1.(1) New England Patriots (13-0)(AFC1). Last: WON 34-13 against Pittsburgh Steelers.#### hum, the Patriots won again.
2.(3) Indianapolis Colts (11-2)(AFC2). Last: WON 44-20 at Baltimore Ravens. The Colts looked impressive this past Sunday Night destroying the Ravens. The offense is back to that Colts offense that we've come to fear and the defense ranks in the top five in all major categories in yards and points against. Marvin Harrison probably won't play again this week, but I don't think it will matter. He just needs to get in game shape for the playoffs and the Colts meeting with the Patriots again. A trip to Oakland this week keeps the offensive machine rolling.
3.(2) Dallas Cowboys (12-1)(NFC1). Last: WON 28-27 against Detroit Lions. The Lions gave the game away on many occasions and the Cowboys were very, very lucky to come out with a victory. Some teams just have other teams’ numbers and the Lions seem to have the Cowboys. I don't think the Cowboys have to worry about playing the Lions again, so they'll be fine. They get Philly at home this week and should roll, but you never know how these divisional games will go. A win here clinches a first round bye.
4.(4) Green Bay Packers (11-2)(NFC2). Last: WON 38-7 against Oakland Raiders. The Packers handled their business like they should have at home against one of the worst teams in the league. They've already clinched the division and are likely to grab the other first round bye in the NFC. They play at the hapless Rams this week, so look for Favre and company to continue the offensive output. The run game has been superb lately, and that's what it will take to beat the Cowboys come playoff time.
5.(6) Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4)(AFC5). Last: WON 37-6 against Carolina Panthers. I'm giving Jacksonville the edge this week in the rankings because they won last week, although they played an absolutely pathetic team. They won like they should have though, so good for them. They travel to Pittsburgh this week and it's going to be tough. These teams always play very conservative offense and physical defense with the team that is more physical usually grabbing the win. The Jaguars look like they're headed toward the playoffs and a win here would really look nice on their resume.
6.(5) Pittsburgh Steelers (9-4)(AFC3). Last: LOST 13-34 at New England Patriots. The Steelers had chances to beat the Patriots but failed to execute and gave up too many big plays, and lost. They return to the friendly confines of Heinz Field where they've yet to lose this year. This, their final home game of the year, stands to also be the toughest test of the remaining games. The Steelers need to win this game, no matter what. A win here would leave them one more win or Brown's loss away from another AFC North title. I think they rebound this week and show everybody that they deserve to be considered a top team in the league.
7.(7) Seattle Seahawks (9-4)(NFC3). Last: WON 42-21 against Arizona Cardinals. The Seahawks look like a team in top offensive form right now, handling opponents with ease on their way to another NFC WEST title. A win this week is likely again as they travel to Carolina to face the woeful Panthers. Hasselbeck has been playing as well as any QB in the NFL right now and I don't see that changing much going forward.
8.(9) San Diego Chargers (8-5)(AFC4). Last: WON 23-17 at Tennessee Titans. The Chargers got an over-time win this past week against the Titans, the last real challenge for them on the schedule. They have a chance to grab the #3 playoff spot in the AFC, which is ideal this year because they wouldn't have to play the Patriots until the Championship game if they made it that far. I still think this team is over rated and won't win a playoff game this year. Too many questions at the QB position and on defense. Playoff teams will be able to shut L.T. down, forcing Rivers or Voleck to throw and that's not good for this team's chances.
9.(10) New York Giants (9-4)(NFC5). Last: WON 16-13 at Philadelphia Eagles. The Giants pulled out a squeaker in Philly this past week as David Akers 4qt kick was rejected by the uprights. They have another tough divisional game this week against the Redskins and luckily it's at home. The Giants will be fine as long as they don't turn the ball over. The defense should be able to get at Collins, sacking him and forcing turnovers on their way to another low scoring affair. A win this week almost guarantees them a playoff spot as a wild card team.
10.(8) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-5)(NFC4). Last: LOST 14-28 at Houston Texans. Just when I thought the Buccs were an unstoppable force, they get nailed by the Texans. What a difference one week makes in the NFL. They need Jeff Garcia back and in control of that offense to continue their winning ways. Garcia should return this week and look who's coming to town, no not Santa Clause, the Falcons. A win here locks up the division and at least one home playoff game. Yeah, they lost, so did 15 other teams this past week. They'll be fine.
