre? He throws so many short passes that you have to wonder if coach Eric Mangini even remembers that they traded for the ol' gunslinger, or if he thinks Chad Pennington is still his quarterback.
  
• 22. Browns (2-4) | Prev.: 22
  The suspension of Kellen Winslow might succeed at keeping him quiet, but still, Winslow's basic point was valid: It's disgraceful that player after player on the Browns comes down with staph infection, and the Browns aren't able to do anything about it.
  
• 23. Vikings (3-4) | Prev.: 23
  Brad Childress isn't happy with punter Chris Kluwe. But he should be really unhappy with a secondary that allowed a mediocre group of Bears receivers to get open all day.
  
• 24. Rams (2-4) | Prev.: 29
  The Rams were so bad at the time that Scott Linehan got fired that most people thought they'd be lucky to win two games all year. That they've already won two games in two weeks under Jim Haslett, which makes him an early contender for Coach of the Year.
  
• 25. Raiders (2-4) | Prev.: 26
  Amazing as it is, the Raiders are only a game behind the Chargers and Broncos in the loss column, and the Raiders appear to be improving while the Chargers and Broncos appear to be reeling. I'm not going to say the Raiders are actually going to win the AFC West or anything, but it's not quite as crazy as it would have sounded a couple of weeks ago.
  
• 26. Texans (2-4) | Prev.: 30
  The Texans are now on a two-game losing streak, which I guess should count for something, but I still think that following an 8-8 record last year, they have to be thought of as one of the most disappointing teams in the league.
  
• 27. Seahawks (1-5) | Prev.: 27
  The Seahawks' loss to the Bucs was one of the least interesting games in NFL history, so it's no surprise that it was also the lowest-rated prime time network TV game in NFL history. Mike Holmgren must be thinking he decided to retire a year too late.
  
• 28. Dolphins (2-4) | Prev.: 24
  Implementing the Wildcat formation really was a brilliant move on the part of the Dolphins' coaching staff, but I think over the course of the season opposing defenses will get better at stopping it as they have more film to scour. And after that offense, the Dolphins don't have much to offer.
  
• 29. 49ers (2-5) | Prev.: 25
  In last week's power rankings I said firing Mike Nolan and replacing him with Mike Martz would make sense. Instead, they fired Mike Nolan and replaced him with Mike Singletary. I like Singletary and hope he becomes an NFL coach some day, but I think he's going to have a rough go of it in the remaining nine games of the season, and by the end of the year owner John York will say thanks but no thanks..
  
• 30. Chiefs (1-5) | Prev.: 30
  Larry Johnson says he's disgusted at himself. It's a real shame the way this guy, who was once among the most promising players in the league, has deteriorated into a player the Chiefs will seriously consider cutting after the season.
  
• 31. Bengals (0-7) | Prev.: 31
  The offensive line in Cincinnati is so awful that I continue to say they just need to shut Carson Palmer down for the season. Why risk your franchise quarterback, who's already hurt, behind a terrible offensive line in a season that's already lost anyway?
  
• 32. Lions (0-6) | Prev.: 32
  Detroit is on pace to give up 499 points this season. Last season they gave up a league-high 444. Good thing head coach Rod Marinelli decided to give his son-in-law the job of defensive coordinator.
  
  

NFL Power Rankings: Titans Stay on Top originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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• 1. Titans (5-0) | Prev.: 4
  There was one piece of bad news for the Titans this week: They lost a pick in the 2009 draft, compensation to the Cowboys for the suspension of Pacman Jones. Here's a piece of good news: The Titans no longer have to deal with Pacman Jones.
  
• 2. Giants (4-1) | Previous Week: 1
  That Monday night loss to the Browns was just about the most lackluster effort any good team has put together all season, and yet I'll only drop them one spot on the power rankings since, as previously noted, all the other good teams lost, too.
  
