Thursday, December 21, 2006

NFL Power Rankings: Week 16

1. San Diego Chargers (12-2): They've won 8 games in a row, and have a firm grip on the AFC's #1 seed. Right now, all I can say is that as long as LT keeps running like he is, and the defense continues to dominate, their isn't much you can do to stop this team.

2. Chicago Bears (12-2): Grossman is looking a lot better from his 1.3 passer rating a couple of weeks ago, and that is key, because the only flaw in this team that can be spot is the offense, and more specifically Rex Grossman at QB.

3. Baltimore Ravens (11-3): Ranked #1 in the NFL in fewest points allowed, this defense only gives up 13.4 points per game. That stat jumps out at you and spells a scary team.

4. Indianapolis Colts (11-3): They really needed that win against the Bengals, 'cause if they lost that game, you know somebody was ready to press the panic button. (Note: We all know Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison make up the best QB/WR combo in the NFL, but what made that game so encouraging was that the DEFENSE stepped up.)

5. New England Patriots (10-4): I know that everybody loves this team because of Tom Brady, but look at the defense, second in the NFL in points allowed by allowing just 13.8 points per game. Not bad (yeah, that beats the Bears D). My only concern with this team, is who is Tom Brady throwing to every week? I'm used to saying Deion Branch, Troy Brown, and David Givens. But now it looks like it's down to just Troy Brown. Not much else for Brady to throw to.

6. New Orleans Saints (9-5): What happened? Drew Brees and the Saints creamed the Cowboys two weeks ago on Sunday Night Football in Dallas, and then the Redskins kick their ass. Strange stuff. Hopefully they'll rebound over the next two weeks and gain some momentum for the playoffs. (Note: That number 2 seed in the NFC is still very much up for grabs).

7. Dallas Cowboys (9-5): They sort of got the wind knocked out of their sails from that loss to the Saints, but a nice rebound against the Falcons last Saturday really saved their season from delving into disaster. I like what they can offer, but right now, I don't have them as a team in the NFC Championship game.

8. Philadelphia Eagles (8-6): Stayin' alive. Listen, who would have thought that the Eagles would still be in the playoff hunt after losing Donovan McNabb. Great job by Andy Reid and not to mention a certain QB named Jeff Garcia who had to rise to the occasion and play great QB in the toughest sports town in America. Big props to Jeff Garcia, I am very impressed. (Note: Jeff Garcia has a 96.3 passer rating)

9. New York Jets (8-6): I like the way they responded from that horrid loss to the putrid Bills last Sunday by beating up the woeful Vikings, and with two games left against the Dolphins and the "Sleepwalking" Raiders, the Jets should have a cake walk in Week 16 and Week 17. In essence, they are going to the playoffs.

10. Cincinnati Bengals (8-6): What happened? How did the Colts defense shut them down? Carson Palmer, Rudi Johsnon, and Chad Johnson were not on the same page. That all being said, they had won four in a row entering that game, and the Colts were desperate for a win. I have them in the playoffs, but that loss really does sting.

11. New York Giants (7-7): They currently hold the # 6 seed in the NFC via head-to-head vs. Falcons. They need to beat the Saints this week, because if they don't, trouble. Even if they make the playoffs, losing to Chicago, New Orleans, and the Cowboys (the one they played in New York) is not a way for Eli Manning and his clan of G-Men to get their mojo flowin'.

12. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-6): Which team is gonna show up? The Colt whooping Jags or the Titan captive Jaguars? One week beating the Colts and then losing to the Titans the next week spells inconsistancy.

13. Denver Broncos (8-6): They are still alive, but with "Jittery"Jay Cutler starting at QB, the "Doncos" are doomed.

14. Seattle Seahawks (8-6): They seem to be hanging in the ballance with games against the Chargers and Buccaneers left. They should go 9-7, but an 8-8 record could easily happen. They really could end up either taking the division or missing the playoffs. All I can say is the injuries to Hasslebeck and Alexander really hurt this wounded team.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7): They've won three in row, starting some late-season run, who says Willie Parker, "Big Ben", and company can't rip the Ravens apart this weekend in the Steel City?

16. Tennessee Titans (7-7): They've won 5 in a row, and that is largely because of Vince Young and his natural ability to lead a team.

17. San Francisco 49ers (6-8): They still have hope with the Cards left and then the Broncos. But, despite all that Alex Smith, Frank Gore, and Veron Davis do, they are gonna need a little bit of help from the Seahawks if they expect to get in on top of doing their part and winnning the last two games.

18. Atlanta Falcons (7-7): I have two words: Vick; QB. Keep him at QB, becasue that's where his potential and talent really is.

19. Buffalo Bills (7-7): They aren't gonna make the playoffs, but they still are in it. I just think that despite the fact that they get a shot at the Titans, a little trip to hostile Baltimore will ultimately do them in.
20. Kansas City Chiefs (7-7): Any time Larry Johhson comes out to his TEAMATES and says they need changes, maybe they ought to listen, but Larry has to keep is mouth shut to the MEDIA.

21. Carolina Panthers (6-8): They apparently were overhyped, and I was wrong.

22. Miami Dolphins (6-8): You can't start 1-6. I keep saying that but that is gonna be a recurring theme with this team as they look back at what they went through.

23. Green Bay Packers (6-8): If they beat the Vikings tonight, they'll still be alive.

24. Minnesota Vikings (6-8): They need to beat the Packers, otherwise, season is over.

25. Washington Redskins (5-9): I don't care who you are, beating the Red-Hot Saints when you've had a bumpy season leaves a good taste in your mouth.

26. St. Louis Rams (6-8): They're an old team, at some point, Tory Holt and Isaac Bruce will not be able to carry the load alone.

27. Cleveland Browns (4-10): They may suck, but Braylon Edwards has played very well for being a second year player, and that draft pick seems to be working out ok.

28. Houston Texans (4-10): They suck, and they can't draft good players.

29. Arizona Cardinals (4-10): They look a little better, but come on, they still stink.

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-11): Gruden is on the Hot Seat.

31. Oakland Raiders (2-12): Get rid of Al Davis, but only Al can really get rid of Al.

32. Detroit Lions (2-12): I hear the fans plan to leave in the middle of this week's game against the Bears in some organized protest against Matt Millen, but come on, no matter what you do, the goofy Ford family will always remain obtuse and senile.

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