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| Alex Smith and the Kansas City Chiefs are ranked #1. Photo credit NFL |
1. Kansas City Chiefs
I'm trying not to pick up what this side is putting down. But it is too hard not to when they are the only team in the NFL without a 'L' in the Loss column. The Chiefs are very stingy on the defensive side, allowing just 81 points through 7 games, an average of 11.6, good for the best figure in the league. Their offense has been slightly criticized lately, for not 'firing'. Those critique artists might want to head over and have a look at their 8th best record for TDs offensively. You simply must put the side that is 7-0 in first position, I know you might suggest that they have had an easy schedule to this point, but good sides win those games and win all of them. Give the Chiefs a chance to face a decent opponent, before sweeping them aside.
2. Seattle Seahawks
This team is only going to get better. Much better. Bobby Wagner and Breno Giacomini were 2 key absentees in yet another convincing hawks victory in their past fixture at Arizona. The Hawks O-Line was exposed at times, without Giacomini, as it allowed the scampering Wilson to be sacked 3 times for the night. Lets not forget Percy Harvin, who was also absent for the 7th time this season. The Seahawks have a chance to become a serious SB threat once Percy gets back onto the field. But lets not get ahead of ourselves here, the Seahawks have taken on just two teams currently with a winning record. The 49ers and the Colts. They’re 1-1 in those contests. The Seahawks should surely pass the next 4 weeks(@STL, TB, @ATL, MIN), before heading to the bye upon facing 2 tough tests in a row, in the Saints at home and the 49ers at Candlestick Park, which will give us an idea of whether or not Seattle can match it with the best of the NFC.
3. Denver Broncos
I like this teams offense a lot. On defense, however, something has to be done. Von Miller's first game of the season did little to stop a rampant Andrew Luck. He made just 2 tackles for the night, in his long awaited return from suspension. Denver is a middle of the range team when it comes to getting to the opposing QBs, with 19 sacks and are 6th in picks. That isn't too shabby at all. It is their 14 TDs through the air, bad for 25th worst in the league that is contributing to this team giving up an average of 28.1pts a ball game. It’s impossible to drop Denver beyond 3rd spot after their first loss of the season, the way Peyton went about his business for 6 games was fun to watch and it almost feels wrong dropping them 2 spots after just one loss. Anyhow, Is it just me or has Denver looked ever so shaky in their last 2 contests? The Jaguars had them on their heels for 3 quarters and now a loss against an AFC threat such as the Colts surely has Denver fans panicking, just a little. It at least has some fans racing to their closest computer, to check if it is true that Denver began the 2009 season 6-0, only to finish with a less than promising 9-7. *Denver fans proceed to take a look for themselves*
4. New Orleans Saints
The Saints beat the bye 49-0. Drew Brees threw for an NFL record tying 7 TD passes. Drew Brees and Co. had the bye this week, therefore they didn't lose and although they lost to the Patriots in their last matchup, I really like what New Orleans is doing on the Defensive side this season, as opposed to last season. The Saints are ranked 11th in total Defense this season in total yards conceded. As opposed to last season where they were ranked last in the NFL, with a humongous 60 yards conceded per matchup, more than their closest rivals, the Giants. Although they have dropped from 2nd(last season) to 6th this season in yards gained offensively, they have more than made up for the drop, defensively. At 5-1, the Saints stand a true threat to sides like the Seahawks and 49ers this season, when the NFC Championship game comes knocking.
5. Indianapolis Colts
It’s always an achievement to take down Peyton Manning, regardless of which team he plays for. But when you do it against a Peyton Manning that is arguably in career best form, 5th spot is almost an understatement. Andrew Luck led his side to a much needed victory against a formerly unbeaten side and not only does this give the Colts a 2 game lead in their division. It again, firms them as a serious threat in the AFC. Beating the broncos has been impossible this season and the Colts just went and showed the rest of the NFL how to get the job done. The Colts are dangerous and although Luck is only throwing the 23rd most passing yards every week, he’s playing a lot smarter and his 10TD/3INT record suggests that.
