This past weekend was the first time this season that the action in the NFL held largely to form – most of the favorites won, and even the point spread upsets were predictable. That got me thinking about ranking the league’s teams, first to worst, while there’s some semblance of order in the game. Most of these will be in quick-hit fashion – when I have something in-depth to say, I’ll add it.
1. NY Giants (8-1): Talented all over the field and more complete than my No. 2 team. The only thing that can stop them is continued uneven play from quarterback Eli Manning, who has managed to win games this year despite looking overwhelmed and mistake-prone at time. He’s definitely improved over the last two seasons, but much like last year, it will be the Giants’ defense that ultimately carries the weight in the end.
2. Tennessee (9-0): Undefeated and tough but barely tested, Tennessee has a real chance to go undefeated (see Audibles this week). But until I see QB Kerry Collins string together a couple of solid efforts, I’m not prepared to hand them a Super Bowl title yet.
3. Baltimore (6-3): As intimidating on defense as ever. And rookie quarterback Joe Flacco looks increasingly able to lead the team with each passing week.
4. New England (6-3): Minus Brady, they’re still bound to be a tough out in the playoffs.
5. Indianapolis (5-4): A slow start, but the Colts are rounding into form, and even though they haven’t performed like a Top 5 team, I think they could rip off a big winning streak down the stretch (a weak schedule has a lot to do with that).
6. Carolina (7-2): The Panthers are the second-best team in the NFC, and they’ve quietly got the third-best record in the league.
7. Tampa Bay (6-3): The Buccaneers look good too, and are benefiting from a defensive resurgence.
8 Pittsburgh (6-3): They would be higher, but they need to protect QB Ben Roethlisberger better. They should still be able to make the playoffs.
9. Washington Redskins (6-3): They’ve made great strides this season.
10. NY Jets (6-3): Brett Farve and the gang have their eyes on the playoffs, and with a win on Thursday in New England, they would have the AFC East lead. But Favre absolutely has to cut down on his mistakes for them to have a shot.
11. Atlanta (6-3): Rookie QB Matt Ryan looks phenomenal, and Falcons are probably the surprise team of 2008.
12. Philadelphia (5-4): The Eagles are talented but wildly inconsistent. Still, they won’t go quietly in the NFC.
13. Arizona (6-3): The Cardinals have the inside track in an awful division after an ugly win over San Francisco this week. Formidable at home, but probably a one-and-out team in the playoffs.
14. Dallas (5-4): With Tony Romo back, the Cowboys are bound to win some games, but they’ve got a lot of work to do to contend.
15. Chicago (5-4): The Bears are battle-tested but not a complete squad, and like the rest of the NFC North, they’ve got a tough second half schedule.
16. San Diego (4-5): The Chargers need to get tougher defensively, but they’re better than their record.
17. Denver (5-4): In first place, but destined for a fall. Denver’s defense can’t stop anyone.
18. Minnesota (5-4): May be moving up if running back Adrian Peterson keeps running hard, and the most interesting team on the second half of my board. Peterson could make them hard to deal with come January.
19. Miami (5-4): The Dolphins are better than people think, and they’re another team that won’t be going away.
20. Green Bay (4-5): Still could make a run to the division title, but there’s a logjam in the NFC North to deal with.
21. Buffalo (5-4): The offense has lost a gear over the last few weeks, and their playoff chances look weak.
22. Jacksonville (4-5): High hopes, but a lousy season so far. QB play has been the bright spot.
23. New Orleans (4-5): Ditto.
24. Cleveland (3-6): Just entertaining enough to hang around, but nowhere near the offensive juggernaut I expected when the season started.
25. Seattle (2-7): Will be better with QB Matt Hasselback back. Still, a tough way for coach Mike Holmgren to end his last season.
26. Houston (3-6): Same old, same old for the woeful Texans.
27. San Francisco (2-7): Sad days for a once-proud franchise, but there’s some hope under new coach Mike Singletary. Better personnel is definitely needed.
28. Kansas City (1-8): Only one win, but at least they’re making it exciting with third-string QB Tyler Thigpen.
29. Oakland Raiders (2-7): Lost and not getting any better. Al Davis needs to go.
30. St. Louis (2-7): Now we’re solidly in the bottom of the league barrel. The Rams look nothing like they did just two years ago, and this past weekend (a 47-3 loss to the Jets) was a shameful showing.
31. Cincinnati (1-8): The Bengals are back to being awful. Just the way I like it. Every league needs a doormat.
32: Detroit (0-9): Absolutely pathetic, with a clear shot at finishing winless. At least Motown fans have Allen Iverson to enjoy.