Espn Poll

[Sassy]

Power Rankings: Colts back on top


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ESPN.com


ESPN.com's Power Rankings
The rankings were determined by a poll of ESPN.com's NFL staff -- writers John Clayton, Len Pasquarelli and Michael Smith; Scouts Inc. insiders Jeremy Green and Keith Kidd; and ESPN.com NFL editors Peter Lawrence-Riddell and Joe Wojciechowski.

No surprise at the top, where the Colts are the unanimous No. 1 team after beating the Patriots to remain undefeated. The Bears, who had been No. 1 for five straight weeks, dropped two spots to No. 3 after losing to the Dolphins. It was Chicago's second sub-par performance in three games and was enough to keep them out of the No. 2 spot. That lofty perch went to the Broncos, who jumped from No. 6 all the way to No. 2 after going on the road to beat the Steelers.
The rankings are definitely becoming top-heavy, with a pretty clear top eight developing. There's also a big logjam of 4-4 teams from No. 13 to No. 19.

At the bottom, the Cardinals maintained their hold on the No. 32 spot, but the Raiders made a strong bid with their offense's ugly performance on "Monday Night Football."

Anyway, on to the rankings. You can rank the teams yourself with SportsNation's NFL Power Rankings.


2006 Power Rankings: Week 10
RK (LW) TEAM REC COMMENT
1 (2) Colts 8-0-0 Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne are the new Rice and Taylor or Swann and Stallworth.
2 (6) Broncos 6-2-0 There can't be another player in the NFL playing better than Champ Bailey. The second-best CB in the NFL isn't even in Bailey's league.
3 (1) Bears 7-1-0 No doubt it's painful, but come on, it's a sprained big toe. Who knew you could even sprain your big toe? No way that keeps Brian Urlacher from playing this week.
4 (3) Patriots 6-2-0 It's sort of obvious, but the Patriots are clearly a much different team on defense without Rodney Harrison in the lineup.
5 (5) Chargers 6-2-0 We rave about him all the time, but LaDainian Tomlinson belongs in any discussions about best player in the NFL. 6 (4) Giants 6-2-0 Giants are in the hunt for the top spot in the NFC. But the injuries on defense have to be a serious concern.
7 (8) Ravens 6-2-0 Not only are the Ravens good, but their final eight opponents have a 25-39 record. That's the easiest remaining schedule in the league.
8 (9) Saints 6-2-0 After a big win against Tampa Bay, Saints players heard the magic words from Sean Payton: 'See you Wednesday,' meaning they had an extra day off.
9 (7) Falcons 5-3-0 Look for Falcons to rediscover running game against Cleveland defense that allows 143 yards per game rushing.
10 (12) Jaguars 5-3-0 David Garrard will be the Jags QB for the rest of the season. Jack Del Rio says Byron Leftwich's ankle will need at least six weeks before it's healthy.
11 (14) Chiefs 5-3-0 We know the old adage that you don't lose your starting job to injury. But the more Damon Huard wins, the harder it's going to be to replace him when Trent Green is ready.
12 (13) Seahawks 5-3-0 The first half of the season was bumpy for the Seahawks. But despite missing Shaun Alexander and Matt Hasselbeck for a number of games, Seattle is still in control of the NFC West.
13 (10) Bengals 4-4-0 They melted down in the loss to Baltimore. The Bengals have the second-toughest second-half schedule in the league; it will be interesting to see how the Bengals handle another loss or two.
14 (15) Panthers 4-4-0 Hey, don't blame DeAngelo Williams for taking so long to come back. If 365-pound Ted Washington landed on your ankle, it would take you a month to return, too.
15 (11) Cowboys 4-4-0 Think Bill Parcells had much to say to Mike Vanderjagt on the plane ride home from D.C.?
16 (17) Eagles 4-4-0 Huge game Sunday for the Eagles. Coming out of their bye, they desperately need a win over the Redskins to get back on track.
17 (18) Rams 4-4-0 At 4-4 the Rams are still right in the middle of the playoff hunt in the NFC. But their defense better step up (99 points allowed in three straight losses) or they'll keep sliding.
18 (16) Vikings 4-4-0 Missing: the Minnesota offense. If you've seen the Vikings' playmakers, please contact Brad Childress.
19 (19) Jets 4-4-0 We're guessing Eric Mangini might have a few things up his sleeve for old mentor Bill Belichick when the Jets face the Patriots on Sunday.
20 (23) Redskins 3-5-0 Obviously 3-5 isn't where the Redskins want to be. But take a look at the NFC standings and you realize that they're still in it.
21 (27) Bills 3-5-0 What a game for LB London Fletcher. Broke up five passes and returned one INT for a TD. That's a season of pass coverage for some LBs.
22 (20) Packers 3-5-0 When Brett Favre doesn't make mistakes, the Pack win. Green Bay is 0-4 when Favre throws an interception. It's 3-1 when he doesn't.
23 (29) 49ers 3-5-0 Talk about coming out of nowhere: The 49ers were giving up 33.5 points per game before giving up just three Sunday.
24 (21) Steelers 2-6-0 Steelers have played six teams that are .500 or better so maybe the record is a little deceiving. But then you remember they lost to Oakland.
25 (31) Dolphins 2-6-0 Jason Taylor talked the talk and walked the walk for the Dolphins.
26 (30) Lions 2-6-0 Detroit's Dominic Raiola on Atlanta's DeAngelo Hall, who hit a sliding Jon Kitna. 'He really disgusts me as a DB, as a cheap-shot artist. I promise you: If I see him on the field again, I will try to take his head off.'
27 (24) Buccaneers 2-6-0 How the mighty have fallen. The two teams in Super Bowl XXXVII -- Tampa Bay and Oakland -- now have the two worst offenses in the league.
28 (25) Texans 2-6-0 The Texans might not win a lot, but they have guts after mocking the Giants with their jump shot celebrations after big plays.
29 (22) Titans 2-6-0 Not saying Vince Young should run all the time, but only four rushes against Jacksonville against 36 passes? Seems like he should run more than that.
30 (26) Browns 2-6-0 Of course Romeo Crennel is going endorse Charlie Frye. Wouldn't you if the other options were Derek Anderson and Ken Dorsey?
31 (28) Raiders 2-6-0 Ugly. Really the only word to describe the way the Raiders played on offense Monday night.
32 (32) Cardinals 1-7-0 With any struggling team it's always interesting to see how they play coming out of a bye. And the Cardinals pretty much defined the word struggling when they entered their bye.







