1. Green Bay Packers (7-0): As you all know, I view Aaron Rodgers as the best quarterback in the NFL. The Packers have a serious chance at running the table for the rest of the season, with the only road blocks ahead being a Thanksgiving day showdown against the Detroit Lions, who have slowed down considerably after a strong start to the year.
Last Week: #1
2. New England Patriots (5-1): The Patriots defense, which hasn’t been anything to brag about this season, will suffer dramatically with the losses of Leigh Bodden (released) and Ras-I Dowling (IR). I’ve been saying it all season, if you knock around Tom Brady you will beat the Patriots. The defense allows too many big plays, but the Patriots success is linked with the way Brady performs, and not many teams can ever apply the needed pressure to cool him down.
Last Week: #3
3. New Orleans Saints (5-2): How about that slugfest last Sunday in New Orleans? 62-7, really Indianapolis? Drew Brees is in prime form this year, throwing for 2,477 yards and 18 touchdowns as we near the midway point of the season. More important than Brees has been the staggering performance of tight end Jimmy Graham, who has 5 touchdowns 674 yards receiving so far.
Last Week: #4
4. Baltimore Ravens (4-2): How ugly was that game Monday night in Jacksonville? I was ranting my ass off at Joe Flacco. The hype he gets is ridiculous, no “elite” quarterback should ever throw for only 8 yards in an entire half like Flacco did in the first half of Monday night. As always, the defense is the heart and soul of the Ravens, but their quick start is getting to look like a time of the past as the Steelers continue to gain momentum within the division.
Last Week: #2
5. San Francisco 49ers (5-1): San Fran may only need two more wins this year to capture the NFC West title. Instead, they may be heading towards eight more wins and a first round bye. Alex Smith seems to finally be getting it together, and NaVarro Bowman looks like the steal of the first round, he and Patrick Willis are easily the best interior lineman duo in the league.
Last Week: #5
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2): From unranked last week all the way to 6th this week, that’s been the theme of the Steelers entire season. Completely dominant in one game, flat in the next. The Steelers appear to be getting back on track, and with a huge game against the Patriots this week, they could solidify themselves as an even better team than the one that went to the Super Bowl last year.
Last Week: Not Ranked
7. New York Giants (4-2): After this week against the Dolphins, the Giants have a stretch through hell in the schedule. Away against New England and San Francisco before playing Philadelphia, New Orleans, Green Bay, Dallas, and the Jets to round out the season. If the Giants can fight through the second half of the year, the Giants may be a top 2 or 3 team in the NFC. On the other hand, they could find themselves out of the playoff hunt all together.
Last Week: #9
8. Detroit Lions (5-2): Two straight losses and the Lions may already be out of the NFC North race. I do believe that they’ll still make the playoffs, but it will only be if Matt Stafford can stay healthy and keep Calvin Johnson happy. He’s the best wide receiver in football, throw him the ball in the fourth quarter, its as simple as that.
Last Week: #6
9. San Diego Chargers (4-2): I think the Chargers were truly exposed last week against the Jets. Phillip Rivers is not playing nearly up to his ability, and Ryan Matthews seems to be yet another injury prone running back. On the bright side, Antonio Gates looks to be back for good. Huge, huge game this week against the Chiefs, who have reeled off three straight wins and played the Chargers close in week 3.
Last Week: #7
10. New York Jets (4-3): Looking back, the reaction to the three straight losses in the beginning of the season may have been a bit dramatic. The Jets got back to what they do best against San Diego, playing great defense and running the ball up the gut. Bye week this week, but then two crucial divisional games against Buffalo and New England. Oh yeah, if Darrelle Revis isn’t in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year, then the entire award is a crock.
Last Week: Not Ranked
No comments:
Post a Comment