• 3. Steelers (4-1) | Prev.: 5
  Getting defensive end Brett Keisel back from a calf strain is big for the Steelers' defense. Keisel had started every game for Pittsburgh in the last two-plus seasons, and his return will make a good defense better.
  
  
• 4. Buccaneers (4-2) | Prev.: 10
  Is there any doubt at all that Jeff Garcia is a better quarterback than Brian Griese? Jon Gruden gets his little quarterback crushes every season, and this season Griese was the object of his affection, but he seems to realize now that Garcia is his man.
  
• 5. Eagles (3-3) | Prev.: 9
  This is a good team with an average record, and a good example of why the win-loss record doesn't tell you everything. According to Football Outsiders, the Eagles are the best team in the league. The problem is that the combination of three tough losses and being in the best division in the league leaves them little margin for error.
  
• 6. Colts (3-2) | Prev.: 18
  Peyton Manning is back to 100 percent, and that means the Colts are in good shape on offense. It's too bad the trade for defensive tackle John McCargo was voided, because an inability to stop the run is the one thing that could prevent the Colts from being one of the league's elite teams.
  
• 7. Bills (4-1) | Prev.: 12
  Quarterback Trent Edwards and receiver/return man Roscoe Parrish are both healthy and ready to go Sunday against San Diego in a game that could go a long way toward securing the Bills' status as the favorites in the AFC East.
  
• 8. Redskins (4-2) | Prev.: 2
  A loss to the Rams is embarrassing, but I still think the Redskins are a solid, well-rounded team. I'm just not sure why they felt the need to sign a washed-up running back.
  
• 9. Panthers (4-2) | Prev.: 8
  Panthers fullback Brad Hoover said that when the players hear from the coaches after their 27-3 loss to Tampa Bay, they should "not take criticism to a point where you get angry with it." I dunno. Maybe anger is the correct emotion after a loss that ugly.
  
• 10. Cowboys (4-2) | Prev.: 3
  I love the trade for Roy Williams, one of the best young receivers in the league. Other than that, the Cowboys may have had the worst week that any NFL franchise has ever had. From Pacman Jones' suspension to an overtime loss that cost them Tony Romo, Felix Jones and Mat McBriar, plus Terence Newman needing surgery, this is a big mess.
  
• 11. Broncos (4-2) | Prev.: 7
  Running back Michael Pittman had an impressive game against the Jaguars. This offense has so many weapons, it's a shame that the defense is going to lose so many games for Denver.
  
• 12. Bears (3-3) | Prev.: 11
  Was there any worse coaching strategery on display last weekend than Lovie Smith's decision to squib kick and then play a prevent Cover-2 in the closing seconds against the Falcons? Smith is a good coach, but he cost the Bears the game.
  
• 13. Chargers (3-3) | Prev.: 13
  The dominant win over the Patriots Sunday night was just the kind of thing that builds momentum. Except I think the Chargers' upcoming trip from San Diego to Buffalo to London and back to San Diego is just the kind of thing that kills momentum.
  
• 14. Packers (3-3) | Prev.: 14
  The thing I didn't like about the Packers' offense against Seattle was that Aaron Rodgers' passes were too short. Yes, they were accurate and effective, but I think to beat a team better than the Seahawks, they're going to need to hit Donald Driver with some downfield passes and not just dink and dunk, eight or nine yards at a time.
  
• 15. Ravens (2-3) | Prev.: 6
  The Ravens are sticking with quarterback Joe Flacco, which is the right decision because really, what other decision do they have? His backup, Troy Smith, was a fifth-round draft pick last year who has missed a great deal of practice time after suffering a serious illness.
  
• 16. Saints (3-3) | Prev.: 16
  The Saints have already lost 31 games by starters to injury through six games this season. They lost only 36 games by starters to injury all of last season .
  
• 17. Jaguars (3-3) | Prev.: 17
  The Jaguars may have saved their season with that win over the Broncos. They're still right in the thick of things at 3-3.
  
