Week 17 NFL Rankings

New England completes their perfect season, the Redskins win four straight to become the third team in NFL History to make the playoffs after a 5-7 start, and the Cleveland Browns end the season in the top 10 of my rankings, but of out the playoffs due to a little bad luck...

Here are this week’s rankings with last weeks rank in (). Record is only one consideration. I also take into account strength of schedule, strength of victory (or loss) and other intangibles…

1.(1) New England Patriots (16-0)
2.(2) Indianapolis Colts (13-3)
3.(3) Dallas Cowboys (13-3)
4.(5) San Diego Chargers (11-5)
5.(6) Green Bay Packers (13-3)
6.(4) Jacksonville Jaguars (11-5)
7.(7) Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
8.(9) Washington Redskins (9-7)
9.(10) New York Giants (10-6)
10.(8) Cleveland Browns (10-6)
--
11.(11) Tennessee Titans (10-6)
12.(12) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)
13.(13) Seattle Seahawks (10-6)
14.(14) Minnesota Vikings (8-8)
15.(16) Philadelphia Eagles (8-8)
16.(18) Houston Texans (8-8)
17.(19) Arizona Cardinals (8-8)
18.(20) Chicago Bears (7-9)
19.(15) Buffalo Bills (7-9)
20.(17) New Orleans Saints (7-9)
--
21.(21) Cincinnati Bengals (7-9)
22.(22) Carolina Panthers (7-9)
23.(23) Denver Broncos (7-9)
24.(24) Detroit Lions (7-9)
25.(25) San Francisco 49ers (5-11)
26.(26) St. Louis Rams (3-13)
27.(27) Kansas City Chiefs (4-12)
28.(28) Oakland Raiders (4-12)
29.(29) New York Jets (4-12)
30.(30) Atlanta Falcons (4-12)
--
31.(31) Baltimore Ravens (5-11)
32.(32) Miami Dolphins (1-15)
—–

Week 16 NFL Rankings

The New England Patriots "only" beat on the Miami Dolphins 28-7 last week (no, they didn't cover that 22 point spread)... as it marked the biggest battle in terms of disparity of records in NFL history. Next Saturday, the Patriots try to become the second team in NFL history to through a regular season undefeated as they take on the New York Giants. The Giants are already locked into the playoffs as the #1 Wild Card in the NFC and basically have nothing to play for.

The other NFC Wild card spot is still up for grabs, but the Washington Redskins took a HUGE step towards securing that spot with a 32-21 win over the Minnesota Vikings on the road on Sunday night. The win was their third straight and got them back into the top 10 of my rankings. The Redskins face a Dallas Cowboys team this Sunday who has nothing to play for as they have the #1 seed in the NFC all locked up.

Here are this week’s rankings with last weeks rank in (). Record is only one consideration. I also take into account strength of schedule, strength of victory (or loss) and other intangibles…

1.(1) New England Patriots (15-0)
2.(2) Indianapolis Colts (13-2)
3.(4) Dallas Cowboys (13-2)
4.(5) Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4)
5.(6) San Diego Chargers (10-5)
6.(3) Green Bay Packers (12-3)
7.(8) Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5)
8.(7) Cleveland Browns (9-6)
9.(13) Washington Redskins (8-7)
10.(9) New York Giants (10-5)
--
11.(10) Tennessee Titans (9-6)
12.(12) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-6)
13.(15) Seattle Seahawks (10-5)
14.(11) Minnesota Vikings (8-7)
15.(14) Buffalo Bills (7-8)
16.(18) Philadelphia Eagles (7-8)
17.(16) New Orleans Saints (7-8)
18.(17) Houston Texans (7-8)
19.(19) Arizona Cardinals (7-8)
20.(21) Chicago Bears (6-9)
--
21.(22) Cincinnati Bengals (6-9)
22.(20) Carolina Panthers (6-9)
23.(23) Denver Broncos (6-9)
24.(24) Detroit Lions (6-9)
25.(28) San Francisco 49ers (5-10)
26.(25) St. Louis Rams (3-12)
27.(27) Kansas City Chiefs (4-11)
28.(26) Oakland Raiders (4-11)
29.(29) New York Jets (3-12)
30.(30) Atlanta Falcons (3-12)
--
31.(31) Baltimore Ravens (4-11)
32.(32) Miami Dolphins (1-14)
—–

Week 15 NFL Rankings

I'm not sure which was bigger news this week... the Miami Dolphins finally winning a game or the Dallas Cowboys suddenly looking very mortal the past two weeks??? What has happened to T.O.??? He's suddenly disappeared on the Cowboys offense, with only five receptions for 58 yards the past two weeks combined. With their stumbles the past two weeks, the Cowboys slide a spot to #4 in the rankings.

Speaking of stumbling, how about the Seattle Seahawks? Yes, they are the NFC West division champs, but they haven't played like champs the entire year. A week one win over Tampa Bay, and eight wins against teams with losing records. Was it really that surprising that they would finally lose a game they should have easily won last weekend? No. They do have a 9-5 record, but in the NFC West (aka: "NFC Least") that really doesn't hold much weight. And yes, the teams in contention for the NFC Wild Card are chomping at the bit to be their first round opponent in the playoffs.

