1. Pittsburgh Steelers 3-1 (1)
The Steelers are coming off their bye week, and Ben Roethlisberger will start his first game of the season. Expect the lowest-ranked passing attack in the NFL to start climbing the charts this week against Cleveland.
2. Baltimore Ravens 4-1 (3)
Ray Rice finally showed the skills that made him a first round pick in most fantasy leagues this year, and the Ravens are arguably the most well-rounded team in the NFL when they get that kind of contribution from the running game. The defense is still the strength of the team, but I expect the offense to get better and better as the season goes on.
3. New York Jets 4-1 (2)
The Jets had almost the same amount of yards as the Vikings on Monday night, but won the game because they took care of the ball. Minnesota's 3 turnovers proved to be the difference in New York's 29-20 victory, and once again the running game carried the load. The passing game should start to improve now that Santonio Holmes has joined the team on the field, but it may take a few games for he and Sanchez to get on the same page.
4. Indianapolis Colts 3-2 (6)
The Colts struggled to find the end zone against the Chiefs, but found a way to pull out a game they desperately needed after dropping a game to the Jaguars. Peyton Manning killed me in my fantasy game, as I have come to expect a minimum of 250 yards and 2 TD's from the league's best QB, and he failed to throw even one touchdown pass. I see a huge fantasy day for Peyton this week on Sunday night in Washington, but it should be a tough game for the Colts.
5. Atlanta Falcons 4-1 (8)
The Falcons aren't playing tremendously well, but they are finding ways to win. Michael Turner had a big day on the ground, and the defense had a TD courtesy of another horrendous Jake Delhomme pick 6. Roddy White came through with another 100+ yard game with a TD, and the Falcons took sole possession of first place in the NFC South.
6. New York Giants 3-2 (15)
The good Giants team showed up last week, as the defense locked down the Texans and former Tar Heel Hakeem Nicks went nuts with 12 catches for 130 yards and 2 TD's (could have been 3 TD's with a little extra effort). This team looks like the best team in the NFC some weeks, and like a middle of the pack team in others. They've put back-to-back great weeks together, so maybe the superior version is here to stay.
7. Kansas City Chiefs 3-1 (9)
The Chiefs had a good showing against the Colts, but fell short in the end. Despite dropping their first game of the season, K.C. proved it could compete with one of the top teams in the league. The 3-0 start wasn't just a fluke, this team is for real.
8. Tennessee Titans 3-2 (12)
The Titans bounced back nicely with a big win in Dallas after dropping a game at home to the Broncos. Chris Johnson returned to his dominating self with 131 yards and 2 TD's, and Tennessee won again after being out-gained by nearly 200 yards. Vince Young is a great game manager and generally takes good care of the ball, and that formula has proved to be successful for the Titans this season.
9. Minnesota Vikings 1-3 (11)
The Vikings dropped another close game, this time against the New York Jets. After the offense was stifled for almost 3 full quarters, Brett Farve got Minnesota back in the game with 3 touchdown passes, only to end the game on an interception for a TD. A game involving Farve never lacks excitement, but he is making far too many turnovers so far this season. This team is very good, but can't overcome Farve making 3 turnovers every game. Given this was a tough game against one of the best teams in the league, and once the Vikings got down it kind of forced Farve to go for more, but Brett needs to play more like Vince Young for this team to be successful from here on. I still think they are one of the better teams in the league, but the Vikings really need a win at home against the Cowboys this week.
10. New Orleans Saints 3-2 (5)
I didn't see the Saints-Cardinals game this week, and I have to say I was shocked to see the 30-20 Arizona victory. Clearly the injuries to Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush are severely limiting this offense, as opposing defenses are free to key on Drew Brees and the passing game while mostly ignoring the less-than-intimidating duo of Ladell Betts and Chris Ivory. Brees threw 3 interceptions for the first time in quite a while, and the Saints' 4 total turnovers overcame the fact that they outgained the Cardinals nearly 2 to 1. Suddenly Sunday's tilt in Tampa Bay has major implications, as the Saints can ill-afford to drop another divisional game to the 3-1 Buccaneers.
11. Green Bay Packers 3-2 (4)
It was a really bad week for the Green Bay Packers. Not only did they lose a hard-fought game to the Redskins in overtime, they lost their emerging star TE and leading receiver Jermichael Finley for 8-10 weeks, and QB Aaron Rodgers sustained a concussion and has yet to practice this week. The next 6 games on the schedule are absolutely brutal for the Packers, so what looked like a promising season may be in jeopardy.
