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