NFL Power Rankings through 1/2 of the season.
Everyone has played 8 games now. Let's see whether much has changed in the last 3 weeks.
32. Oakland Raiders (2-6). Previously: 31.
Ok, I'll finally say that they're the worst. Even though it doesn't make sense. They have a legitimately good pass defense and running game (if they ever bother to use RB-Jordan correctly). The run defense isn't great, but it's not as terrible as people think. But they are, by far, the worst pass blocking team in the league. They should be running the ball 30-35 times per game. Projection: 3-13.
31. AAAAAAAAAAGGGGizona Cardinals (1-7). Previously: 21.
They lost to the Raiders, but that was a bad matchup for them. Obviously they are the worst run blocking team. And it's pretty easy to run up the middle on them. They should seriously draft nothing but o- and d-linemen in the '07 draft. Projection: 4-12.
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-6). Previously: 23.
Their run blocking is Cardinal-like. All they have on offense is Galloway's speed. And they don't have a dominant defense anymore. Projection: 4-12.
29. Tennessee Titans (2-6). Previously: 25.
QB-Young is Vick-lite. They aren't going to be an aerial team. When they run well, they have a chance to win. RB-White looks promising. The defense is pretty bad aside from OLB-Bulluck. CB-Pacman should stick to returning kicks. Projection: 3-13.
28. Houston Texans (2-6). Previously: 32.
The running game is improving. RB-Lundy should do pretty well for the rest of the year. The defense still isn't good, but DE-Williams and MLB-Ryans are going to keep getting better. They were atrocious earlier, but it's difficult to be negative about this team right now. Projection: 4-12.
27. San Francisco 49ers (3-5). Previously: 26.
It's amazing that they're 3-5 with the worst defense in the league. It's because the running game is really good. RB-Gore is great, but credit the o-line. QB-Smith is ok. They'd score more if they would throw to WR-Bryant more. Projection: 4-12.
26. Cleveland Browns (2-6). Previously: 29.
Changing o-coordinators definitely helped. But they still can't run at all with RB-Droughns. The o-line is pretty bad, but it's not all their fault. Jerome Harrison would play better. Anyway, TE-Winslow II is still phenomenal. The run defense is bad, and the pass defense is good, especially when CB-Leigh Bodden plays. Projection: 5-11.
25. Buffalo Bills (3-5). Previously: 24.
CB-Terrence McGee is still awful in coverage. The run defense is really bad. QB-Losman is still a loser. But, MLB-Fletcher is outrageously good. And they can run the ball fairly well with either McGahee or A-Train. Projection: 5-11.
24. Detroit Lions (2-6). Previously: 28.
Mad Martz knows how to develop and use offensive players correctly. The defense is very easily thrown on by competent quarterbacks, and they're fairly easily run on. Projection: 6-10.
23. Washington Redskins (3-5). Previously: 22.
They're super inconsistent, yet they've scored 22 points three games in a row. RB-Portis is always good when healthy. The pass defense is dreadful, but maybe starting S-Troy Vincent over Adam Archuleta will help. Projection: 6-10.
22. Miami Dolphins (2-6). Previously: 30.
They finally realized the secret to RB-Ronnie Brown: give him more than 12 carries. They still don't use WR-Chambers in the slot like they should. QB-Harrington still is terrible at throwing deep. QB-Cleo Lemon would be a huge improvement in this offense. The defense has been fine all season, especially against the run. Starting S-Yeremiah Bell is a good move. Projection: 6-10.
21. Green Bay Packers (3-5). Previously: 27.
The running game is really good, entirely because of the o-line. They pass protect well, too. WR-Driver is steady, and WR-Jennings will be great by his third year. The pass defense is not that great, but CB-Al Harris is one of the best in coverage. Projection: 6-10.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-6). Previously: 14.
QB-Ben has been pretty bad. Their pass defense isn't good either. But they can run fairly well and stop the run really well. They're much better than their record indicates. Projection: 7-9.
19. Minnesota Vikings (4-4). Previously: 18.
I'll just paste what I wrote 3 weeks ago. Negatives: Pathetic, cowardly West Coast offense that scores few points. Pass defense is worse than it appears. Positives: Good o-line and run defense. Projection: 7-9.
18. New York Jets (4-4). Previously: 19.
The passing game is still decent and they're finally giving RB-Leon Washington the ball. But they have a horrendous defense against both running and passing. I think they'll somewhat correct it during the bye, though. Projection: 7-9.
17. Cincinnati Bengals (4-4). Previously: 16.
They're getting ready to implode. WR-Ochenta y Cinco is whining. They can still get it done on offense, but the defense is bad all around. They have an ominous schedule, too. Projection: 7-9.