Here are this week’s rankings with last weeks rank in (). Record is only one consideration. I also take into account strength of schedule, strength of victory (or loss) and other intangibles…

1.(1) New England Patriots (14-0)
2.(2) Indianapolis Colts (12-2)
3.(4) Green Bay Packers (12-2)
4.(3) Dallas Cowboys (12-2)
5.(5) Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4)
6.(7) San Diego Chargers (9-5)
7.(9) Cleveland Browns (9-5)
8.(6) Pittsburgh Steelers (9-5)
9.(8) New York Giants (9-5)
10.(11) Tennessee Titans (8-6)
—–
11.(13) Minnesota Vikings (8-6)
12.(14) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6)
13.(15) Washington Redskins (7-7)
14.(10) Buffalo Bills (7-7)
15.(12) Seattle Seahawks (9-5)
16.(16) New Orleans Saints (7-7)
17.(17) Houston Texans (7-7)
18.(19) Philadelphia Eagles (6-8)
19.(18) Arizona Cardinals (6-8)
20.(24) Carolina Panthers (6-8)
--
21.(20) Chicago Bears (5-9)
22.(21) Cincinnati Bengals (5-9)
23.(22) Denver Broncos (6-8)
24.(23) Detroit Lions (6-8)
25.(26) St. Louis Rams (3-11)
26.(27) Oakland Raiders (4-10)
27.(28) Kansas City Chiefs (4-10)
28.(30) San Francisco 49ers (4-10)
29.(31) New York Jets (3-11)
30.(29) Atlanta Falcons (3-11)
--
31.(25) Baltimore Ravens (4-10)
32.(32) Miami Dolphins (1-13)
—–

Week 14 NFL Rankings

There were certainly a number of very exciting and surprisingly entertaining games this weekend. The Dallas Cowboys had to pull a rabbit out of their hats to get a late 28-27 victory over the Detroit Lions at the Silverdome. Tony Romo drove the Cowboys for the winning score, hitting Jason Witten on a 20 yard scoring pass with just 19 seconds to play. It was sweet redemption for Witten who had fumbled at the Detroit 1-yard line on the Cowboys' previous possession. Witten tied an NFL record for receptions by a Tight End with 15 in the game. The great Kellen Winslow established the mark for the San Diego Chargers in 1982.

Speaking of the Chargers, they also stole a game last weekend by turning a 17-3 fourth quarter deficit into a 23-17 overtime win against the Tennessee Titans. Philip Rivers hit all-pro Tight End Antonio Gates on a 2 yard scoring pass with just 9 seconds to play in regulation. In overtime, LaDainian Tomlinson finished off the comeback, scoring on a 16 yard run to the left corner of the end-zone.

Was that the Seattle Seahawks finally coming up with an impressive win? Indeed it was. They beat up on the Arizona Cardinals by a 42-21 score on Sunday as they intercepted Cardinals QB Kurt Warner five times while Matt Hasselback led the offense, tossing four touchdown passes and no interceptions. Good for a move almost into my top 10. Maybe next week they will finally land there.

Here are this week’s rankings with last weeks rank in (). Record is only one consideration. I also take into account strength of schedule, strength of victory (or loss) and other intangibles…

1.(1) New England Patriots (13-0)
2.(2) Indianapolis Colts (11-2)
3.(3) Dallas Cowboys (12-1)
4.(4) Green Bay Packers (11-2)
5.(5) Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4)
6.(6) Pittsburgh Steelers (9-4)
7.(7) San Diego Chargers (8-5)
8.(10) New York Giants (9-4)
9.(8) Cleveland Browns (8-5)
10.(12) Buffalo Bills (7-6)
—–
11.(11) Tennessee Titans (7-6)
12.(14) Seattle Seahawks (9-4)
13.(13) Minnesota Vikings (7-6)
14.(9) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-5)
15.(15) Washington Redskins (6-7)
16.(17) New Orleans Saints (6-7)
17.(19) Houston Texans (6-7)
18.(16) Arizona Cardinals (6-7)
19.(18) Philadelphia Eagles (5-8)
20.(20) Chicago Bears (5-8)
--
21.(24) Cincinnati Bengals (5-8)
22.(25) Denver Broncos (6-7)
23.(26) Detroit Lions (6-7)
24.(22) Carolina Panthers (5-8)
25.(21) Baltimore Ravens (4-9)
26.(27) St. Louis Rams (3-10)
27.(23) Oakland Raiders (4-9)
28.(28) Kansas City Chiefs (4-9)
29.(29) Atlanta Falcons (3-10)
30.(30) San Francisco 49ers (3-10)
--
31.(31) New York Jets (3-10)
32.(32) Miami Dolphins (0-13)
—–

Week 13 NFL Rankings

Three days later and people are STILL talking about the New England Patriots controversial 28-24 win over the Baltimore Ravens to keep their perfect 2007 season in tact. The Ravens players and staff have basically all but accused the officials of throwing the game. Referee Phil McKinnely has also been accused of taunting several of the Ravens players. The NFL is investigating the entire incident. Expect several Ravens players and the official involved to be fined and possibly suspended.

