N.F.L. Power Rankings Week 8

Sorry for the delay folks, after being at the Jets loss to the Dolphins I almost swore off football, but who am I kidding….

Another week of professional football action is in the books and with it another scrambled view of the best teams in the league. The top five seems to be very consistent with very little change from the beginning of the season. The biggest surprise has been the Giants rapid decline from dominant to mediocre. Their nose-dose has been offset with the Cowboys sudden rise to revelence. So how can one possibly decipher the ten most powerful teams in the league you ask?? By being completely obessesed with all things pigskin, that’s how!

1. Saints- For the second week in a row they were tested and actually trailed to start the game, but the combo of oppurtunistic defense and explosive offense keeps this team from losing. Drew Brees clearly needs to be mentioned in the same breath as Brady and Manning. In the same respect Darren Sharper is easily the biggest play-making saftey of this time. He shows no signs of slowing down and will make a serious push at the all time interception record. Next game- Carolina. Their run game will keep the Panthers in it for about a quarter or so, but this will not be much of a test for N’awlins.

2. Colts- They also had a tough game against the scrappy 49ers, but a halfback toss from Joseph Addai to Reggie Wayne kept Indy in the undefeated club. Wayne might be the most underrated wide receiver in the league. He also might be the best. Their defense welcomed back Bob Sanders who promptly had an interception. Other than a 64 yd TD run they kept Frank Gore in check, which is not an easy feat. Next Game- Houston. This might be the week that the Colts get knocked off their perch. Houston has been gaining steam as of late and usually gives the Colts a difficult game at least once a year.

3. Vikings- The homecoming of Brett Favre wasn’t quite the game I thought it would be. Favre and the Vikings came out like gangbusters to a chorus of boos resonating throughout his former home field. Green Bay made it mildly interesting towards the end, but their defense could not handle the powerful purple onslaught. At this point it seems they can hang with anybody in the league. Their only downfall could be Favre reverting back to his old turnover-prone ways. Next Game- Bye week.

4. Bengals- They are coming off of a bye week after compiling a strong 5-2 record. Just before the bye, they dismantled the Bears at home, so their confidence is sky high. The offense is really coming together with top-notch talent at every skill position and their defense has some young talent which has won some early games for them. Next Game- Ravens. A game of the week contender, this is an intriging matchup. Baltimore is coming off a huge confidence boosting win over a strong Broncos team. Cincy is home yet still the underdog. Could be a shootout or a field postion type game. Regardless a win here keeps Cincy in great shape as far as division records are concerned.

5. Broncos- Denver is coming off a bad loss that you almost should of seen coming. They played a desperate Ravens team that needed the win to save their season. A couple of early turnovers really got this game out of hand. Speaking of which, Denver’s rookie running back Knowshon Moreno seems to be good for a fumble a week, this could be very dangerous for the team and coach Josh McDaniels is sure not to stand for it. They still are a very talented team with a oppurtunistic defense. Next Game- Steelers. The Broncos go back home to face a Pittsburgh team that is coming off a bye week and starting to play like the championship team of last year. Another candidate for game of the week.

6. Steelers- As mentioned above, Pittsburgh is starting to get into their post-season form and after an extra week to prepare for Denver, they could be ready to capitalize on a Broncos team that exposed some weaknesses in Baltimore this past weekend. It should be a very interesting game. They could easily move into top 4 teams this weekend with a hard fought win. Next Game-  Broncos. As mentioned, this is a candidate for game of the week.

7. Patriots- Another team coming off their bye week. The Pats may be the most dangerous of them all. When you give Bill Belicheck a day to prepare he has an airtight gameplan, two weeks fougedeboutit! Their biggest concern is their defense, which has sprung some leaks this season. Their offense is starting to get on track. Next Game- Dolphins. Miami scored on three returns this past week to upset the Jets at home, they will not get those chances this week up in Foxboro.

8. Eagles-  The Eagles took care of the Giants with relative ease this past week. Even though the G-men have been reeling as of late, this was no easy task. Philly’s defense was harassing Eli Manning all afternoon and the offense was equally as potent. This game was out of hand fairly early. Memo to the league: Double cover Desean Jackson! This guy touches the ball 4 times a game and gets two tds, incredible. Next Game- Cowboys. Great Sunday night inter-division game between two teams playing very well. Philly is at home and will look to use a rambuncious crowd to their advantage. If they can force a couple of turnovers and keep the Dallas defense off of McNabb’s back, they will win.

9. Cowboys- Welcome back to the land of the relevant! Dallas has quietly turned in a couple of impressive wins and looked like a playoff team as of late. Miles Austin has all of a sudden become one of the top receivers in the league. Romo needed a big,  fast option and he has filled that role. Their defense has also been suprisingly stout the past few weeks. Next Game- Eagles. As mentioned, this is a game of the week candidate on display for all of America to see Sunday night. The boys need to protect the ball and establish somewhat of a running game with Marion Barber to pull a win out of the Philly’s backyard.

10. Texans- This is a close one between them and the Ravens, but Houston has been pretty impressive lately. Their offense is as potent as ever, although, the loss of Owen Daniels really hurts. Matt Schaub has been playing lights out at qb and they might have found a dependable running back this past weekend with Ryan Moats. Their defense isn’t nearly as strong as it needs to be, and if it does not improve this team will not make the playoffs. Next Game- Colts. Houston has a real shot at an upset here. Their main key is establishing a running game, if they can keep the ball out of Manning’s hands they have a chance.

There it is for your visual pleasure, as always all comments and arguments are more than welcome.

B. Willie Cyclops will be in Philly this weekend for Sunday night NFC East clash. As always I will be rockin my Jets jersey, wondering if I’ll recieve any brotherly love??

-B. Willie