Ron Glover’s NFL Power Rankings: Week 7
Andre Johnson and the Houston Texans earned their first win last week against the Miami Dolphins. Quarterback Matt Shaub scored on a 3-yard run as time expired in a 29-28 thriller.
This week’s Power Rankings has a new #1, in fact the top three teams all moved up without playing a down last week. There’s some serious congestion at 11 thru 20, in a couple of weeks we should know who’s who.
1. Tennessee Titans (5-0) Last Week #2:
The Titans visit Arrowwhead to face a Chiefs squad in shambles before facing the Colts and Packers at home.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) Last Week #4:
The Steelers face the Bengals, Giants and Redskins. Willie Parker’s knee problems continue to hamper his return to the lineup.
3. Buffalo Bills (4-1) Last Week #7:
Three of the Bills next four games are against AFC East opponents.
4. New York Giants (4-1) Last Week #1:
The Champs took one on the chin Monday night as Eli Manning threw three picks and the defense gave up 400+ yards.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2) Last Week #11:
Jon Gruden’s bunch has just been going about their work in spite of a QB controversy and injuries the Bucs have managed to fly under the radar.
6. Washington Redskins (4-2) Last Week #3:
By the time the Redskins realized they were in a game it was too late.
7. Arizona Cardinals (4-2) Last Week #12:
What more can you say about a team that played a home game that may as well have been played in Dallas. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Cardinals are for real.
8. Indianapolis Colts (3-2) Last Week #13:
The Colts are looking like a team with something to play for.
9. Dallas Cowboys (4-2) Last Week #5:
The Cowboys have been playing shaky ball the last three weeks. Romo wants to play Sunday. The acquisition of Roy Williams may have put the ‘Boys over the top.
10. San Diego Chargers (3-3) Last Week #14:
The Chargers face the Bills and the Saints on the road before their bye week.
11. Carolina Panthers (4-2) Last Week #6:
The Panthers were never in it against the Bucs. No time to lick wounds, Drew Brees and the Saints visit Sunday.
12. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3) Last Week #15:
It looks like the Jags may be ready to make a run after the bye week.
13. Denver Broncos: (4-2) Last Week #9:
Three first half turnovers left the Broncos playing catch up the rest of the way.
14. Atlanta Falcons (4-2) Last Week #16:
The Falcons are winning ugly, beats losing pretty.
15. Philadelphia Eagles (3-3) Last Week #17:
The defense pitched a fourth quarter shutout in a much needed win. The bye week should bring the team back to full strength for the first time this season.
16. New York Jets (3-2) Last Week #18:
The Jets survived two Brett Fave interceptions, thanks to two Thomas Jones touchdowns.
17. Chicago Bears (3-3) Last Week #8:
The Bears blew a one-point lead in 11 seconds thanks to a squib-kick that backfired.
18. New Orleans Saints (3-3) Last Week #23:
Rebounded nicely from Monday Night’s loss. Drew Brees continues his hot streak.
19. New England Patriots (3-2) Last Week #10:
The Patriots have to fight for a division they once owned.
20. Green Bay Packers (3-3) Last Week #21:
The Pack scored 17 second half points to get a big win on the road.
21. Cleveland Browns (2-3) Last Week #24:
So these are the Browns we’ve been looking for!
22. Minnesota Vikings (3-3) Last Week #22:
When will the offense get it together? The defense looked great on Sunday.
23. Miami Dolphins (2-3) Last Week #19:
Played a great game against a Texans team that was due for a win.
24. Houston Texans (1-4) Last Week #26:
The Texans could possibly win their next three games and get back in the hunt (Detroit, Cincinnati and Minnesota)
25. Baltimore Ravens (2-3) Last Week #19:
The Ravens were down 17 to the Colts before they even recorded a first down.
26. San Francisco 49ers (2-4) Last Week #25:
Had the Eagles on the ropes as the fourth quarter began, then J.T. O’Sullivan imploded.
27. St. Louis Rams (1-4) Last Week #30:
Glad to see Jim Hasslett get another job, got a raw deal with the Saints in 2005. The Rams defense looked inspired. Howie’s boy may be a player after all.
28. Cincinnati Bengals (0-6) Last Week #29:
The defense played well against the Jets, may have won if Carson Palmer was healthy.
29. Seattle Seahawks (1-4) Last Week #28:
Mike Holmgren’s metal packing is done, just step down now.
30. Oakland Raiders (1-4) Last Week #27:
Aren’t you supposed to play better for the new head coach.
31. Kansas City Chiefs (1-4) Last Week #31:
No relief after the bye as the undefeated Titans come to town.
32. Detroit Lions (0-5) Last Week #32:
Had a chance to win it at the end against the Vikes, but hey these are the Lions.
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October 17th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I’d like to see the Titans ranked a little higher!!!
October 17th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Seriously, though…Nice list.
I like the Bills to beat up on the Chargers. That’s going to be their Super Bowl since the Patriots are down this year. If they come out flat and lose this one, they could be in real trouble. Getting Roscoe Parrish back should really help with field position. Since you have them ranked 3rd, I guess you like them too.
The Buccaneers are surprising. I thought they’d fall back to the pack (though it was principally because Griese is mediocre at best). Garcia makes them a much better team.
I was definitely right about the Cowboys coming back to the pack. What’s funny about their situation now is that they have so much talent on offense that any one person demanding the ball really sounds crazy. Owens, Barber, Witten, Williams, Jones, Crayton, Austin…damn. It’s a good thing they can’t all be on the field at once.
The Cardinals aren’t half bad. Their defense really beat up the Cowboys in that game. Lotta guys went to the injured list and the trainer after that one. Physical beat down game. I think the Rams are going to be tougher than they’ve been previously. You’re right on about Haslett (formely of Steeler Nation).
I won’t accuse you of being a homer in ranking the Bears below the Eagles. Let’s just say it’s interesting. The Bears are doing some things that just don’t make sense. Coaching cost them at least 2 games this year.
The Falcons and Broncos are both +12 in net points — and they’re 4-2. The Redskins are only +9. Somehow the Patriots are 3-2, but -20.
There are, however, 4 teams that are all 3-3 who have significant positive net points. Philadelphia (+44) and Chicago, New Orleans and San Diego are tied at (+39). If I was a betting man, I’d bet on those teams to keep winning and on Washington, Atlanta and Denver’s luck to run out.