11.(12) Minnesota Vikings (7-6)(NFC6). Last: WON 27-7 at San Francisco 49ers. The Vikings might be playing the best football of any team in the NFL right now, and it couldn't have come at a better time. The downfall of this team has been the QB play, but Jackson has looked great managing the game, controlling the ball and letting the run game and defense handle things. We get to see this team in prime time Monday Night this week and I don't think they'll disappoint at home against Kyle Orton and the Bears. This one may be over at halftime not unlike a lot of Monday Night games this year. I think the NFC playoff picture is pretty much set at this point unless the Viking go on a total collapse and I just don't see it happening.
12.(11) Cleveland Browns (8-5)(AFC6). Last: WON 24-18 at New York Jets. The Browns beat the Jets and... What? They've got a shot at the division me thinks, but it's a small one at that. Still, they get Buffalo this week and the Steelers have a much tougher game on their plate. I think the Browns will be happy with a playoff spot this year and challenge for the division next year. I don't think the defense is ready to make a playoff run quite yet, but you never know, stranger things have happened.
13.(13) Tennessee Titans (7-6). Last: LOST 17-23 against San Diego Chargers. The Playoffs may be slipping away for this team as they cannot afford another loss this week. Arrowhead Stadium is always a tough place to play but I think the Titans can win if they can do this week what they did last week, and that's run the ball. LenDale White was back and rolling and will benefit again from Albert Haynesworth being a little healthier this week. The Chiefs don't have as good of an offense as the Chargers and look what the Broncos were able to do to them last week. I think Tennessee keeps their hopes alive this week.
14.(16) New Orleans Saints (6-7). Last: WON 34-14 against Atlanta Falcons. The Saints looked impressive this past Monday Night, but they were on the road and playing the Falcons. While the playoffs are all but out of reach, there is a small chance they can get in, but they need to win out to do so. Bad news, they're at home this week and they're hosting the Cardinals. Whoever losses this game is out of the playoff race. I think the Saints can win, but it depends on how they can stop the pass and which Cardinal WR's play this week.
15.(NR) Houston Texans (6-7). Last: WON 28-14 against Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Texans are back in the Power 16 after a solid win over a divisional leading team. I guess it doesn't really matter who throws the ball to Andre Johnson, he'll destroy secondaries regardless. The Playoffs are one loss away from being out of reach for this team and they get a chance to knock out the Broncos this Thursday Night on NFL Network. I think they can win if they play the same way they did last week and it doesn't hurt that they're at home again. Here's the Broncos offense incase anyone on the Texans staff was wondering... RUN Off-Tackle right, RUN Off-Tackle left, PLAY-ACTION Bootleg right of left. That's it. Play disciplined defense with strong back side contain and you can stuff this offense.
16.(14) Arizona Cardinals (6-7). Last: LOST 21-42 at Seattle Seahawks. The Cardinals get one more chance at keeping their season alive with a win this week. They have to go on the road to New Orleans. The Cardinals have not had good success away from home this year, but the Saints may be worse at home. Which of these teams doesn't turn the ball over will win this one. If the big time WR's don't play, I don't think the Cardinals have enough offense to win.
I've just got one question. Where are the Bills? The Bills have a 7-6 record and are still in the AFC hunt... Personally, I feel the Bills are playing better football than the Texans and definitely better than the Saints right now. The Bills 'young gun' Edwards and Marshawn #### are a couple of stars in the making. They're not exactly going to be able to wipe out Indi or New England, but not many teams (if any) in the AFC will be able to take those 2 out in the playoffs.
Sorry pdm919 & Pitiful Bills fan, I've excluded the Bills for now because they were just added to my "Most-Hated Teams" list for the stunt they pulled at the beginning of the Redskins game by disrespecting Sean Taylor. I do recognize this team as being good, but if they played the Saints or Texans right now, they'd lose. If they beat Cleveland this week, they will be asured a spot in my Power 16.
ZombieNation is back for a third strong season of everything that is the NFL. After spending the last seven years in exile on the West Coast, I have returned to my hometown of Pittsburgh, PA... the greatest sports town of all the land.
My column will consist of three weekly posts, Good/Bad (week in review) on Tuesdays, Power 16 on Thursdays, and Fantasy Football Start/Sit on Fridays.
All material provided in this blog is of original material. These are expert opinions and analysis that I have concluded based upon research that I myself have performed.
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