With a another very interesting week of NFL Football in the books, the Power Rankings have decided to be like Elvis for Halloween this week….they’re “All Shook Up”.
O.K., that was terrible, but on a more serious note, it was a very interesting week with a lot of changes in the rankings. Take a look and comment; tell me what YOU think!
[Editor's note: I'll tell you what I think right now. How in the hell can you drop the Saints below the Colts after NO showed the heart of a champion on the road this past Sunday? Oh wait, that's right...I forgot that you live in Indianapolis. Never mind. Makes perfect sense. "All shook up" indeed...]
1. Indianapolis Colts (Last 2 [+1])
O.K., so we all expected the Colts to wax the Rams. No big surprise at all.
But, this Colts defense has seemed to continue to pick up speed, and the young guys that this team has, especially in the secondary, are beginning to make veteran plays, like Lacey’s interception return for a touchdown, which is something that Colts fans haven’t seen very often recently
The only negative to this game was that Peyton Manning’s streak of 300+ yard games was stopped at five. He only had 248 yards of passing and 3 TDs. Only.
2. New Orleans Saints (Last 1 [-1])
At the half of their bout with Miami, I’m pretty sure everyone in the Bayou must have been drowning their sorrows in a nice dark beer.
After being down 24-3, the Saints took control of the game and ended up with a commanding 46-34 victory over the Dolphins.
Drew Brees said after the game that he never once lost confidence that the Saints would be victorious. Now those are some very strong words.
The Saints still drop a spot in my Power Rankings due to the fact that they did struggle in the first half against Miami, but don’t be surprised if they find their way back to the top. Next week is a big game against division rival Atlanta.
3. Denver Broncos (Last 3 [No Change])
With Denver on bye, and one of the four remaining undefeated teams falling from perfection (see Minnesota Vikings), I feel it’s only fair that Denver maintains their position in the Power Rankings this week.
Next up: the spiraling Baltimore Ravens
4. New England Patriots (Last 5 [+1])
So the Pats have beaten up on bad teams. That doesn’t necessarily mean they are a top 5 team right?
Wrong.
This team is picking up steam and now at 5-2 they are solely atop the AFC East.
Anyone else anticipating a knock down drag out fight in Indianapolis on November 15th? Mark it on your calendar.
5. Minnesota Vikings (Last 4 [-1])
So the Vikes are the first of the final four undefeated teams to fall from grace, but there is nothing for them to hang their head about. My only question for Brad Childress is why on 1st and goal on the half yard line would you only give the league’s best runner one shot?
Don’t blame Brett Favre for this loss. The fumble was blind, and his interception was more Chester Taylor’s fault than Favre’s. This is still a very dangerous team, but next week’s game in Green Bay – Favre’s first game in GB since his exit - just got a lot more interesting.
6. Cincinnati Bengals (Last 14 [+8])
This team keeps surprising me and impressing me the further we get along in the season. They’ve already beaten the Steelers and now have on their resume a complete dismantling of Jay Cutler and the Bears, 45-10.
Cedric Benson is playing like the Bears thought he would when they picked him 4th over all. The only problem? He’s a Bengal now.
We talk about the weapons in Indy and New Orleans, but what about the Bengals? Carson Palmer. Chad Ochocinco. Laverneus Coles. Chris Henry. Cedrick Benson.
Take your pick on who to stop. They’ll just burn you elsewhere.
A bye this week for the Bengals, then a big divisional game against the Ravens in week 9.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers (Last 9 [+2])
I haven’t figured out how much I buy into the Steelers this year, but every time I start to close the book on them, they come out and just do something really special.
Two defensive touchdowns in the closing minutes of the 4th quarter against Brett Favre and the undefeated Vikings sealed this game for the Steel City. Big Ben continues to be a very solid QB, and now the Steelers find themselves with their star back on D, and in a virtual tie with Cincy for the AFC North.
Get some rest boys, you’re heading to Denver after your bye.
8. New York Giants (Last 7 [-1])
This team is really starting to become a big disappointment.
