NFL Power Rankings....sort of

Any sports power rankings are flawed in my opinion. They always look at a league as a whole. Who cares where someone thinks the Eagles rank in relation to the Steelers. It doesn't matter.

Just like in MLB the NFL teams do not play many games against the opposing conference. Each division plays one division from the opposing conference and that is it until the Super Bowl.

So what we need to do is look at the Power Rankings for each conference separately. So let's do that now:

AFC:

1. Baltimore Ravens ~ 3-0

The first place team in the AFC North has looked really good on both sides of the ball. My only concern is that they haven't played a real tough schedule as they have played Kansas City and Cleveland. But they did play San Diego and won that game. Defensively this team looks great although not as good as last season. Offensively they have shocked everyone but also consider that they have played three VERY questionable defenses.

Overall I think the jury is still out on the Ravens a little bit but that goes for everyone.

2. New York Jets ~ 3-0

Unreal. I picked the Jets to go 3-13 this season or something like that. Everyone knew the defense would be good but I didn't expect this. The competition has been okay with wins over Houston, New England, and Tennessee. The names look better then what those teams might be this year but still.

This week the Jets get New Orleans in the Superdome. What a game!

3. Indianapolis Colts ~ 3-0

This is one of my Super Bowl picks (along with New Orleans) and so far they have looked solid. The defense is still a slight question but the offense has been clicking. The game this past weekend against the Cardinals was probably the best they have looked overall. Bob Sanders hasn't even played yet this season so the defense is at least better then in the past when they couldn't do anything without him.

The question with Indy will continue to be their defense and rushing offense which has been underwhelming.

4. Cincinnati Bengals ~ 2-1

Yes I know the Broncos are 3-0 AND beat the Bungals but that was a fluke and we all know it. The Bengals followed that lose up with a win AT Green Bay and then home against the Steelers this past week. The defense is good and the offense is really improving. How about Cedric Benson? He has really shown that he can play in this league when given the complete opportunity.

The win over Pittsburgh was huge and should get this team some respect.

5. San Diego Chargers ~ 2-1

Again I am showing no respect for the Broncos as the Chargers trail them in the division but come on how can you like the Broncos. My biggest concern with the Chargers is their defense is still bad. I thought they would return to what they were 2 season ago but they look very similar to last season. They also had significant trouble with the Raiders in week 1 which is concerning considering how the Raiders looked the past 2 weeks.

Another tough game this week in Pittsburgh.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers ~ 1-2

Sure they are only 1-2 and in theory could be 0-3 if Tennessee was the least bit competent. But with Polamalu healthy this team is much better. He will be back soon enough and this team will return to prominence. The offense needs to get some sort of running game going or they are going to be in trouble. Big Ben needs to carry this team for now.

They get the nod over New England because the Patriots have looked even worse in their games.


Check in tomorrow for the NFC Rankings

TheGM's Top 10

Now that we have actually been able to see who is any good in college football I will put out my first poll of the year. I don't have a huge problem with polls coming out in preseason as it gives us something to talk about but I didn't feel like I could put together an accurate poll so I didn't do one until now.

1. Alabama - sure Florida is the big #1 but they haven't played the schedule that Bama has played. Not that their schedule is anything to write home about but it is better than the Gators.
2. Florida - If I would have done a preseason poll they surely would have been #1 and still could get there. Hopefully Tebow is able to come back soon though.
3. Texas - The only game they have played so far is at home against an average Texas Tech team. I think this team could, should, and will run the table and get to Pasadena for the National Title game but as of now they haven't proved anything.
4. LSU - I can't stand the SEC sometimes but lets face the truth and say there isn't a conference in the country that comes CLOSE to the SEC in terms of competition. Wins at Washington and at Mississippi State get LSU to the top 5.
5. Va Tech - the first one loss team makes its appearance...ahead of other undefeated's?? Yup. Remember their only loss came against the team I have at #1. Not too bad with wins over Nebraska and Miami under their belt.
6. Houston - I thought the Oklahoma State win was more of a fluke then a good win but they followed it up with a win over Texas Tech. They get Miss State in 2 weeks and their conference slate but they seem like a good team.
7. Cincy - They are 4-0 and have beaten a few good teams but there are still questions. I think the Oreg State win was their best so far but Fresno isn't a bad team. They can't afford to lose a game though.
8. Boise State - Oregon was obviously a big win and winning at Fresno last week was important. A weak schedule the rest of the way means the only way they move up is if other teams move down.
9. USC - I know they lost to Washington but you had to see that coming. The reason I still have them here is because of a big win AT Ohio State. Also their starting quarterback (freshman or not he is still the starter) was out for the Wash game.
10. TCU - Not a great schedule but wins AT UVa and AT Clemson are solid and better than most other teams.

Teams On the Verge:

• Oklahoma - they have not beaten anyone of any value yet. IF they can beat Miami then we will talk but until then they are on the outside looking in.
• Michigan - continue winning. So far all 4 wins (not super convincing) have been at home. Win a couple big games on the road.
• Ohio State - had the USC game won and blew it. Haven't played anyone else of interest. But you keep winning and that is all that can be asked of you.
• Kansas - sure they are undefeated but they have yet to play anyone decent.

5 Games You Don't Want to Miss This Weekend

This is the first full weekend of football this year and I am sure everyone is looking forward to sitting in front of the TV and just watching football all weekend. But unfortunately the Saturday slate of games is pretty weak. There is only 1 game featuring two ranked teams....OSU vs USC.

Sunday should be better but even there you have questions because you just don't know which games are going to be worth turning on.

So I am going to give my best 5 games to watch this weekend. Enjoy the weekend!


Saturday:

Notre Dame at Michigan

Two programs that everyone loves to hate which were down in the past couple years. As much as many of us would LOVE for these programs to always struggle I think they are both heading in the right direction.

This is a tougher game for Notre Dame then people think. Michigan still gets good recruiting classes and still has athletes. And let's really consider who Notre Dame has beat in the past couple seasons...UCLA, Duke, Stanford, San Diego State, Michigan (last year), Purdue, Stanford, Washington, Navy, Hawaii, and Nevada.

WOW...that is weak!

Now Michigan was terrible last season and I think Rich Rod is a terrible coach who will NEVER win a Big Ten Championship (he couldn't win consistently in the Big East...how is he going to succeed in the Big Ten) but he will have limited success.

I think Notre Dame is highly over rated and they will lose by double digits today in the Big House.


USC at Ohio State

Not sure what to make of this game. Freshman quarterback headed into very hostile environment in a retribution game from last seasons beat down by USC in LA.

But Ohio State is replacing starters all over the field and struggled mightily with Navy last week. Remember though that Navy is better than many D-1 teams so that shouldn't have been a huge surprise...they are good.

I just don't see how Ohio State can win this game. They obviously have the motivation but I don't think they have the players. I am not sure what the numbers are but I would imagine they are replacing at least 12 starters on both sides of the ball....not good when you struggle in Week 1 and then get USC in week 2.

USC by 10.


Sunday:

Miami at Atlanta

The two biggest surprises last season start the season against each other. Personally I am down on both teams although the more I look at Atlanta the more I like. As for the first week....I think it is a crap shoot. You can pick any game and you will probably find something to question between the two teams.

This game is no different. Atlanta has a great running game, a solid passing game, and a average (or worse) defense. Miami is an average team across the board but they have the attitude.

In this game...the first week of the season...I take the Dolphins.


Washington at NY Giants

In my personal opinion the Redskins are going to be a team that surprises this year. No one is picking them to win the the division or even compete for that matter. But remember this....Jason Campbell is (I believe) entering his FIRST season in something like 7 or 8 where he is working with the SAME OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR as the year before.

That is going to be HUGE. Then you add into that a full year of DeAngelo Hall and the addition of Albert Haynesworth and I think this team makes the playoffs.

In week 1 though they have to travel to the Meadowlands (where Eli generally struggles) to play the defending division champs. Questions abound the Giants offense...can Jacobs carry more of the load and stay healthy? Who steps up and replaces Plaxico Burress? Can the offensive line stay healthy for another entire season?

That is a lot to wonder about....I think they do okay against the Skins in week 1 though and I have the G-Men.


Chicago at Green Bay

Jay Cutler gets his first crack at an actual defense with his stellar receiving core. Against one of the better pass defenses in the league last season too boot. Fortunately for Cutler he has Matt Forte in the backfield with him and with the Packers moving to a 3-4 I think he could have success this week.