What has gotten into the Minnesota Vikings? After a stunning record-breaking second half performance by Adrian Peterson in a 35-17 win against the San Diego Chargers in week 9, the Vikes promptly got buried 34-0 by Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers the following week. Three straight victories over Oakland, the New York Giants and Detroit Lions have gotten the once 3-6 team squarely in the fight for the final NFC Wild Card playoff spot. Quarterback Tavaris Jackson has also been a steadying force. Coming to the season's final four weeks, this is the team that no one wants to play. Will they continue to play well and secure a playoff spot? Time will tell.

Speaking of those Lions, what did I tell you when they were 6-2? Yes, I said they'd have trouble finishing 8-8. Well, they've lost four straight now. A powder puff schedule and a little good fortune got them off to that mirage of a start... They face Dallas, San Diego and Green Bay (3 of the top 7 teams) along with Kansas City the season's final four weeks. Yes, they could wind up 6-10 very easily!

You want another team that is not as good as their record? Try the Seattle Seahawks. They are 8-4, but other than Tampa Bay in week 1, they haven't beaten a top-ranked team. #6 Pittsburgh blew them out 21-0 in week 5 and #8 ranked Cleveland beat them 33-30 in week 9. Four of their wins were by seven points or less, and their three blowout wins came versus #30 San Francisco and an injury-depleted St. Louis team. After they face #16 ranked Arizona this weekend, they don't face another team in the top 20... Yes, they could finish the season at 12-4, but trust me they aren't that good. Unless they really blow out some of these teams the final four weeks, they won't be in my top 10. As far as I'm concerned they are the Hawaii Warriors of pro football, without the undefeated season of course! A first round playoff loss awaits them (unless somehow they bumble things away starting with this weekend's game against Arizona).

Here are this week’s rankings with last weeks rank in (). Record is only one consideration. I also take into account strength of schedule, strength of victory (or loss) and other intangibles…

1.(1) New England Patriots (12-0)
2.(2) Indianapolis Colts (10-2)
3.(3) Dallas Cowboys (11-1)
4.(4) Green Bay Packers (10-2)
5.(5) Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4)
6.(6) Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3)
7.(9) San Diego Chargers (7-5)
8.(7) Cleveland Browns (7-5)
9.(8) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-4)
10.(10) New York Giants (8-4)
—–
11.(16) Tennessee Titans (7-5)
12.(17) Buffalo Bills (6-6)
13.(23) Minnesota Vikings (6-6)
14.(14) Seattle Seahawks (8-4)
15.(13) Washington Redskins (5-7)
16.(15) Arizona Cardinals (6-6)
17.(12) New Orleans Saints (5-7)
18.(11) Philadelphia Eagles (5-7)
19.(18) Houston Texans (5-7)
20.(19) Chicago Bears (5-7)
--
21.(25) Baltimore Ravens (4-8)
22.(26) Carolina Panthers (5-7)
23.(29) Oakland Raiders (4-8)
24.(23) Cincinnati Bengals (4-8)
25.(21) Denver Broncos (5-7)
26.(20) Detroit Lions (6-6)
27.(27) St. Louis Rams (3-9)
28.(24) Kansas City Chiefs (4-8)
29.(28) Atlanta Falcons (3-9)
30.(30) San Francisco 49ers (3-9)
--
31.(31) New York Jets (3-9)
32.(32) Miami Dolphins (0-12)
—–

Week 12 NFL Rankings

The New England Patriots came thisclose to losing this past week in spite of being 22 point favorites to the Philadelphia Eagles, while the Pittsburgh Steelers nearly lost in the muck at Heinz Field to a winless Miami Dolphins team. A miraculous comeback by the Chicago Bears, and HUGE lost oppotunites by both the St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals highlighted week 12's games... Lastly, "Ocho Cinco" was back doing his thing for the Cincinnati Bengals, scoring three TD's and even manning the TV camera after one of his scores. It's nice to see him having fun again! It would be good for the league if the officials let the players be a little more free to celebrate like they used to - the fans both at the game and watching the game on TV usually get a big kick out of the post TD antics as long as they're in good taste...

