Here is an updated version of my NFL Power Rankings as we get ready for Week 2.
32. (25) Cleveland Browns: I never thought I'd have a brand new team occupying the bottom spot in my Power Rankings, but hey, if you lose to the Bengals, this is where you belong. P.S.: Try not to stay here forever, Cleveland. We want to like you this year.
31. (32) Cincinnati Bengals: Look who moved out of the basement! Bruce Gradkowski took over for an injured Andy Dalton to lead the Bengals to a Week 1 win over Cleveland. Now they travel to Denver in a game none of us will want to watch.
30. (26) Denver Broncos: Let's quit piling on Kyle Orton, especially all you Tim Tebow fans. Orton gives Denver the best chance to win, even if he's not your typical franchise-type quarterback. An improved defense will be the key to the Broncos righting the ship.
29. (21) Minnesota Vikings: Donovan McNabb looked lost against the Chargers. He was 7 of 15 for just 39 yards. McNabb said he was embarrassed, and that he could put up those kinds of numbers in just one series. He better do it, because the Vikings could easily drop to 0-2 this week against Tampa Bay.
28. (27) Seattle Seahawks: This isn't the same Seattle team that stunned the Saints in the playoffs a year ago. This is the Seattle team that will fall to 0-2 when it travels to Pittsburgh and gets steamrolled by the Steelers.
27. (31) Washington Redskins: I never thought Rex Grossman and the Redskins would manage to beat the Giants, but since they did, perhaps they deserve to be listed as the early favorite against the Cardinals this week.
26. (30) Carolina Panthers: You had to be impressed with Cam Newton's performance against the Cardinals. He showed tremendous poise and ability in a close loss. But the Panthers also lost the heart of their defense in linebacker Jon Beason, who suffered a torn left Achilles' tendon and is done for the year.
25. (28) Oakland Raiders: The Raiders beat the Broncos on the strength of Sebastian Janikowski's leg. He kicked three field goals, including an NFL record-tying 63-yarder. But remember, Raiders fans, this is the same guy who missed an easy chip shot last year against the Cardinals.
24. (29) Buffalo Bills: Sorry, but I'm not ready to jump on the Bills' bandwagon just yet. Sure, their rout of the Chiefs was impressive and a tad shocking, to be truthful. Let them beat the Raiders this week and gain some momentum and maybe we'll talk. But I am moving them up five spots, regardless.
23. (24) San Francisco 49ers: If they didn't get a kickoff return and punt return for a touchdown by Ted Ginn Jr. in a minute's span in the fourth quarter, the 49ers might not have beaten the Seahawks. I don't see them beating the Cowboys this week, no matter what Ginn Jr. does.
22. (23) Miami Dolphins: Chad Henne responded to all the fans' criticism with a 400-yard passing game in a Week 1 loss to the Patriots. There is some hope in Miami after all and I wouldn't fully discount the Dolphins any time soon.
21. (20) Tennessee Titans: Chris Johnson was a non-factor in Tennessee's Week 1 loss to the Jaguars, but he will get a much heavier workload this week against the Ravens. If the Titans don't fall behind early, they could stay in this game and perhaps pull off a surprise. But I wouldn't bet the house on it.
20. (10) Indianapolis Colts: Everyone knew it was going to be difficult without Peyton Manning, but it was worse. Their 34-7 loss to the Texans was pure ugly. I'm not so sure they are a lock to beat the Browns this week, which is why I've dropped them 10 big spots down to No. 20.
19. (22) Jacksonville Jaguars: They played a fairly solid game in their opener to beat Tennessee, but don't think it's going to continue this week when they have to play at the Jets. Luke McCown may have to run for his life.
18. (19) St. Louis Rams: The Rams likely will be without running back Steven Jackson (quad) for Monday night's game at the Giants. Sam Bradford (finger) is expected to start but may not be 100 percent.
17. (17) Kansas City Chiefs: As much as their 41-7 loss to the Bills has to hurt, the Chiefs also lost their prized, young safety, Eric Berry, to a serious knee injury. It won't surprise me in the least if they lose this week at Detroit.
16. (14) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Their supposedly improved pass rush didn't register a single sack on Matthew Stafford, and running back LeGarrette Blount got only five carries because his head isn't in the playbook, according to the head coach. Not a good sign for the Bucs.
15. (13) New York Giants: After a disappointing loss to the Redskins, the Giants will be angry and ready for some retaliation on Monday night when they host the Rams. They can't afford to lose receiver Hakeem Nicks (knee) this early.
14. (12) Dallas Cowboys: Say what you want about Tony Romo, but the Cowboys put up a lot of points and yards against the Jets on the road, and not many teams do that to the Jets. The Cowboys stay on the road this week when they visit San Francisco and can't afford a loss to a weaker team.
13. (18) Chicago Bears: I've got them moving up five spots after their Week 1 surprise against Atlanta. Something tells me, though, that the Bears will come crashing back to reality after they visit New Orleans in Week 2.