6. San Francisco 49ers
At 1-2 and after consecutive beatings at the hands of division rivals, the Seahawks and the Colts, the 49ers were what everyone was talking about- for all the wrong reasons. Now, after 4 consecutive wins, they’re back in the spotlight whenever a conversation about the NFC title is happening. Unfortunately, the 4 win streak looks better than it really is, though. They’ve won 4 games they should have won, against teams with losing records. And although I actually expected the Titans to really worry the 49ers on their home soil, the 49ers got got the job done. San Fran’s 2 of their final 9 games will be against teams with winning records(Seahawks, Saints). The Carolina game is one contest that I will be watching with extreme interest, however,
7. Green Bay Packers
They seem to do it easily, don't they? I see them against an easier opponent than all of the opponents above and automatically pencil them in for a win. I guess thats largely because they have Aaron Rodgers flinging the ball around. Even with star wide receivers Randall Cobb and James Jones out of action, they got it done offensively against a very underrated Browns defense. Jarrett Boykin will be one of the hottest products in fantasy land this week. Although Aaron Rodgers is posting a QB rating of 104.5, (which is good for 4th among QBs who have started in 3 games or more), he ‘s actually had 2 better seasons in his career. Amazing, huh? The Packers don’t play a team above them on this weeks Power Rankings for the remainder of the year. They’re play-off bound and massive division favourites IMO, to say the least at this point.
8. Cincinnati Bengals
Mike Nugent kicked his second game winning field goal, in as many weeks. The Bengals amazingly winning both contests, 27-24. Not every week does Andy Dalton come to the party and even sometimes when he doesn't, his Defense stays for the after party and gets the job done. In saying that, Dalton is having a career year to date. His 93.9 QB rating in 2013 is is the best of his career. With a defense currently inside the top 10(9th) in yards conceded, the Bengals present themselves as an actual AFC contender. Its hard to see them not winning their division at this point, with the Ravens and Steelers having far less than impressive seasons and the Browns punching above their weight at 3-4. But this week, he did and the result came off the back of him and AJ Green who came to life. Props to Megatron whos' 2 TD receptions was good enough to beat the Jaguars, Eagles and Vikings by his lonesome this week.
9. New England Patriots
This probably is a bit of a drop after one loss. But they haven't exactly been their 'best' this season and the puzzle is starting to un ravel. This next stat is going to WOW you. Tom Brady currently owns a 75.3
QB rating this season. It can’t be all Tom Bradys’ fault, when your Receiving corp is hauling in just 55.4% of passes thrown by Brady for the year. It was great to see Rob Gronkowski return. YES YOU'RE READING IT RIGHT, HE FINALLY RETURNED! Fantasy owners everywhere like this.
The Patriots had a really great win against New Orleans the week before last, but losing to a Rookie QB in the most controversial of ways(See OT call by the Refs), simply shouldn’t have happened. Tom Brady should have dealt with this ball game, long before it got to that point. Completing 1/12 3rd downs isn’t going to win you many football games.
10. San Diego
10th spot was a coin toss between San Diego and Dallas and San Diego beat Dallas, so hey! Here's me thinking that the Chargers would come out and do as only the Chargers do and lose an easy game on the road, after a massive effort the previous week. I was wrong. Maybe this team isn't just an average side? This Chargers team is certainly inconsistent, but when isn't a Chargers team inconsistent? One thing is for sure though, if the playoffs began today, they would be there and not many experts predicted the Chargers to be 4-3 heading into their bye week. Mathews is looking lively, Rivers is being the Rivers we have came to know(last year excluded) and the Defense has not conceded a TD in 10 quarters of football. Let’s not forget Rivers is playing without his two best WRs in, Denario Alexander and Malcolm Floyd who are done for the year. Rookie WR and the Chargers 3rd Round Draft pick, Keenan Allen has looked something else in his last 4 outings, where he’s averaged 92.25YDs, 5.75 Receptions and 0.5 TDs. There is finaly hope in San Diego.
