Much like the marriage and reputation of Tiger Woods, who has apparently been trying to catch up to Wilt Chamberlain in the “Ticks on the Bedpost” category, some of the NFL’s elite teams have been on the decline.
Two teams, however, have continued to carry their torches and remain undisputed as #’s 1 and 2 in the not just our Power Rankings, but everybody’s NFL Power Rankings.
Until someone can defeat New Orleans or Indianapolis — and perhaps twice considering Minnesota’s loss last weekend — no one can supplant them in the top spots.
The only question is: who is #1?
1. New Orleans Saints (12-0)
2. Indianapolis Colts  (12-0)
The pursuit for perfection is in full force now for these two teams.
Indianapolis and New Orleans have both clinched their respective divisions now, and Indianapolis is only one win away from clinching home field in the AFC, while with Minnesota’s loss, the Saints find themselves only two games from clinching the NFC home field advantage.
These two teams are currently on very similar paths. They’ve won with blowouts, come from behind miracles, with potent offenses, strong defense, and, more than all the afore-mentioned reasons, they have played with never-say-die heart.
I know I will be criticized for this next statement due to my fandom for these two teams, but how great would it be for these two teams to make it to the Superbowl undefeated?
3. Minnesota Vikings (10-2)
OK, so Minny had a bad game. But they are still 10-2, and even with Green Bay’s win, still are sitting with a two game lead on the NFC North.
The biggest question I have about this team right now is Favre’s conditioning. Bare in mind, he did wane in the last few games of the 2008 season with the Jets. Don’t start throwing stones though, I am a Favre fan, and I hope that I am wrong.
One way or the other, it has been one hell of a ride for the Purple People Eaters.
4. Cincinnati Bengals (9-3)
Are the Bengals really this good? Good enough to have now a 3+ game lead on the former World Champs?
The answer is simple:Â Yes.
The Bengals now find themselves with a magic number of only two to clinch one of the toughest divisions in football, and have a great chance at a first round bye, and although unlikely, still have a shot at homefield in the AFC.
5. San Diego Chargers (9-3)
You all know I am a huge Manning and Brees fan. But there is a name that most definitely belongs in MVP talk: Philip Rivers.
And how special was it to watch LaDanian Tomlinson pass Jim Brown on the all-time rushing leaders list, along with scoring his 150th touchdown in only 136 games?
This team is special, and quietly has re-emerged as one of the top teams in the league. Don’t be surprised if they turn some heads in the playoffs, especially if the meet up with the Colts.
6. Arizona Cardinals (8-4)
Arizona just keeps surprising me. Yes, they are in a weak division, but they just downed one of the best teams in the NFL as if it were easy.
Kurt Warner is seemingly becoming ageless again, and perhaps the Cards boast the best receiver core in the NFL with Fitzgerald and Boldin (and friends).
Could we see a second Championship appearance from the Cardinals?
7. Green Bay Packers (8-4)
Despite a 3rd quarter surge from the Ravens, Aaron Rodgers and company made a big step in the direction of making the playoffs, and with Minnesota’s loss, they move one game closer to contending for the NFC North title.
However, the Pack must avoid the mental mistakes, penalties, and turnovers, or they may find themselves exiting the playoffs early.
8. Philadelphia Eagles (8-4)
Spoiler Alert: Controversial statement to follow:
Good for Michael Vick.
Look, I completely agree what he did was inexcusable, but he served his time, and we must all get past it. He is in the NFL, get over it. And finally, he gets a chance to display his talents — humbly, I might add — in front of his former fans, who proved that they just may not be as “former” as we all would like to think.
The Eagles may just win this division; they are tied with Dallas for the NFC East lead, and with Dallas’ December woes, it becomes even more of a possibility.
9. New England Patriots (7-5)
WTF????
What is going on in New England?
Can someone get me a record of Belichick’s 4th down conversions?
Another heart breaking one point loss to the Dolphins puts New England only one game better than those very Dolphins (and the Jets) in the AFC East, and may even endanger their playoff hopes.
The chink in the armor is the defense. They are young, and they are soft, and the Pats must fix this problem, or they may be watching the playoffs from home.
DO NOT however, EVER count this team out.
Every time you do, they just do what they do….
Win.
10. Dallas Cowboys (8-4)
I hate to say I told you so but…
I told you so.
December has already begun to take its toll on the Boys after their loss to the Giants, and despite what Wade Phillips told reporters in his press conference, this streak IS in his players heads.
Message to Jerry Jones: Fire Phillips and get a real coach. Until you do, you will be cursed to 9-7 and 10-6 seasons with first round exits in the playoffs.
11. New York Giants (7-5)
I can’t stress this enough: HUGE win for the Giants against the Cowboys.
First of all, it keeps their playoff hopes alive, and even more, it puts them only one game behind the Eagles and Cowboys for the NFC East title.
They must keep winning, and capitalizing on their opponents mistakes, a loss at this point could be devastating to their playoff hopes.
12. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-5)
When did Jacksonville jump into the picture?
They are always a tough team, and you can never count them out, but surprisingly, if the playoffs started today, they would have the wildcard over the Ravens and Steelers.
Circle next Thursday on your calendar, when they will face off against the Colts. They also have a big game this weekend against the 6-6 Dolphins, who are just one game back for the Wild Card.
13. Denver Broncos (8-4)
Hopefully for Denver’s sake they are turning their season back around with their second straight win.
They are only one game back of the Chargers, and are the #1 wildcard team, with a two game lead over the Steelers and the Ravens, for said wildcard spot, and one game over wildcard hopeful Jacksonville.
14. Miami Dolphins (6-6)
Jerod, here is your moment of fame.
Your Dolphins have forced their way into my Power Rankings, and they are here, deservedly so.
They squeaked out a victory against the Patriots and have begun to position themselves to compete for the division as they are only one game behind the Patriots.
A lot of people thought losing Ronnie Brown would end this season, but Ricky Williams is playing the best ball of his life, and the Dolphins are rolling.
15. Baltimore Ravens/Pittsburgh Steelers (Both Teams 6-6)
I’m not going to waste a lot of time on these two teams, but they have this in common:
They were favorites in the preseason, and now have both become disappointments as the final quarter of the season approaches.
Pittsburgh have now lost games to Kansas City and Oakland, and both teams trail the hot Bengals by three games in the AFC North, and are currently out of the playoffs.
Just Missed the Cut – Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons
