NFL Power Rankings - Week 13
Finally, a shake up in the ruling order in the NFL. A lot is being made of the Titans' losing a game. As someone who got on the Titans' bandwagon in Week 3, it didn't worry me. The Titans weren't exposed. They lost because they played without a sense of urgency and laid an egg as a result. They couldn't tackle. They let drives go on for extended periods of time. They just didn't show up. The Titans will be fine. Their defense is not going to get steamrolled in a game that matters. As for the Giants, will somebody please tell the media and anyone who is from within 150 miles of New York that the Giants are not the greatest team to ever play the game. Please. Yes, they're a very solid team. Their O-Line and running game control the clock. Their front four causes problems for opposing offenses as we've seen, but they're not the Patriots of this year. For one, their quarterback is Eli Manning. Any time a talking head mentions this year's Giants team and its success, you know who's conspicuously absent? Eli Manning is fine, but why does nobody mention that he is a "game manager" as the term is used for guys like Kerry Collins? All Eli has to do is not screw up and the Giants win games. I swear he pouts more than my sister used to at Friday night dinners growing up. Just because he's Peyton's brother and likes to imitate him at the line doesn't make him a great QB. He's probably just giving the defensive line the specials at the Palm when he goes up there and yells. Think about the Giants this year. If you replaced Eli with Jason Campbell, would they be any worse off? Now ask yourself this, if a team like Dallas gets its act together and pressures the QB, will Eli go Brett Favre on us? What if someone has an O-Line that can give its offense the chance to test the Giants' secondary? The Giants are a very solid team, but invincible they are not. I still like the Titans to take it all this year with their defense and lack of a propensity for making mistakes. On to the Rankings.
32. Detroit Lions (0-11)
I was angry this weekend. When I saw the Lions go up 17-0 on the Bucs I was salivating for the halftime line. But the Lions couldn't even hold it together until the end of the first half. Here's a new rule: Unless the Lions resign Barry Sanders, the Lions are no longer allowed to play on Thanksgiving.
31. Kansas City Chefs (1-10)
The Chefs have about as good a chance as they're ever going to have to get their name back this week in Oakland. I still don't see it happening, even with Tyler Thigpen. How bad is it when Tyler Thigpen is the best part of your season?
30. St. Louis Rams (2-9)
I should have taken all of the money out of my stocks and bet it against the Rams. Now Bulger's down with a concussion. Trent Green gets concussions waking up in the morning. The Rams are just one big headache.
29. San Francisco 49ers (3-8)
Thank you Mike Singletary. Not only are you a walking sound byte waiting to happen, but you give me one more team to bet against every week regardless of opponent (unless they play the Rams of course). I have no idea who they're playing yet. I'll have to wait until the end of the column when I look up the lines and make my picks.
28. Oakland Raiders (3-8)
How on Earth did that happen? Darren McFadden is the truth. If he can avoid re-injuring those two turf toes, he could be amazing. JaMarcus was making some plays, and the pass defense looked great. Could they really win back to back games with the Chefs coming to town this week?
27. Cincinnati Bengals (1-9-1)
They still look frisky but this is a team that needs a complete overhaul. At some point they're going to get completely blown out and Marvin Lewis will have to lose his job. Or they can keep losing and Marvin Lewis will lose his job. I don't care. I just want Ocho Cinco back. My life is incomplete without him.
26. Seattle Seahawks (2-9)
Who is Matt Hasselbeck yelling at all the time? Is he mad that his sister-in-law is the most famous Hasselbeck now? Why do we have to watch the Lions AND the Seahawks on Thanksgiving? Is this our punishment as a society for all of our wrongs?
25. Cleveland Browns (4-7)
Good call benching Brady Quinn when you just named him your QB of the future. That won't mess with his confidence at all. The Browns are a far cry from the playoff contenders of last year. Romeo Crennel is fun to watch at least. He always looks hungry.
24. Houston Texans (4-7)
I just double checked to make sure that the Texans did in fact "improve" to 4-7. Seriously, how far do you expect your team to go when your QB is named for a spice and has been passed over more times than Steve Urkel in a game of pick-up basketball.
23. San Diego Chargers (4-7)
I do not understand how they're favored by 5 over the Falcons this week, even if it is at home. That means that Vegas would favor the Chargers by 2 on a neutral field. How does that make sense? All I need is one look at Norv Turner to feel confident picking against this team.
22. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-7)
They were a legitimate Super Bowl contender after hanging in there with the Pats last year in the playoffs. Now they're a team that gives up a fumble return for a touchdown on the opening play of the game and can't beat Gus Frerotte at home. Just another team that I can't figure out.
21. Philadelphia Eagles (5-5-1)
My how my sleeper has fallen. If you're going to bench your franchise QB and try to make the switch to a second round pick who hasn't played, best not to do it in Baltimore. Another on the long list of things Andy Reid should know but apparently doesn't. At least for his sake the game didn't come down to a short yardage play this time.
20. Buffalo Bills (6-5)
I'm going to need a little more convincing than a big win against the Chefs. Their defense still doesn't look up to par but the good news for them is that it's not likely to get tested at home against San Francisco.
19. Chicago Bears (6-5)
If you know that I'm not impressed by a win over the Chefs then you really know that I'm not impressed by a win over the Rams. That shellacking they suffered in Green Bay is still fresh in my mind. They're going to need something better against Minnesota.
18. Denver Broncos (6-5)
I have half a mind to drop the Broncos about 5 spots lower. How do you get blown out at home against the Raiders? They hadn't scored an offensive touchdown in like a month! Really, I couldn't be happier that the Broncos will win the division and get a playoff game. It might be an easier bet than Operation Bet Against The Rams.
17. Green Bay Packers (5-6)
The Pack needed to win that game. They were front and center, coming off of a big, emphatic win against the Bears and followed it up by laying an egg on Monday Night Football. Needless to say, a loss this week against Carolina, who now needs a win, is necessary to keep pace with the winner of the Vikings/Bears game.
16. Minnesota Vikings (6-5)
The Vikings were able to capitalize on the Jaguars' mistakes early and often. They held off the Jags' run and won a big road game. Now we'll have to see if the Vikings can take care of business at home against the Bears in a big divisional matchup.
15. Miami Dolphins (6-5)
The Dolphins hung in there for a while with the Pats but it seems as though the gimmick is getting a little old and that teams are starting to catch on. What's that? Who are they playing this week? The Rams? Woo hoo!
14. New Orleans Saints (6-5)
Ok, may I introduce you to a new MVP candidate, Mr. Drew Brees. This guy is setting the world on fire. Who are these guys he's passing to? Lance Moore? Wasn't that one of the guys in N'Sync? We'll see if the Saints can keep it going when they travel to a tough atmosphere down in Tampa.
13. Washington Redskins (7-4)
Even though the Seahawks are horrible, Qwest field is still a tough atmosphere for a team across the country to come in and win a game. The Redskins have a formidable running game, a decent passing offense and a solid defense. They're a better than average team but a win this weekend can put them where they'd like to be.
12. Baltimore Ravens (7-4)
Baltimore is creeping up on the rest of the AFC. A win in Cincinnati, not too tall an order, and the Ravens could sneak into a tie in the AFC North. Not bad for a team led by a rookie from Delaware.
11. Arizona Cardinals (7-4)
That Arizona offense is something special but we've seen what happens when they can't protect Kurt Warner in the pocket. In addition, the Arizona defense is not something special. They'll win their division running away, but it's highly unlikely that they'll make much noise in the playoffs. However, winning even one playoff game is a historic achievement for this Cardinals franchise.
10. New England Patriots (7-4)
This is getting ridiculous. I'm flipping a coin to determine Patriots games now. I thought Randy Moss was done being Randy Moss. Of course I was facing him in fantasy this week. The Pats looked great on the road but what do I know?
9. Dallas Cowboys (7-4)
I for one am starting to buy back into the Cowboys. However, I think everyone is getting a bit too happy over a home win against the 49ers. I also think Terrell Owens can expect a bit more press coverage than he got against Nate Clements. The Cowboys don't figure to struggle at home against the Seahawks on Turkey Day though.
8. Carolina Panthers (8-3)
Carolina's success, it appears, may have been more a product of favorable scheduling than excellent play. The Panthers are a good team, but that 8-2 record may have been a bit misleading. A win in Green Bay this weekend could erase the potential Pretender label that the Panthers may be on the verge of garnering after getting trampled by the Falcons.
7. Atlanta Falcons (7-4)
What can I say? I really like this team. They run the ball. They stop the run. Their rookie QB is one of the top 10-15 QB's in the league right now. Their coach is fiery. Plus they have a ton of karma saved up after all of the bad luck their good guy owner has had. It's nice to see Arthur Blank smiling.
6. Indianapolis Colts (7-4)
That win in San Diego looks even more impressive now that Vegas has the Chargers as a 5-point favorite over the Falcons. Even without Bob Sanders their defense looked decent and they're pressuring the passer. They have a potential trap game in Cleveland but I think they'll be fine.
5. New York Jets (8-3)
The Jets have been looking great of late and the addition of Kris Jenkins is reaping huge rewards. That being said, how on Earth did they lose to the Raiders and almost lose to the Chiefs at home? The Jets are an enigma. I need to have less of a memory for these things.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-3)
The Bucs are going to have to figure out which team they're going to be, the team that went down 17-0 to the Lions or the team that scored a kajillion points from then on in. We may find out this week with a big NFC South matchup against the Saints.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3)
I really like Mike Tomlin. I want to play for that guy. Did you like Troy Palomalu trying to get a pick-six this week to end the game but then getting tackled by his own lineman a la Shane Falco tackling Dan Bateman in The Replacements? The Steelers are looking sharp and they'll be a force as the Super Bowl picture gets clearer.
2. Tennessee Titans (10-1)
People are acting like the Titans just went on a 5-game losing streak. This loss gives them back the disrespect card that they were playing all along but losing slowly but surely with every win. I feel bad for the Lions this week.
1. New York Football Giants (10-1)
Dear Giants fans,
You're welcome. To Allyson and the rest of the world with their collective love affair with the G-Men, the G-Men are atop the RW Rankings. Enjoy this week.
Kisses,
Eric
WEEK 13 PICKS
Tennessee -11 at Detroit
Dallas -13 vs. Seattle
Philadelphia -3 vs. Arizona
Cincinnati +7 vs. Baltimore
Indianapolis -4.5 at Cleveland
Green Bay -3 vs. Carolina
New Orleans +3.5 at Tampa Bay
Washington +3.5 vs. New York Giants
Buffalo -7 vs. San Francisco
Miami -7 at St. Louis
Atlanta +5 at San Diego
Oakland -3 vs. Kansas City
Pittsburgh +1 vs. New England
Denver +7.5 at New York Jets
Chicago +3.5 at Minnesota
Jacksonville +3 at Houston (Which MNF game wins the Who Cares Game Of The Year, this one or Arizona/San Fran?)
Season: 83-88-5
32. Detroit Lions (0-11)
I was angry this weekend. When I saw the Lions go up 17-0 on the Bucs I was salivating for the halftime line. But the Lions couldn't even hold it together until the end of the first half. Here's a new rule: Unless the Lions resign Barry Sanders, the Lions are no longer allowed to play on Thanksgiving.
31. Kansas City Chefs (1-10)
The Chefs have about as good a chance as they're ever going to have to get their name back this week in Oakland. I still don't see it happening, even with Tyler Thigpen. How bad is it when Tyler Thigpen is the best part of your season?
30. St. Louis Rams (2-9)
I should have taken all of the money out of my stocks and bet it against the Rams. Now Bulger's down with a concussion. Trent Green gets concussions waking up in the morning. The Rams are just one big headache.
29. San Francisco 49ers (3-8)
Thank you Mike Singletary. Not only are you a walking sound byte waiting to happen, but you give me one more team to bet against every week regardless of opponent (unless they play the Rams of course). I have no idea who they're playing yet. I'll have to wait until the end of the column when I look up the lines and make my picks.
28. Oakland Raiders (3-8)
How on Earth did that happen? Darren McFadden is the truth. If he can avoid re-injuring those two turf toes, he could be amazing. JaMarcus was making some plays, and the pass defense looked great. Could they really win back to back games with the Chefs coming to town this week?
