Saints, Patriots, Packers Rise in Week 7 NFL Power Rankings
For the first week in a long time, there is not a Manning in first place.
There is however, a certain quarterback who beat a Manning last week in first place, and then another Manning nipping at his heels in second place.
Yes, the Saints have come marching in during the first part of the 2009 season…and they look fantastic. How could you put anyone else at #1 after their impressive win over New York on Sunday?
There were a lot of upsets this week, and the rankings changed considerably. Hope you all enjoy!
1. New Orleans Saints (Last 3 [+2])
After New Orleans’ complete dismantling of the Giants’ defense, they take a huge step to #1 in the Power Rankings.
Drew Brees reminded us why he is a legitimate MVP candidate with a very impressive 369 yards and four touchdowns.
The Saints’ defense looked stout again against Eli Manning, and the running game continues to be very impressive behind the trio of Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush, and Mike Bell.
2. Indianapolis Colts (Last 1 [-1])
The Colts were on bye this week and fell to second in the ranking due only to New Orleans’ impressive game against the Giants. This week the Colts face the St. Louis Rams, as Manning will go for his third consecutive 300+ yard game.
3. Denver Broncos (Last 5 [+2])
Do you believe yet?
After a battle with division rival San Diego, the Broncos improved to 6-0 with a 34-23 victory.
Eddie Royal stole the spotlight with two returns for touchdowns, one on a kickoff and one on a punt return, and not to be undone, Darren Sproles also had one punt return for a touchdown.
The Broncos are for real, and perhaps may be emerging as an AFC favorite along with the Colts and Pats.
4. Minnesota Vikings (Last 4 [No Change])
Minnesota came out swinging early against the Ravens, but nearly gave the game away while allowing the Ravens 21 fourth quarter points. They won only because of a missed field goal in the closing seconds of the game.
However, Minnesota is 4th in my rankings because they are 6-0, and they did put up 33 points against what has been a strong Ravens defense.
Anyone still doubt Favre’s ability and think he is too old for this game?
5. New England Patriots (Last 10 [+5])
Wow.
Bill Belichick must have just been sick of hearing about how Tom Brady isn’t Tom Brady any more.
Brady had nearly 400 yards and 6 touchdowns, and Randy Moss finally decided to show up with 120 yards and 3 TDs as the Pats’ simply embarrassed the now 0-6 Tennessee Titans in the snow.
Think he’s telling Peyton: “Anything you can do I can do better?”
6. Atlanta Falcons (Last 6 [No Change])
The Falcons struggled to put the Bears away in this week’s Sunday Night Football game, but emerged victorious as Chicago failed to convert a red zone fourth down play late in the 4th quarter.
Matt Ryan looked average with only 185 yards 2 TDs and 2 interceptions, but did looking impressive on his 50 yard TD completion to Roddy White.
It must really suck to be in a division with New Orleans.
7. New York Giants (Last 1 [-6])
Now that the Giants have actually played a competitive team, perhaps they aren’t the juggernaut we thought they were.
The Saints seemingly exposed a lot of problems in their offense and defense.
They play another tough team next week on Sunday night in Arizona, who since their loss to the Colts have been playing very well.
A question to Eli: Can you do as well as big brother did?
8. Green Bay Packers (Last 14 [+6])
Green Bay beat a team that they should have beaten.
That being said, with a 26-0 shutout the Pack made a statement to the NFC North that Aaron Rodgers andGreen Bay are for real.
I look for the Pack to give Minnesota hell in the upcoming weeks, and the race for the NFC North crown will be a close one.
I know I was down on Rodgers, but keep your eye on this kid, as he’s turning into something special.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (Last 15 [+6])
Will the real Steelers please stand up?
Pittsburgh is very happy to have their wavy haired freak of a strong safety back as a staple in their defense.
Perhaps the giant of the AFC north is starting to wake up. That can’t be good news for Cincy.
10. Baltimore Ravens (Last 11 [+1])
The Ravens have lost yet again and now find themselves spiraling downward as Cincinnati and Pittsburgh continue to have success.
John Harbaugh had better figure out what is wrong with his team on both sides of the ball. Joe Flacco is still very impressive in his second year, but now the Ravens have lost three in a row after starting 3-0 and find themselves almost in must-win situations.
Their 21 4th quarter points were impressive, but in the end, a missed field goal sealed their fate.
11. New York Jets (Last 9 [-2])
Speaking of spiraling downward, rookie Mark Sanchez has proved what I said a few weeks ago to be true.
Five interceptions. Five.
Again, I’m not telling you to sell your stock in this team, but after seeing New England’s decimation of Tennessee, the Jets must pull it together and start winning ball games again.
The bright side?
Thomas Jones seems to be running the ball well again, and if Rex Ryan can put the pieces back together, this is still a very tough team.
12. San Francisco 49ers (Last 12 [No Change])
The 49ers were on bye this week, and will pretty much remain in place. It will be interesting to see what happens when they come back off of their bye to play Houston following the 49ers’ own destruction at the hands of Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons last week.
13. Chicago Bears (Last 13 [No Change])
Chicago suffered a very disappointing loss to Atlanta on Sunday night, after several turnovers and failing to complete a 4th and 6 in the redzone in the waning seconds of the game.
That being said, Jay Cutler still looks great.
Although he threw two interceptions, he also had 300 yards and two touchdowns.
He has been on a mission since his debacle in week one, and is definitely silencing the mouths of his critics.
14. Cincinnati Bengals (Last 7 [-7])
A loss to Houston proved that perhaps Cincy still has a lot left to work on.
They are still in the running for the AFC North title, but Pittsburgh has Troy Polamalu back now, and seem to have the confidence they had been missing.
The Bengals must bounce back and not let this loss become a swing in momentum.
15. Arizona Cardinals (Last Not Ranked)
Since their loss to the Colts, the Cardinals have been on somewhat of a tear on both sides of the ball.
Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald seem to have shaken off whatever was ailing their passing game as they connected several times this past week.
San Fran may not want to look the other way on Arizona, seemingly the Cards are starting to roll.
This Week’s Biggest Winner
Green Bay Packers (+6), Pittsburgh Steelers (+6), Arizona Cardinals (Not Ranked)
This Week’s Biggest Loser
The Cincinnati Bengals (-7), Philadelphia Eagles (Last 8, this week not ranked)
**********
* – Drew Brees photo credit: Saints of New Orleans
Tags: NFL, nfl power rankings, nfl week 7
---------------
If you enjoyed this post, please consider sharing with your friends:
