NFL Power Rankings Week 10

Been a while since did an NFL power ranking, but since then Michael Vick is apparently unstoppable, the Colts can’t keep anyone healthy, and we have some ridiculous new rules. Let’s get to it shall we?

1. Atlanta Falcons – Record (8–2)

Falcons? No. 1? No way, you say? Well look at their two loses, the Steelers and the Eagles. Either team is being argued as the best team in the league, that’s good enough reason for me.

They still can’t cover anyone (244.1 pass yards allowed a game), but thankfully their rush defense and their offense are among the league best.

Quarterback Matt Ryan is in the top 10 in passing yards and that’s because all of his weapons are finally healthy. And maybe now running back Michael Turner is finally back to his 2008 form. Turner is sixth in the league in rushing, which further helps the third year QB.

2. New York Jets – Record (8–2)

Talk about cardiac team. In the past three weeks they have come back from deficit and ended winning the game. In fact, they had to win two of those games in overtime.

The worst thing about those near heartbreaking games? The three teams weren’t good; all three have records under .500. Yes they are 8–2, but I don’t know if I trust them to win a big game. They will be put to the test in two weeks when they go to New England

3. New England Patriots – Record (8–2)

The rivalry games between the Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts are always must see games. Every time they play, you know it is going to be special.

Well Tom Brady and Co. didn’t disappoint this Sunday. Brady didn’t have a monster numbers day, but he did throw two touchdowns. The defense did one better, when Peyton Manning and the Colts look like they might win for the fifth time out of the last six, the defense picks Manning off to stop the rally.

I don’t know if I trust this young defense, but with Brady and head coach Bill Belichick at the helm, I feel a little better.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers – Record (7–3)

Their three loses have been to three Super Bowl contenders, so even though they have three loses, I was really tempted to have them on top.

Since his return, Ben Roethlisberger is averaging over 300 yards a game. If he keeps this up, he has to be mentioned in the most valuable player talk right, Mike Vick is?

Two big reasons why Roethlisberger is succeeding has been the emergence of wide receiver Mike Wallace and RB Rashard Mendenhall. Wallace is in the top 10 in receiving yards while Mendenhall is in the top 10 in rushing. The offensive future is bright in Pittsburgh, now only if their line could get healthy.

On a side note, do the refs and NFL front offices have it out for the Steelers? They are constantly fined for supposedly illegal hits when in fact they are not illegal. The helmet to helmet hits on a “defenseless” receiver penalties I don’t have a problem with, but when they are not “defenseless,” then don’t call a penalty. Also QBs can’t be hit anywhere apparently. Might as well give the QBs the practice red jerseys and not let them be hit at all. Poor James Harrison is constantly flagged on plays that are ridiculous. NFL now stands for the No Fun League.

5. Philadelphia Eagles – Record (7–3)

QB Michael Vick is the talk of the league. Two years after being incarcerated he is back to being the most dangerous weapon in the league. And now that he has learned how to be a better QB than RB, he is even more dangerous than he was before he went to jail.

My one problem with the Mike Vick MVP talk, he has only started six games, and one of those he was knocked out for three weeks. If Roethlisberger isn’t being mentioned for MVP in a couple weeks, then why is Vick?

Their offense obviously is one of the most potent in the league, but their defense is still sketchy. Their numbers are okay, but their secondary isn’t as good as they are playing. That could be fall of the Eagles.

6. Baltimore Ravens – Record (7–3)

Their offense has not been what everyone was expecting at the beginning of the year. Luckily for the Ravens, their defense appears to be healthy and back to dominating the league. In 11 seconds, the defense scored two “pick sixes.” That is good even though that was against the Panthers and Brian St. Pierre.

Their biggest piece was the return of safety Ed Reed. He hasn’t been a tackling machine at safety like LaRon Landry of the Redskins, but he does have four picks in four games. They are 3–1 in those four games, and could have been four wins and they not lost to No. 1 Atlanta.