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[OrangeShadow]

There can't be another player in the NFL playing better than Champ Bailey. The second-best CB in the NFL isn't even in Bailey's league.

thats an awesome quote

[Paladin]

Interesting that pundits from outside the membership of the faithful hereon hold the Broncos in higher esteem than much of the faithful membership hereon does. While I do not have much to say about these "rakings" and "Power Polls," It is nice to be well-thought-of as opposed to being an also-ran such as the Mullets. I like being us.

[Beantown Bronco]

7 (8) Ravens 6-2-0 Not only are the Ravens good, but their final eight opponents have a 25-39 record. That's the easiest remaining schedule in the league.

I hate looking too far ahead, but......

Yikes. Given that cake-walk of a second half schedule, the Ravens have to be a serious contender right now to steal away either the #2 or #3 seed....and next to nobody is talking about them. Considering the Pats will also most likely go into the rest of their schedule as (heavy) favorites, the Broncos can only afford to lose one, MAYBE two games the rest of the way to hold onto the 2 seed.

[ludo21]

im glad he is getting the respect he has deserved.

In this NFL he is a shut down corner!

[brncs_fan]

From Fox:

2 Broncos - The Broncos led the Steelers 14-0 within the first five minutes of Sunday's game in Pittsburgh and rode that momentum to a 31-20 victory over the defending champs. Javon Walker scored three touchdowns and had a monster fantasy football day in the win. Those Jay Cutler rumors floating around the Internet a few weeks ago? Yeah, they’ve kinda gone away for now.

7 Chargers - This LaDainian Tomlinson fellow is pretty good, huh? The NFL's touchdown leader scored three more and rushed for 172 yards on 18 carries in Sunday's 32-25 win over Cleveland. The 'Bolts actually found themselves down at halftime, trailing the Browns 12-10 at the end of two frames. Tomlison took care of all that, tearing off a 41-yard scamper with 1:08 left in the third quarter. With several starters missing -- including Shawn Merriman -- the Chargers got tremendous contributions from a slew of back-up defensive players in the effort. San Diego travels to Cincy next week.

10 Chiefs - The Chiefs steamrolled over the Rams on Sunday in what was dubbed "The Battle of Missouri" by the experts (Really clever, folks. Really, just an original, witty job right there with that). Larry Johnson rushed for 172 yards in the effort, but wasn't exactly satisfied with how things turned out: "I'm a little disappointed because I feel we did leave 200 yards of rushing on that field," Johnson said. "The way we were going out there and just pushing them backward and shakings things up, we should have done even more." Hmm ... consider that Bulletin Board Material for the NEXT “Battle of Missouri”! Yeah!

25 Raiders - While the Oakland defense has looked incredible over the past three weeks, the offense has been a sputtering mess. Andrew Walter was sacked nine times, while Lamont Jordan got less than 10 carries in Monday night’s loss at Seattle. Alas, there is hope on the horizon, Raiders Nation. Brady Quinn awaits come April.


http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/powerRankings

[brncs_fan]

From NFL.com

2. Denver (6-2; 5): The Broncos rebounded well from an emotionally draining loss to the Colts and should keep their roll going vs. the Raiders.

8. Kansas City (5-3; 9): With Damon Huard and Larry Johnson, the Chiefs not only don't miss Trent Green but they also are emerging as a force in the AFC.

9. San Diego (6-2; 10): Why did it take so long to put the Cleveland game in LaDainian Tomlinson's hands?

Oakland listed under "Need work"

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/9785136

[That One Guy]

So, is it too early to establish that the AFCCG is essentially this year's superbowl? Whoever represents the AFC is almost a guarrantee, it seems, to win the SB.

It appears the Bears would be incapable of playing 3 weeks of good football and the next best would be the Giants... who I have no real faith in.

[missingnumber7]

Ok for the last three years we have all been sayin we don't give a rats ass about how ESPN says our team is doin and now that they have us #2 we all care. The only thing that matters is how we play on sundays.

[Atlas]

I think KC is better than the Chuggers right now. Diaper boy is the better back and Huard is playing great. Of course all this might change if Green becomes the starter again.

[Atlas]

CBS Sportsline has Denver ranked pretty low.