12. Houston Texans 3-2 (7)
Houston ran in to a buzzsaw last week in the New York Giants, who did whatever they wanted to against the league's worst passing defense. The Texans were outgained 414-195, but on a positive note star WR Andre Johnson played and finished with 5 catches for 95 yards. Although he didn't appear to be 100%, it's a good sign going forward.
13. Denver Broncos 2-3 (14)
The Broncos were handled pretty easily by the Ravens, but I still think this team is pretty good. The passing attack is one of the league's best, with Brandon Lloyd having a breakout season and Kyle Orton looking like a top five QB. As good as the passing game has been, the Broncos have to get more out of the lowest rated rushing attack in the league if they hope to make the playoffs.
14. Philadelphia Eagles 3-2 (20)
Apparently I was too quick to drop the Eagles so drastically in the rankings last week. I was under the impression that both LeSean McCoy and Michael Vick were going to miss extended time with rib injuries, but McCoy played and performed very well as Philadelphia handed San Francisco another heartbreaking loss. This team clearly isn't as good without Vick, but Kolb is a great backup to have and will keep them in contention until Vick is ready to return.
15. Washington Redskins 3-2 (19)
The Redskins got a huge overtime victory against the Packers last week, keeping them in a 3-way tie atop the NFC East standings. QB Donovan McNabb has really added a new dynamic to this offense, as his 357 yards compensated for a total lack of a running game (51 yards). Huge game for the Redskins this Sunday night as they host the Indianapolis Colts.
16. New England Patriots 3-1 (10)
The Patriots dropped 6 spots in the rankings during their bye week due to the trade of Randy Moss to the Vikings. The Patriots' defense is pretty bad, and they can hardly afford to lose one of their best offensive weapons. New England has acquired Deion Branch to replace him, but he hasn't been relevant in years so I doubt he is the answer. I look for WR Brandon Tate to have a breakout season, but filling Randy Moss' shoes is a tall task.
17. Miami Dolphins 2-2 (17)
The Dolphins desperately needed their bye week after self-destructing in week 4 against the Patriots. They return to action this week in Green Bay, where the Packers will be without TE Jermichael Finley and possibly QB Aaron Rodgers as well. Miami is catching Green Bay at a great time, and they need to take advantage of their good fortune and get a victory.
18. Dallas Cowboys 1-3 (16)
The Cowboys are much more talented than the #18 spot, but until they can stop turning the ball over and losing games they have to be ranked in the middle of the pack. Enormous game for them this week in Minnesota, as the loser will drop to 1-4 and have a huge hole to dig out of if they want to make the playoffs. If Dallas can just cut down on their turnovers and ridiculous penalty yardage they should be able to turn the season around and get back into contention for the playoffs, but that is easier said than done. Wade Phillips could be on the way out.
19. San Diego Chargers 2-3 (13)
The Chargers continued their trend of losing on the road, dropping a 35-27 decision to the Raiders. San Diego is putting up crazy yardage numbers, and from a strictly statistical standpoint are the best team in the NFL. They sport the #1 passing offense and the 3rd best passing defense. Unfortunately for them, they can't seem to avoid turning the ball over in terrible spots, and it has cost them several games so far. This team has the potential to be one of the league's best, but until they put an end to these crucial turnovers they will remain in the middle of the pack.
20. Chicago Bears 4-1 (18)
Can you tell I'm not sold on the Chicago Bears? Despite their 4-1 record, the Bears come in at #20 in this week's rankings. Chicago was very lucky to be playing the Carolina Panthers last week, as their 4 turnovers and overall pathetic performance would have earned them a loss against virtually any other team. The Bears offense has struggled all season, but they really got a glimpse of just how bad it can be when Jay Cutler is out. This team has a very favorable schedule until the end of the season, and they'll need to fully take advantage of it if they have any hope of making the playoffs.
21. Oakland Raiders 2-3 (26)
For once, the Raiders found themselves as the team that took advantage of turnovers to get a big win. Oakland was out-gained 506 to 279, but got it done courtesy of 3 timely San Diego miscues. The Raiders scored 16 of their 30 points directly off those turnovers, and came out of the game with a big divisional win despite being thoroughly dominated. They travel to winless San Francisco this week, and I'm thinking the 49ers might get their first win.
22. Detroit Lions 1-4 (25)
The Lions put a vicious beating on the Rams last week, capitalizing on 3 turnovers and returning a kickoff for a TD in a 44-6 victory. Detroit was due a win, and they got it in convincing fashion as Shaun Hill threw for 3 TD's and rookie RB Jahvid Best had over 100 total yards. Their reward for getting their first win...a road trip to one of the hottest teams in the league, the New York Giants. I'm thinking they probably won't be making it 2 in a row.
