NFL Power Rankings - Week 10
Note: I wrote this Wednesday and forgot to press the "publish" button. Sorry for the delayed post.
Instead of a preface on last week's football game's I thought I'd give a brief summary of my thoughts on the election. First off, I am very glad that Obama won for reasons earlier discussed. It was a historic moment and I'm glad I witnessed it because I wasn't so sure I would in my lifetime. Watching him speak was amazing as usual and McCain did a great job as well. Next, as Obama said, electing him did not ensure change but merely gave change a chance. It is now on us to accept responsibility and take charge of the problems that face us. For all of the liberals out there who celebrated Obama's victory and cursed 8 years of Bush, remember that those 8 years are your fault. The people out there who vote their money or their religion are always going to be out there. They're out there, and they vote in large numbers. It's your job to ensure that they don't hold our highest public office. You didn't get the vote out in '00 and '04. Our country is in dire straights as a result. Many of the country's problems will be blamed on Obama in 4 years. Get to work. Finally, while I was happy for the U.S., I was disappointed in California. Prop 8. Unbelievable. "Eliminate the right." How on Earth can you vote down a group of people's Constitutional rights? The judge who wrote the opinion is a conservative too. Even he understood that discrimination on its face is wrong. Separate but equal was not okay in the 50's and it's not okay now. Overall, I'm hopeful for the future but remain slightly cynical unfortunately in the present. Last night was great, but the dust settled, the Dow went down another 500 points and I think we all know that our darkest days are not yet behind us.
On to the Rankings.
32. Detroit Lions (0-8)
Did I not tell you that they'd make losing an art form? Did I not tell you that they'd lose games late? Was there an easier bet all week than the Bears halftime line last week? They have the reeling Jags coming into town. It could be another fun one. Plus, now Daunte Culpepper's involved.
31. Kansas City Chefs (1-7)
I'm going against Tyler Thigpen this week in my fantasy sleague and I'm slightly worried. Don't worry, the Chefs are still horrible, but it turns out Thigpen might one day be a solid backup instead of a bad third-stringer.
30. Oakland Raiders (2-6)
-2 yards in the first half. Yep, Lane Kiffen's fault.
29. San Francisco 49ers (2-6)
Our day has come. The long awaited day where we now know enough to bet everything against the 49ers under Mike Singletary. A road game on national television? What's Mike going to do at halftime on Monday, chew someone's ear off? Sorry, wrong Mike. But I don't think I could possibly be surprised by a Mike Singletary story right now. I could definitely see him pulling a Fear Factor and eating some rat intestines to pump his team up. I'm not sure how it would be motivating, but I could still see him doing it.
28. Cincinnati Bengals (1-8)
The Bengals got their name back. They were the only team of the bottom triumvirate (Lions and Chefs) to try and blow their game only to come up short and actually win. Thanks for giving up that final TD to win 21-19. The o/u was 39.5. Chad Johnson scored twice. Ocho Cinco is nowhere to be found.
27. Seattle Seahawks (2-6)
I think last week may have been the final week of the betting public still having faith in the Seahawks. There's a weird phenomenon. When a team is good, doesn't change it's core personnel or coaches, ages, then starts to lose all the time, people see the uniforms and still assume that they're good. That's what's going on. Seattle's horrible. Letting Hutchinson go was a ginormous mistake and they're still paying.
26. St. Louis Rams (2-6)
Yep, still okay to bet against the Rams.
25. Houston Texans (3-5)
Matt Schaub's injury officially ends any hope of a complete season turnaround. Sage Rosenfels isn't horrible, but he's not good enough to make up for Houston's other shortcomings.
24. Cleveland Browns (3-5)
I was one week off with my Brady Quinn prediction. I thought it would be last week. I'll say this, the combination of Brady Quinn at QB and Romeo Crennel on the sidelines is too easy.
23. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-5)
I gave them way too many chances up top in the Rankings. They're really bad. They're losing to Cleveland one week and Ryan Fitzpatrick another week bad. Their defense lacks anything resembling what they had in the past couple of years. I just can't understand how they could be this bad.
