NFL Power Rankings Week 9

Heading into Week 9 we saw a huge upset (Rams over Saints) and a couple of close ones (Giants and Dolphins, Cards and Ravens).

1. Green Bay Packers: 324 (329)

Previous Week: 1

Notes: They actually benefited from the bye week as very few of the top 10 teams stepped up and had impressive performances. They remain, easily, the #1 team in the league.

2. Detroit Lions: 293 (224)

Previous Week: 5

Notes: Back at #2, the Lions demonstrated that those two losses weren't a sign of things to come. Yes it was against the Broncos, but that was an impressive win.

3. San Francisco 49ers: 264(231)

Previous Week: 2

Notes: They move down to #3 even after a win due to the impressive win by the Lions. At 6-1, they pretty much clinched the NFC West. The next goal is to get a #1 or #2 seed in the playoffs.

4. Baltimore Ravens: 245 (222)

Previous Week: 6

Notes: After what looked another upset loss for the Ravens, they bounced back and had their biggest comeback in franchise history. Even though they etched out a win, it still shows some concerns with this team.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers: 240 (219)

Previous Week: 7

Notes: I have been saying all year that this team does not look good at all, but they were impressive against the Patriots. I'm going to say that it's mostly due to the talent on the Steelers more so than the Pats being overrated.

6. Houston Texans: 226 (195)

Previous Week: 8

Notes: Another division win for the Texans. With all the troubles in the AFC West, they no longer look like the weakest of the division leaders.

7. New England Patriots: 213 (225)

Previous Week: 4

Notes: Tough loss for the Patriots. They should win against the Giants at home next week, but you never know what kind of Giants team you'll see on the football field.

8. Cincinnati Bengals: 211 (170)

Previous Week: 10

Notes: They have been quietly emerging as one of the elite AFC teams. An away game next week against the Titans should be a good one. If they win, don't rule them out for winning the AFC North.

9. Buffalo Bills: 199 (151)

Previous Week: 11

Notes: A good win against a struggling Redskins team. While the 49ers are putting up a more surprising and impressive season, the Bills are right behind them.

10. New Orleans Saints: 196 (227)

Previous Week: 3

Notes: Ouch. Who would have thought it would be the Saints who give up the Rams first win? It wasn't even close at that. Even with that loss, they are still the clear division favorites.

11. New York Giants: 150 (135 )

Previous Week: 12

Notes: It wasn't pretty, but the Giants found a way to win. Even with being 2 games up in the NFC East, it's hard to call them the division favorites as they have the toughest remaining schedule in the NFL (remaining 9 games teams have a combined record of 29 - 15..and that includes a 3-4 Eagles who have been great as of late)

12. San Diego Chargers: 140 (171)

Previous Week: 11

Notes: Yes they should have won that game, but the fact of the matter is they played like crap for most (if not all) of the 60 minutes. Now tied with the Chiefs and Raiders for 1st in the AFC West, they are far from looking like a lock to clinch the division this year.

13. Philadelphia Eagles: 130 (68)

Previous Week: 19

Notes: Sunday night was the first time that the Eagles actually looked like the time they are supposed to be. An impressive win over the Cowboys. A win over the Bears next week will show that this team is back on track.

14. New York Jets: 110 (118)

Previous Week: 14

Notes: The Pats losing opens up the door for the Jets (even with a win by the Bills). Huge games against the Bills and then the Pats. If the Jets take both games, they will have a strong chance to take the division.

15. Chicago Bears: 109 (108)

Previous Week: 15

Notes: A win over the Eagles next week will make the Bears strong wild card contenders.

16. Atlanta Falcons: 101 (94)

Previous Week: 16

Notes: I've been disappointed with the Falcons this year, but think they are a better 4-3 team than the Buccs. They face an easy game against the Colts before going back home for an important game against the Saints.

17. Dallas Cowboys: 87 (123)

Previous Week: 13

Notes: The fact that the Cowboys couldn't' even play competitively against the Eagles shows how much trouble this team is. Romo has proven himself a good quarterback at times, but his lack of ability to perform in clutch situations is troublesome for the Cowboys. I won't be surprised if they get rid of him next season.