Current Team Previous
1 Colts · Trends 2
Is there any doubt that they are the best team right now? You know the offense is good when it can overcome that bad run defense. Going undefeated isn't far-fetched.
2 Bears · Trends 1
We'll call what happened a mulligan. The word is they got a little too full of themselves. That's how you lose games in this league.
3 Ravens · Trends 4
At 6-2, they're playing well. The defense is still among the best, but now the offense is getting it going, too. They have a strong hold on the division at the halfway point.
4 Giants · Trends 5
They struggled against the Texans, but they're better than that. They have a chance against the Bears to show they're the best in the NFC.
5 Broncos · Trends 7
With the offense coming alive, they will be tougher and tougher as the season moves along. Javon Walker really gives this team another dimension.
6 Chargers · Trends 8
They messed around a little too much against the Browns and it almost cost them. Now they have a tough road game at Cincinnati.
7 Patriots · Trends 3
Even though they lost to the Colts, don't you get the feeling they'll see each other again down the road? Tom Brady just had a bad day, and he won't have many of those.
8 Saints · Trends 9
Going on the road and dominating the Bucs is a good sign for the Saints. Drew Brees is really having a good season.
9 Falcons · Trends 6
Inconsistency plagues this team. They can't seem to handle prosperity and now are behind the Saints in the division.
10 Jaguars · Trends 10
The David Garrard era is upon us. He played well in his second start on Sunday. The defense has really played well the past two weeks.
11 Seahawks · Trends 14
Seneca Wallace did a nice job Monday night. They're fighting through all the injuries, and they have a chance to put a firm grip on the division this week by beating St. Louis.
12 Chiefs · Trends 17
They've won three consecutive games after getting blown out by the Steelers. That's resolve. Larry Johnson is again having a heck of a season.
13 Bengals · Trends 11
They just don't have the same pizzazz that they had last season as an offense. Carson Palmer is clearly struggling with his injury.
14 Cowboys · Trends 12
Losing the way they did could affect this team for a while. It's funny how quickly things can turn around in a game and in a season.
15 Vikings · Trends 13
If there was a better option at quarterback, a change would be coming. But is Brooks Bollinger better than Brad Johnson?
16 Eagles · Trends 15
Hard to believe this is a 4-4 team at the break. If they're to make a playoff push, the offense has to play better than it did last time out.
17 Panthers · Trends 16
At 4-4 coming out of their bye week, the schedule gets a little softer in the second half. But they have to get streaking to catch the Saints.
18 Rams · Trends 18
Their fast start has gone to waste with three consecutive losses. The defense just isn't tackling very well.
19 Jets · Trends 19
Coming off their bye, they are still in the playoff hunt at the halfway point. Who could have imagined that?
20 Redskins · Trends 22
They're still alive after that amazing end of the game against Dallas. But at some point, the offense has to do more -- or else.
21 Bills · Trends 28
It sure wasn't pretty against the Packers, but they found a way. That offense is an eyesore.
22 Steelers · Trends 20
It's time to start thinking about next season. The miracle won't come this time. So now comes the big question: Who will be the coach?
23 Packers · Trends 21
This is another young team that is still fighting. It's too bad their old quarterback let them down last week.
24 Dolphins · Trends 29
Many people expected this team to quit on Nick Saban. Not so fast. He did a nice job getting them ready for the Bears.
25 49ers · Trends 30
After getting embarrassed against the Bears, they bounced back to beat the Vikings. That says something. The defense played its best game.
26 Lions · Trends 31
Mike Martz has this offense playing well, which we expect. They're not going to be easy for any team that comes to Detroit.
27 Browns · Trends 23
They're showing some fight, which is good. They're just not good enough to go to places like San Diego and win.
28 Titans · Trends 24
Playing rookie quarterbacks can test a team, which is what happened last Sunday. They're all about the future now.
29 Raiders · Trends 25
With a Hall of Fame lineman as the head coach and a Hall of Fame lineman as the line coach, wouldn't you think they could protect their quarterback? What a mess.
30 Buccaneers · Trends 26
Can you say playing for next season? They just don't have the players to compete as an elite team anymore. And now we get them on a Monday night.
31 Texans · Trends 27
They're still fighting, which is a good thing. Now they get a Jaguars team that will be ready after they upset them a couple of weeks ago.
32 Cardinals · Trends 32
They had a bye, and lost. That's how bad it is for this team. Look at the bright side: Only eight more weeks to go.

[Mile High Shack]

I like it better when we get no respect

[Atlas]

Here's Dr. Z's ratings. I can't see why Chicago is ahead of Denver. The way they have played the last couple of weeks. They are not a great team.

Same with NE. Why would anyone think NE is better than Denver?