12. (16) Detroit Lions: A nice win on the road at Tampa Bay won't mean as much if the Lions don't take care of business at home this week against the Chiefs. Matthew Stafford looked terrific and Detroit showed us why they should be a team to watch moving forward.
11. (15) Arizona Cardinals: Thanks to some unexpected losses elsewhere, the Cardinals move up four spots following their win over Carolina. If the defensive secondary makes the proper adjustments, Arizona can open 3-0 with the Redskins and Seahawks next up on the schedule.
10. (9) Atlanta Falcons: Did anybody other than Bears fans think Atlanta was going to get pounded like it did in Week 1? Well, if it happened against the Bears, just imagine how bad it can go this week against the Eagles. The Falcons might be under the most pressure in the NFL.
9. (5) Pittsburgh Steelers: I'm dropping the Steelers four spots this week and don't tell me they don't deserve it. The good thing is, they get to take out some of their aggression on a pretty week Seahawks team in Week 2.
8. (6) New Orleans Saints: A tough loss to the Packers is no reason to bury the Saints. Their offense was outstanding and we'll see how they respond against a pretty good Bears defense this week at home. New Orleans won't lose.
7. (11) Houston Texans: They crushed the Peyton Manning-less Colts in Week 1 to immediately set the tone in the AFC South. Up next, it's a trip to Miami, where the Dolphins held their own for as long as they could against the Patriots.
6. (8) San Diego Chargers: Again, this is the team I think can really go far in the AFC. I won't be surprised if the Chargers go to New England and come back with a win. I'll hang my hat on the Chargers until they prove me otherwise. You know, like after Sunday.
5. (7) Baltimore Ravens: I'm tempted to move the Ravens up even higher after seeing the way they dismantled the Steelers. They got under Pittsburgh's skin and just kept attacking. The relentless Ravens could be in for a special season.
4. (4) New York Jets: If it wasn't for a Tony Romo meltdown in the fourth quarter Sunday night, the Jets probably would have lost. They'll have to tighten up their defense, but shouldn't have a problem rolling over the Jaguars in Week 2.
3. (3) Philadelphia Eagles: All the playmakers came out to play in Week 1, but let's see how the Dream Team does this time when it travels to Atlanta to face a team that rarely loses at home.
2. (2) New England Patriots: There's a reason why the Patriots are ranked this high. All you had to do was watch them play Monday night against the Dolphins. Tom Brady was outstanding with 517 passing yards and he could be involved in a shootout next week against the Chargers.
1. (1) Green Bay Packers: They looked to be in midseason form in Week 1, so one can only wonder how the Packers will respond this week when they travel to Carolina. Don't expect Cam Newton to pass for 422 yards like he did against the Cardinals, though.
31. (32) Cincinnati Bengals: Look who moved out of the basement! Bruce Gradkowski took over for an injured Andy Dalton to lead the Bengals to a Week 1 win over Cleveland. Now they travel to Denver in a game none of us will want to watch.
30. (26) Denver Broncos: Let's quit piling on Kyle Orton, especially all you Tim Tebow fans. Orton gives Denver the best chance to win, even if he's not your typical franchise-type quarterback. An improved defense will be the key to the Broncos righting the ship.
29. (21) Minnesota Vikings: Donovan McNabb looked lost against the Chargers. He was 7 of 15 for just 39 yards. McNabb said he was embarrassed, and that he could put up those kinds of numbers in just one series. He better do it, because the Vikings could easily drop to 0-2 this week against Tampa Bay.
28. (27) Seattle Seahawks: This isn't the same Seattle team that stunned the Saints in the playoffs a year ago. This is the Seattle team that will fall to 0-2 when it travels to Pittsburgh and gets steamrolled by the Steelers.
27. (31) Washington Redskins: I never thought Rex Grossman and the Redskins would manage to beat the Giants, but since they did, perhaps they deserve to be listed as the early favorite against the Cardinals this week.
26. (30) Carolina Panthers: You had to be impressed with Cam Newton's performance against the Cardinals. He showed tremendous poise and ability in a close loss. But the Panthers also lost the heart of their defense in linebacker Jon Beason, who suffered a torn left Achilles' tendon and is done for the year.
25. (28) Oakland Raiders: The Raiders beat the Broncos on the strength of Sebastian Janikowski's leg. He kicked three field goals, including an NFL record-tying 63-yarder. But remember, Raiders fans, this is the same guy who missed an easy chip shot last year against the Cardinals.
24. (29) Buffalo Bills: Sorry, but I'm not ready to jump on the Bills' bandwagon just yet. Sure, their rout of the Chiefs was impressive and a tad shocking, to be truthful. Let them beat the Raiders this week and gain some momentum and maybe we'll talk. But I am moving them up five spots, regardless.
23. (24) San Francisco 49ers: If they didn't get a kickoff return and punt return for a touchdown by Ted Ginn Jr. in a minute's span in the fourth quarter, the 49ers might not have beaten the Seahawks. I don't see them beating the Cowboys this week, no matter what Ginn Jr. does.
