AFC Power 6

A few weeks ago I told you that I don't like Power Rankings in sports because they compare the entire league as one when most leagues are distinctly separated by conferences. In the NFL each AFC division only plays one division in the NFC each season.

So why compare them against each other? Who cares if the Saints are better or worse than the Colts. We won't have to discuss that until the end of January.

For now let's look at each conference....the AFC today...NFC tomorrow.

1. Indianapolis Colts | 6-0

The Colts are the class of the AFC as of now. They have the #2 scoring offense in the league (#1 in AFC) and they are #2 in the NFL (and AFC) in scoring defense allowing only 12.8 points per game. With Peyton Manning having a career year and the defense playing as well as ever this has to be a Super Bowl favorite as of now. The schedule definitely gets tougher with New England, Baltimore, Denver, and San Fransisco still to come but as of now they are the top seed in the AFC.

2. Denver Broncos | 6-0

I mentioned above that the Colts are #2 in scoring defense, well the team ahead of them is the Broncos giving up a league low 11 points per game. That is impressive considering this defense couldn't stop anyone last season. Offensively this team is average or maybe a bit better. But they are still winning. Kyle Orton was thought to be a throw in for the Cutler trade but he is turning out to be a pretty good starter in that system. Like the Colts the schedule gets substantially tougher going forward with the Eagles, Colts, Chargers, Steelers, Ravens, and Giants still to come.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers | 5-2

At one point this team was 1-2 and was almost 0-3. Now the running game has picked up, the defense has stepped up, and the passing game is flying high. This is the best offense Pittsburgh has seen in years with Rashard Mendenhall getting yards on the ground and 3 good receivers (and a tight end) on the outside. They have an easier schedule than the first 2 teams and could push them for the top spots if things fall right. They are getting healthier and more complete each week.

4. Cincinnati Bengals | 5-2

Surprisingly they don't do anything great...but they do everything well enough. Carson Palmer is spreading the ball around and Cedric Benson (really...Cedric Benson??) is having a phenomenal year. The defense is what they were expected to be...solid not great. This team is a complete team at this point. We will learn a bit more in the coming weeks. They get a bye this week and then the Ravens and Steelers in back to back weeks.

5. New England Patriots | 5-2

I can't quite figure out this team. One week they struggle offensively the next they go off for multiple touchdowns no matter the weather or the time zone. The one thing I will say is that they have played an average at best schedule. Two winless teams the past two weeks have made them look like the best team in the league...but are they? They are top 5 in both offensive and defensive scoring...but consider the last two weeks again...7 points allowed and 94 points scored...against 2 teams that haven't won a game this season.

6. Houston Texans | 4-3

Here is a team that is still a huge question. They have beaten 2 good teams the past two weeks (Cincy and San Fran) but lost to questionable teams like the Jets and Jags. Offensively they are well balanced and can move the ball on anyone. But defensively they are substantially flawed. They are average against the pass and below average against the run. Their advantage is they can outscore you when they are on which keeps opposing offenses throwing the ball instead of running. They get Indy twice in the next 5 weeks so that should help clear some things up.

Just Missed:

San Diego Chargers....still need to show something but last week was a good start even though it was against Kansas City.

New York Jets....which team is the real team? Beating the Raiders badly or losing to Buffalo at home?


Check back tomorrow for the NFC Power 6.