Well Faithful NFL Fans like many of you I anticipate looking at the Power Rankings each week. It does baffel me how they choose who is the better team. I would like to review the top teams and where their Super Bowl hopes lie.
1. New England Patriots: Yes they are 12-0 a very impressive record. In their last two games they barely beat the Eagles and if it wasn't for the doomed Ravens coaching staff they would have heard the corks popping across the country as the '72 Dolphins celebrate. They are in one of the weakest divisions in the NFL (see my previous post) and while many see them as a post-season threat I would not be suprised to see them make an early exit in the playoffs. They have challenges this week against the Steelers who have allowed the lowest point total in the NFL face them.
2. Dallas Cowboys: Their only loss is to the above mentioned team. I had concerns about the Cowboys when they played (and almost lost) the Bills. Unlike the Pats they have been winning impressively in recent weeks. The only X Factor is can Tony Romo handle the pressure when it comes to the Playoffs? There is little doubt that he is one of the best QB's in the League, but it took Peyton many years before he reached the promised land.
3. Indianpolis Colts: They played the Pats well until the end. I see them as a dark horse against the Pats. Not alot of people are talking about the Colts who only have two losses this season. Watch out for them when it comes to the postseason. Manning has the #### off his back. No pressure. They have a great chance to make it to Glendale.
4. Green Bay Packers: I am almost thirty and I recall being in junior high watching Favre play in the NFL. There is little doubt he is in the twilight of his carrer, even though his playing does not reflect that. Favre is the second highest rated QB in the NFC, not too bad for a man who has a kid graduating high school. I hope regardless of where his Packers end this season he takes a lesson from John Elway and walks away on top, everyone will wonder what could have been if he stayed.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers: They are the top defensive team in the NFL and we all know defenses win championships. Don't be too suprised if you see the Steelers in the AFC Championship Game this year,
6. Jacksonville Jaguars: They are a great team as their record dictates, however they are aging. Fred Taylor can't have too many miles left in the tank and he is their number one go to guy. Add in the fact that regardless of what they do they cannot seem to get by the Colts and will need to to make their Super Bowl dreams a reality.
7. Seattle Seahawks: There is little doubt that this team is better than that one last year. They will most likely finish the season 3-1 posting an 11-5 record for the second best year they have ever had. As a Seahawk fan we expect more from them. Now don't forget they finished last year at 9-7 and were a field goal from the NFC Championship. Another dark horse who could threaten the NFC.
8. New York Giants: For Eli's sake they better hope that the Vikings dont grab the other wild card in the NFC, because if he faces them...game over. The Giants have a slim chance to make a serious run as they will more than likely have to play Dallas in the playoffs, that is if they get out of the first round.
9. Tampa Bay Buccanners: I regret to say that I have not followed them too much this year, all that aside this is the last NFC team to win the Super Bowl and Gruden is a great coach. I doubt the make it out of the first round.
10. Cleveland Browns: I never saw them coming. Derek Anderson is an emerging superstar and the Dawg Pound is again scary. They dont stand a chance against the Steelers in the playoffs (if they face).
This season I am posting right around .700 for my picks. I am pretty accurate with my upsets. I look for good feedback and good sportsmanship on my posts. We may be fans of different teams, but we share a love for NFL football.
Green Bay @ Dallas:
Both of these teams are needless to say be quite impressive. I pick the Packers to win a close one even though the game is in Dallas.
San Francisco @ Carolina:
Carolina has been downright horrible this year and the 49ers posted an impressive win against Arizona this week. The 49ers will win in Carolina this week. Gore is back.
Jacksonville @ Indianpolis:
The Jags are rolling. The Colts are winning, however they are not impressive. Jags will steamroll the Colts at home and go into a tie for the division.
San Diego @ Kansas City:
The Chargers will win the division this year and sneak into the playoffs. With the injuries the Chiefs have sustained I cant see them winning this game. Chargers win.
New York Jets @ Miami:
This is it. Miami wins their first game on the season. An impressive defensive stand against the Steelers on Monday caused me to pick an 0-11 team to win.
Detriot @ Minnesota:
Where did the Vikes come from? They should have AP back this week (a good thing for me and my fantasy league). Vikings destroy the faltering Lions.
Seattle @ Philadelphia:
This game depends on two things. 1. Will Seattle pressure the QB? 2. Will the Eagles play McNabb? The last time Seattle went to Philly they crushed them 42-0 and took most of the starters out in the second half. I dont see that happening again, however I see Seattle winning. The Eagles have huge heads for a below .500 team and Seattle is looking to grab a three game lead in their division.
Atanta @ St. Louis:
St. Louis will win their third game of the season here pending any injuries. They are defeated at home and need a win. Atlanta is just downright horrible this year.
