Well all, it’s here.
This is the final Power Rankings of the Year, and with it comes major shake-ups to the top Five, as the last of the undefeateds have fallen.
I want to thank all of my readers for your support through this season, and I look forward already to next season’s power rankings.
(On a special side note, congrats go to Cleveland for winning their third straight. Perhaps mentioning them in my Power Rankings has been good luck for the Browns; perhaps Mike Holmgren needs to be made aware of this and he could send a little compensation my way :-D.)
1. San Diego Chargers (12-3)
Yes Philip Rivers, you and your Chargers are #1.
With the Colts’ loss, the Chargers have now become the hottest team in the NFL after winning their tenth straight in blowout fashion against the Tennessee Titans. Right now, this team seems to be unstoppable, and I’m not sure even the Colts can stand in their way.
2.New Orleans Saints (13-2)
The Saints have now lost two in a row, and are beginning to look quite vulnerable after a very disappointing loss to Tampa in overtime after the Saints’ kicker missed what would have been a game winning field goal late in the second quarter.
I’m beginning to worry about the momentum of the Saints going into the playoffs. They have had several very flat first halves that have required late comebacks that, in their last two efforts, have fallen short.
The good news for the Saints is that they are in the NFC and right now, the only team I see as a true threat in that conference is Philly.
3. Indianapolis Colts  (14-1)
I’ll be honest, it’s going to be hard for me to keep this short, because I, as well as most of Colts’ Nation, am still fuming from this loss.
What was the point of playing Jacksonville?
What was the point of playing almost three quarters against the Jets, only to give away the game and a chance at history?
Here is the biggest problem I see, and the reason for the Colts’ plummet to third (and it would have been more had it not been for Minnesota’s loss): Looking at the players on the sidelines, including Manning, Wayne, and Clark, you could see more than just disappointment on their faces. You could see pain, frustration, and most importantly, a loss of morale.
The biggest question is, how will this effect the team going into the playoffs? Obviously now, the Colts will not play their starters for more than a series or two in Buffalo, which means they won’t see much time until three weeks from now in the divisional playoffs.
Déjà vu any one?
4. Philadelphia Eagles (11-4)
After the last two weeks, I am beginning to see Philly as the powerhouse in the NFC. They continue to play better, while Minnesota and New Orleans seem to have regressed.
Right now, I think that I would have to classify Philly as the favorite in the NFC, and they have clinched the NFC East.
5. New England Patriots (10-5)
Nothing breaking here with the exception of Randy Moss’ three touchdown day, which is a great sign for Patriots fans everywhere, and the fact the Pats have clinched the AFC East. One thing is for sure, you can never look the other way on the Patriots. They are still very much a contender.
6. Minnesota Vikings (11-3)
I personally believe that Brett Favre did everything he could to win this game, so get off of his ass. However, I am concerned about the Vikes’ recent struggles.
Something isn’t clicking in Minnesota and I’m not sure what it is, but I would pay very close attention in Week 17 to see how they react to their OT loss to the Bears.
7. Cincinnati Bengals (10-5)
Cincy has clinched the AFC North and will likely be the fourth seed, especially if they pull a Jim Caldwell and lay down for the Jets.
I’m not sold on Cincy though, and it is my guess that they will likely fall to the Chargers in the divisional round, although I’m not so sure they can even make it out of the Wild Card round.
8. Green Bay Packers (10-5)
9. Arizona Cardinals (10-5)
10. Dallas Cowboys (10-5)
These three teams are all in the playoffs, and will most likely play on Wild Card Weekend. (Follow the link to see all of the AFC and NFC playoff scenarios)
My guess is that the matchups will be Arizona hosting Dallas, and I believe that Philly will end up with the bye in round one, making our other matchup Green Bay versus Minnesota, which I think will be a great game, as it always is when we get to see two division foes duking it out on Wild Card Weekend.
11. New York Jets (8-7)
12. Baltimore Ravens (8-7)
Well thanks to Jim Caldwell and Bill Polian, the Jets, along with the Ravens, control their own destiny.
Win and in. Lose and anything could happen.
The Jets will play Cincy, who has nothing to play for, and the Ravens will play Oakland, so I expect both of these teams to win, but then again, that’s why the play the games!
13. Denver Broncos (8-7)
14. Houston Texans (8-7)
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7)
Three teams, all outside looking in.
With the Colts rolling over late to the Jets, it gave New York the advantage over Denver, so now the Broncos need a loss from either Baltimore or New York, and a win for themselves.
Pittsburgh needs three of the four 8-7 teams to lose to make the playoffs, essentially dooming their own fate in 2009, while Houston can make the playoffs with any combination of two from Baltimore, New York, and Denver losing, with a Houston win.
And that wraps it up for the 2009 NFL Power Rankings.
I want to once again thank all of you for your support this season, and I look forward to next season with bated breath.
I am happy to announce the return of I’ll Tell You This, starting next week with a Playoff Preview Special, so be sure to tune in!!!
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* – Philip Rivers photo credit: Behind Blondie Park