27. Cincinnati Bengals (1-9-1)
They still look frisky but this is a team that needs a complete overhaul. At some point they're going to get completely blown out and Marvin Lewis will have to lose his job. Or they can keep losing and Marvin Lewis will lose his job. I don't care. I just want Ocho Cinco back. My life is incomplete without him.
26. Seattle Seahawks (2-9)
Who is Matt Hasselbeck yelling at all the time? Is he mad that his sister-in-law is the most famous Hasselbeck now? Why do we have to watch the Lions AND the Seahawks on Thanksgiving? Is this our punishment as a society for all of our wrongs?
25. Cleveland Browns (4-7)
Good call benching Brady Quinn when you just named him your QB of the future. That won't mess with his confidence at all. The Browns are a far cry from the playoff contenders of last year. Romeo Crennel is fun to watch at least. He always looks hungry.
24. Houston Texans (4-7)
I just double checked to make sure that the Texans did in fact "improve" to 4-7. Seriously, how far do you expect your team to go when your QB is named for a spice and has been passed over more times than Steve Urkel in a game of pick-up basketball.
23. San Diego Chargers (4-7)
I do not understand how they're favored by 5 over the Falcons this week, even if it is at home. That means that Vegas would favor the Chargers by 2 on a neutral field. How does that make sense? All I need is one look at Norv Turner to feel confident picking against this team.
22. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-7)
They were a legitimate Super Bowl contender after hanging in there with the Pats last year in the playoffs. Now they're a team that gives up a fumble return for a touchdown on the opening play of the game and can't beat Gus Frerotte at home. Just another team that I can't figure out.
21. Philadelphia Eagles (5-5-1)
My how my sleeper has fallen. If you're going to bench your franchise QB and try to make the switch to a second round pick who hasn't played, best not to do it in Baltimore. Another on the long list of things Andy Reid should know but apparently doesn't. At least for his sake the game didn't come down to a short yardage play this time.
20. Buffalo Bills (6-5)
I'm going to need a little more convincing than a big win against the Chefs. Their defense still doesn't look up to par but the good news for them is that it's not likely to get tested at home against San Francisco.
19. Chicago Bears (6-5)
If you know that I'm not impressed by a win over the Chefs then you really know that I'm not impressed by a win over the Rams. That shellacking they suffered in Green Bay is still fresh in my mind. They're going to need something better against Minnesota.
18. Denver Broncos (6-5)
I have half a mind to drop the Broncos about 5 spots lower. How do you get blown out at home against the Raiders? They hadn't scored an offensive touchdown in like a month! Really, I couldn't be happier that the Broncos will win the division and get a playoff game. It might be an easier bet than Operation Bet Against The Rams.
17. Green Bay Packers (5-6)
The Pack needed to win that game. They were front and center, coming off of a big, emphatic win against the Bears and followed it up by laying an egg on Monday Night Football. Needless to say, a loss this week against Carolina, who now needs a win, is necessary to keep pace with the winner of the Vikings/Bears game.
16. Minnesota Vikings (6-5)
The Vikings were able to capitalize on the Jaguars' mistakes early and often. They held off the Jags' run and won a big road game. Now we'll have to see if the Vikings can take care of business at home against the Bears in a big divisional matchup.
15. Miami Dolphins (6-5)
The Dolphins hung in there for a while with the Pats but it seems as though the gimmick is getting a little old and that teams are starting to catch on. What's that? Who are they playing this week? The Rams? Woo hoo!
14. New Orleans Saints (6-5)
Ok, may I introduce you to a new MVP candidate, Mr. Drew Brees. This guy is setting the world on fire. Who are these guys he's passing to? Lance Moore? Wasn't that one of the guys in N'Sync? We'll see if the Saints can keep it going when they travel to a tough atmosphere down in Tampa.
13. Washington Redskins (7-4)
Even though the Seahawks are horrible, Qwest field is still a tough atmosphere for a team across the country to come in and win a game. The Redskins have a formidable running game, a decent passing offense and a solid defense. They're a better than average team but a win this weekend can put them where they'd like to be.