18. Oakland Raiders: 80 (78)

Previous Week: 18

Notes: The Chiefs pulling out a win against the Chargers benefited the Raiders as they now sit in a 3 way tie for first. If McFadden gets healthy and Palmer starts to play well this team has as good of a chance to take the division as the Chargers.

19. Tennessee Titans: 70 (46)

Previous Week: 21

Notes: An easy game for the Titans, but could have also been a trap game for them (it's easy to take the Colts lightly). Chris Johnson really needs to step up his game.

20. Washington Redskins: 49 (93)

Previous Week: 17

Notes: After looking long they can compete for the NFC East division, they have been getting worse and worse each week. As much as Grossman is not a good QB, he's better than Beck and has helped the team start off the season at 3-1. They need to put him back in the starting position.

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 41 (45)

Previous Week: 22

Notes: Nothing likely made the Buccs happier than seeing the Saints get upset like that against the Rams. Now if they can take 2 out of 2 against the Saints next week, they have a legit shot of winning the NFC South. I still think this team has a lot of issues and is one of the weaker +.500 teams.

22. Kansas City Chiefs: 38 (16)

Previous Week: 24

Notes: I said last week that if they beat the chargers they'd be out of the bottom 20, but still not sold on this team. They should have lost that game and while they have made significant improvements since their horrendous 0-3 start, they still have a long way to go.

23. Cleveland Browns: 23 (60)

Previous Week: 20

Notes: Browns are a "what you see is what you get" type of team. They beat the teams you'd expect and lose to the ones you'd expect. Expect a loss next week against the Texans followed by a win next week against the Rams.

24. Carolina Panthers: 1 (23)

Previous Week: 23

Notes: Very close game against the Vikings, but come out on the losing end. They are one of the more exciting sub-.500 teams to watch and definitely have been giving 100% each week.

25. Minnesota Vikings: -38 (-53)

Previous Week: 28

Notes: The post McNabb era looks promising for the Vikings after beating the Panthers and coming close to beating the Packers. They'll be looking for redemption next week against the Packers, but even if they don't get it expect a great game the following week against the Raiders.

26. Seattle Seahawks: -59 (-19)

Previous Week: 26

Notes: Given the way the Cowboys have been playing, expect the possibility of a Seahawks upset next week.

27. Jacksonville Jaguars: -71 (-17)

Previous Week: 25

Notes: A great defensive win over the Ravens followed by a poor performance against the Texans. They follow the bye week with a, what they hope to be, a morale booster against the Colts.

28. Denver Broncos: -79 (-32 )

Previous Week: 27

Notes: I can never grasp how people can give up on a rookie QB after only a couple of games. Tebow looked bad against a great Lions team, but he'll get better as the year progresses.

29. Arizona Cardinals: -97 (-66 )

Previous Week: 29

Notes: So close to upsetting the Ravens, but couldn't hold on. This team has played close in all of their loses except against the Vikings and Steelers, but still stand at 1-6.

30. Miami Dolphins: -155 (-130 )

Previous Week: 30

Notes: Another close game, but the Dolphins still have yet to win. This team will win sooner than later (and will likely win more than 1 game this season).

31. St. Louis Rams: -174 (-219)

Previous Week: 31

Notes: Who would have thought this team's first win would be against the Saints?? What a morale booster. That being said, I couldn't put them past the Dolphins yet. While an impressive win, the Dolphins are still a better team.

32. Indianapolis Colts: -281 (-226)

Previous Week: 32

Notes: With the Rams winning, the Colts will have a long way to go before getting out of the cellar. This team can easily go 0-16 this year.

NFL Power Rankings Week 8

I promise that this blog won't turn into a "power ranking" blog (which is hard to believe since the last 3 posts have been that), but that's what I feel like writing about.

1. Green Bay Packers: 329 (311)

Previous Week: 1

Notes: They didn't win in a blow out like expected against the Vikings, but at 7-0 they're still the best team in the NFL. However, the hopes of a perfect season seems to be less likely after Sunday's narrow victory over the struggling Vikings.

2. San Francisco 49ers: 231(227)

Previous Week: 4

Notes: Easily the best surprise in the NFL this season. Curious to see how this team will do after the bye week.

3. New Orleans Saints: 227 (164)

Previous Week: 9

Notes: A win against the Colts is anything but impressive this season, but the fact that the Saints dominated as much as they did is a testament to how great this team is just as much as how horrible the Colts are.

4. New England Patriots: 225 (221)

Previous Week: 5

Notes: Still the division favorites by far, but a win by the Jets over the Chargers means that this team has a way to go before being confident that the AFC East is theirs.

5. Detroit Lions: 224 (253)

Previous Week: 3

Notes: The two losses in a row by the Lions likely indicates that they aren't a top 3 NFL team as thought in previous weeks, but the Lions are still one of the best in the league. They'll need to win against the Broncos next week on the road to get back on track.

6. Baltimore Ravens: 222 (255)

Previous Week: 2

Notes: Apparently the AFC South are the Ravens' kryptonite. I still think they're the strongest team in the AFC North.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers: 219 (187)

Previous Week: 7

Notes: This team is benefiting from a lack of elite teams this year in the NFL. A 5-2 Steelers team might seem like par for the course, but they've been struggling to win games against teams that they should easily beat. If they want to be taken seriously this year they'll need to keep it close against the Pats next week at home.

8. Houston Texans: 195 (128)

Previous Week: 13

Notes: If there was any doubt who was the team to beat in the AFC South, the Texans silenced critics with a convincing road win against the Titans. 10-6 will almost definitely win the division and the Texans seem like they can reach that with a subpar division.

9. San Diego Chargers: 171 (203)

Previous Week: 6

Notes: Would have been a big win on the road against the Jets. Luckily for the Chargers, the Raiders also lost meaning that the team is still in first place in the division. The Chargers have yet to beat anyone good (the best team they beat were the Chiefs barely at home). I would be less than surprised if they lose big to the Chiefs next week.

10. Cincinnati Bengals: 170 (170)

Previous Week: 8

Notes: They lost 2 spots in the Power Rankings due to big wins by the Texans and Saints. This team still hasn't won critics over. Even if they win the next two games (which is likely with games against the Titans and the Seahawks) they'll likely need to win against the Steelers to convince everyone they're legit.

11. Buffalo Bills: 151 (153)

Previous Week: 10

Notes: The Bills will need to recover from their loss against the Giants last week in order to stay competitive all season. A home game against a struggling Redskins team should help give them a confidence boost.

12. New York Giants: 135 (135 )

Previous Week: 11

Notes: As stated in previous weeks, the Giants are one of the more difficult teams in the NFL to read. Wins against the Eagles and Bills were impressive, but a loss against the Seahawks and an almost lost against the Cards makes it difficult to have confidence in this team yet.

13. Dallas Cowboys: 123 (92)

Previous Week: 16

Notes: Nothing unexpected with a big win against the Rams at home. Expect a great game next week against the Eagles.

14. New York Jets: 118 (58)

Previous Week: 20

Notes: They needed that comeback victory against the Chargers. The difference of being at 4-3 instead of 3-4 in the AFC is huge with potential wildcards coming from more than half of conference.

15. Chicago Bears: 108 (63)

Previous Week: 19

Notes: The Bears are quietly making their way back into contention. The Buccs I think are one of the weaker +.500 teams in the league but it doesn't make a road win against them any less impressive.

16. Atlanta Falcons: 94 (51)

Previous Week: 21

Notes: After their bye week next week they go on to play the Colts on the road before facing the Saints at home.

17. Washington Redskins: 93 (134)

Previous Week: 12

Notes: This team is on the verge of falling apart big time. I still am against replacing Grossman. He had one bad game, but before it lead the team to 3-1. Now with an inexperienced quarterback (Beck) and Hightower out for a while, the team has two difficult games against the Bills and the 49ers.

18. Oakland Raiders: 78 (126)

Previous Week: 14

Notes: Hopefully Carson Palmer will bring new life into the team after a horrific loss at home against the Chiefs.