22. San Diego Chargers (3-5)
Yet another team that makes you scratch your head and wonder. Ted Cottrell is the Scooter Libby to Norv Turner's Dick Cheney. The Chargers are not fixed. They can't stop anyone. I can't believe I'm worried about facing Tyler Thigpen when he's facing the Chargers' defense.
21. Minnesota Vikings (4-4)
They eked past the Texans at home. Not exactly something to celebrate about. We'll see what happens when the Packers come to town this week. They may be favored, but I'm not buying yet.
20. New York Jets (5-3)
I know that it was a big win against a divisional opponent, but they lost to the Raiders. The negative yards in a half against the Falcons Raiders. They're going to need to do a little more before I forgive them for that.
19. Denver Broncos (4-4)
Yikes. That was a really bad performance. Brandon Marshall was a no show, but he's making up for it by hitting the locker room interview circuit and challenging Joey Porter's sexuality. The Denver defense doesn't challenge anyone unfortunately.
Addendum: I wrote this before Thursday night football. The Denver defense is still apparently useless.
18. Miami Dolphins (4-4)
Let's not forget that Denver has zero defense. Denver's a tough place to play, but don't overreact to a win over a hapless Broncos team. Miami is still far exceeding expectations, but I expect them to hover around .500 the rest of the way, especially with Noodle Arm at the helm.
17. Baltimore Ravens (5-3)
They beat Cleveland in a shootout. I guess it depends on how you look at things. If you're a glass half full guy then you're excited that the Ravens' offense showed up. If you're a glass half empty guy then you're wondering why the Ravens' defense and special teams didn't.
16. Dallas Cowboys (5-4)
Who has a tougher job to step into, Barack Obama or Tony Romo? Both have to right fast sinking ships. Both are ridiculously popular. Their choices in women vary a bit, but seriously, Romo needs to save the Cowboys season. Who knows what T.O. will do from here on out if the losing continues.
15. Indianapolis Colts (4-4)
The Colts got a must win game but did so in less than impressive fashion. I still can't believe how bad the Colts' offense is considering it's pretty much all of the same guys. We saw that Bob Sanders makes a huge difference, but I'm not sure the Colts can contend with the Steel Curtain.
14. Chicago Bears (5-3)
How do you almost lose to the Lions at home? The Bears have a slightly better team coming to town in the Titans this week. You know which way I'm swinging, especially after watching the Bears last week.
13. New Orleans Saints (4-4)
The Saints are still in contention, especially with that offense. But, they can't really stop anybody either. Atlanta all of a sudden is a tough road game and I'm not sure the Saints have what it takes to go into the Dirty Dirty and win.
12. Arizona Cardinals (5-3)
I really like this offense with Hightower back there and the downfield threats that the Cardinals obviously possess. The Cardinals have yet, however, to beat a halfway decent team on the road. Luckily for them they have the 49ers and Mike Singletary's pants coming to town Monday Night.
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3)
Almost losing to the Chefs is not good. The Bucs did however find some sort of offensive consistency in coming back to win that game. I'm just not sure that they'll be able to falter that way against any other team (except of course the Lions).
10. New England Patriots (5-3)
I don't think anybody expected them to go into Indianapolis and win that game. They put up a decent fight and the only problem I have is the mishandling of the timeouts. A very interesting game this week with Buffalo coming to town.
9. Buffalo Bills (5-3)
Alright Buffalo, my patience is running thin with you. This is your last chance. If you want to keep any semblance of RW respect and have us back you, then you have to win this weekend. Not cover, but win. I still like this team, but I may be singing a different tune next week.
8. Washington Redskins (6-3)
Now that was one bad performance. I can't say that I didn't see a loss coming for them but that was a stampede that they walked in front of. Not exactly a good way to head into the bye. If every other team around them didn't throw up a similar stinker I think I'd have them dropping a little more. I reserve the right to re-evaluate next week.
7. Atlanta Falcons (5-3)
I'm really starting to like this Falcons team. They don't ever get killed. They don't beat themselves. I just don't see this team faltering down the stretch even with all of the inexperience running around.
6. Green Bay Packers (4-4)
I don't think they deserve to drop just because they lost a coin toss at the beginning of overtime. Losing at Tennessee in overtime is nothing to hang your head about. Now just go win in Minnesota and prove me right.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)
Where was that a couple of weeks ago when I needed it. I think the combination of giving up too many sacks and not having a mobile QB (either a hobbled Big Ben or Byron "carry me to the line" Leftwich) is such a good thing. I'm not sure if Indianapolis will take advantage though.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (5-3)
Here they come. My sleeper team's alive! As long as Brian Westbrook is healthy that is. I don't see a glaring weakness on this team. Now that they've figured out that you can't run the ball into your own offensive line and fall down every time you get the ball inside the other team's 2-yard line, all systems should be a go.
3. Carolina Panthers (6-2)
I hope they're ready to contend with the Raiders after their bye week and then Detroit after that. Carolina gets three byes in a row. Expect the Panthers to cruise to 8-2 and then knuckle down and do just enough to win their division.
2. New York Giants (7-1)
I felt really badly for Brooks Bollinger. That's definitely not the first half you want to walk into. Your team has given up and the other team is getting into your backfield every down. The Giants will play a slightly more spry team in Philly this weekend. Time to earn your keep Giants fans.
1. Tennessee Titans (8-0)
I was watching the end of this game with a couple of Giants fans and another friend who thinks the G-Men should be here. I told them I'd put the Giants here and drop the Titans if the Titans lost the game in OT. They didn't. They marched down the field to another solid victory. Who's next?
WEEK 10 PICKS
Denver +3 at Cleveland
Buffalo +3.5 at New England
Tennessee -3 at Chicago
Atlanta -1 vs. New Orleans
Miami -8.5 vs. Seattle
Green Bay +2.5 at Minnesota
New York Jets -8 vs. St. Louis
Detroit +6.5 vs. Jacksonville (yes, the Lions will still lose)
Carolina -9.5 at Oakland
Kansas City +15.5 at San Diego
Pittsburgh -3 vs. Indianapolis (tentative line because of Big Ben)
Houston even vs. Baltimore
Philadelphia -3 vs. New York Giants
Arizona -9.5 vs. San Francisco
Season: 61-64-5
Instead of a preface on last week's football game's I thought I'd give a brief summary of my thoughts on the election. First off, I am very glad that Obama won for reasons earlier discussed. It was a historic moment and I'm glad I witnessed it because I wasn't so sure I would in my lifetime. Watching him speak was amazing as usual and McCain did a great job as well. Next, as Obama said, electing him did not ensure change but merely gave change a chance. It is now on us to accept responsibility and take charge of the problems that face us. For all of the liberals out there who celebrated Obama's victory and cursed 8 years of Bush, remember that those 8 years are your fault. The people out there who vote their money or their religion are always going to be out there. They're out there, and they vote in large numbers. It's your job to ensure that they don't hold our highest public office. You didn't get the vote out in '00 and '04. Our country is in dire straights as a result. Many of the country's problems will be blamed on Obama in 4 years. Get to work. Finally, while I was happy for the U.S., I was disappointed in California. Prop 8. Unbelievable. "Eliminate the right." How on Earth can you vote down a group of people's Constitutional rights? The judge who wrote the opinion is a conservative too. Even he understood that discrimination on its face is wrong. Separate but equal was not okay in the 50's and it's not okay now. Overall, I'm hopeful for the future but remain slightly cynical unfortunately in the present. Last night was great, but the dust settled, the Dow went down another 500 points and I think we all know that our darkest days are not yet behind us.
On to the Rankings.
32. Detroit Lions (0-8)
Did I not tell you that they'd make losing an art form? Did I not tell you that they'd lose games late? Was there an easier bet all week than the Bears halftime line last week? They have the reeling Jags coming into town. It could be another fun one. Plus, now Daunte Culpepper's involved.
31. Kansas City Chefs (1-7)
I'm going against Tyler Thigpen this week in my fantasy sleague and I'm slightly worried. Don't worry, the Chefs are still horrible, but it turns out Thigpen might one day be a solid backup instead of a bad third-stringer.
30. Oakland Raiders (2-6)
-2 yards in the first half. Yep, Lane Kiffen's fault.
29. San Francisco 49ers (2-6)
Our day has come. The long awaited day where we now know enough to bet everything against the 49ers under Mike Singletary. A road game on national television? What's Mike going to do at halftime on Monday, chew someone's ear off? Sorry, wrong Mike. But I don't think I could possibly be surprised by a Mike Singletary story right now. I could definitely see him pulling a Fear Factor and eating some rat intestines to pump his team up. I'm not sure how it would be motivating, but I could still see him doing it.
28. Cincinnati Bengals (1-8)
The Bengals got their name back. They were the only team of the bottom triumvirate (Lions and Chefs) to try and blow their game only to come up short and actually win. Thanks for giving up that final TD to win 21-19. The o/u was 39.5. Chad Johnson scored twice. Ocho Cinco is nowhere to be found.
27. Seattle Seahawks (2-6)
I think last week may have been the final week of the betting public still having faith in the Seahawks. There's a weird phenomenon. When a team is good, doesn't change it's core personnel or coaches, ages, then starts to lose all the time, people see the uniforms and still assume that they're good. That's what's going on. Seattle's horrible. Letting Hutchinson go was a ginormous mistake and they're still paying.
26. St. Louis Rams (2-6)
Yep, still okay to bet against the Rams.
25. Houston Texans (3-5)
Matt Schaub's injury officially ends any hope of a complete season turnaround. Sage Rosenfels isn't horrible, but he's not good enough to make up for Houston's other shortcomings.
24. Cleveland Browns (3-5)
I was one week off with my Brady Quinn prediction. I thought it would be last week. I'll say this, the combination of Brady Quinn at QB and Romeo Crennel on the sidelines is too easy.
23. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-5)
I gave them way too many chances up top in the Rankings. They're really bad. They're losing to Cleveland one week and Ryan Fitzpatrick another week bad. Their defense lacks anything resembling what they had in the past couple of years. I just can't understand how they could be this bad.
22. San Diego Chargers (3-5)
Yet another team that makes you scratch your head and wonder. Ted Cottrell is the Scooter Libby to Norv Turner's Dick Cheney. The Chargers are not fixed. They can't stop anyone. I can't believe I'm worried about facing Tyler Thigpen when he's facing the Chargers' defense.
21. Minnesota Vikings (4-4)
They eked past the Texans at home. Not exactly something to celebrate about. We'll see what happens when the Packers come to town this week. They may be favored, but I'm not buying yet.
20. New York Jets (5-3)
I know that it was a big win against a divisional opponent, but they lost to the Raiders. The negative yards in a half against the Falcons Raiders. They're going to need to do a little more before I forgive them for that.
19. Denver Broncos (4-4)
Yikes. That was a really bad performance. Brandon Marshall was a no show, but he's making up for it by hitting the locker room interview circuit and challenging Joey Porter's sexuality. The Denver defense doesn't challenge anyone unfortunately.
Addendum: I wrote this before Thursday night football. The Denver defense is still apparently useless.
18. Miami Dolphins (4-4)
Let's not forget that Denver has zero defense. Denver's a tough place to play, but don't overreact to a win over a hapless Broncos team. Miami is still far exceeding expectations, but I expect them to hover around .500 the rest of the way, especially with Noodle Arm at the helm.
17. Baltimore Ravens (5-3)
They beat Cleveland in a shootout. I guess it depends on how you look at things. If you're a glass half full guy then you're excited that the Ravens' offense showed up. If you're a glass half empty guy then you're wondering why the Ravens' defense and special teams didn't.
16. Dallas Cowboys (5-4)
Who has a tougher job to step into, Barack Obama or Tony Romo? Both have to right fast sinking ships. Both are ridiculously popular. Their choices in women vary a bit, but seriously, Romo needs to save the Cowboys season. Who knows what T.O. will do from here on out if the losing continues.
15. Indianapolis Colts (4-4)
The Colts got a must win game but did so in less than impressive fashion. I still can't believe how bad the Colts' offense is considering it's pretty much all of the same guys. We saw that Bob Sanders makes a huge difference, but I'm not sure the Colts can contend with the Steel Curtain.
