Power Rankings
October 23, 2008
Brandon’s Positively Pointless Power Rankings Week 7
1. Titans
Yet another victory over a struggling team, cruising on their way to 6-0. Unfortunately the level of competition just hasn’t been there so far this year and their opponents have only combined for a 12-26 record. Depending on which Colts team shows up this weekend, it may prove a good test to see if the Titans are for real.
2. Steelers
As Big Ben continues his unbeaten streak in Ohio, Mewelde Moore continues to impress. Even more impressive however is the manner in which this team is winning in the face of adversity and look to become even stronger as more players start getting healthy.
3. Giants
The same criticism of the Titans can be made against the Giants. It’s hard to tell how good this team is, based on the level of teams they’ve faced so far this year. However, their greatest test will be going up against a tough Steelers defense which may prove troubling for Eli and company.
4. Bills
The Bills are a different team with Trent Edwards at QB, as evidenced by their win against the Chargers. With quite possibly the easiest remaining schedule in the NFL (26-35 opp avg record), the Bills are now looking to coast into a great record. However, the NFL has a strange way of taking unpredictable turns halfway through the season.
5. Buccaneers
The lack of consistency on offense is concerning, as they struggled to score against an absolutely obliterated Seahawks team. With the absolute domination in yardage statistics, they only managed a 10 point edge. The defense, however, continued playing at a very high level and shouldn’t have a hard time this week against a neutered Cowboys team.
6. Panthers
After coming out with no emotion at all last week, the Panthers were the exact opposite this week. Despite allowing some early success for the Saints, the Panthers tightened up and only allowed Brees to get some yardage in the 4th quarter. This defense is scary at times and it will need to continue it’s success against the pass going up against the Cards.
7. Redskins
Another mediocre performance this week and more reason for worry. Jason Campbell struggled again this week, despite the incredible performance by Clinton Portis. Fortunately they won’t need much production out of Campbell going up against the Lions, and that game may help him find his rhythm again.
8. Falcons
The Falcons have been enjoying an impressive season so far, putting up a 4-2 record when most thought they’d struggle to win that many games all season. Finding success on the road will be a key point for Mike Smith, with two consecutive road games coming up before an extended home stretch again.
9. Cardinals
In a season full of surprises noone pegged the Falcons, Redskins, or Cardinals to be doing so well at this point in the season. Part of that success is due to the re-emergence of Kurt Warner, who is making the most of one of the best receiving corps in the NFL. Going into Carolina may be tough as they’ve struggled away from home this year.
10 Bears
Things are changing in Chicago. The passing game is performing better than their running game, the offense is doing better than the defense and for some reason they managed to put 48 points on the board against the Vikings. They’re finding ways to win games, albeit in unconventional ways. Heading into the bye week they may be able to figure out the defense.