But will that be enough? Chicago was one of the WORST pass defenses in the league last season and there is no reason to think they will be much better this year. Aaron Rodgers could have his best game of the season in week 1 this year.

I like the Packers at home but it should be a good close game.

Super Bowl, Playoff, and Award Picks

NFL Super Bowl, Playoff, and Awards Picks podcast (if link doesn't work click here)


This is the final preview podcast and it is only 10 minutes long so take a listen.

We give you all the playoff teams (see below) as well as our choices for MVP and some other awards.

And then we give you our predictions for each playoff round and the Super Bowl.
Verb's Playoff Teams:

• Indianapolis
• Baltimore
• New England
• San Diego
• Pittsburgh
• Houston

• New Orleans
• Green Bay
• NY Giants
• Seattle
• Philadelphia
• Minnesota

theGM's Playoff Teams:

• Pittsburgh
• Indianapolis
• New England
• San Diego
• Cincinnati
• Houston

• Minnesota
• New Orleans
• NY Giants
• Seattle
• Green Bay
• Washington

We agree on 5 out of the 6 teams in each division. I like Washington over Philly and Cincy over Baltimore.

But after that....we don't agree at all.

Of the 4 teams in the Conference Championship games...we only agree on 1....New Orleans.

Take a listen and tell us where we went wrong or right.


Oh and in case you were curious...here are our Award predictions:

MVP -

Verb: Tom Brady
theGM: Drew Brees

Defensive Player of the Year -

Verb: DeMarcus Ware
theGM: Albert Haynesworth

Coach of the Year -

Verb: Jim Mora Jr.
theGM: Marvin Lewis

Off Rookie of the Year -

Verb: Mark Sanchez
theGM: Chris Wells

Def Rookie of the Year -

Verb: Aaron Curry
theGM: Aaron Curry

Biggest Surprise Team -

Verb: NY Jets
theGM: Bengals

Most Disappointing Team -

Verb: Miami
theGM: Tennessee

AFC/NFC West Division Preview Podcast

AFC/NFC West Division Preview podcast (if link does not work click here and scroll down)


This is our last day of previews as we tackle the sad and underwhelming AFC and NFC West divisions.

No real surprises here. We both have the Chargers and the Seahawks. Verb is a little higher on the Chiefs and Cardinals then I am. I am a little higher on the 49ers and the Raiders than he is.

Either way...take a listen and come back and let us know what you think.

Also check back later today and hear our Playoff Picks and our Award picks.

AFC/NFC East Season Previews

AFC/NFC East Division Preview podcast (if link doesn't work click here and scroll down)



Now we get to the most popular divisions and quite possible the toughest divisions in the league....the AFC and NFC East.

Verb and I talk about all 8 teams and give our predictions of what will happen. And for the most part we agree about these divisions too.

We both have the Patriots and Giants winning the divisions. After that it is a free for all. Verb has the Eagles finishing second AND getting a wild card berth. Me...I have (my team) the Eagles finishing fourth in the division.

But that isn't even the most surprising part....listen and hear what I think the Eagles record will be. You will think I am crazy.

The AFC East is the Patriots and everyone else. I really don't think any of the other teams in the division even have a winning record. And Verb isn't too high on them either.

Take a few minutes (about 30) and listen to the podcast and then come and tell me how crazy I am with my NFC East picks.

AFC/NFC South Season Preview Podcast

AFC/NFC South Preview Podcast (if that link doesn't work click here and scroll down)


Yesterday we took a look at the North divisions and today we move onto the South divisions.

Neither Verb nor I are believers in the Titans without Haynesworth but both of us believe in Peyton and the Colts.

In the NFC we both believe in the Saints but after that the division is a mess.

What do you think? Who wins these divisions?

AFC and NFC North Season Preview

AFC/NFC North Season Preview (if that link doesn't work click here)


Verb and I went through and recorded our NFL preview podcasts on Friday last week. Today you get the North division previews with the South coming tomorrow, East on Wednesday, and the West and our season picks on Thursday.

Both Verb and I took Green Bay and Minnesota to finish in the top 2 in the NFC North although I have Minnesota winning the division while he has the Pack.

In the AFC I have the Steelers and a surprise team (have to listen to find out) and Verb has the Ravens winning the division and the Steelers getting 2nd.

Take a listen and see what you think...do you agree or disagree? Tell us below.