Here are this week’s rankings with last weeks rank in (). Record is only one consideration. I also take into account strength of schedule, strength of victory (or loss) and other intangibles…

1.(1) New England Patriots (11-0)
2.(2) Indianapolis Colts (9-2)
3.(3) Dallas Cowboys (10-1)
4.(4) Green Bay Packers (10-1)
5.(5) Jacksonville Jaguars (8-3)
6.(6) Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3)
7.(8) Cleveland Browns (7-4)
8.(9) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-4)
9.(11) San Diego Chargers (6-5)
10.(7) New York Giants (7-4)
—–
11.(15) Philadelphia Eagles (5-6)
12.(16) New Orleans Saints (5-6)
13.(12) Washington Redskins (5-6)
14.(13) Seattle Seahawks (7-4)
15.(14) Arizona Cardinals (5-6)
16.(10) Tennessee Titans (6-5)
17.(18) Buffalo Bills (5-6)
18.(17) Houston Texans (5-6)
19.(21) Chicago Bears (5-6)
20.(19) Detroit Lions (6-5)
--
21.(20) Denver Broncos (5-6)
22.(26) Cincinnati Bengals (4-7)
23.(25) Minnesota Vikings (5-6)
24.(23) Kansas City Chiefs (4-7)
25.(24) Baltimore Ravens (4-7)
26.(22) Carolina Panthers (4-7)
27.(27) St. Louis Rams (2-9)
28.(28) Atlanta Falcons (3-8)
29.(30) Oakland Raiders (3-8)
30.(31) San Francisco 49ers (3-8)
--
31.(29) New York Jets (2-9)
32.(32) Miami Dolphins (0-11)
—–

Week 11 NFL Rankings

Coming into last week, one of the NFL's hottest teams was the Buffalo Bills. Winners of four straight games, they had the unenviable task of a home date with the juggernaut known as the New England Patriots this past Sunday. In case you missed it, the Patriots scored a season-high 56 points in beating the Bills by 46 points!

The most bizarre finish to any game this season happened in Baltimore where the Ravens took on the Cleveland Browns. The Browns took a 27-14 lead into the fourth quarter before the Ravens rallied to tie the score and then take a 30-27 lead on a Matt Stover 47 yard field goal with just 26 seconds to play. The Browns returned the ensuing kickoff to their own 43. After two Derek Anderson completions, Phil Dawson had a chance to send the game into overtime with a 51 yard field goal. Dawson's kick had plenty of leg, but was hooking toward the left goalpost as it made it's way. The ball glanced off the inside of the left goalpost and then kicked down over the crossbar and through the uprights, striking the support bar and then bouncing back onto the field of play. At first, the officials incorrectly ruled that the kick was no good. But after conferencing and looking at some replays, the oficials corrected the call and the game went into overtime. The Ravens, who had come off the field and were celebrating an apparent victory, had to come back out of the locker room to play the extra period. The Browns won the toss and quickly drove the ball down to Baltimore 16 yard line. Dawson's 33 yard field goal 5 minutes and 50 seconds into the sudden death period split the uprights to give the Browns a thrilling 33-30 win.

The Washington Redskins suffered a tough 28-23 loss to the Dallas Cowboys this past weekend, making it their 8th game decided by eight points or less this year. In week five the Redskins beat up on the Detroit Lions by a 34-3 score. Three weeks later, the Patriots pounded the Redskins 52-7. In other words, the 5-5 Redskins could just as easily be a 9-1 team or a 1-9 team... Speaking of the Lions, they are predictably now facing reality. Who amongst you thought that 6-2 record of theirs was legit?? Losses to Arizona and the Giants have brought them back down to the pack... and they get to face Brett Favre and the red-hot Green Bay Packers tomorrow... expect the Lions to slip to 6-5 with tomorrow's game.

Here are this week’s rankings with last weeks rank in (). Record is only one consideration. I also take into account strength of schedule, strength of victory (or loss) and other intangibles…

1.(1) New England Patriots (10-0)
2.(2) Indianapolis Colts (8-2)
3.(3) Dallas Cowboys (9-1)
4.(4) Green Bay Packers (9-1)
5.(6) Jacksonville Jaguars (7-3)
6.(5) Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3)
7.(7) New York Giants (7-3)
8.(8) Cleveland Browns (6-4)
9.(11) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4)
10.(10) Tennessee Titans (6-4)
—–
11.(9) San Diego Chargers (5-5)
12.(13) Washington Redskins (5-5)
13.(15) Seattle Seahawks (6-4)
14.(16) Arizona Cardinals (5-5)
15.(17) Philadelphia Eagles (5-5)
16.(12) New Orleans Saints (4-6)
17.(18) Houston Texans (5-5)
18.(14) Buffalo Bills (5-5)
19.(19) Detroit Lions (6-4)
20.(22) Denver Broncos (5-5)
--
21.(20) Chicago Bears (4-6)
22.(21) Carolina Panthers (4-6)
23.(23) Kansas City Chiefs (4-6)
24.(24) Baltimore Ravens (4-6)
25.(27) Minnesota Vikings (4-6)
26.(26) Cincinnati Bengals (3-7)
27.(29) St. Louis Rams (2-8)
28.(25) Atlanta Falcons (3-7)
29.(30) New York Jets (2-8)
30.(28) Oakland Raiders (2-8)
—–
31.(31) San Francisco 49ers (2-8)
32.(32) Miami Dolphins (0-10)
—–

Week 10 NFL Rankings

I had a nightmare last night that Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts threw six interceptions in a game against the San Diego Chargers. Thankfully, that kind of thing could never happen to Peyton... I mean after all, he had only thrown five interceptions in his previous 12 regular season games. Maybe I could see his brother Eli on the New York Giants throwing six pics, but not Peyton. Not in a million years, right? Never ever... Hmmm... someone has just informed me that it really did happen!!! Yes, I'm still in shock about it two days later. Peyton Manning six interceptions in one game. It still doesn't compute! Perhaps even more amazing is that the Colts actually had a chance to win that game in spite of Manning's interceptions, only losing when the best clutch kicker in NFL history, Adam Vinatieri, missed a chip shot 29 yard field-goal in the closing seconds of the game. The Chargers managed a 23-21 "win" over the Colts, but I doubt any of them are celebrating.