19. Philadelphia Eagles: 68 (68)

Previous Week: 18

Notes: The Eagles have a lot to prove at 2-4. They have a must win home against the Cowboys following the bye.

20. Cleveland Browns: 60 (34)

Previous Week: 22

Notes: Their first win against a non-winless team was anything, but impressive (home win 6-3 against the Seahawks), but they still managed to get it done without Hillis.

21. Tennessee Titans: 46 (122)

Previous Week: 15

Notes: Ouch. It's not surprising that the Titans lost against the Texans, but when you get slaughtered like that against a team you're fighting for a division title against at home it says a lot about your team.

22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 45 (78)

Previous Week: 17

Notes: Even with a win against the Saints, I think they're the worse +.500 team in the league. After the bye week, they will face the Saints on the road who will be looking to redeem themselves.

23. Carolina Panthers: 23 (-11)

Previous Week: 24

Notes: A nice win for Cam Newton and staff. Not a playoff team by any means, but don't be surprised to see the Panthers improve to 7-9 or even 8-8 on the season.

24. Kansas City Chiefs: 16 (-43)

Previous Week: 27

Notes: The Chiefs have made their way back into playoff contention with a nice road win against the Raiders. Because of how awful they played the first 3 games of the season, they sit at #24 in the Power Rankings. A win against the Chargers next week will likely knock them out of the bottom 20.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars: -17 (-83)

Previous Week: 29

Notes: Might be too late to save their season, but their defense was solid against the Ravens Monday night in an impressive win.

26. Seattle Seahawks: -19 (-2)

Previous Week: 23

Notes: I guess they couldn't build up off of the momentum from their road win against the Giants prior to the bye week.

27. Denver Broncos: -32 (-58)

Previous Week: 28

Notes: Tebow looked pretty good and was clutch in helping the Broncos rally with a win against the Dolphins. He will be put to the test against the Lions' D next week.

28. Minnesota Vikings: -53 (-43)

Previous Week: 26

Notes: I was more impressed with the Vikings than I was with the Packers this week. They made the game competitive and life without Mcnabb might put some life into this team.

29. Arizona Cardinals: -66 (-26)

Previous Week: 25

Notes: It's bad news when you're the 2nd to last team in the NFC West.

30. Miami Dolphins: -130 (-111 )

Previous Week: 30

Notes: So close, but couldn't pull off a victory. They'll likely be the first winless team to win a game, however they face a pretty tough schedule for the remainder of the season. A home game against Washington in week 10 seems like their best bet.

31. St. Louis Rams: -219 (-164)

Previous Week: 32

Notes: A loss by 27 still moves them up in the rankings due to the horrific performance by the Colts.

32. Indianapolis Colts: -226 (-161)

Previous Week: 31

Notes: Wow..just wow. One of the worst losses I've seen in a while. Since the Rams, Colts, and Dolphins don't play each other at all this season, there's a chance that they can all be 0-16. The Colts seem like the best bet for this to happen even with two games against the Jags and a home game against the Panthers.

NFL Power Rankings Week 7

And then there were 1. Green Bay is now the only team in the NFL who remains undefeated while there are still 3 teams yet to win a game. How did it effect this week's power rankings? Read below.

1. Green Bay Packers: 311 (284)

Previous Week: 1

Notes: Until this team loses a game, they'll remain in the #1 spot (and even if they lose, chances are they'll keep the #1 spot). This team can realistically go 16-0.

2. Baltimore Ravens: 255 (235)

Previous Week: 3

Notes: A solid win over a much improved Texans team. This is one of the best teams in the NFL on both sides of the ball.

3. Detroit Lions: 253 (283)

Previous Week: 2

Notes: The undefeated season has come to an end, but to a worthy opponent. They should be able to rebound at home against Atlanta.

4. San Francisco 49ers: 227 (171)

Previous Week: 8

Notes: A 5-1 record pretty much clinches the horrific NFC West. The 49ers are an OT loss away from being 6-0. After some doubt, it's pretty safe to say that this team is the real deal.