Houston @ Tennessee:
The Titans need to avenge their humilating defeat to the Bengals this last week and will do so against the Texans.
Buffalo @ Washington:
The Skins will play with heart after their loss of Sean Taylor. Buffalo doesn't stand a chance.
Cleveland @ Arizona:
How about them Browns. They will make the playoffs but will not get out of the first round. Arizona will lose this game by 10 points.
Denver @ Oakland:
Oakland will win against the declining Broncos. This is an upset pick.
New York Giants @ Chicago:
Dont let the Bears win last week fool you. The Giants are for real (just as long as they dont play Dallas or Minnesota). Giants win.
Tampa Bay @ New Orleans:
Two good teams face off. Next to Thursdays game this is the hardest game to pick and I will go with the home team here. Saints win.
Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh:
The Steelers have been less than impressive of late and them barely beating the Fins is a direct reflection of that. Bengals roll the Terrible Towels in Steel City.
New England @ Baltimore:
Who in their right mind can pick the Ravens? Pats win.
In response to Adam's post I thought it would be better if we as the fans voted. Forget everyone else, lets focus on the division leaders.
New England Patriots: You know when I was a kid I remember when the Pats were a joke, my how things have changed. The Pats deserve a HUGE A++++. I mean come on, they are not just beating everyone, they are destroying them. Over 300 points this year, 30 TD passes by Brady!!! I am not a Patriot fan, but they deserve respect and to all the Pat fans I have one question..."Does it bother you that folks who have never been to New England claim to be Pat fans, you know the fair weather fans?"
Pittsburgh Steelers: After a joke of a season last year they have truly regained their Super Bowl Championship form of 2005. I mentioned in my previous posts that SteelerNation has my respect and with everyones focus on the Colts and Patriots, well the Steelers could surprise. Definite B+ for the season (I would give an A, but come on that was a bad loss to the Cards)
Indianpolis Colts: They have scored over double the points that they have allowed, their wins may not be as impressive as the Patriots, but alas they are the defending Super Bowl Champions and are 7-0. What better grade to give them than an A+. Now hold on Colt fans, there can only be one valavictorian in the NFL, you may have it after Sunday, but until then, be happy :)
Kansas City Chiefs / San Diego Chargers: These teams are both tied for the division I can only pick one, the team that will most likely win the division and that is the Chargers. LT seems to have found his grove and Rivers is playing much better. I give them a C , they are one game above .500.
Dallas Cowboys: What a season for The Boys, 6-1 their only lose to the Almighty Patriots (new name...whatcha think?) Romo has his money, now the big question is "now what" . He is a great QB when he wants to be and other times I am kicking a screaming (he is on my fantasy league). I give the Boys a solid A and it would be an A+, the only factor was the Bills game.
Green Bay Packers: Who can honestly say they saw this coming? Brett is amazing this year and they dont even have a running game. The plan should be simple, stop Favre and win. A+ for the Pack as most expected the washed up QB to falter and go quietly into the good night.
Carolina Panthers: While most experts picked them as an NFC threat, they have been anything but that. With key injuries and a 4-3 record this team will be lucky to finish over .500. I give them a D, not out of spite, but injuries. I expected this team to be much better.
Seattle Seahawks: Now onto my team. Dont worry fans I am going to give the Hawks a deserving grade. Hasselbeck has been good this year, not great. Their running game is non-existent, Shaun is on track for less than a 1,000 yards and 4 TD's, a far cry from his MVP year. Their brightside is their defense. They have held teams to 108 points total. That is the lowest in the NFC and 3rd in the NFL behind the Steelers and Colts. Defense gets an A, don't argue, that is deserved. Their offense gets a C minus. They will most likely win the NFC West and mabye (if they turn things areound) get out of the first round.
In response to Adam's post I thought it would be better if we as the fans voted. Forget everyone else, lets focus on the division leaders.
New England Patriots: You know when I was a kid I remember when the Pats were a joke, my how things have changed. The Pats deserve a HUGE A++++. I mean come on, they are not just beating everyone, they are destroying them. Over 300 points this year, 30 TD passes by Brady!!! I am not a Patriot fan, but they deserve respect and to all the Pat fans I have one question..."Does it bother you that folks who have never been to New England claim to be Pat fans, you know the fair weather fans?"
Pittsburgh Steelers: After a joke of a season last year they have truly regained their Super Bowl Championship form of 2005. I mentioned in my previous posts that SteelerNation has my respect and with everyones focus on the Colts and Patriots, well the Steelers could surprise. Definite B+ for the season (I would give an A, but come on that was a bad loss to the Cards)
Indianpolis Colts: They have scored over double the points that they have allowed, their wins may not be as impressive as the Patriots, but alas they are the defending Super Bowl Champions and are 7-0. What better grade to give them than an A+. Now hold on Colt fans, there can only be one valavictorian in the NFL, you may have it after Sunday, but until then, be happy :)
Kansas City Chiefs / San Diego Chargers: These teams are both tied for the division I can only pick one, the team that will most likely win the division and that is the Chargers. LT seems to have found his grove and Rivers is playing much better. I give them a C , they are one game above .500.
Dallas Cowboys: What a season for The Boys, 6-1 their only lose to the Almighty Patriots (new name...whatcha think?) Romo has his money, now the big question is "now what" . He is a great QB when he wants to be and other times I am kicking a screaming (he is on my fantasy league). I give the Boys a solid A and it would be an A+, the only factor was the Bills game.
Green Bay Packers: Who can honestly say they saw this coming? Brett is amazing this year and they dont even have a running game. The plan should be simple, stop Favre and win. A+ for the Pack as most expected the washed up QB to falter and go quietly into the good night.
Carolina Panthers: While most experts picked them as an NFC threat, they have been anything but that. With key injuries and a 4-3 record this team will be lucky to finish over .500. I give them a D, not out of spite, but injuries. I expected this team to be much better.
Seattle Seahawks: Now onto my team. Dont worry fans I am going to give the Hawks a deserving grade. Hasselbeck has been good this year, not great. Their running game is non-existent, Shaun is on track for less than a 1,000 yards and 4 TD's, a far cry from his MVP year. Their brightside is their defense. They have held teams to 108 points total. That is the lowest in the NFC and 3rd in the NFL behind the Steelers and Colts. Defense gets an A, don't argue, that is deserved. Their offense gets a C minus. They will most likely win the NFC West and mabye (if they turn things areound) get out of the first round.
This week shows some interesting match ups. I hope that I am able to go 11-3 again, but we will see.
Miami @ Houston - Both teams were less than impressive last week. Miami is just horrible, allowing five TD's by one player is insane. Houston redeems their lowly loss to Atlanta by beating the Dolphins.
Jacksonville @ Kansas City - The Chiefs are starting to put things togther, however so it Jacksonville coming off a bye the Jags are poised to make a statement to the rest of the NFL and hand Kansas City a loss.
Cleveland @ New England - The Browns could play spoilers to anyone in the NFL, their offense is so unpredictable.....wait they are playing the Patriots in Foxborough. I am going to go out on a limb and say New Englands wins.....BIG.
Carolina @ New Orleans - New Orleans needs all the help they can get. I hope that the bye week they are coming off of helps them regain form. New Orleans gets their first win of the season over Carolina.
Jets @ Giants - The Battle of New York. Who do I pick? The team that got humilated by the Bills or the team that destroyed the Eagles...hmmmm....Giants win.
Seattle @ Pittsburgh - Since Seattle is my team I am picking them to win in an upset. We need revenge from XL!! Go Hawks.
Arizona @ St. Louis - Arizona has been very impressive and I believe with the way the Rams have been playing this will not help fix their woes. Arizona wins this game.
Atlanta @ Tennessee - Atlanta played well last week, but not good enough to take down the Vince Young led Titans. Titans win by 7.
Detroit @ Washington - The way Kitna led the Lions in the 4th quarter scared me. The Lions are for real this year. Lions win a great game.
Tampa Bay @ Indianapolis - This could have an upset in the making. I dont know if I can go out on a limb and pick Tampa Bay to win. Indy wins a close one.
San Diego @ Denver - The Broncos melt down in the second have was humorous. San Diego was not impressive again. LT is crying alot, Rivers cant hit the broad side of a barn. Culter leads his Broncos to victory.
Baltimore @ San Francisco - With Smith out this week there is no way the Dilfer led 49ers will prevail here. Baltimore redeems themselves with a victory.
Chicago @ Green Bay - As impressive as Favre has been it is difficult to go against him and the 4-0 Packers. Packers win.
Dallas @ Buffalo - Wow we get to watch a Monday night slaughter of Buffalo. Dallas wins easily.
I am a native of the Pacific Northwest. My Grandfather was a very small minority owner of the Seahawks and even owned the land the original Kingdome was built on, he sold his portion to the Nordstrom family in 1979.
With that being said I was born a fan and was less than a two weeks old when I went to my first Hawks game on Dec. 3rd 1978 when the Hawks played the Browns.
As a kid my family moved to Arizona where things changed in sports, becoming a Phoenix sports fan is bittersweet, just like being a Seattle fan. Combined the two cities have two championships . 1979 Sonics and 2001 Diamondbacks.
I am now living in SoCal with my wife and two children, with one little future Seahawk on the way.