One team doing a lot of celebrating this week are the St. Louis Rams as they managed a 37-29 win over the New Orleans Saints for their first win of 2007. The Miami Dolphins managed to lose their ninth straight game this past weekend and now are the only winless team in the NFL. They also manage to take over the #32 spot in my rankings.

Here are this week’s rankings with last weeks rank in (). Record is only one consideration. I also take into account strength of schedule, strength of victory (or loss) and other intangibles…

1.(1) New England Patriots (9-0)
2.(2) Indianapolis Colts (7-2)
3.(3) Dallas Cowboys (8-1)
4.(4) Green Bay Packers (8-1)
5.(5) Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2)
6.(8) Jacksonville Jaguars (6-3)
7.(6) New York Giants (6-3)
8.(9) Cleveland Browns (6-3)
9.(10) San Diego Chargers (5-4)
10.(7) Tennessee Titans (6-3)
—–
11.(13) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-4)
12.(11) New Orleans Saints (4-5)
13.(12) Washington Redskins (5-4)
14.(14) Buffalo Bills (5-4)
15.(17) Seattle Seahawks (5-4)
16.(20) Arizona Cardinals (4-5)
17.(22) Philadelphia Eagles (4-5)
18.(19) Houston Texans (4-5)
19.(15) Detroit Lions (6-3)
20.(24) Chicago Bears (4-5)
—–
21.(16) Carolina Panthers (4-5)
22.(25) Denver Broncos (4-5)
23.(21) Kansas City Chiefs (4-5)
24.(18) Baltimore Ravens (4-5)
25.(26) Atlanta Falcons (3-6)
26.(27) Cincinnati Bengals (3-6)
27.(23) Minnesota Vikings (3-6)
28.(28) Oakland Raiders (2-7)
29.(32) St. Louis Rams (1-8)
30.(30) New York Jets (1-8)
—–
31.(29) San Francisco 49ers (2-7)
32.(31) Miami Dolphins (0-9)
—–

Week 9 NFL Rankings

Of course, the marquee game last weekend was the Sunday afternoon matchup between the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots. The only good thing I have to say about that game is at least the Colts covered that 5 1/2 spread, losing only by four.

What else was notable about last weekend? Well, neither the St. Louis Rams or the Miami Dolphins lost! Then again, they didn't win either as both teams mercifully had a bye. As the battle for #32 rages on this weekend, the Rams (aka: "Lambs" - this is a vestige left over from their days here in L.A.) go to New Orleans to take on the red-hot New Orleans Saints, while the Dolphins host a hot and underrated 4-4 Buffalo Bills team. Who will finish the year with the NFL's worst record and the #1 overall draft pick? While there's been a lot of talk about the now 9-0 Patriots trying to become the second NFL team to have a perfect season - the 1972 Miami Dolphins are the only team to go undefeated in a season, people are now starting to talk about the current versions of the Rams and Dolphins equalling and/or surpassing the 0-14 record that the expansion Tampa Bay Buccanneers put up during the 1976 season. Feast or famine? What an interesting season this has been so far!

Here are this week’s rankings with last weeks rank in (). Record is only one consideration. I also take into account strength of schedule, strength of victory (or loss) and other intangibles…

1.(1) New England Patriots (9-0)
2.(2) Indianapolis Colts (7-1)
3.(3) Dallas Cowboys (7-1)
4.(4) Green Bay Packers (7-1)
5.(7) Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)
6.(8) New York Giants (6-2)
7.(9) Tennessee Titans (6-2)
8.(6) Jacksonville Jaguars (5-3)
9.(12) Cleveland Browns (5-3)
10.(5) San Diego Chargers (4-4)
—–
11.(13) New Orleans Saints (4-4)
12.(10) Washington Redskins (5-3)
13.(16) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-4)
14.(21) Buffalo Bills (4-4)
15.(18) Detroit Lions (6-2)
16.(11) Carolina Panthers (4-4)
17.(15) Seattle Seahawks (4-4)
18.(14) Baltimore Ravens (4-4)
19.(23) Houston Texans (4-5)
20.(17) Arizona Cardinals (3-5)
—–
21.(19) Kansas City Chiefs (4-4)
22.(20) Philadelphia Eagles (3-5)
23.(28) Minnesota Vikings (3-5)
24.(22) Chicago Bears (3-5)
25.(25) Denver Broncos (3-5)
26.(29) Atlanta Falcons (2-6)
27.(26) Cincinnati Bengals (2-6)
28.(24) Oakland Raiders (2-6)
29.(27) San Francisco 49ers (2-6)
30.(30) New York Jets (1-8)
—–
31.(31) Miami Dolphins (0-8)
32.(32) St. Louis Rams (0-8)
—–

Week 8 NFL Rankings

Well, the battle for #1 is all set... Colts and Patriots this Sunday 4:15 ET/1:15 PT... All I can say is GO COLTS! The Pats REALLY deserve a good ol' fashioned smackdown with the way they ran up the score against the Redskins last weekend.

