Another interesting week of NFL football and it’s time to see how the top 15 teams in the NFL stack up.
It should come as no surprise that last week’s top two stayed in the same spots this weekend.
(Hint: both teams have Archie Manning’s sons calling the signals!)
After the jump, check out my current top 15 and then chime in with your comments/disagreements in the comment section.
T-1. New York Giants (Last 1 [No Change])
Yet another blow-out win for the Giants, this time against a California Highschool team, the Oakland Raiders. Eli Manning is looking like he may challenge his older brother for MVP, and Ahmad Bradshaw had a coming out party with nearly 100 yards and 2 TDs. This WR corps looks pretty fast, and they all make great catches. Big matchup heading to New Orleans next week.
T-1. Indianapolis Colts (Last 1 [No Change])
Normally I would focus on how awesome Peyton Manning has been playing, and after his fifth straight 300+ yard game, Manning looks like he may just get that record-setting 4th MVP.
But I want to talk about the defense. For a defense that supposedly can’t stop the run and was missing four starters at that, they held Chris Johnson, the league’s current leader in rushing yards, to only 34 yards, while holding the entire Tennessee offense to only 9 points.
Austin Collie had a huge outing as yet another target for Manning, and one must ask themselves as the Colts move into the bye, what will happen when Gonzalez returns to the lineup?
3. New Orleans Saints (Last 3 [No Change])
Not much to report after a bye week, but there is a HUGE match-up and possible NFC championship game preview coming to town as Eli Manning comes into New Orleans. Drew Brees is the third cog in what seems to be a three-way race for MVP, and there is no doubt that the winner of this week’s game will find themselves in sole possession of first place in my power rankings with the Colts on bye.
4. Minnesota Vikings (Last 4 [No Change])
Somewhere John Madden is still endlessly repeating the words “Brett Favre”.
In his first game after turning 40, Favre once again proved he has still got it as he improved his team to 5-0.
The defense is forcing turnovers, the offense is scoring, and this team is clicking on all cylinders.
5. Denver Broncos (Last 5 [No Change])
Last week I got a lot of hell for putting Denver at #5. Well maybe now you guys will listen to me. After Denver’s fourth quarter drive to tie the game, Denver kicked a field goal in overtime to beat New England and propel themselves to 5-0.
Brandon Marshall has really started to open up his game and show the NFL what he is truly capable of producing. Denver is the real deal, get over it.
By the way, Denver, please…..PLEASE….don’t EVER wear those jerseys again.
6. Atlanta Falcons (Last 9 [+3])
Atlanta came off of their bye week and completely THROTTLED NFC hopeful San Fransico with a 45-10 victory.
Matt Ryan continues to impress, and for the first time this season, Michael Turner has finally started to produce for this team. Atlanta may just give the Saints a run for their money in the NFC South.
7. Cincinnati Bengals (Last 10 [+3])
Who would have believed that five weeks into the season, the Bengals would have a one game lead on both Baltimore and Pittsburgh in the AFC North? Or that Cincy would drive late in the 4th quarter and score a touchdown to shock the Baltimore Ravens with a 17-15 victory?
Carson Palmer is healthy, and that is scary.
8. Philadelphia Eagles (Last Not Ranked)
Donovan McNabb is back. Boy is he ever back.
McNabb was 16/21 for 264 yards and three touchdowns on Sunday in a 33-14 dismantling of Tampa Bay.
If any one was questioning whether or not there would be a QB controversy in Philly, McNabb definitely answered your question this weekend with a resounding “NO!”
9. New York Jets (Last 11 [-2])
Although the loss to Miami was disappointing, it was a great game, and more specifically, a great 4th quarter.
The good news for New York is that Sanchez had a great game after his debacle against the Saints.
Even more good news?
Braylon Edwards was amazing. He had at least two amazing catches to go along with his 5 catches for 64 yards and one touchdown.
I say this again Jets fans. Keep hope alive you are still tied for the lead in the AFC East.
10. New England Patriots (Last 6 [-4])
New England was shocked this past weekend by the Denver Broncos in a 17-14 overtime loss, after a Matt Prater kick.
Randy Moss has become a non-issue as Moss’ biggest reception of the day was an interception in the closing minutes of the first half. If NE wants to get back to where they were, they must once again establish the run with Morris and Maroney, but most of all they must establish the deep threat once again of Randy Moss.
11. Baltimore Ravens (Last 7 [-4])
Two big losses in a row drop the Ravens from first in my Power Rankings to not even in the top ten.
After a loss to the “Bungles” (The Cincinnati Bengals), the Ravens now drop to 3-2 in a two-way tie for second place in the AFC North.
Not sure what is going on with these guys, but they need to figure it out before they find themselves watching the playoffs from home.
The Ravens must re-establish their run game and get this defense back up to the level they are used to play on.
12. San Francisco 49ers (Last 8 [-4])
Finally, a gut check for the NFC’s Cinderella team. San Francisco was dominated at home by Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons.
ATL routed the upstart 49ers 45-10 in San Fransisco.
Although this is a tough loss San Fran still has a great team. Gore will be returning soon, and let us not forget, they are in a weak division with Seattle, Arizona, and St. Louis.
13. Chicago Bears (Last 12 [-1])
The Bears are on bye this week, but Minnesota won again improving their mark to 5-0. The Bears must stay on their game if they want to remain in contention for the NFC Playoffs.
14. Green Bay Packers (Last 15 [+1])
Much the same as Chicago, the Packers spent the weekend at home watching the games on NFL Sunday Ticket. Minnesota is 5-0 now, Better step it up!
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (Last 14 [-1])
I think the Steelers are here again this week, mainly by default. How do you almost throw away a game vs. Detroit???
There are some definite holes in Pittsburgh’s game, and I can only assume they are looking forward with baited breath for the return of their leader, Troy Polamalu.
This Week’s Biggest Winner
Philadelphia Eagles
This Week’s Biggest Loser
New England Patriots/Baltimore Ravens/San Fransisco 49ers