23. Jacksonville Jaguars 3-2 (23)
The Jaguars didn't play well, but luckily for them they were up against one of the worst teams in football, the Buffalo Bills. The Jags once again leaned heavily on their 4th ranked rushing attack, amassing 216 yards on the ground. That was enough to overcome their 3 turnovers and improve to 3-2 on the season, a record that seems much too good for a team of their caliber. Jacksonville will host Monday Night Football when the Tennessee Titans come to town this week.
24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3-1 (29)
I still don't like this team, but to this point in the season they are getting it done. The Buccaneers are taking full advantage of an easy early season schedule, and if they can find a way to beat the Saints at home next week they will find themselves in the middle of a playoff race. The Bengals handed them a win last week, turning the ball over 4 times, 3 of them interceptions by Carson Palmer. The Bucs scored 10 points in the final minute and 26 seconds, and Conner Barth kicked the game winner with a second remaining.
25. Cincinnati Bengals 2-3 (21)
Carson Palmer topped off another rocky performance with his 3rd interception as the Bengals seemed poised to win the game. Cincinnati had taken the ball into Tampa Bay territory quickly after the Bucs had tied the game with 1:26 to go, but Palmer's pick was returned to the Cincy 34-yard line and the Bengals could only watch as Barth's kick sailed true and sent them home with another loss.
26. Arizona Cardinals 3-2 (30)
The Cardinals were dominated nearly 2 to 1 in total yardage, but the defense took advantage of 4 Saints turnovers, scoring 3 touchdowns and unexpectedly lead the team to a victory. This team has been terrible in every facet of the game, but the defense was extremely opportunistic in this one and fully punished Drew Brees for his uncharacteristic performance. As bad as this team has been, they find themselves on top of the division and in position to make the playoffs...unreal.
27. Cleveland Browns 1-4 (27)
The Browns were competitive yet again, taking a lead into halftime against a very good Falcons team. Unfortunately for Cleveland, Jake Delhomme entered the game in the 2nd half and any chance the Browns had of winning the game went out the window. Jake did what he always does, threw 2 picks, including one returned for a TD, and it was game, set, match Atlanta.
28. Seattle Seahawks 2-2 (24)
Well the Seahawks are 2-0 at home, and 0-2 on the road. With a road game at Chicago coming up this week, it would seem they are due for a loss. Maybe newly acquired RB Marshawn Lynch can change the trend for Seattle, but at the very least he should help improve the league's 29th-rated running game.
29. San Francisco 49ers 0-5 (28)
Another week, another heartbreaker for the 49ers. Once again San Francisco had the ball with a chance to tie or win the game late in the 4th quarter, only to see their hopes crushed in Philadelphia territory on an Alex Smith interception. To be fair, Smith did end up with over 300 yards and 3 TD's, but it wasn't enough and the 49ers fell to 0-5. I'm thinking it's time they get their first win this week at home against the Raiders.
30. St. Louis Rams 2-3 (22)
Tough break for the Rams. After a very promising start to the season, St. Louis lost WR Mark Clayton for the season to a knee injury and were demolished by the Lions 44-6. Clayton and rookie QB Sam Bradford had developed great chemistry right off the bat and seemed primed to contend for a division title, but the injury will likely put an end to all that talk. As weak as their division is, the Rams could little afford to lose any of their weapons. Judging by the beating they took at the hands of Detroit, the outlook isn't good.
31. Buffalo Bills 0-5 (32)
It looks like the Bills and the Panthers will be battling all season long to see who occupies the last spot in the power rankings. The Bills fought their way out of the cellar by showing a few signs of life. They went to the half tied with the Jags, and QB Ryan Fitzpatrick threw 3 touchdown passes. Despite these positive notes, Jacksonville pulled away in the 4th quarter and sent Buffalo to its 5th straight loss.
32. Carolina Panthers 0-5 (31)
HOPELESS. That's the only way to describe this Panther offense at the moment. No one can throw, and no one can catch, so the opposing defense can just gang up against the run and leave Carolina with no chance. Both Jimmy Clausen and Matt Moore have no confidence left, and even I've never heard of any of the receivers the Panthers put on the field on Sundays. The pass defense is actually pretty good, but it won't matter if the offense can't score any points. The Bears had 4 turnovers last week, but still the Panthers ended the game with only 6 points. If the front office stands pat and refuses to even entertain the thought of looking to sign another receiver, 0-16 is looking like a very real possibility.
No comments:
Post a Comment