Team
1 2 Indianapolis Colts (8-0)
Well, naturally I picked the Patriots game wrong, along with everyone else. And it wasn't because I thought New England would run the ball to a fare thee well. I learned that lesson covering one of the most interesting games I'd ever been to -- unbeaten 1972 Miami Dolphins against the Cleveland Browns in the AFC Playoffs. Miami had one of the all-time great rushing teams. The Browns finished 24th against the run. Oh, man, close it down early. This will be over at halftime. In my paper I think I picked the Fish to win by three touchdowns. Well, the Dolphins got their yards, but what I didn't handicap was the courage the Browns showed. When things got really tough they just killed themselves, flying to the ball, even though they were outmanned. The Browns led by a point, deep into the fourth quarter, then Miami won it with a final drive, interestingly keyed by two important passes. Yeah, the Colts gave up yards on the ground Sunday night. But they got a lot of courage from their defense, too.
2 3 New England Patriots (6-2)
You know what I like about this team and Tom Brady? After the game they always give the other team credit for playing well. How many times have you heard that old refrain, "Oh we just kept turning the ball over," or "We made too many mistakes." I mean was there another team on the field? That's why John Brodie, the old 49er QB, used to hate the Cowboys. "Never any credit to anyone else," he'd say. "It was always, 'Those weren't the real Cowboys out there.' I used to ask them, 'How many guys you keep on your roster, anyway?'"
3 1 Chicago Bears (7-1)
Damn double-crossers. I was going to call up Gary Fencik, the all-pro safetyman on the '85 Bears and do a player by player comparison, those against these. Then I was going to back it up even farther and compare the current team to the 1940 Monsters of the Midway. Still back ... the Sneakers Game, Nagurski and Grange and Beattie Feathers ... way, way back, the Decatur Staleys and Halas and the great battles with the Nesser Brothers. It was going to be an all time orgy of comparing, one of the great memory lane pieces this Web site has ever seen. The Dolphins ruined all that.
4 4 Denver Broncos (6-2)
The game I felt best about last weekend, was Pittsburgh giving them two points. Tough, hardnosed football against flashy stuff. So Denver won with a 72-yard end around and a lot of long catches by the same guy. C'mon Broncos! Play like men!
5 5 Baltimore Ravens (6-2)
One story I saw about the Bengals game lauded the Ravens' play calling, pointing out the remarkable fact that Steve McNair distributed passes (these will get you in the main gate) to seven different receivers, wow! The only problem was that of the 27 other teams in action last weekend, 15 of them did the same thing -- or better. Four had eight.
6 7 San Diego Chargers (6-2)
Here's what I love about the NFL. Shawne Merriman can't go near the team's facility, can't practice, can't do anything around the club while he serves his suspension. But that sure doesn't stop the league from using him as an interview subject on its own network.
7 6 New York Giants (6-2)
Yeah, I picked them to beat the Bears. It all depends on what kind of pressure they can generate -- without three defensive ends, including Michael Strahan. Seems hopeless, doesn't it? Bear in mind, please, that poor old Detroit beat Atlanta by 16 points with three defensive starters out, including the great Shaun Rogers.
8 8 New Orleans Saints (6-2)
Playoffs ahead? I know coaches hate this kind of long-range talk, but you folks ain't coaches. If they split the rest of the games 4-4, they're in. They're probably also in if they go 3-5, that's how flighty the conference is. There will be more on this topic when we arrive at the Rams. Can you wait?
9 10 Kansas City Chiefs (5-3)
I mean is DE Jared Allen special or what? Good, sturdy run-stopper. Up there among the sack leaders with five. Makes me wish I could go back on my vow of not picking all-anythings at this stage of the season.
10 12 Seattle Seahawks (5-3)
I really wish I could have gotten a picture of how they accumulated all those sacks on Monday night. ESPN might show you a replay of one or two, but they usually get off the play in a hurry and run to one of their guests in the booth or some other nonsense, while the sacker is still obscured. I know, I have it on tape and I'll spend a big chunk of time running everything back and I'll try to follow each player's progress, but honestly, wouldn't it just be so much easier if the network were interested in showing you a game?

[Atlas]

PFW has NE, Chicago and S.D. ahead of Denver.

1. Indianapolis Colts
Colts’ defense played its most complete game of the season but still must tighten vs. run.

2. New England Patriots
Losing Rodney Harrison changed the game plan quite a bit.

3. Chicago Bears
Could the Bears go from 7-0 to 8-3? Three-game trip could bring team down to earth.

4. San Diego Chargers
Tomlinson (172 rushing yards, three TDs) bails out Chargers in sloppy effort.

5. Denver Broncos
First six games: 1,090 passing yards allowed. Last two: 748 passing yards allowed.

6. New York Giants
Better hope Umenyiora can play against the Bears with Strahan out 2-4 weeks.

7. Baltimore Ravens
Season tally — rushing touchdowns: four; defensive touchdowns: four.

8. New Orleans Saints
Hate to bring it up, but Reggie Bush has 38 yards in his last 24 plays from scrimmage.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars
Might we point to Texans loss and ­Leftwich benching as turning point of season?

10. Atlanta Falcons
Let’s wait until the end of the season to judge Michael Vick’s progress.

11. Seattle Seahawks
Even if Shaun Alexander comes back this week, how effective can he be?

12. Kansas City Chiefs
That Pittsburgh loss looks like a bigger aberration with each passing week.

13. Carolina Panthers
Opponents have noticed how much Dan Morgan’s absence has meant.

14. Dallas Cowboys
T.O. said he owes the team one after his two-drop, one-stupid-penalty performance.

15. Cincinnati Bengals
Chad Johnson said he’s not being used properly. Wonder if he can play linebacker.

16. Philadelphia Eagles
They must get tougher at the line of scrimmage this week.

17. Minnesota Vikings
Practical question: When do you bench Brad Johnson, considering who is behind him?

18. St. Louis Rams
Turnover margin starting to turn against Rams during three-game losing streak.

19. New York Jets
Bye week spent trying to figure out what’s wrong with the passing game.

20. Washington Redskins
Still a long way to go, but the Redskins’ season could have ended with a loss to Dallas.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Casey Hampton: “I would have bet my house before the season started we wouldn’t be 2-6.”

22. Green Bay Packers
They lost a great chance to prove doubters wrong up in Buffalo.

23. Buffalo Bills
Losman turnover-free vs. Green Bay after eight giveaways in previous three starts.

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Slow starters: Bucs have scored a total of seven first-quarter points in ’06.