Here are this week’s rankings with last weeks rank in (). Record is only one consideration. I also take into account strength of schedule, strength of victory (or loss) and other intangibles…

1.(1) New England Patriots (8-0)
2.(2) Indianapolis Colts (7-0)
3.(3) Dallas Cowboys (6-1)
4.(4) Green Bay Packers (6-1)
5.(5) San Diego Chargers (4-3)
6.(6) Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2)
7.(8) Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)
8.(9) New York Giants (6-2)
9.(10) Tennessee Titans (5-2)
10.(7) Washington Redskins (4-3)
—–
11.(11) Carolina Panthers (4-3)
12.(14) Cleveland Browns (4-3)
13.(20) New Orleans Saints (3-4)
14.(12) Baltimore Ravens (4-3)
15.(15) Seattle Seahawks (4-3)
16.(13) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4)
17.(16) Arizona Cardinals (3-4)
18.(23) Detroit Lions (5-2)
19.(19) Kansas City Chiefs (4-3)
20.(21) Philadelphia Eagles (3-4)
—–
21.(24) Buffalo Bills (3-4)
22.(17) Chicago Bears (3-5)
23.(18) Houston Texans (3-5)
24.(22) Oakland Raiders (2-5)
25.(26) Denver Broncos (3-4)
26.(25) Cincinnati Bengals (2-5)
27.(27) San Francisco 49ers (2-5)
28.(28) Minnesota Vikings (2-5)
29.(30) Atlanta Falcons (1-6)
30.(29) New York Jets (1-7)
—–
31.(31) Miami Dolphins (0-8)
32.(32) St. Louis Rams (0-8)
—–

Week 7 NFL Rankings

In case you missed it... the top two teams in the NFL are MILES ahead of the rest... New England put up only 48 points last Sunday against the Dolphins, while Indianapolis COMPLETELY destroyed a very good (and previously #5 ranked) Jacksonville team (in their own building no less) by a 29-7 score on Monday night... It's to the point where if you play the Patriots or Colts, you almost expect to lose by at least two touchdowns, even if you're a good team. The #7 ranked Redskins get the unenviable task of facing the Patriots in New England this Sunday, while the #11 Carolina Panthers take on Peyton and his boys at home...

As for the rest... the big loser of the week? Well, that would have to be the Pittsburgh Steelers, dropping four spots after losing to a much inferior Denver Bronco team in the mile high city... And how about Rob Bironas? Yes, he's the kicker that beat the Manning brothers in back-to-back weeks last year, including defeating Peyton & the Colts on a 60 yard field goal - the 4th longest kick in NFL History. Well, he worked his magic again this past Sunday, kicking an NFL record EIGHT field goals in Tennessee's thrilling 38-36 win over the Houston Oilers. The Oilers trailed at one point 32-7, but battled back to actually take a 36-35 lead with a minute to play... The Titans drove down the field and Bironas kicked a 29-yard field goal as time ran out to win the game. For his record-setting efforts, Bironas was named the AFC's Special Teams Player of the Week. His efforts also help the Titans sneak back into the Top 10 of my rankings this week.

Here are this week’s rankings with last weeks rank in (). Record is only one consideration. I also take into account strength of schedule, strength of victory (or loss) and other intangibles…

1.(1) New England Patriots (7-0)
2.(2) Indianapolis Colts (6-0)
3.(3) Dallas Cowboys (6-1)
4.(6) Green Bay Packers (5-1)
5.(7) San Diego Chargers (3-3)
6.(5) Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2)
7.(8) Washington Redskins (4-2)
8.(4) Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)
9.(10) New York Giants (5-2)
10.(12) Tennessee Titans (4-2)
—–
11.(13) Carolina Panthers (4-2)
12.(9) Baltimore Ravens (4-3)
13.(11) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3)
14.(14) Cleveland Browns (3-3)
15.(20) Seattle Seahawks (4-3)
16.(15) Arizona Cardinals (3-4)
17.(19) Chicago Bears (3-4)
18.(18) Houston Texans (3-4)
19.(21) Kansas City Chiefs (4-3)
20.(22) New Orleans Saints (2-4)
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21.(16) Philadelphia Eagles (2-4)
22.(17) Oakland Raiders (2-4)
23.(25) Detroit Lions (4-2)
24.(26) Buffalo Bills (2-4)
25.(29) Cincinnati Bengals (2-4)
26.(30) Denver Broncos (3-3)
27.(23) San Francisco 49ers (2-4)
28.(24) Minnesota Vikings (2-4)
29.(27) New York Jets (1-6)
30.(28) Atlanta Falcons (1-6)
—–
31.(31) Miami Dolphins (0-7)
32.(32) St. Louis Rams (0-7)
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Week 6 NFL Rankings

The game Sunday afternoon between the Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots was definitely the most anticipated one of the week. It's pretty rare for two undefeated teams to face each other so late in the season. As it was, the Patriots were heavily favored coming in and ended up winning by 21 points, 48-27. In reality though, the game was much closer than that as the Cowboys did hold a 24-21 lead with just five minutes to go in the third quarter. All in all, the game went pretty much as expected, except that the Cowboys probably hung in there a lot longer than predicted. Consequently, the Cowboys keep their previous #3 ranking.