A couple weeks ago, Jerod and I had a conversation about who the Giants had played, and aside from the Cowboys (and who the hell knows if they are for real or not), the G-Men had played no one. Now they have suffered consecutive losses against the Saints and Cardinals.
Eli looks a little lost out there and coach Tom Coughlin had better fix this team. Fast.
9. Green Bay Packers (Last 8 [-1])
What a big weekend for Aaron Rodgers and the Pack.
A huge 31-3 win over the mundane Browns (sorry Jerod) [Editor's note: go to hell Myles, the tailgating was awesome!], coupled with a Minnesota loss to the Steelers and the Pack are just one game back of the division leading Vikings.
Oh yeah. The evil Brett Favre and his aforementioned Vikes come to town this week, and the Pack have the chance to get revenge for their loss earlier in the season. It would also moveGreen Bay into a tie for the NFC North with Minnesota.
This is a much watch game. There will be blood.
10. Arizona Cardinals (Last 15 [+5])
After their loss to the Colts, I, as well as just about every NFL expert out there, had written the Cards off.
Then they spanked Seattle and beat the Giants.
Now Arizona sits at the top of the NFC West, and as long as they continue to play well they will most likely win their division with San Fran starting to fall apart.
11. Atlanta Falcons (Last 6 [-5])
I’m not sure what’s going on in the ATL right now, but I would love to know who the real Falcons are.
Two weeks ago they blew out the 49ers in San Fran, then they struggled to close the book on the Bears.
Now, after a 37-21 loss to America’s Team (The Cowboys) the Falcons find themselves at 4-2, two games behind the undefeated Saints.
12. New York Jets (Last 11 [-1])
Want to hear irony?
After a couple of really bad weeks for Mark Sanchez and the Jets, seemingly the biggest story of the Jet 38-0 trouncing of the Joke-land Raiders (you like that?) is Mark Sanchez sneaking a hot dog between his legs.
At least he likes mustard on his hot dog.
Other than that, the Jets disposed of a team they were supposed to beat. I’m still concerned about Sanchez’s “rookie-dom.” [Editor's note: Or, to continue to lame jokes, shouldn't it be "rookie-dumb?"]
13. Philadelphia Eagles (Last Not Ranked)
The Eagles continue to bounce in and out of my weekly top 15.
There is a superstar in the making in Philly.
DeSean Jackson does it all. Reverses for 60 yard touchdowns, catches for 60 yard touchdowns, kick returns.
Here’s an interesting stat: of Jackson’s four touchdowns this season, none have been for any less than 57 yards.
14. Dallas Cowboys (Last Not Ranked)
Contender or Pretender? I’m still trying to figure this one out.
Tony Romo is about as consistent as a one legged man in an ass kicking contest. However, Miles Austin has given this offense new life. His big play ability give a new dimension to the otherwise dull Cowboy offense.
Maybe all Romo needed was a big play receiver NOT named Terrell Owens.
15. Houston Texans (Last Not Ranked)
I’m sure I’m going to catch hell again for putting the Texans back in my top 15, but it’s my top 15 and I’ll do what I want. Mess with me and I’ll put the Raiders up here.
[Editor's note: do that and you can find another website to post your Power Rankings on. If a shitty, undeserving team is going to inexplicably crack the top 15 it's going to be the Browns...or I'm taking your log-in password and going home.]
In all seriousness, the Texans are 4-3 and although they are somewhat inconsistent in their play, they keep winning ball games.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Matt Shaub may perhaps be the most underrated QB in the NFL right now. Remember the last QB that I considered to be underrated? His name was Drew Brees.
Any Questions?
This Week’s Biggest Winner
Cincinnati Bengals +8
This Week’s Biggest Loser
Jim Zorn and the entire Redskin Management Team. Need I say more?
Baltimore Ravens – This team has been falling apart at the seams, hopefully the bye week will treat them well.
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* – Peyton Manning photo credit: The Squeaky Pickle