25. Detroit Lions
Just when you forget about Kevin Jones, he goes out and gashes a pretty good team.

26. San Francisco 49ers
Much-maligned defense made a major statement by blanking Vikes for last three quarters.

27. Miami Dolphins
Preseason prognosticators feel better about themselves after win over Bears.

28. Tennessee Titans
Running game has disappeared, leaving Vince Young quite vulnerable.

29. Cleveland Browns
Effort has been good, but Charlie Frye looks like the NFL’s shakiest starting QB right now.

30. Houston Texans
Game effort in New Jersey, but couldn’t take advantage of injury-riddled Giants.

31. Oakland Raiders
Sacks allowed aren't all on the O-line; Walter, Tom Walsh must change things immediately.

32. Arizona Cardinals
Bidwill doesn’t want to pay Green to sit on his couch, but would it matter either way?

[Atlas]

FootballLocks.com has Denver at #2

Rank
NFL Team
Record
Comments

1 (1)

Colts
8-0
Indianapolis won in New England getting their fifth win versus a playoff team from a season ago. The Colts' impressive resume includes road wins versus 3 of the 5 top teams in the power rankings; at N.Y. Giants, at Denver, and at New England. Surely the Colts' difficult strength of schedule qualifies 2006 as the best half season of football Peyton Manning has ever played.

2 (3)
Broncos
6-2
For the second week in a row the outcome of Denver's game was a statistical anomaly. Last week the Broncos lost at home to Indianapolis while rushing for 227 yards. This week the Broncos won in Pittsburgh while allowing 433 yards passing. But no matter how you slice it, the Broncos are 6-2. And if the season ended today, Denver would have a first round playoff bye thanks to victories over the 6-2 Patriots, and over the 6-2 Ravens.

3 (6)
Ravens
6-2
Baltimore got another solid defensive performance and notched another win, this time at home over the Bengals giving the Ravens a two game lead in the AFC North. With wins over San Diego, New Orleans, and Cincinnati, the Ravens move up to the third spot. Keep in mind that Baltimore's only losses are versus Carolina with McNair injured for most of the game, and at Denver.

4 (2)

Bears
7-1
Chicago dropped to 7-1, losing to the Dolphins who were 1-6 coming in. Arguably the Bears could be 5-3 with near losses to the Cardinals in week 6, and the Vikings in week 3 (averted thanks to a Chester Taylor fumble with 3 minutes left). So which is it? Are the Bears a 5-3 team masquerading as a 7-1 team? Or are they a legitimate 7-1 team? The answer may be somewhere in between. But in light of the above analysis, and with no wins versus teams with a current record better than .500, Chicago falls behind Denver and Baltimore, each owning two wins over 6-2 teams.

5 (5)

Giants
6-2
New York struggled on offense without Burress, but put together a game winning TD drive in the 4th quarter to beat the upset minded Texans... With the victory, the Giants grabbed a two game lead in the NFC East.

6 (4)
Patriots
6-2
Brady threw 4 interceptions as New England fell to Indianapolis at home. With losses to the Broncos and the Colts, qualifying for a first round playoff bye may be difficult for the Patriots in January.

7 (7)

Saints
6-2
New Orleans went on the road to face a Buccaneers' team that had been playing tremendous defense against the pass, and Brees lit it up. With a record of 6-2 the Saints are another step closer towards making the playoffs. But nothing is written in stone. The Saints' schedule is plenty tough. But so are these Saints.

8 (9)
Chargers
6-2
San Diego struggled versus Cleveland in the 1st half. But it was all LT in the 2nd half as San Diego grabbed their sixth win of the season... Still, the Chargers have played one of the easier schedules this season. They'll be tested in the next two weeks with trips to Cincinnati and Denver.

9 (11) Jaguars
5-3
Jacksonville continued their dominant play at home with a 30 point crushing of the Titans. With a 5-3 record the Jaguars' playoff hopes are more than alive. Cincinnati's loss in Baltimore could prove key in the wild card chase.

10 (8)
Falcons
5-3
Just one week after winning in Cincinnati, Atlanta lost to a 1-6 Lions team they beat by 20 points on the road last season. That's the ultimate in inconsistency. And inconsistent teams usually don't get very far into the postseason.

11 (12)
Eagles
4-4
After losing at home to the Jaguars in week 8, Philadelphia had a bye in week 9. The Eagles return to action at home in week 10 where they'll attempt to get back above the .500 mark versus division rival Washington.

12 (10)
Bengals
4-4
After starting the season with 3 wins in a row, Cincinnati has dropped 4 of 5 games. The losses are to teams with solid records including the Patriots, Falcons, and Ravens. But at 4-4 the Bengals' playoff chances are in question as we suggested could happen in our preseason NFL predictions due to some tough scheduling for Cincinnati in 2006.

13 (17)
Chiefs
5-3
Kansas City grabbed a road win in St. Louis as Johnson rushed for 172 yards. After starting the season 0-2, the Chiefs are suddenly legitimate playoff contenders with a record of 5-3... Meanwhile Damon Huard has thrown for 11 TD's and only 1 interception in relief of Green. Decisions? Decisions? Decisions?

14 (16)
Seahawks
5-3
Seattle notched a shutout over Oakland, registering 9 sacks in the process. A key home game versus the Rams is on deck. A win could essentially wrap up the division for the Seahawks, and it's only week 10.