• 18. Cardinals (4-2) | Prev.: 22
  Should the Cardinals be higher than this? Maybe. I love Kurt Warner and his receivers, but I just don't trust Arizona's defense to play as well all season as it played Sunday against the Cowboys. Arizona looks to me like a team that is going to win the NFC West and then get blown out at home by a wild card team in the first round of the playoffs.
  
• 19. Patriots (3-2) | Prev.: 15
  Bill Belichick's record as head coach of the Browns was 37-45. His record as head coach of the Patriots when Tom Brady isn't starting at quarterback is 7-15. Just sayin'.
  
• 20. Jets (3-2) | Prev.: 20
  With back to back games against Oakland and Kansas City coming up, we're going to see a lot of glowing articles about Brett Favre. I'd just like to see the Jets beat a good team.
  
• 21. Falcons (4-2) | Prev.: 23
  I know, I'm stubborn, I should have the Falcons higher than this. That's what Atlanta fans will say. I still say they have a hard road ahead to eight wins.
  
• 22. Browns (2-3) | Prev.: 26
  Where was the Browns team we saw on Monday night for the first five weeks of the season? Play like that a couple more times and I'll be convinced that Cleveland has a good team.
  
• 23. Vikings (3-3) | Prev.: 19
  Yes, I dropped the Vikings after they won a game. Because needing a last-minute field goal at home against the Lions is about as unimpressive a win as a team can possibly have.
  
• 24. Dolphins (2-3) | Prev.: 21
  How did the Dolphins' defense not see that Matt Schaub game-winning quarterback draw coming? I shouted to my wife that he was going to run it in, not that she cared.
  
• 25. 49ers (2-4) | Prev.: 24
  The columnists in San Francisco have already decided that head coach Mike Nolan is getting fired, and now they're just talking about who will replace him. I think they've got the right man for the job in their offensive coordinator, Mike Martz.
  
• 26. Raiders (1-4) | Prev.: 25
  I have a feeling that new head coach Tom Cable woke up Monday morning, thought about that 34-3 loss to the Saints, and asked himself, "What the hell did I just get myself into?"
  
• 27. Seahawks (1-4) | Prev.: 27
  The Seahawks are playing so badly that John Madden won't watch them.
  
• 28. Texans (1-4) | Prev.: 30
  The Texans gave their fans an exciting win on Sunday, but that doesn't change the fact that their defense stinks.
  
• 29. Rams (1-4) | Prev.: 32
  How did new coach Jim Haslett get the worst team in the league ready to beat a likely playoff team? I don't know, but if he replicates it Sunday against the Cowboys, the fans in Dallas are going to go insane.
  
• 30. Chiefs (1-4) | Prev.:29
  I don't really get why they wouldn't trade Tony Gonzalez, seeing as the team is going nowhere and it couldn't hurt to add a draft pick. You know who else doesn't get it? Tony Gonzalez. At least he has some good reading material to get him through a dreadful season.
  
• 31. Bengals (0-6) | Prev.: 28
  Fans in Cincinnati have so little interest in seeing the Bengals that they're happy to sell their tickets at a loss. At least the mayor still likes them.
  
• 32. Lions (0-5) | Prev.: 31
  By getting rid of Roy Williams and Jon Kitna, the Lions officially gave up on the season. It's too bad their season ticket holders can't get their money back.
  
  

NFL Power Rankings: Titans No. 1 by Default originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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• 1. Giants (4-0) | Previous Week: 1
  The Giants have a couple of more easy games ahead, against the Browns and 49ers, but after that the schedule gets a lot tougher. As long as the defending champs remain unbeaten, I plan to keep them at the top of the Power Rankings.
  
• 2. Redskins (4-1) | Prev.: 2
  If there's a concern for the Redskins, it's on special teams. It's time for them to admit they made a mistake in drafting punter Durant Brooks, who isn't getting the job done.
  
• 3. Cowboys (4-1) | Prev.: 3
  That whole Terrell Owens crying on the sideline thing was strange, but I'll stick with what I wrote last week: Owens is going to be a distraction, but when the playoffs start and Owens is the best player on the field, everyone will remember why he's worth the distractions.
  
• 4. Titans (5-0) | Prev.: 4
  Things sure are bizarre with the Titans' quarterbacks. Kerry Collins, who was once believed to be washed up, is looking good. Vince Young, who was once believed to be a star of the future, is looking like a mess. And coach Jeff Fisher is pulling some roster shenanigans with the third-stringer, Chris Simms. When was the last time a team this good had a quarterback situation this unsettled?
  
• 5. Steelers (4-1) | Prev.: 7
  Steelers kicker Jeff Reed needs the bye week to rest his strained calf. And to get his hair done.
  
  
• 6. Ravens (2-2) | Prev.: 9
  How do you figure this team? Their two wins are against maybe the two worst teams in the AFC; their two losses are against maybe the two best teams in the AFC. I would say we'll find out what kind of team they are on Sunday in Indianapolis -- except that we're still trying to figure out what kind of team the Colts are, too.
  
• 7. Broncos (4-1) | Prev.: 11
  I questioned whether the defense was good enough to win a game on a day when the offense wasn't putting many points on the board, and with a win over the Bucs on Sunday the Broncos' defense answered that question. .
  
• 8. Panthers (4-1) | Prev.: 14
  They have to feel good about being all alone in first place in the NFC South. They'd feel a lot better if Steve Smith were playing better, though.
  
• 9. Eagles (2-3) | Prev.: 10
  Brian Westbrook has broken ribs, Donovan McNabb is "embarrassed," and overall things aren't looking so good in Philly. I still think they're a good team, and the Football Outsiders ratings think they're a very good team, but it's going to be awfully tough to make the playoffs in the NFC East.
  
• 10. Buccaneers (3-2) | Prev.: 6
  It looks like Jeff Garcia is back in the starting lineup, and that should be good news for Tampa Bay fans. Jon Gruden falls in love with a new quarterback every season, and this season it was Brian Griese, but Garcia is the best quarterback on this team.
  
• 11. Bears (3-2) | Prev.: 15
  The Bears are probably just a bit premature when they talk about going to the Super Bowl, but they're undoubtedly the favorites in a weak NFC North. .
  
• 12. Bills (4-1) | Prev.: 5
  I know, Bills fans, you think a 4-1 team deserves to be higher. But I think an average team can go 4-1 against the Bills' weak schedule.
  
• 13. Chargers (2-3) | Prev.: 8
  LaDainian Tomlinson had another sub-par outing on Sunday. Even Tomlinson's bad seasons are good -- he's on pace for more than 1,000 yards -- but Tomlinson definitely looks like he's playing at less than 100 percent.
  
• 14. Packers (2-3) | Prev.: 12
  Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is playing through pain in his shoulder, and he deserves to be commended for that. But the Packers' offense is nowhere near as good as it was a year ago.
  
• 15. Patriots (3-1) | Prev.: 19
  Tom Brady's knee surgery went well, but with the way the Patriots played against the 49ers -- and the way the rest of the AFC contenders are looking -- New England fans are thinking about more than just whether Brady will be healthy in 2009. This could be a playoff team after all.
  
• 16. Saints (2-3) | Prev.: 13
  Now that's how you use Reggie Bush: Let him run free against a team that punts the ball right to him with plenty of room to build up a full head of steam before he reaches the first wave of coverage. Too bad the Saints wasted such a great special teams game from Bush and found a way to lose anyway.
  
• 17. Jaguars (2-3) | Prev.: 16
  The only thing worse than the fact that the Jaguars always have so much trouble filling their stadium is the fact that a large portion of the fans who do show up are getting hammered and injuring other patrons.
  