5. New England Patriots: 221 (192)

Previous Week: 6

Notes: As with last week, most people will have this team higher, but their defense still ranks last in the league (yards / game) and that was anything, but an easy home win against the Cowboys.

6. San Diego Chargers: 203 (199)

Previous Week: 5

Notes: A road game against the Jets will show whether this team is one of the elites or is just benefiting from an easy schedule.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers: 187 (142)

Previous Week: 11

Notes: They won, but it wasn't pretty against the awful Jaguars. They stand at #7 due to the lack of competition that's out there, but these aren't the same Steelers as a year ago.

8. Cincinnati Bengals: 170 (129)

Previous Week: 12

Notes: It's exciting to watch a team that's been as bad as the Bengals play so well so far. This team is on a hot streak with 3 wins in a row, including one over Buffalo.

9. New Orleans Saints: 164 (208)

Previous Week: 4

Notes: Could be the only person who places the Saints below the Bengals in the power rankings, but it is what it is. The Buccs aren't as good of a team as they were last year, but divisional games on the road are always tough. The Saints should be able to bounce back.

10. Buffalo Bills: 153 (178)

Previous Week: 7

Notes: Tough lost against the Giants. After the bye week, they have big games against the Redskins and Jets. Considering the competition for a wild card spot (assuming that the Pats clinch the division) the Bills will likely need to win at least one of these games to stay competitive.

11. New York Giants: 135 (105)

Previous Week: 15

Notes: A win against the Bills this season is nothing to sneeze at. The Giants didn't look great, but they needed this win after their upset loss against the Seahawks. Either way, they are first in the NFC East and after the bye will be playing the Dolphins at home and should easily be 5-2.

12. Washington Redskins: 134 (165)

Previous Week: 9

Notes: Even though the Eagles have been under-performing all year, you knew this was going to be a tough game for the Skins. Rex Grossman lasted a lot longer into the season then expected.

13. Houston Texans: 128 (160)

Previous Week: 10

Notes: Although they're sitting at 3-3, they still seem like the division favorites. Huge game next week against the Titans.

14. Oakland Raiders: 126 (92)

Previous Week: 16

Notes: Should be able to hold off the Chiefs next week and enter the bye at 5-2.

15. Tennessee Titans: 122 (112)

Previous Week: 13

Notes: In order for this team to have a chance at the division, they'll need to beat the Texans next week.

16. Dallas Cowboys: 92 (110)

Previous Week: 14

Notes: Another heartbreaking loss for the Cowboys. A team can only take so much of it before it ruins their season. Chances are the Cowboys won't finish as well as anticipated.

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 78 (43)

Previous Week: 18

Notes: A big confidence boost for this team with a win over the Saints. They're actually first in the division because of it, but don't expect to last that long.

18. Philadelphia Eagles: 68 (34)

Previous Week: 20

Notes: An absolute must win for the Eagles against the Skins. After the bye, another one at home against the Cowboys.

19. Chicago Bears: 63 (3)

Previous Week: 24

Notes: They absolutely destroyed the Vikings, but with the Lions and Packers in their division there isn't too much hope for the Bears.

20. New York Jets: 58 (38)

Previous Week: 19

Notes: They won a game that they should have (home against the Dolphins), but will need to be the Chargers to move ahead in the rankings.

21. Atlanta Falcons: 51 (10)

Previous Week: 22

Notes: A road victory over the Lions next week will be a big confidence boost for this team.

22. Cleveland Browns: 34 (50)

Previous Week: 17

Notes: I had somewhat higher hopes for this team, but it looks like I will be let down.

23. Seattle Seahawks: -2 (2)

Previous Week: 25

Notes: In order for them to have a shot at the division (which is pretty much almost impossible at this point) they'll need to beat the Browns next week.

24. Carolina Panthers: -11 (15)

Previous Week: 21

Notes: While improved, they can't seem to win a game. Cam Newton will eventually lead this team to a winning season though.

25. Arizona Cardinals: -26 (-36)

Previous Week: 26

Notes: Another team that will help the Steelers look a lot better than they actually are next week.