15 (13)
Cowboys
4-4
Parcells decided to go for a two point conversion in the first quarter. Not only did the Cowboys not get the 2, but they missed the 1. That's NFL math folks. Near the end of the game when Dallas might have been sitting on the ball with a 1 point lead, they were forced to attempt a game winning field goal to break the tie, which was blocked, and returned, setting up Washington's own game winning kick which was successful. In other notes, Owens performed "Falling Asleep on a Football" in the end zone. Some have wondered if his hands were still asleep when dropping a would be 72 yard TD bomb.

16 (14)
Panthers
4-4
After losing at home to Dallas in week 8, Carolina had a bye in week 9. The Panthers return to action at home in week 10 where they'll try to get back above to .500 mark in a Monday night game versus Tampa Bay.

17 (18)

Rams
4-4
St. Louis fell to .500 with a home loss to the Chiefs. With trips to Seattle and Carolina on deck, the Rams' playoff chances could hang in the balance.

18 (15)
Vikings
4-4
Last week we suggested Minnesota's loss to the Patriots might be difficult to recover from. And clearly it was, as the Vikings lost in San Francisco, failing to get into the end zone.

19 (23)
Redskins
3-5
Washington pulled out an improbable win over the Cowboys, blocking a game winning field goal attempt and returning it to set up the game winning kick by Novak with no time left, thanks to a face mask penalty on the return... However, if the Redskins are going to turn their season around, they'll have to do against a tough 2nd half schedule that includes playing Philadelphia twice, not to mention games versus Carolina, Atlanta, and the Giants, as well as games in New Orleans, and in St. Louis.

20 (20)

Jets
4-4
After losing at Cleveland in week 8, New York had a bye in week 9. The Jets return to action week 10 in New England where they'll seek to climb back above the .500 mark.

21 (21)
Steelers
2-6
Roethlisberger threw for 433 yards, but he also threw another 3 interceptions as Pittsburgh's season took another blow in a home loss to Denver. With six losses already on the books, it will take a near miracle for the Steelers to reach the playoffs.

22 (19) Buccaneers
2-6
Tampa Bay's extremely dim hopes of saving the season were dealt another blow as the Bucs got their sixth loss of the season at their halfway point, falling at home to New Orleans.

23 (24)

Bills
3-5
Buffalo grabbed home win versus the Packers. But with several tough games remaining including; at Indianapolis, vesus Jacksonville, versus San Diego, and at Baltimore, the win is most likely too little too late. McGahee broke a rib and could miss the next game.

24 (22)
Packers
3-5
Green Bay was unable to get to the .500 mark, losing in Buffalo. Meanwhile, their next 4 games are against teams that are currently .500 or better.

25 (29)
Dolphins
2-6
Last week we put forth the idea that the Dolphins could "right a lot of wrongs" if they could find a way to beat the Bears. And that's exactly what they did. In spite of Miami's poor record, their defense is still solid. And therefore capable of winning games. But with six losses already on the books, it will probably take a near miracle to make the playoffs.

26 (26)
Browns
2-6
Cleveland added San Diego to the list of top teams they faced and lost to in 2006. Previous losses versus Denver, Carolina, Baltimore, Cincinnati, and New Orleans toughened up the Browns. And they gave the Chargers all they could handle in the first half before Tomlinson finally took over.

27 (30)
49ers
3-5
The 49ers beat a dejected Vikings' team, and are now above .500 at home this season (3-2). Unfortunately, San Francisco is 0-3 on the road where they have given up and average of 38 points a game.



28 (32)



Lions
2-6
Detroit surprised Atlanta, leading from start to finish. But it takes more than a single upset to advance significantly in the rankings with a record of 2-6 after week 9.

29 (25)
Titans
2-6
Tennessee's 2 game winning streak came to an end... The Titans ran into a Jacksonville team which plays lights out at home. Vince Young threw three interceptions in the loss.

30 (27)
Texans
2-6
Houston gave the Giants all they could handle, but were unable to come away with the win. Of course New Yorks' offense is easier to handle without Burress in the lineup.



31 (28)
Raiders
2-6
Just when the Raiders had momentum going, they were shutout for the second time this season on Monday night football.

32 (31)
Cardinals
1-7
After losing in Green Bay in week 8, Arizona had a bye in week 9. The Cardinals return to action at home in week 10 to face the Cowboys. Meanwhile, Arizona drops to the bottom of the power rankings, being the only 1-7 team in the NFL for the second week in a row.

[Atlas]

MSNBC has Denver at #3.


• 1. Colts
• 2. Bears
• 3. Broncos
• 4. Ravens
• 5. Patriots
• 6. Giants
• 7. Chargers
• 8. Saints
• 9. Chiefs
• 11. Jaguars
• 11. Falcons
• 12. Seahawks





3. Broncos
Previous rank: Fourth.

2006 records: 6-2; 3-1 vs. quality opponents.

Last week: The Broncos followed their home loss to Indy with a 31-20 win in Pittsburgh.

Cold, Hard Football Facts: Opponents have thrown 298 passes against Denver -– the highest total in the league -– but the net result is just six touchdowns (second-fewest).

Next: at Oakland.