• 18. Colts (2-2) | Prev.: 17
  You know what Marvin Harrison's problem is? (I mean, other than the fact that he's getting sued over an off-season shooting.) It's that he's just not a very good football player anymore. It's not his fault; we all slow down in our 30s, and Harrison has a bad knee. It's just too bad for Peyton Manning and the rest of the Colts that he's still out there, dragging the whole team down. Colts coach Tony Dungy needs to bite the bullet and put Harrison on the bench.
  
• 19. Vikings (2-3) | Prev.: 18
  Vikings coach Brad Childress celebrated that unlikely Monday Night win over the Saints by throwing his punter under the bus. I'm sure that inspires loyalty in the locker room.
  
• 20. Jets (2-2) | Prev.: 20
  It's amazing how Brett Favre can basically do anything and the reaction is just, 'Oh, that's just Brett Favre being Brett Favre." I mean, really: Putting a dead animal in a teammate's locker? Can you imagine if T.O. pulled that kind of joke?
  
• 21. Dolphins (2-2) | Prev.: 21
  The Miami Herald had an article this week about how front office boss Bill Parcells wouldn't allow success to go to the Dolphins' heads. There's a problem they didn't have to worry about last year.
  
• 22. Cardinals (3-2) | Prev.: 22
  The Cardinals are all alone in first place in the NFC West. The Eagles must really wish they were in the NFC West right about now.
  
• 23. Falcons (3-2) | Prev.: 26
  Matt Ryan is a good-looking rookie quarterback and Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood are both good running backs, but there's no player on this team who has meant as much as defensive end John Abraham.
  
• 24. 49ers (2-3) | Prev.: 23
  J.T. O'Sullivan looked pretty good early in the season, but Patriots coach Bill Belichick devised a game plan that made him look like, well, J.T. O'Sullivan.
  
• 25. Raiders (1-3) | Prev.: 25
  So what kind of head coach will Tom Cable be when he coaches his first game Sunday against the Saints? I think we're going to see JaMarcus Russell throw long early and often. I know that's what Al Davis wants to see.
• 26. Browns (1-3) | Prev.: 27
  This team stinks, but one guy is playing very well: Nose tackle Shaun Rogers, whom Browns GM Phil Savage stole from then-Lions GM Matt Millen in an off-season trade. "Shaun has been what we had hoped for both on and off the field," Savage said. "He has played extremely well thus far and can play even better as he mixes in the system."
  
• 27. Seahawks (1-3) | Prev.: 24
  Losing to the Giants is nothing to be ashamed of. Not even looking competitive against the Giants is something to be ashamed of.
  
• 28. Bengals (0-5) | Prev.: 28
  I don't want to suggest that an NFL team give up on a season in early October or anything, but since the Bengals clearly aren't going anywhere this year, should they consider having Carson Palmer shut it down so that he doesn't make his injured throwing elbow worse?
  
• 29. Chiefs (1-4) | Prev.:29
  I wonder if the Chiefs wish they could have the Jared Allen trade back, considering that 16 individual players have more sacks than the Chiefs have as a team.
  
• 30. Texans (0-4) | Prev.: 30
  It was a great day to go out to Reliant Stadium and take in a Texans game -- at least, it was until Sage Rosenfels decided to do his best Edwin Moses impression.
  
• 31. Lions (0-4) | Prev.: 31
  Getting rid of Matt Millen is not enough. They must also get rid of about 90 percent of the players and coaches Millen brought in. And a rebuilding project like that takes time. So no, Lions fans, Matt Millen is not done ruining your team yet.
  
  
• 32. Rams (0-4) | Prev.: 32
  Here's something to keep an eye on for the rest of the season: The Lions and Rams have both given up 147 points in four games, meaning they're on pace to give up 588 points this season. The NFL record for futility is 533 points allowed, by the 1983 Baltimore Colts. Can either the Lions or Rams break that record?
  

NFL Power Rankings: Giants, Redskins, Cowboys, Titans Stay on Top originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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