26. Minnesota Vikings: -43 (8)

Previous Week: 23

Notes: Usually this team plays other teams close and then blows it at the end. They weren't even competitive against the Bears.

27. Kansas City Chiefs: -43 (-41)

Previous Week: 27

Notes: Are they back on track after winning 2 in a row? A road game against the Raiders will tell us for sure.

28. Denver Broncos: -58 (-55)

Previous Week: 28

Notes: Will be interesting to see how Tim Tebow effects the team.

29. Jacksonville Jaguars: -83 (-59)

Previous Week: 29

Notes: They played the Steelers close, but it could be a testament to how much worse the Steelers are this year than any signs of improvement for the Jags.

30. Miami Dolphins: -111 (-96)

Previous Week: 30

Notes: If the Dolphins were to break out of their winless this season next week is it. They'll be home against the Broncos who are starting Tim Tebow.

31. Indianapolis Colts: -161 (-129)

Previous Week: 31

Notes: I honestly don't expect this team to win more than a game this year. They just don't have the heart without Peyton.

32. St. Louis Rams: -164 (-131)

Previous Week: 32

Notes: Well it was a given that they'd lose against the Packers. Possibility for a win will be week 9 which is a road game against the Cards.

NFL Power Rankings Week 6

I'm going to start doing weekly power rankings for the NFL from here on out. I use a formula to determine where a team ranks based on record, who they played, point differentials, offensive numbers, and defensive numbers. I don't believe in the "a team was great last year so we're going to rank them high this year" hype that a low of publications do on power rankings. A lot of people do. The Steelers and Jets, for example, are ranked WAY too high in a lot of power rankings. Anyway, here are the power rankings heading into week 6. Total points are indicated next to the team which is based on the formula I mentioned earlier.

1. Green Bay Packers: 284

Notes: No team is as strong on all sides of the ball as the Packers this year. This team is solid and can easily be a 14-2 or 15-1 team this year. The only thing standing in their way is the fact that they play the Lions twice.

2. Detroit Lions: 283

Notes: Only one point behind the Packers from that number one spot. The Lions always find ways to win games which is a sign of a great team. Some people expect this team to slow down, but don't be surprised to see a 12-4 or 13-3 record from the Lions.

3. Baltimore Ravens: 235

Notes: They just haven't been winning, they have been winning convincingly. 24 point win over Jets, 30 point win over the Rams, and 28 point win over the Steelers. This team should be 5-1 heading into Steelers territory with games against the Texans and Jaguars.

4. New Orleans Saints: 208

Notes: Their only loss came against the best team in the NFL. While they've had close (especially this week against the Panthers) they've been finding ways to win. With what seems to be a subpar division this year in the NFC South, expect the Saints to easily coast to a division title.

5. San Diego Chargers: 199

Notes: They've been playing well against teams that they should be beating and lost against the only good team (Patriots) on their schedule for the first five games. Even though the Jets aren't looking great, a road victory against them would be huge for the Chargers.

6. New England Patriots: 192

Notes: I probably have them ranked the lowest out of any power ranking, but even though they have a superb offense, their defense has a lot of issues.

7. Buffalo Bills: 178

Notes: Not convinced that they are a lock for the playoffs this year (I think they'll end up at 8-8 or 9-7), but they have been playing excellent to start the season. Who would have thought that a win over the Eagles this week wouldn't be that surprising though

8. San Francisco 49ers: 171

Notes: A big surprise this year. It's surprising that any team from the NFC West has a winning record after 5 games, but the 49ers are playing extremely well. An OT loss to the Cowboys prevents this team from being 5-0.

9. Washington Redskins: 165

Notes: Another big surprise this year. I expected this team to be better, but not as good as they have been. It will be tough for them to maintain this type of playing with games left against the Cowboys, Eagles, and Giants.

10. Houston Texans: 160

Notes: The team expected to take the AFC South this year is looking to be on pace to do just that. Even with the Titans tied for first, I expect the Texans to pull away at some point. This team does have their share of problems and can see the whole division looking like the NFC West of last year.