7. Green Bay Packers – Record (7–3)

They have three loses by a combined nine points, and two of them were in overtime. So how are they 7–3? They might be the most decimated team in the NFL. They have S Morgan Burnett, MLB Nick Barnett, and TE JerMichael Finley on the Injured Reserve to go with a seemingly endless list of injuries to other players that are constantly out.

You can also count on them if you want your head coach fired. After their past two games, more like maulings, their opponents fired their head coach. Yes that would be you Wade Phillips (former Dallas Cowboys head coach) and Brad Childress (former Minnesota Vikings HC). They Packers outscored the Cowboys and Vikings by a combined 66 points. Vikings and Cowboys fans rejoice despite losing.

8. New Orleans Saints – Record (7–3)

They have two ugly loses to Arizona and to Cleveland, but their other was to Atlanta. They could easily be 9–1.

Their offense was much improved this weekend but they still don’t look as good as they did last year. Maybe now they are finally getting over their Super Bowl hangover. Their remaining schedule isn’t too bad, so maybe they might have another deep playoff run left in them.

9. Indianapolis Colts – Record (6–4)

If the Packers aren’t the most injury plagued team in the league, then it has to be the Colts. They have several of their own players on IR to go along with an injury report every week that looks like half of their starters.

And yet despite their injury bug, QB Peyton Manning continues to play at a high level. Is there any other QB that is better at winning with what he has? Any given week, Manning could be without two or three running backs, a tight end or two, a couple offensive lineman, and three or four wide receivers. Manning is truly incredible.

10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Record (7–3)

We all laughed at head coach Raheem Morris when he said the Bucs were one of the League best. I even chuckled a bit. But with another win, it looks like he was right.

I always talk about the young talent roster and how they should be a team to contend with in a year or two, but what if they have arrived now? They have a decent offensive line, a star in the making in QB Josh Freeman, a bruising yet back in LeGarrette Blount, three young receivers that could be very good in Mike Williams, Arrelious Benn and Sammie Stroughter, and now a reliable tight end in Kellen Winslow.

Now their defense just needs to get better.

11. Chicago Bears – Record (7–3)

They are 7–3, yet I have absolutely no faith in the Bears. No it isn’t QB Jay Cutler. I don’t trust anyone around him, except maybe RB Matt Forte. His offensive coordinator is insane, the line is Swiss cheese, and the receivers are nowhere near where they should be.

The defense is excellent, especially the run defense, but I don’t trust their secondary. We will see if my concerns are right rest of the way, they still face the Eagles, Patriots, Jets, and Packers again in their season finale. I think they will lose all four of those.

12. New York Giants – Record (6–4)

Remember when everyone was asking if the Giants were the best team in the NFL? Two ugly loses later, not so much.

They are healthy everywhere except the receiver position. The one position they were absolutely loaded at. They have lost Ramses Barden for the year, Steve Smith until at least mid–December, and Hakeem Nicks is out for at least three weeks. They have to throw out a bust in Derek Hagan and an undrafted rookie in Duke Calhoun. Hopefully Smith and Nicks get healthy sooner rather than later.

13. Kansas City Chiefs – Record (6–4)

They too lost two games in a row in ugly fashion. But then they had a nice bounce back victory over the Arizona Cardinals. They always seem to be the cure.

They have the league’s most potent running attack with 164.7 yards a game. It might be even better if head coach Todd Haley would give the ball to Jamal Charles some more. Ironically, Charles has fewer carries than fellow back Thomas Jones, yet Charles is seventh in the league in rushing yards. Jones is still having a really good season himself, he is 17th in the league in rushing.

WR Dwayne Bowe is 12th in the league in receiving yards and leads the league in TDs. So to say he is having a really good year, is kind of an understatement.

Despite some of the numbers QB Matt Cassel has put up in recent weeks, I would still try to draft a legit QB in April. He is a good game manager, but he has a noodle arm and isn’t much of a threat. That means KC will give Cassel a year or two more when they could get a QB in the draft like Washington’s Jake Locker or even a project like Cam Newton.

14. San Diego Chargers – Record (5–5)

They seem to be back on their typical end of the year role. I don’t know how they do it every year, but it seems natural and like clockwork.

QB Philip Rivers is on an MVP pace without most of his weapons all year. We can easily mention Rivers among the candidates for the award. He has been like Peyton Manning, who also just goes out there and puts up big numbers without his normal weapons.

15. Jacksonville Jaguars – Record (6–4)

They are technically in the lead in the AFC South, but do you think they finish better than 9–7, and beat the Colts? If you said yes, you need to come back down to earth Jaguars fans.

They almost lost to the Browns, needing to score with less than two minutes to win the game. This after they won last week on that crazy game ending Hail Mary, that the defense batted into the trailers arm for the game winning TD.

Maurice Jones–Drew had a big yardage day, but he continues to lack in the TD department. If they want to win the division, MJD needs to score a lot more.

16. Tennessee Titans – Record (5–5)

They might have the most interesting situation in football right now. Vince Young was said to be benched after the game after his poor play and storming out of the stadium. Young went out with an injury but he says wanted to come back in. Head coach Jeff Fisher said Young said no such thing to him or his staff. Young also reportedly threw his helmet and shoulder pads into the stands and didn’t even stick around to hear Fisher’s comments on the game.

This is an unbelievable development.

17. Washington Redskins – Record (5–5)

They pulled out the win over Tennessee in overtime, yet Donovan McNabb’s job still doesn’t seem solid. I don’t know what else this guy has to do to convince his overrated coach into believing he is the right guy for the job. If I was Daniel Snyder, I would stick with the QB and get rid of the coach.

18. Miami Dolphins – Record (5–5)

They have become incredibly disappointing. The offense isn’t anywhere near what rest of the league was expecting. Chad Henne might not even be the QB of the future. The upcoming draft is going to be very interesting for Henne and a couple other Dolphins, not to mention the coach who might be on the hot seat.

19. Oakland Raiders – Record (5–5)

The talk about them was the old rivalry between the Raiders and the Steelers. Didn’t look much like the 70’s. The Steelers whooped up on the Raiders. So much for they might be able to win the division ESPN. They are still a couple of years away. Leave the division to the Chiefs and Chargers.

20. Seattle Seahawks – Record (5–5)

The highest rated team in the NFC West. That says it all. The best team in the division is the highest rated team is 20th in the league, that is embarrassing. And the worse thing about it? One of these teams has to host a game in the playoffs!

21. Dallas Cowboys – Record (3–7)

I am sick and tired of writing how this team has an incredible amount of talent and just can’t win. Well apparently they did have the talent all along. Looks like Jason Garrett was keeping the real plays away from Wade Phillips. With Garrett, Dallas is 2–0. It may not be a conspiracy, but it sure is interesting how much better big D looks now.

22. St. Louis Rams – Record (4–6)

Thankfully the Falcons didn’t play down to the lowly Rams. My nightmare would be for these Rams to end up in the playoffs hosting a playoff game.

23. Houston Texans – Record (4–6)

What did I say? I said they were fakes. We have been proclaiming them ready for the playoffs for at least the past three years. At this pace, they will be ready for the playoffs sometime around 2020.

24. Arizona Cardinals – Record (3–7)

They slightly out gained the Chiefs but held onto the ball for five more minutes. Yet they still lost by 18, and it would have been more had it not been for the last second TD for no reason. What is that saying about this team? They miss Kurt Warner, and they need to draft a QB in April.

25. Denver Broncos – Record (3–7)

They are embarrassing. Josh McDaniels seems over his head.

Is there a possibility that it might be time for Tim Tebow to start at QB and try and get some value out of Kyle Orton? This team has a long way to go.

26. San Francisco 49ers – Record (3–7)

They were shutout for the first time at home since 1977. And the sad thing about them? There is still a chance they could win the division! That is how incredibly pathetic the NFC West is.

They were some people’s Super Bowl pick to go to the Super Bowl. That is most likely out of the question now, but they are technically only two games out of first place.

27. Cleveland Browns – Record (3–7)

Could of, should of, would of. That explains the Browns against the Jags. They had the game wrapped up with a little over 2 minutes to go, yet they couldn’t pull it out.

Most surprising about this game? The Jaguars held the Brown’s Peyton Hillis to less than 50 yards rushing. Thankfully for Hillis’ fantasy owners, he had six receptions for 95 yards. Hillis and QB Colt McCoy and a few others are the keys to the Browns future.

28. Minnesota Vikings – Record (3–7)

Good news Vikings fans. Head coach Brad Childress was finally fired. I'm not a fan of firing coaches’ mid-season, but he had to go. He had completely lost the locker room, and apparently didn’t ask for the owner’s permission when he released WR Randy Moss. Owner Zygi Wilf even contemplated firing Childress and keeping Moss.

Now defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier is the head coach. Hopefully he can pull a Jason Garrett and start winning some football games. Frazier also confirmed that Brett Favre will remain his starting QB.

I have been a Favre cynic in the past, but Tavaris Jackson is not longer the QB of the future. Best move now is to stick with Favre despite his injuries and draft a QB in April.

29. Cincinnati Bengals – Record (2–8)

Is there any team that is more of a joke than the Bengals?

People are rejoicing Terrell Owens over his good season, but QB Carson Palmer really should be throwing to Chad Ochocinco. The Bengals won the AFC North last year and swept the division.

I know they are dealing with some injuries but their main offseason addition was TO. Bag on me all you want, but how good are teams with TO? His teams always stink or don’t play up to their abilities when he is there. Also he holds back other receivers.

Look at Dallas last year, their first without TO, they won their first playoff game in forever and WR Miles Austin developed into one of the league’s best. And this year, sure the Bills stink but they always do, Steve Johnson is No. 10 in the league in receiving yards. Johnson wasn’t this good last year. And even the Bills “Ole’ Reliable,” Lee Evans was terrible last year. Think what you want about TO, but the facts don’t lie.

30. Detroit Lions – Record (2–8)

I generally don’t feel bad for teams, but I do for the Lions. QB Matt Stafford is out with another shoulder injury. He already saw revered orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, who says he will not need surgery but just needs rehab.

My personal advice to the young Mr. Stafford? Get the freaking surgery. There have been tons of athletes in recent memory that elected to go with the rehab and ended up needing the surgery anyways. And with an injury like a shoulder, surgery is probably the best option.

31. Buffalo Bills – Record (2–8)

They were down 28–7 at one point to the Bengals, and ended up winning by 18. That’s saying as much about the Bills as the Bengals. They seem to be an inspired bunch despite their lack of personnel.

Also, could Ryan Fitzpatrick be the solution at QB? I know he is already 27, but and the Bills are only 2–6 with him at the helm, but they just as easily could be 4–4; they have lost two nail biters in overtime.

I know you don’t pass on a QB like Andrew Luck but you never know with young QBs, especially on the Bills. That’s a good question for debate.

32. Carolina Panthers – Record (1–9)

I said during the draft that QB Jimmy Clausen was put in a much better situation than top pick Sam Bradford. I won’t admit defeat… yet.

The Panthers are the NFL’s youngest team and is playing in the tough NFC South. They have to play against the reigning Super Bowl Champions Saints, the best team in the league the Atlanta Falcons, and the upstart Tampa Bay Buccaneers. All three have a record of 7–3 or better.

Then they have John Fox as their head coach. Yes he has gone to a Super Bowl but that was way back in 2003. In the seven seasons since, they have two winning seasons. It might be the coach.