[Atlas]

covers.com has Denver at #7

Last Updated: 2006-11-07 11:48 NFL Power RankingsCurrent Rank Last Week Team W-L-T
(ATS) Schedule Rating Power Rating Comments
1 2 8-0-0
(6-2-0) 0.388 -7.19 Indianapolis
The Colts are again perfect at the turn this season, and despite all the public attention have padded the pockets of their supporters with a 6-2 ATS mark. Could a looming trip to Jacksonville be Indy's last true test?
2 1 7-1-0
(5-3-0) 0.200 -6.64 Chicago
Bears players might want to get the heck out of town after brutal performance against Miami. Lucky for them they'll do just that as their three games come on the highway. First stop; Giants Stadium.
3 3 6-2-0
(5-3-0) 0.731 -4.84 New England
In rare instance the Pats are .500 in Foxboro, and the bad news is the Bears have yet to visit. Losses to Denver and Indy are nothing to hang your head about, but another might be cause for concern.
4 4 6-2-0
(5-3-0) 0.299 -4.57 San Diego
What happend to the Chargers defense? Week in and out the Bolts are playing with fire, and considering they have only beat Oakland and San Fran away from San Diego, they might want to pack a hose when they travel to Cincinnati and Denver in the next two weeks.
5 5 6-2-0
(5-3-0) 0.594 -3.55 Baltimore
At one point or another we all have said that if this team had an offense, they'd be scary. Well the time is here, and apparantly none of us were wrong with our assumption.
6 6 6-2-0
(5-3-0) 0.388 -2.95 N.Y. Giants
The G-Men dropped the cash for the first time since their bye week on Sunday, but worry not Giants backers. Considering the tough road that lies ahead, I believe this team was merely catching its breath.
7 7 6-2-0
(4-4-0) 0.388 -2.73 Denver
They can win low-scoring games, and they can win shootouts. They can win at home as well as on the road. They also play in a tough division. The only question that remains in Denver is whether or not Plummer can get it done in the playoffs this year.
8 8 5-3-0
(5-3-0) 0.323 -2.64 Jacksonville
The Jags are 4-0 SU and ATS at home this season and outscoring opponents by a 111-24 margin. With each of their next two games coming in their backyard, we suspect to see this team climbing the ranks.
9 12 6-2-0
(6-2-0) 0.315 -2.47 New Orleans
The Saints continue to prey on unsuspecting foe, and oddsmakers alike with a 6-2 SU and ATS record. They're 3-1, 4-0 ATS as an underdog and are getting points this week in Pittsburgh. Need I say more?
10 14 5-3-0
(5-3-0) 0.425 -2.11 Kansas City
The Chiefs scored 16 points in two games prior to their bye week, and are averaging 27.8 PPG in six outings since. They're 4-2 ATS in those games and the over is 5-0-1; making side and total parlay possibilities look very appetizing.
11 11 4-4-0
(4-4-0) 0.456 -2.10 Philadelphia
The Eagles had a week off to figure out how to stop a slide that has seen them lose three straight games. Personally, I think playing defense might be a good place to start.
12 9 4-4-0
(4-4-0) 0.331 -2.07 Dallas
I have no idea how Parcells didn't come completely unglued during the final seconds of the Cowboys loss at Washington. In fact, I'm now starting to wonder if maybe he's lost his edge.
13 10 5-3-0
(5-3-0) 0.289 -1.23 Atlanta
There's a slew of teams in the league this year who are good, but certainly not above laying an egg every now and then. The Falcons should be considered as the perfect example of such a beast.
14 13 4-4-0
(3-4-1) 0.632 -0.51 Cincinnati
At 1-4, 0-4-1 ATS in their last five games, Cincinnati is quickly digging a hole that not even a Bengal could escape.
15 18 5-3-0
(3-5-0) 0.632 -0.30 Seattle
The Seahawks might have won and covered against Oakland on Monday night, but the win was anything but impressive. They'll gladly take it however, and pretty soon Holmgrem will have his main weapons back.
16 17 4-4-0
(2-5-1) 0.698 -0.19 Carolina
Carolina, like so many other NFC teams, shot themselves in the foot while jockeying for position within their division. Two losses prior to the break means they must come up big this week against the rivaled Bucs.
17 16 4-4-0
(5-3-0) 0.500 1.22 Minnesota
The Vikings have been exposed, and no I'm not making reference to last season's boat cruise.
18 15 2-6-0
(2-6-0) 0.913 1.62 Pittsburgh
The Steelers continue to slip-slide their way down the rankings this week, and Big Ben's horrible play continues. I'm not sure how much worse things can get, but I bet we'll soon find out.
19 20 4-4-0
(5-3-0) 0.256 1.63 N.Y. Jets
The Jets come out of their bye week to face a Pats team who is off a loss, and then a Chicago team who got their first taste of defeat last week. I'm thinking they'd rather just stay home.
20 19 4-4-0
(5-3-0) 0.458 2.63 St. Louis
When you allow 142 rushing yards per contest, bad things will eventually happen. They did, and the Rams now carry a three-game skid all the way to Seattle.
21 23 3-5-0
(3-5-0) 0.500 2.84 Washington
They might have recorded a last-second win over the Cowboys, but I don't think the Redskins looked any better coming out of their bye week than they did going in.
22 22 3-5-0
(3-5-0) 0.246 2.94 Green Bay
The Packers brief win streak was snapped at Buffalo despite having ample chances to put the Bills away early. That sort of stuff happens to bad teams and let's not kid ourselves, the Pack is a bad team.
23 25 2-6-0
(4-4-0) 1.185 2.99 Cleveland
The Brownies put up a season-high 25 points in their loss to San Diego. I'm sure that means something, to somebody, perhaps.
24 24 3-5-0
(4-4-0) 0.640 3.05 Buffalo
The Bills improved to 3-5 on the season with a win over Green Bay. However, they've yet to win two straight, and they're not about to start this week at Indianapolis.
25 21 2-6-0
(4-4-0) 1.281 3.15 Tampa Bay
The Bucs have again boarded the losing train, and to be quite frank, the future looks bleak. Tampa will play three of its next four, and five of its next seven games on the road.
26 28 2-6-0
(1-7-0) 0.640 3.71 Miami
Well, I guess if the tortoise can beat the hare, it only stands to reason that the fish can get the best of the bear.
27 27 2-6-0
(3-5-0) 0.794 3.84 Detroit
Shocked that the Lions beat the Falcons? You shouldn't be, afterall Roy Williams says that Detroit is the best 2-6 team in football. I say, congrats!
28 26 2-6-0
(3-5-0) 0.588 4.24 Houston
They might be 1-2 in their last three games, but the two losses did only come by a combined 10 points. Not bad, I guess, considering that some guy named Owen Daniels leads the team in touchdowns.
29 32 3-5-0
(4-4-0) 0.890 4.32 San Francisco
The Niners can be sneaky-good at home, however they can also be very blantantly-bad anywhere. Considering their upcoming schedule, I would expect more of the latter.
30 30 2-6-0
(3-5-0) 0.393 4.74 Oakland
Make it four straight unders for the Raiders and a defense that has stiffened to allow no more than 16 points in its last four games. Too bad the offense couldn't hit paydirt against a high school team.
31 29 2-6-0
(4-4-0) 0.746 4.99 Tennessee
Vince Young and the Titans have shown flashes of improvement this season, but they were only quick flashes.
32 31 1-7-0
(2-6-0) 0.763 5.52 Arizona
The Cards didn't play last week; meaning Dennis Green and his bunch is safe from my negative comments for at least another seven days.