12. Baltimore Ravens (7-4)
Baltimore is creeping up on the rest of the AFC. A win in Cincinnati, not too tall an order, and the Ravens could sneak into a tie in the AFC North. Not bad for a team led by a rookie from Delaware.
11. Arizona Cardinals (7-4)
That Arizona offense is something special but we've seen what happens when they can't protect Kurt Warner in the pocket. In addition, the Arizona defense is not something special. They'll win their division running away, but it's highly unlikely that they'll make much noise in the playoffs. However, winning even one playoff game is a historic achievement for this Cardinals franchise.
10. New England Patriots (7-4)
This is getting ridiculous. I'm flipping a coin to determine Patriots games now. I thought Randy Moss was done being Randy Moss. Of course I was facing him in fantasy this week. The Pats looked great on the road but what do I know?
9. Dallas Cowboys (7-4)
I for one am starting to buy back into the Cowboys. However, I think everyone is getting a bit too happy over a home win against the 49ers. I also think Terrell Owens can expect a bit more press coverage than he got against Nate Clements. The Cowboys don't figure to struggle at home against the Seahawks on Turkey Day though.
8. Carolina Panthers (8-3)
Carolina's success, it appears, may have been more a product of favorable scheduling than excellent play. The Panthers are a good team, but that 8-2 record may have been a bit misleading. A win in Green Bay this weekend could erase the potential Pretender label that the Panthers may be on the verge of garnering after getting trampled by the Falcons.
7. Atlanta Falcons (7-4)
What can I say? I really like this team. They run the ball. They stop the run. Their rookie QB is one of the top 10-15 QB's in the league right now. Their coach is fiery. Plus they have a ton of karma saved up after all of the bad luck their good guy owner has had. It's nice to see Arthur Blank smiling.
6. Indianapolis Colts (7-4)
That win in San Diego looks even more impressive now that Vegas has the Chargers as a 5-point favorite over the Falcons. Even without Bob Sanders their defense looked decent and they're pressuring the passer. They have a potential trap game in Cleveland but I think they'll be fine.
5. New York Jets (8-3)
The Jets have been looking great of late and the addition of Kris Jenkins is reaping huge rewards. That being said, how on Earth did they lose to the Raiders and almost lose to the Chiefs at home? The Jets are an enigma. I need to have less of a memory for these things.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-3)
The Bucs are going to have to figure out which team they're going to be, the team that went down 17-0 to the Lions or the team that scored a kajillion points from then on in. We may find out this week with a big NFC South matchup against the Saints.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3)
I really like Mike Tomlin. I want to play for that guy. Did you like Troy Palomalu trying to get a pick-six this week to end the game but then getting tackled by his own lineman a la Shane Falco tackling Dan Bateman in The Replacements? The Steelers are looking sharp and they'll be a force as the Super Bowl picture gets clearer.
2. Tennessee Titans (10-1)
People are acting like the Titans just went on a 5-game losing streak. This loss gives them back the disrespect card that they were playing all along but losing slowly but surely with every win. I feel bad for the Lions this week.
1. New York Football Giants (10-1)
Dear Giants fans,
You're welcome. To Allyson and the rest of the world with their collective love affair with the G-Men, the G-Men are atop the RW Rankings. Enjoy this week.
Kisses,
Eric
WEEK 13 PICKS
Tennessee -11 at Detroit
Dallas -13 vs. Seattle
Philadelphia -3 vs. Arizona
Cincinnati +7 vs. Baltimore
Indianapolis -4.5 at Cleveland
Green Bay -3 vs. Carolina
New Orleans +3.5 at Tampa Bay
Washington +3.5 vs. New York Giants
Buffalo -7 vs. San Francisco
Miami -7 at St. Louis
Atlanta +5 at San Diego
Oakland -3 vs. Kansas City
Pittsburgh +1 vs. New England
Denver +7.5 at New York Jets
Chicago +3.5 at Minnesota
Jacksonville +3 at Houston (Which MNF game wins the Who Cares Game Of The Year, this one or Arizona/San Fran?)
Season: 83-88-5
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