One team that's been severely hurt the past two weeks would be the Arizona Cardinals. They've lost both their first string (Matt Leinart) and backup (Kurt Warner) quarterbacks the past two Sundays. Tim Rattay is their third-stringer and isn't anywhere close to Leinart's or Warner's level. The Cardinals looked so very promising two weeks ago and reached #8 in the rankings last weekend. I think their only hope now is to give the ball to running back Edgerrin James as much as possible until Warner gets healthy from the torn ligaments in his left (non-throwing) elbow. Who was most responsible for the Cardinals' loss this past Sunday to the Carolina Panthers? While Rattay should get a lot of the blame, perhaps 43 year-old Vinny Testaverde of the Panthers should get some much-deserved credit for leading his Panthers to victory. For some reason, I'm having flashbacks to that Monday night game several years ago where Vinny led the New York Jets from 23 points down in the 4th quarter to an improbable overtime victory.

With the Patriots win on Sunday, everyone now is anticipating the November 4th game which will pit them against the Indianapolis Colts. It's very possible both teams will go into that week undefeated. The Pats should have no problem with the 0-6 and #31 ranked Miami Dolphins next weekend, but the #8 Washington Redskins could give them a tough battle. The Colts have a very difficult game this Monday night against Maurice Jones-Drew and the rest of the surging and #5 ranked Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts then face another surging team in the aforementioned #13 ranked Carolina Panthers the following week.

Here are this week’s rankings with last weeks rank in (). Record is only one consideration. I also take into account strength of schedule, strength of victory (or loss) and other intangibles…

1.(1) New England Patriots (6-0)
2.(2) Indianapolis Colts (5-0)
3.(3) Dallas Cowboys (5-1)
4.(4) Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1)
5.(10) Jacksonville Jaguars (4-1)
6.(5) Green Bay Packers (5-1)
7.(11) San Diego Chargers (3-3)
8.(6) Washington Redskins (3-2)
9.(9) Baltimore Ravens (4-2)
10.(12) New York Giants (4-2)
—–
11.(16) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2)
12.(7) Tennessee Titans (3-2)
13.(19) Carolina Panthers (4-2)
14.(21) Cleveland Browns (3-3)
15.(8) Arizona Cardinals (3-3)
16.(17) Philadelphia Eagles (2-3)
17.(18) Oakland Raiders (2-3)
18.(14) Houston Texans (3-3)
19.(13) Chicago Bears (2-4)
20.(15) Seattle Seahawks (3-3)
—–
21.(22) Kansas City Chiefs (3-3)
22.(29) New Orleans Saints (1-4)
23.(20) San Francisco 49ers (2-3)
24.(26) Minnesota Vikings (2-3)
25.(23) Detroit Lions (3-2)
26.(25) Buffalo Bills (1-4)
27.(27) New York Jets (1-5)
28.(28) Atlanta Falcons (1-5)
29.(24) Cincinnati Bengals (1-4)
30.(30) Denver Broncos (2-3)
—–
31.(31) Miami Dolphins (0-6)
32.(32) St. Louis Rams (0-6)
—–

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Week 5 NFL Rankings

Certainly the most exciting game of week 5 was last night's thriller between the Dallas Cowboys and the Buffalo Bills. In case you missed it, the Cowboys scored nine points in the final 20 seconds of the game to take a 25-24 win and remain undefeated... Embarrasing losses by the Lions, Seahawks and Broncos on Sunday push them way down in the rankings. How did the Broncos win two games again???

Here are this week’s rankings with last weeks rank in (). Record is only one consideration. I also take into account strength of schedule, strength of victory (or loss) and other intangibles…