11. Dallas Cowboys
In a contest that was expected to exceed 10,000 points, Dallas gave up just 3. Probably the most boring game of the week, but Romo delivered(this time) and Dallas keep on rolling. A lot of the credit has to go to the Cowboys Defense here, who picked off Matt Barkley 3 times after Nick Foles headed to the locker-room with a concussion. He didn’t have a nice time out on the field anyway, he was sacked 3 times by the Cowboys defense. As division leaders, the boys look like a team that actually deserves a playoff shot this time around. Considering the NFC East possesses just 10 wins in 27 fixtures for the season, which results to a 37% win rate, the Cowboys are in a prime position to take the division title.
12. Detroit Lions
Calvin Johnson was dealing with some nagging injuries apparently? So if he was 100% healthy he would have had 300+ yards and 4 TDs. Luckily he wasn't 100% healthy Bengals fans! Matthew Stafford had a monstrous day, throwing for 357YDs, 3 TDs and no turnovers. It felt like every time I switched back over to this game, Stafford was throwing the ball. He threw 51 times on the day. This game was just a true shootout, with no turnovers and only 1 sack for the day(Lions Defense). The Lions just couldn’t hold the Bengals out as far as they needed to on the Bengals final drive, as the Bengals got themselves into legitimate game winning range, with seconds to go. Mark Nugent kicked a 54-YD FG to win the game. Detroit get a shot at an NFC contender in the Cowboys in week 8. Above them in my power rankings by one spot this week. What a contest that will turn out to be.
13. Chicago Bears
A big drop for the Bears this week, but it isn't just because they lost in an all time shootout and their strong defense from last season struggled again. Jay Cutler is gone for at least 4 weeks, so look for Matt Forte to be handed the rock early and often. Josh McCown will now get the start for as long as Cutler is injured. He came in and completed 14 of 20 passes, for 204YDs and a TD. But we’re talking about a QB here who has never posted a better QB rating than 74.9 in 9 games for Arizona way back in 2005. Chicago have the bye this week, before they face the Packers and Lions in consecutive weeks. Bears fans will be praying for a miracle and that Jay is back to partake in these 2 crucial Divisional games.
14. New York Jets
The good Geno turned up this week and what do you know, the Jets won! His rushing TD wasn't the highlight though, his failed fake spike 'celebration' which followed got the cake this week. Just about full credit goes to the Jets Defense here. Only giving up 295 Offensive yards against a usually proficient Pats Offense, sacking Brady 4 times and picking him off once. The most impressive stat is yet to come, though, the Jets allowed the Patriots just ONE 3rd down completion of TWELVE attempts. The Jets have got the 4th best Defense in terms of yards allowed per contest this year. Their contest against Cinci in week 8 makes for an intriguing fixture.
15. Baltimore Ravens
After 3 losses in their past 4 games, Ravens LB Terrell Suggs went on to say that his side are in a 'state of emergency' and I tend to agree. This side has versed just 2 teams in front of them in my power rankings this week and they lost to both of them(Broncos and Packers). Therefore, they are 0-2 against legit teams and 3-2 against 'others'. The SB Champions need to turn it around and they'll get the week off to think about just how they'll go about that before heading to Cleveland, in a game I see them losing in their current form.
16. Tennessee Titans
The good news in a rather unsatisfactory showing against the 49ers is that Jake Locker returned and he'll get a week off now to fully recover from his injury(hip/knee). I have been high on the Titans all year now and for good reason. Jake Locker is having one of the better seasons of his career and threw for just his first interception this past week, in his 5th game of the year. He threw 2TDs, which boosts his total up to 8. The Titans need to start firing offensively, though as they are currently outside the top 16 for all major categories(PTS/G,YDs/G,Pass YDs/G Rush YDs/G). Chris Johnson better be listening, because his long TD reception in garbage time didn’t do the Titans any justice. Although it was certainly a pretty site, as it helped him get his first 100 all purpose yard game all season.
17. Carolina Panthers
Do you want to know something crazy? The Panthers have given up the second least amount of points this season. I know they've played one less games than teams, but an average of 14pts a game is enough for Cam Newton to take this side to the playoffs, if they can start beating some good football sides. Cam is still one of the most exciting young QBs in the league and he’s on a 2 game streak, where he’s thrown for over 200 yards and no interceptions. He’s got 4 TDs in that same stretch, 3 through the air and one one by himself.
18. Miami Dolphins
Three straight losses and a 3-3 record. Its not all bad in Miami, but they face an angry Tom Brady and co in week 8. Miami has seriously struggled on the ground this season, 78 yards per game does not cut it. Rookie Lamar Miller has not been able to get it done and simply hasn't lived up to the pre-season hype he was receiving. Is it Time to panic at 3-4, if they are to lose to New England? Not so fast, The Dolphins Defense is holding opposing QBs to an average QB rating of 83.5 through 6 games this season or 8TDs and 7 INTs, whichever reads better in your head. What that doesn’t give us is that Miami is allowing the 8th most passing yards this season. Being on the receiving end of seven 40+YD passing plays this year doesn’t help. Only the Ravens and Bills have handed out more(10 each).
19. Philadelphia Eagles
Even without DeMarcus Ware chasing the Eagle QBs around, Nick Foles and Matt Barkley combined for just 22 completions on 49 attempts. The Eagles let go of a wonderful opportunity to take sole leadership of first place in their division. It was never going to be an easy job without Michael Vick. Nick Foles left the game with concussion, which means Michael Vick unfairly wins the QB bout. Michael Vick will be back next week to take on the G Men, in another divisional battle.
20. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons aren’t buried way down deep in my rankings, because they possess an offense capable of winning every contest. The same can’t be said for their defense, however, which allowed Mike Glennon to come to life in an 8 point victory. The Falcons are surprisingly still in the hunt after a poor start for their standards. They may have only beaten the Bucs in the week gone by, but I like the potential of this side, much more than the sides below them. Julio Jones being out for the season certainly hurts this side, but Harry Douglas gave them a breath of fresh air, with a standout performance.
21. Washington Redskins
The Redskins hit back in a big way, in a win against the Bears. With an offense which sits 10th in PTS, 4th in total offensive yards, 7th in passing yards and 4th in rushing yards, it gets the nod over fellow 2-4 team Pittsburgh, 3-4 Cards and the 3-4 Rams, who are just about QB-less. Roy Helu Jr picked up not 1, not 2, but 3 TDs and RG III had his best game of the season. Things are looking up and the Redskins certainly aren't out for the count in the NFC East just yet. With a game in hand, they could be just 1 game back from the Cowboys.
22. Arizona Cardinals
7-12 is the grand total Win-Loss record of the teams that Arizona has beaten this season. The Lions, Carolina and the Bucs. Seriously not impressive at all. Carson Palmer 'boasts' the 5th worst rating of all QBs in the league this season. Mix that in with a ground game that runs for 77 yards per game and you've got yourself a side with a losing record. Patrick Peterson is becoming more and more fun to watch each week, however. He's becoming one of the best CBs in the league.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers
When you allow just 197.5 yards through the air every week, you're officially going to be in every contest. But unfortunately the Steelers have been just exactly that this season. In every contest. Although they’re average loss difference is 10.25, which suggests otherwise, they have still been a legitimate chance at some point in most contests. They haven’t found ways to win though and that’s what they’ll need to do in order to get back in the running for a wildcard spot. Two wins in a row now and the Steelers are officially back in business. Is it time to put a few more together and give Troy Polamalu a chance to work his magic in the playoffs? Back to reality, the Steelers are 2-4 and last in the division. There is work to do and lots of it here.
24. St Louis Rams
I don't give the Rams too much hope with Sam Bradford gone for the season, unfortunately and that’s why they sit way back in 21st I was enjoying watching Sam Bradford have his best season yet and his injury really puts their playoff hopes in more than just doubt. Brady Quinn joined the St Louis Rams earlier today. *Leaves time for every other supporter base in the NFL to laugh* Brady Quinn isn’t going to get many wins, many TDs or even first downs for that matter. I feel for you St Louis fans, I really do.
