N.F.L. Power Rankings Week 7

In this past week in the NFL certain teams solidified their status as the best teams in the league (Saints, Colts), certain teams continued their surprising rise among the best (Bengals, Steelers), and some teams showed that they are not as powerful as they were once thought to be (Giants, Falcons).

All of this leads to this weeks most difficult Power Rankings to date. No worries, your boy B. Willie Cyclops is up to the challenge. So without further adieu,

1. Saints- At halftime of their game against the Dolphins there looked to be the biggest upset of the season occuring. The Fins built a three touchdown lead in the 2nd quarter, but the Saints battled back and wound up winning by 12 when all was said and done. Their defense fell asleep a bit, but Darren Sharper’s INT return for a td sparked a furious comeback. This was the first time New Orleans had been tested all season and they responded like champions. Next Week- Falcons. I’m  expecting this to be a very tough game for the Saints. A Monday Night Football classic in the making, there could be an upset brewing.

2. Colts- No surprise here, they dismantled a porous Rams team as expected. They have been hitting on all cylinders since week 3. Their defense is stronger than its been in years making suffocating any offense they face. Next Week- 49ers. San Fran could give them a game provided new QB Alex Smith gives them a spark and if they can play ball control offense, keeping Peyton Manning off the field. I don’t expect this to happen.

3. Broncos. They are coming off a bye week. They remain a very talented offense with a suprisingly sturdy defense. They remain undefeated and haven’t just played against creampuffs. The trade of Jay Cutler for Kyle Orton has paid huge dividends. Next Game- They travel to Baltimore to face a Ravens team that has lost 3 straight. This should be an outstanding contest. One of the best of the week.

4. Bengals. They absolutely destroyed a very talented Bears team. This game was out of hand in the 1st quarter. Carson Palmer seems to have caught his stride, tossing five td’s. Cedric Benson is the leading rusher in the league and Chad OchoCinco is the fourth leading receiver. Their Defense continues to play well, dismantling a potentially explosive Bears offense. Next Week- Bye Week.

5. Vikings. They lost their 1st game of the season to the Steelers this past Sunday. It was a hard fought game, one that saw the Vikings in position to take the lead twice towards the end of the 4th quarter. Instead of capitilizing, Favre had a fumble and an INT returned for a td. In fairness, the INT bounced off of a running back’s hands into the grasps of a defender. Minnesota still remains a very powerful offense and a very sturdy defense. Sidney Rice is emerging as one of the games best young prospects at wideout. Next Week- Here it is, the homecoming of Brett Favre. Since his signing with the Vikes in August this weekend has been circled on everybody’s calender. Favre got the best of his old team when they played in Minny, but this is a whole ‘nother story, This is the place where he mad his name a legend foe 18years. This game could be the movie of the week!

6. Steelers. Its difficult to place this team behind a team they just beat this past Sunday, but I feel that game could have gone either way. Regardless, this team is clearly on the rise back to the top. The defense played like one of the top three in the league and made up for an inconsistent offensive day. When they get on the same page they should get themselves back in top three teams. One thing is certain to me, Rashard Mendenhall’s fumble problems will cost them at least a game this season, mark my words. Next Week- Bye Week

7. Patriots. The team that won’t go away…won’t go away. They demolished the Buccaneers in London. It wasn’t a contest. The only surprise is that they actually gave up a touchdown. They’ve recaptured the AFC lead and it doesn’t look like they will be giving it up any time soon. The injuries at the RB position could present some difficulty, but then again they don’t run. Next Week- Bye Week

8.Cardinals. Hear starts the 2nd tier  teams currently playing in the NFL. The Cardinals are as inconsistent as any team playing, but when they’re on they’re on! They seem to be developing some sense of a running game which can now start to help because their defense is also starting to play consistent. They knocked off the Giants at home last week which was very impressive . Even in their magical run last year I wouldn’t have seen that. Next Week- Panthers. One of the shittier games on the docket this week, Arizona should be able to run up the score on this team that seems to have lost its way.

9. Giants. How the Mighty have fallen. Let me just say the Giants have all of a sudden become “bad” team by any stretch of the imagination, but they seemed to have hit a slump. They have gotten away from the running game and have been trying to live by the big play. Their defensive line is just not getting the type of pressure they used to and they are allowing teams to dissect them. One thing I’ve also noticed is that Eli has not been focusing on his receiver Steve Smith as much. He is as dependable as any receiver in the league and its an injustice that he didn’t see a ball till the 3rd quarter. Next Week- Eagles. Yet another great game this week. NFC East rivals go at it in a battle for 1st place. Not enough can be said about this match-up, other than they both need it badly. Always a classic, this game should follow suit.

10. Eagles. Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back. After their debacle in Oakland Philly came to D.C. and took care of business with the Redskins. All they needed was solid D and a couple of big plays and the ‘W’ was theirs. I will say one thing, Desean Jackson is the most explosive player in the NFL, bar none. Get the ball in his hands and watch the fireworks. Big concern with Brian Westbrook though, he has been the most important player on the team for years and a concussion that keeps him out for an extended period of time will be hurtful . Next Week- Giants. As mentioned previously, this is as important of a game as any, the winner is the owner of 1st place in the NFC East.

There ya go boys n goils, the top ten according to yours truly.

P.S. Your boy B. willie will be at the Meadowlands this Sunday watching the Jets battle the Dolphins with his Miami fan of a brother. Did anyone say family fistfight?