1.(1) New England Patriots (5-0)
2.(3) Indianapolis Colts (5-0)
3.(2) Dallas Cowboys (5-0)
4.(5) Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1)
5.(4) Green Bay Packers (4-1)
6.(8) Washington Redskins (3-1)
7.(6) Tennessee Titans (3-1)
8.(9) Arizona Cardinals (3-2)
9.(10) Baltimore Ravens (3-2)
10.(11) Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1)
—–
11.(16) San Diego Chargers (2-3)
12.(12) New York Giants (3-2)
13.(20) Chicago Bears (2-3)
14.(14) Houston Texans (3-2)
15.(7) Seattle Seahawks (3-2)
16.(13) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)
17.(15) Philadelphia Eagles (1-3)
18.(17) Oakland Raiders (2-2)
19.(24) Carolina Panthers (3-2)
20.(23) San Francisco 49ers (2-3)
—–
21.(19) Cleveland Browns (2-3)
22.(21) Kansas City Chiefs (2-3)
23.(18) Detroit Lions (3-2)
24.(22) Cincinnati Bengals (1-3)
25.(29) Buffalo Bills (1-4)
26.(28) Minnesota Vikings (1-3)
27.(30) New York Jets (1-4)
28.(27) Atlanta Falcons (1-4)
29.(25) New Orleans Saints (0-4)
30.(26) Denver Broncos (2-3)
—–
31.(31) Miami Dolphins (0-5)
32.(32) St. Louis Rams (0-5)
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Week 4 NFL Rankings

Week four of the NFL season certainly was an "upsetting" one, if you get my drift... five teams in last week's top 10 lost and another (the Titans) didn't play. The Patriots, Cowboys, Colts, and the surprising Brett Favre-led Green Bay Packers (and congrats to Brett for breaking Dan Marino's record of 420 TD passes) remain the only teams that to maintain an unblemished record...

The upset of the week had to be in Atlanta, where the last ranked Falcons stunned the #7 ranked Houston Texans by a 26-16 score. The abysmal St. Louis Rams take over the bottom slot this week after a 35-7 drubbing at the hands of Tony Romo and the Cowboys. Brady to Moss - that combo sure is impressive, isn't it??? It's going to take a lot for anyone to beat the Pats this year - they're easily the most balanced team at this point, and murmurs are starting to already be heard from the 1973 Miami Dolphins... Four 20+ point victories to begin the season? That's almost unheard of!

Without further ado, here are this week's rankings with last weeks rank in (). Record is only one consideration. I also take into account strength of schedule, strength of victory (or loss) and other intangibles…

1.(1) New England Patriots (4-0)
2.(2) Dallas Cowboys (4-0)
3.(3) Indianapolis Colts (4-0)
4.(6) Green Bay Packers (4-0)
5.(4) Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)
6.(10) Tennessee Titans (2-1)
7.(14) Seattle Seahawks (3-1)
8.(11) Washington Redskins (2-1)
9.(16) Arizona Cardinals (2-2)
10.(5) Baltimore Ravens (2-2)
—–
11.(13) Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1)
12.(18) New York Giants (2-2)
13.(20) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1)
14.(7) Houston Texans (2-2)
15.(12) Philadelphia Eagles (1-3)
16.(8) San Diego Chargers (1-3)
17.(25) Oakland Raiders (2-2)
18.(22) Detroit Lions (3-1)
19.(24) Cleveland Browns (2-2)
20.(9) Chicago Bears (1-3)
—–
21.(27) Kansas City Chiefs (2-2)
22.(15) Cincinnati Bengals (1-3)
23.(17) San Francisco 49ers (2-2)
24.(19) Carolina Panthers (2-2)
25.(23) New Orleans Saints (0-3)
26.(21) Denver Broncos (2-2)
27.(32) Atlanta Falcons (1-3)
28.(26) Minnesota Vikings (1-3)
29.(31) Buffalo Bills (1-3)
30.(28) New York Jets (1-3)
—–
31.(30) Miami Dolphins (0-4)
32.(29) St. Louis Rams (0-4)
—–

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Week 3 NFL Rankings

Another week of games is in the books and that means it's time to update the rankings... here's how I have the 32 teams ranked this week with last weeks rank in (). Record is only one consideration. I also take into account strength of schedule, strength of victory (or loss) and other intangibles…

1.(1) New England Patriots (3-0)
2.(2) Dallas Cowboys (3-0)
3.(3) Indianapolis Colts (3-0)
4.(4) Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0)
5.(7) Baltimore Ravens (2-1)
6.(10) Green Bay Packers (3-0)
7.(9) Houston Texans (2-1)
8.(5) San Diego Chargers (1-2)
9.(6) Chicago Bears (1-2)
10.(12) Tennessee Titans (2-1)
—–
11.(8) Washington Redskins (2-1)
12.(18) Philadelphia Eagles (1-2)
13.(11) Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1)
14.(16) Seattle Seahawks (2-1)
15.(13) Cincinnati Bengals (1-2)
16.(14) Arizona Cardinals (1-2)
17.(15) San Francisco 49ers (2-1)
18.(27) New York Giants (1-2)
19.(23) Carolina Panthers (2-1)
20.(24) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)
—–
21.(17) Denver Broncos (2-1)
22.(20) Detroit Lions (2-1)
23.(21) New Orleans Saints (0-3)
24.(19) Cleveland Browns (1-2)
25.(26) Oakland Raiders (1-2)
26.(22) Minnesota Vikings (1-2)
27.(31) Kansas City Chiefs (1-2)
28.(30) New York Jets (1-2)
29.(25) St. Louis Rams (0-3)
30.(29) Miami Dolphins (0-3)
—–
31.(28) Buffalo Bills (0-3)
32.(32) Atlanta Falcons (0-3)
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