11. Pittsburgh Steelers: 142

Notes: Big win against the Titans, but am I the only who thinks this team is not looking remotely close to the team that made the Super Bowl last year?

12. Cincinnati Bengals: 129

Notes: Never expected the Bengals to be up this far in the rankings (not even in the top 20), but a team that can finish games as strong as the Bengals have is worth taking notice of. A win over the Bills helps this team secure the #12 spot.

13. Tennessee Titans: 112

Notes: Hard to read this team. A big win over Baltimore and a big loss against the Steelers. I think at some point the weaknesses of the team will catch up to them. Expect them to go about 8-8.

14. Dallas Cowboys: 110

Notes: Tony Romo might be up great numbers on paper, but he's been anything but clutch when it matters. This is what prevents him from being a top 5, even top 10 QB. Every game they have played has been decided by 4 points or less with one win being decided in OT.

15. New York Giants: 105

Notes: Another hard to read team. With a reversed call in the Cards game, this team could easily be 2-3. On the other end, if Victor Cruz held onto that ball or even if he dropped it, there would be a good chance the Giants would have scored on that drive (they are known for their ability to drive down the field and score in clutch situations) and be 4-1. This team is facing many injury issues, but should be able to stay competitive throughout the year.

16. Oakland Raiders: 92

Notes: Big win against the Texans on the road. The Raiders are much improved from last year and will either win a wild card spot or be very close to securing one.

17. Cleveland Browns: 50

Notes: A team ranked in the bottom 10 in most power rankings, but unjustly in my opinion. Their two wins came against the Colts and Dolphins (both winless), but I think this will prove themselves in the upcoming weeks.

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 43

Notes: Like the Chiefs, this is another solid team from last year who looks terrible this year. The 49ers are a great team, but that lost this week was horrendous.

19. New York Jets: 38

Notes: I am just as surprised as anyone to see this team down at #19 after 5 weeks, but here they are. Next week is a must win against the Dolphins.

20. Philadelphia Eagles: 34

Notes: Another team destined to do great things who has started off the year horribly. At 1-4, I don't think we'll see them make the playoffs, but they'll end the season strong than what their 1-4 record indicates.

21. Carolina Panthers: 15

Notes: So close to being a decent team. Cam Newton looks great. Expect better things to come from the Panthers in the coming years.

22. Atlanta Falcons: 10

Notes: Far from being out of it, but they really haven't been playing well.

23. Minnesota Vikings: 8

Notes: If you watched the Vikings for the first 3 quarters of all their games you'd think they're 4-1 or 3-2. Even though this team falls apart in the last few minutes of the game, they are a lot better than their 1-4 record indicates.

24. Chicago Bears: 3

Notes: The division winners of last year are in a lot of trouble with the Packers and Lions both starting the season 5-0.

25. Seattle Seahawks: 2

Notes: A big win over the Giants although they should have won by a LOT more considering how much they were outplaying them in the first half of the game.

26. Arizona Cardinals: -36

Notes: And now we approach the "negative teams". The team will struggle all season after that Cruz call against the Giants cost them the win.

27. Kansas City Chiefs: -41

Notes: After looking like the clear winner for the worst team in the NFL, the Chiefs win 2 games in a row. A win against the Raiders and Chargers will make the Chiefs all of a sudden back in contention.

28. Denver Broncos: -55

Notes: Its bad news when you switch your starting QB this early in the season. Hopefully Tim Tebow can bring some life into this lowly team.

29. Jacksonville Jaguars: -59

Notes: After a narrow victory the first game of the season against the Titans, the Jaguars are looking worse every week. With upcoming games against Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Texans, expect the Jaguars to go 1-7 heading into the bye week.

30. Miami Dolphins: -96

Notes: The best of the winless, which is not saying much.

31. Indianapolis Colts: -129

Notes: I knew this tea was going to be worse without Peyton, but I don't think anyone expected them to be THIS bad.

32. St. Louis Rams: -131

Notes: I guess the Rams got tired of being in a run for the playoffs last year and reverted back to their old ways of the year before.