[Atlas]

here is the sporting news poll.

Week 10 Power Rankings w/Comments

Nov 07, 2006 11:39 PM
Filed under:AtlantaFalcons BreakingNews DallasCowboys DenverBroncos IndianapolisColts NFL
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1. Colts - Peyton is by far the best in the NFL. Brady has the rings but he has also had the defenses and kicker. Peyton may never get one, but the guy can find an open WR better than anyone who has ever played the game.

2. Broncos - As long as Plummer is not turning the ball over, this is an excellent team. Walker has brought this team to a new level. Good thing the Packers don't need him?!?!

3. Patirots - I believe Brady was pressing too hard against the Colts. Way to many plays unlike himself. At that, even when Brady is way off, they competed with a top team.

4. Bears - This team has a few weaknesses...welcome to the NFC. Grossman is not that good. I honestly cannot believe so many people were on his bandwagon at the start of the season.

5. Chargers - Depending on how they use Rivers, this could be a great team. The more they open up the offense, the better they are. Tomlinon is great, but the ball needs to be thrown down field. They have been doing it more recently.

6. Giants - I have a feeling that the Gmen will be ahead of the Bears in next weeks poll. Good QB play mixed with a dominat back and good defense will always equal success.

7. Ravens - The offense has been much better since they let go of the OC. They just need three TD's a game to win. Best in their division.

8. Saints - While the "experts" are still waiting for this team to fall, I am sticking by my preseaon prediction of the Saints making the playoffs. Brees has brought this team to where they are at. Also, the LESS Bush touches the ball, the better. I am averaging more yards per attempt than he is right now.

9. Falcons - Can this team go back to the Dick Vermeil days and hold tryouts to the public? The WR's on this team are horrible. I will go out there for 80K and drop passes...why spend 3 mil? Vick has been hitting his targets all season; he just needs one guy to step it up. **On a side note, Vick is very close to being on pace for 3000 yards passing and 1000 yards rushing...An amazing season***

10. Jaguars - With Garrard at the QB position, they can pass the ball. Matt Jones was productive with him in there last year, and was last week. Look for him to continue to produce.

11. Chiefs - Who would have thought with all of the injuries and retireies, that this team could be here? Edwards seems to be doing a great job.

12. Seahawks - This is not the same team they were last season....Then again, what team would be if they were missing their two best players?

13. Panthers - They are a decent team in the midst of better teams. But hey, they have won three preseason SB's in a row!!! Why does everyone keep picking this team to represent the NFC?

14. Bengals - Chad needs to shut up....Housh needs to shut up...Henry needs to...well you get the picture

15. Cowboys - Heartbreaking loss to the Skins...Romo could be a stud.

16. Eagles - For three weeks they looked like one of the best....the next three they looked like the bottom of the East.

17. Rams - Bulger is having a great year...other than that, just an average team (even in the NFC)

18. Vikings - Any normal year, this team would be further down...they are NOT good. Jackson should be starting at QB by the end of the season

19. Jets - C H A D sucks sucks sucks....When will they let go of this guy?

20. Redskins - Big win at home against Dallas. Portis continues to look good.

21. Bills - Does anyone care about this team anymore?

22. Lions - Big win against the Falcons. Very potent offense since week 1.

23. Packers - Nothing new for the Pack...When Favre doesn't throw picks, they compete..when he does, they have no chance.

24. 49ers - They continue to impress...every third week

25. Steelers - Who won the SB again last year...I refuse to believe it was the Steelers

26. Dolphins - They prove the cliche "any given Sunday"

27. Buccaneers - Thanks for keeping the Saints a top the South....jerks

28. Titans - Young is struggling passing

29. Texans - Williams is finally starting to play well...for the time being they can say "Reggie who?"

30. Browns - If they beat the Falcons next week...I'll drop ATL to here and move the Browns to #1...

31. Raiders - Should have traded Moss....to ATL

32. Cardinals - Everyone's sleeper year in and year out...bottom of the NFL year in and year out