This week, we have our first ever tie in the Power Rankings. I had a real tough decision choosing who would be first and who would be second so there is a tie for first place.
T-1. New York Giants (Last 6 [+5])
Ok, so Archie Manning must be sitting at home smiling at both of his boys who will tie for 1st in Big MB’s Power Rankings for Week 5.
Obviously, the Giants don’t miss Plaxico Burress one bit. The G-men’s destruction of Kansas City only showcased Manning and his receivers. Smith and Manningham continue to impress and Brandon Jacobs is the beast of the NFC East. Next week is a HUGE NFC power game as the Saints come to town.
[Editor's Note: it's Big MB writing this column...any guess who the other 4-0 team is that he has tied for first? It shouldn't take more than one...]
T-1. Indianapolis Colts (Last 3 [+2])
Can Peyton get any better?
Manning has had 4 straight games of 300+ yards for the first time in his career. Joseph Addai and Donald Brown are starting to look like an unstoppable backfield tandem, both rushing for a touchdown a piece in Indy’s dismantling of Seattle. And worst of all for other teams in the NFL, this defense under Larry Coyer is looking like somewhat of an immovable object.
Until the slop minutes of the matchup with Seattle when Indy had their 3rd string in, the Colts held Seattle to only 3 points, after holding an explosive Arizona offense to only 10. Next Week presents an interesting match up against 0-4 Tennessee.
3. New Orleans Saints (Last 2 [-1])
For the second straight week, Drew Brees didn’t throw one touchdown, but the Saints continue to roll as they took down the heavily favored Jets of New York. The defense had two touchdowns, and Pierre Thomas put one in on the ground. This team seams to be able to win games just about any way they want. Next week is a huge match up as they travel to New York to battle it out with the also undefeated Giants.
4. Minnesota Vikings (Last 5 [+1])
Brett Favre came out in a fury and never looked back in this game. The Vikings defense looked as good as ever putting Aaron Rodgers on his back very often, and more importantly have established that teams can no longer put 8 or 9 in the box against Peterson. Favre is really clicking with this team now, which is very scary for all of those in the NFC North.
5. Denver Broncos (Last 10 [+5])
O.K., I can admit when I am wrong. I was dead wrong. This Denver team may be more of a contender than I had previously thought. Although they looked stale early at home against Dallas, a late touchdown catch by Brandon Marshall, highlighted by a great run after the catch and horrible tackling by Dallas, then a redzone stand by the defense and Denver is now 4-0. Interesting.
6. New England Patriots (Last 12 [+6])
Don’t look now, but here come the Patriots. Another scary moment for Pat fans when Brady went to the locker room, but he came back to lead his team to a victory against a very tough Baltimore team. As much as I hate giving the Pats credit, they are playing better, and now have beaten two very tough teams, and are in a two-way tie in the AFC East with the Jets.
7. Baltimore Ravens (Last 1 [-6])
After a disappointing loss to New England, Baltimore takes a significant drop in my Power Rankings, but not necessarily because of their play, but more because of the play of the teams that moved ahead of them. Baltimore is still one of the best teams in the league, but now find themselves in a two-way tie for the lead in the AFC North with surprise Cinderella Cincinnati.
8. San Fransico 49ers (Last 13 [+5])
Along with Cincy, the 49ers seem to be putting together a Cinderella season after their 35-0 dismantling of St. Louis, who seems to be just awful. No Frank Gore? No problem. Shaun Hill seems to be making a name for himself as a legitimate QB in this league. Now, if only they could get this whole Crabtree thing under wraps, this team could possible be very dangerous.
9. Atlanta Falcons (Last 7 [-2])
Not much to report here, Atlanta was on a bye week after a tough loss to New England, so they take a little hit on their rankings, just due to inactivity, but at least they didn’t completely fall off like the Eagles.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (Last 11 [+1])
The Bengals still remain somewhat of an NFL Cinderella, now 3-1 and tied with the Ravens for first in the AFC North, perhaps football’s most brutal division. They did struggle against a weak Browns team, but a win is a win. Chad Ochocinco and Carson Palmer seem to have put aside their differences, Ochocinco had 2 TD’s in this game.
11. New York Jets (Last 4 [-7])
Remember last week when I told you that I was hesitant to put the Jets very high in my rankings, due to the fact that they were led by a rookie QB? Well, Sunday’s loss to the nothing-less-than-impressive Saints proved that Sanchez may not quite be ready to be the NFL MVP. Yes, he is an impressive rookie QB, but he will make mistakes, just as he did this week. Don’t sell your stock of this team just yet though, they are definitely still a contender.
12. Chicago Bears (Last 8 [-4])
It looked a little scary for the Bears early against the hungry Lions (cheesy I know), but the second half proved to be all Chicago as Jay Cutler and Company put it to Detroit and came away victorious to establish a 3-1 record. Matt Forte seems to be waking up as well, and this defense is playing quite well without its emotional and physical leader, Brian Unlacher.
13. Houston Texans (Last Not Ranked)
Those who know me know that I am very high on the Houston Texans this year. I predicted them to make the playoffs, and even possibly challenge the vaunted Colts for the AFC South Title. I’m not quite sure they will challenge the Colts with the way that Indy is playing, but Matt Schaub is a very, very good QB, and it doesn’t hurt to be throwing passes to a beast like Andre Johnson. Oh yeah, Steve Slaton decided to show up to the party too.
Keep your eyes on the Texans, it just may be their time to shine.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (Last 15 [+1])
The Steelers got off to a great start against the Chargers, but somehow almost tried to give the game away in the 4th quarter. They did hold on to win 38-28, but there may be concern in how they let the Chargers back in this one. The one positive the Steel City fans can take from this is Rashard Mendenhall. Pittsburgh finally found a run game with Mendenhall having over 160 yards and 2 TD’s.
15. Green Bay Packers (Last 9 [-6])
This week, the Pack made the top 15 because there really weren’t too many other choices I liked better. Minnesota exposed this poor offensive line again. If Green Bay wants to have a franchise quarterback, they had better work to protect him better. The Pack has a lot of work to do, and they will be climbing an uphill battle with Minnesota and Chicago looking so good in this division.
This Week’s Biggest Winner
New England Patriots (+6) – Just when you thought they were done….don’t look now here comes the Pats.
This Week’s Biggest Loser
New York Jets (-7) – I warned Jets fans to be aware of the Rookie. He is a good player, but he is a rookie. But don’t worry Jet fans, you still have a great team, and a good chance at the playoffs.
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