25. Buffalo Bills
The bills are 3-3, but unfortunately won't be presenting us with a winning or even a .500 record in 2 weeks time. Their next 2 opponents combine for an 11-1 record. The Saints and Chiefs. Ouch. Good win against the Dolphins, however. Fred Jackson, not CJ Spiller continues to find ways to help his side the best way he can. He’s averaging a modest 85 all purpose yards per matchup this season along with a TD in every 0.71 games.
26. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders had the bye this week, which was great for Pryor to rest up. I am really liking Pryor, he may not be as good an overall player as fellow scrambling men; RG III, Newton, Wilson, Kaepernick, just yet, but he has a chance to be. He is becoming the face of the Raiders franchise quick smart, as he’s had an accelerated development so far. The Raiders aren't out of season 2013 yet, but this side needs some more weapons on both sides of the field. I believe they've got a franchise QB to work with right here, though.
27. Houston Texans
The good news for the Texans? They won't lose this week, unless Matt Schaub plays and the Bye gets a couple of pick sixes. But in all seriousness, Case Keenum looked good against a very stout Chiefs defensive unit. A real positive for the Texans. The Texans have a -11 turnover ratio so far and Matt Schaub can tell you that quite a lot of those have been taken back the other way. They’ve also kicked 12 FGs and 12TDs this season. They need to start scoring some TDs.
28. Cleveland Browns
After three wins in a row and after shocking the entire NFL universe, the Cleveland Browns fell back to earth this week with their second straight loss. A defense which is in the top 10 for both the pass and the rush needs some help from their QB. Joe Haden, Josh Gordon, Jordan Cameron round out a trio of talented players on this unit. They need a few more weapons to be a real playoff contender. Jason Campbell is now predicted to start this week against Kansas City. It’s not going to get them the W, but it might give Cleveland fans a reason to cheer.
29. New York Giants
I know the Giants are 1-6, but they have the best chance of turning their season around amongst the teams below them here. That does NOT mean they will make the play offs. They might finish with the most wins amongst a bad bunch. Wouldn’t it be something though, from 0-6 to the play offs? It certainly would, but sorry Giants fans, with the Packers, Cowboys, Chargers, Seahawks and Detroit, its seems an impossible task. But be my guest, you’ll probably win the SB too, if you were to complete such a mission. Provided Hakeem Nicks doesn't catch 2 balls of 10 thrown his way again this season or in his life, for that matter.
30. Minessota Vikings
Josh Freeman needs to learn this playbook quick smart. He looked terrible on MNF. The Giants constantly packed the box with 8 G Men, forcing him to pick which receiver in single coverage he wanted to roll the dice with. Unfortunately, he never quite got enough time to do so. Instead, he found himself scrambling out of the pocket, like a chook without a head looking for a receiver to make a play for him for most of the night. Even when a receiver became open for him, he overthrew them. He did this 16 times on the night, to set a new NFL record. At least he walked out of his Vikes debut with a record, other than just his losing record. Controversial coaching decision by the Vikes. The question has to be asked, should they have benched Freeman, upon him clearly not being able to get it going, in an attempt to win the ball game?
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Is Greg Schiano's time up in Tampa? Doug Martin suffered a torn labrum, which will most likely keep him out for the rest of the season. If the Bucs are smart they will sit him anyway, with their current 0-6 record. The Bucs are 20th or worst for both the run and pass game. 18th against the pass in defense. But that's certainly not near 31st? This side needs to figure out how to win. They've certainly been in some games this year. Do we go back to my initial question, considering?
32. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags actually have some talent in Jacksonville. Justin Blackmon and Cecil Shorts could both be WR1's elsewhere. MJD just needs a QB to help him out, out there. His side is trailing way too often, for him to be anything near his productive best. A solid showing against Denver 2 weeks ago, led to a disappointing performance against San Diego. They couldn’t get it going and had to settle for FGs twice. Chad Henne threw for over 300 yards, however. Jaguars fans must be enjoying not having to watch Blaine Gabbert anymore. Don’t worry, most of us are. The Jags get themselves a franchise QB next season with a high first round pick and they'll probably need some defensive playmakers, too, whilst they're at it.
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