14. Chicago Bears (5-3)
How do you almost lose to the Lions at home? The Bears have a slightly better team coming to town in the Titans this week. You know which way I'm swinging, especially after watching the Bears last week.
13. New Orleans Saints (4-4)
The Saints are still in contention, especially with that offense. But, they can't really stop anybody either. Atlanta all of a sudden is a tough road game and I'm not sure the Saints have what it takes to go into the Dirty Dirty and win.
12. Arizona Cardinals (5-3)
I really like this offense with Hightower back there and the downfield threats that the Cardinals obviously possess. The Cardinals have yet, however, to beat a halfway decent team on the road. Luckily for them they have the 49ers and Mike Singletary's pants coming to town Monday Night.
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3)
Almost losing to the Chefs is not good. The Bucs did however find some sort of offensive consistency in coming back to win that game. I'm just not sure that they'll be able to falter that way against any other team (except of course the Lions).
10. New England Patriots (5-3)
I don't think anybody expected them to go into Indianapolis and win that game. They put up a decent fight and the only problem I have is the mishandling of the timeouts. A very interesting game this week with Buffalo coming to town.
9. Buffalo Bills (5-3)
Alright Buffalo, my patience is running thin with you. This is your last chance. If you want to keep any semblance of RW respect and have us back you, then you have to win this weekend. Not cover, but win. I still like this team, but I may be singing a different tune next week.
8. Washington Redskins (6-3)
Now that was one bad performance. I can't say that I didn't see a loss coming for them but that was a stampede that they walked in front of. Not exactly a good way to head into the bye. If every other team around them didn't throw up a similar stinker I think I'd have them dropping a little more. I reserve the right to re-evaluate next week.
7. Atlanta Falcons (5-3)
I'm really starting to like this Falcons team. They don't ever get killed. They don't beat themselves. I just don't see this team faltering down the stretch even with all of the inexperience running around.
6. Green Bay Packers (4-4)
I don't think they deserve to drop just because they lost a coin toss at the beginning of overtime. Losing at Tennessee in overtime is nothing to hang your head about. Now just go win in Minnesota and prove me right.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)
Where was that a couple of weeks ago when I needed it. I think the combination of giving up too many sacks and not having a mobile QB (either a hobbled Big Ben or Byron "carry me to the line" Leftwich) is such a good thing. I'm not sure if Indianapolis will take advantage though.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (5-3)
Here they come. My sleeper team's alive! As long as Brian Westbrook is healthy that is. I don't see a glaring weakness on this team. Now that they've figured out that you can't run the ball into your own offensive line and fall down every time you get the ball inside the other team's 2-yard line, all systems should be a go.
3. Carolina Panthers (6-2)
I hope they're ready to contend with the Raiders after their bye week and then Detroit after that. Carolina gets three byes in a row. Expect the Panthers to cruise to 8-2 and then knuckle down and do just enough to win their division.
2. New York Giants (7-1)
I felt really badly for Brooks Bollinger. That's definitely not the first half you want to walk into. Your team has given up and the other team is getting into your backfield every down. The Giants will play a slightly more spry team in Philly this weekend. Time to earn your keep Giants fans.
1. Tennessee Titans (8-0)
I was watching the end of this game with a couple of Giants fans and another friend who thinks the G-Men should be here. I told them I'd put the Giants here and drop the Titans if the Titans lost the game in OT. They didn't. They marched down the field to another solid victory. Who's next?
WEEK 10 PICKS
Denver +3 at Cleveland
Buffalo +3.5 at New England
Tennessee -3 at Chicago
Atlanta -1 vs. New Orleans
Miami -8.5 vs. Seattle
Green Bay +2.5 at Minnesota
New York Jets -8 vs. St. Louis
Detroit +6.5 vs. Jacksonville (yes, the Lions will still lose)
Carolina -9.5 at Oakland
Kansas City +15.5 at San Diego
Pittsburgh -3 vs. Indianapolis (tentative line because of Big Ben)
Houston even vs. Baltimore
Philadelphia -3 vs. New York Giants
Arizona -9.5 vs. San Francisco
Season: 61-64-5
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