16. Carolina Panthers (4-4). Previously: 10.
They have a perception of not having any weaknesses, but their pass defense is terrible, and they have a mediocre rushing game. WR-Smith and DE-Peppers can't win by themselves. Projection: 7-9.
15. Atlanta Falcons (5-3). Previously: 17.
Lolz at anyone who thought QB-Vick 'turned on the switch.' He's the same guy. His yards per rushing attempt will remain greater than his yards per passing attempt. Anyway, they can't cover WRs at all. CB-DeAngelo Hall is a 'playmaker,' not a coverage guy. Projection: 8-8.
14. St. Louis Rams (4-4). Previously: 15.
QB-Bulger and RB-Jackson have been insane. And the defense still doesn't stop anyone. Same old Rams. Projection: 9-7.
13. Seattle Seahawks (5-3). Previously: 9.
Lots of injuries. The running game is shockingly bad. The pass defense is bad. But the schedule is so easy. Projection: 10-6.
12. Kansas City (5-3). Previously: 20.
RB-LJ is proving that he was a good raw talent who was coached really well and became the second-best RB in the league. QB-Huard has filled in very well. The run defense is bad. In the secondary, CB-Patrick Surtain is great in coverage, whereas CB-Ty Law is bad. Projection: 9-7.
11. Philadelphia Eagles (4-4). Previously: 6.
They can throw, but they refuse to run. The defense is so-so. Projection: 10-6.
10. Dallas Cowboys (4-4). Previously: 13.
Romo time. Obviously he's better than Bledsoe. Smart people knew that before the change happened. They are good at running and stopping the run. TO is a fancy little football person. It's bizarre that they're only 4-4. Tough schedule, I guess. Projection: 9-7.
9. New Orleans Saints (6-2). Previously: 5.
Marques Colston—he's Randy Moss with a good attitude. They can throw like bonkers, with the best pass protection in the league, but they don't run well, and the defense is still mediocre. Projection: 10-6.
8. New York Giants (6-2). Previously: 11.
The Giants are the best rushing team in the league. And both their run and pass defenses are near the top. They have some injury issues right now, though. Let's stop bloviating about Tiki Barber. Projection: 11-5.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-3). Previously: 7.
Obviously the blowout against Houston was just an off day with an injured QB. QB-Garrard won't put up big numbers, but he fits the offense better than Leftwich. Jacksonville has a great running game and an awesome pass defense. Projection: 11-5.
6. Baltimore Ravens (6-2). Previously: 8.
The best rushing defense in the league. The pass defense is good too. They run the ball on offense now, even though RB-Lewis isn't good anymore. QB-McNair and/or Lewis will lose it for them in the playoffs. Projection: 12-4.
5. Denver Broncos (6-2). Previously: 4.
They're pretty good at running, stopping the run, and stopping the pass. They've given up the fewest points. QB-Plummer still isn't good, though. Projection: 11-5.
4. New England Patriots (6-2). Previously: 12.
I guess it doesn't matter that their WRs aren't good, since they have QB-Brady. The pass defense isn't that great, but the run defense is really good. No team adapts better. Projection: 13-3.
3. Chicago Bears (7-1). Previously: 1.
It's time to stop relying on Sexy Rexy so much and reestablish the running game. Step into the throws, young man. The defense is still phenomenal. It's unfortunate that they blew it on turnovers, because they had a legitimate chance to go 16-0. Projection: 14-2.
2. San Diego Chargers (6-2). Previously: 2.
The defense is suddenly only very good instead of awesome, but the offense is a colossus. LT is ridiculous. QB-Rivers is playing nicely, too. Projection: 13-3.
1. Indianapolis Colts (8-0). Previously: 3.
It's absurd that a team with a terrible run defense and mediocre pass defense is the clear cut number one, but it is, because of QB-Manning, WR-Harrison, and WR-Wayne. Manning isn't even close to the second-best QB (Bulger), and Harrison and Wayne are the two best WRs in the league. It's like the 2003 Colts again, but these 3 guys refuse to lose this time (until they play San Diego). Projection: 15-1.
Playoff predictions:
AFC:
3. New England over 6. Jacksonville
5. Denver over 4. Baltimore
1. Indianapolis over 5. Denver
2. San Diego over 3. New England
2. San Diego over 1. Indianapolis
NFC:
6. St. Louis over 3. New Orleans
5. Philadelphia over 4. Seattle
1. Chicago over 6. St. Louis
2. NY Giants over 5. Philadelphia
1. Chicago over 2. NY Giants
Super Bowl XLI
San Diego 20, Chicago 17
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