22. (23) Miami Dolphins: Chad Henne responded to all the fans' criticism with a 400-yard passing game in a Week 1 loss to the Patriots. There is some hope in Miami after all and I wouldn't fully discount the Dolphins any time soon.
21. (20) Tennessee Titans: Chris Johnson was a non-factor in Tennessee's Week 1 loss to the Jaguars, but he will get a much heavier workload this week against the Ravens. If the Titans don't fall behind early, they could stay in this game and perhaps pull off a surprise. But I wouldn't bet the house on it.
20. (10) Indianapolis Colts: Everyone knew it was going to be difficult without Peyton Manning, but it was worse. Their 34-7 loss to the Texans was pure ugly. I'm not so sure they are a lock to beat the Browns this week, which is why I've dropped them 10 big spots down to No. 20.
19. (22) Jacksonville Jaguars: They played a fairly solid game in their opener to beat Tennessee, but don't think it's going to continue this week when they have to play at the Jets. Luke McCown may have to run for his life.
18. (19) St. Louis Rams: The Rams likely will be without running back Steven Jackson (quad) for Monday night's game at the Giants. Sam Bradford (finger) is expected to start but may not be 100 percent.
17. (17) Kansas City Chiefs: As much as their 41-7 loss to the Bills has to hurt, the Chiefs also lost their prized, young safety, Eric Berry, to a serious knee injury. It won't surprise me in the least if they lose this week at Detroit.
16. (14) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Their supposedly improved pass rush didn't register a single sack on Matthew Stafford, and running back LeGarrette Blount got only five carries because his head isn't in the playbook, according to the head coach. Not a good sign for the Bucs.
15. (13) New York Giants: After a disappointing loss to the Redskins, the Giants will be angry and ready for some retaliation on Monday night when they host the Rams. They can't afford to lose receiver Hakeem Nicks (knee) this early.
14. (12) Dallas Cowboys: Say what you want about Tony Romo, but the Cowboys put up a lot of points and yards against the Jets on the road, and not many teams do that to the Jets. The Cowboys stay on the road this week when they visit San Francisco and can't afford a loss to a weaker team.
13. (18) Chicago Bears: I've got them moving up five spots after their Week 1 surprise against Atlanta. Something tells me, though, that the Bears will come crashing back to reality after they visit New Orleans in Week 2.
12. (16) Detroit Lions: A nice win on the road at Tampa Bay won't mean as much if the Lions don't take care of business at home this week against the Chiefs. Matthew Stafford looked terrific and Detroit showed us why they should be a team to watch moving forward.
11. (15) Arizona Cardinals: Thanks to some unexpected losses elsewhere, the Cardinals move up four spots following their win over Carolina. If the defensive secondary makes the proper adjustments, Arizona can open 3-0 with the Redskins and Seahawks next up on the schedule.
10. (9) Atlanta Falcons: Did anybody other than Bears fans think Atlanta was going to get pounded like it did in Week 1? Well, if it happened against the Bears, just imagine how bad it can go this week against the Eagles. The Falcons might be under the most pressure in the NFL.
9. (5) Pittsburgh Steelers: I'm dropping the Steelers four spots this week and don't tell me they don't deserve it. The good thing is, they get to take out some of their aggression on a pretty week Seahawks team in Week 2.
8. (6) New Orleans Saints: A tough loss to the Packers is no reason to bury the Saints. Their offense was outstanding and we'll see how they respond against a pretty good Bears defense this week at home. New Orleans won't lose.
7. (11) Houston Texans: They crushed the Peyton Manning-less Colts in Week 1 to immediately set the tone in the AFC South. Up next, it's a trip to Miami, where the Dolphins held their own for as long as they could against the Patriots.
6. (8) San Diego Chargers: Again, this is the team I think can really go far in the AFC. I won't be surprised if the Chargers go to New England and come back with a win. I'll hang my hat on the Chargers until they prove me otherwise. You know, like after Sunday.
5. (7) Baltimore Ravens: I'm tempted to move the Ravens up even higher after seeing the way they dismantled the Steelers. They got under Pittsburgh's skin and just kept attacking. The relentless Ravens could be in for a special season.
4. (4) New York Jets: If it wasn't for a Tony Romo meltdown in the fourth quarter Sunday night, the Jets probably would have lost. They'll have to tighten up their defense, but shouldn't have a problem rolling over the Jaguars in Week 2.
3. (3) Philadelphia Eagles: All the playmakers came out to play in Week 1, but let's see how the Dream Team does this time when it travels to Atlanta to face a team that rarely loses at home.
2. (2) New England Patriots: There's a reason why the Patriots are ranked this high. All you had to do was watch them play Monday night against the Dolphins. Tom Brady was outstanding with 517 passing yards and he could be involved in a shootout next week against the Chargers.
1. (1) Green Bay Packers: They looked to be in midseason form in Week 1, so one can only wonder how the Packers will respond this week when they travel to Carolina. Don't expect Cam Newton to pass for 422 yards like he did against the Cardinals, though.
No comments:
Post a Comment