Post by mexicanjunior on Sept 11, 2008 15:47:09 GMT -6
msn.foxsports.com/nfl/powerRankings
Wow...Giants at #1? I was not all that impressed with their offense last week.
FOX SPORTS NFL POWER RANKINGS RK Team REC PRV High/Low Comment
1 Giants 1-0 6 1/7 The big question: Could the Giants maintain the same manic pass rush in '08 even after losing two stud defensive ends? The big answer: Absolutely. The Giants proved what they needed to prove before hitting cruise control in the second half against Washington — that they could still harass opposing offenses.
The big question: Could the Giants maintain the same manic pass rush in '08 even after losing two stud defensive ends? The big answer: Absolutely. The Giants proved what they needed to prove before hitting cruise control in the second half against Washington — that they could still harass opposing offenses.
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2 Cowboys 1-0 2 2/4 The urge is to put the Cowboys at No. 1, as they arguably looked like the best overall team in Week 1. But roughly the same team lost to New York at home in January and until the Giants slip, don't look for Dallas to leapfrog New York until possibly Week 9 when the NFC East rivals match up during TV sweeps week.
The urge is to put the Cowboys at No. 1, as they arguably looked like the best overall team in Week 1. But roughly the same team lost to New York at home in January and until the Giants slip, don't look for Dallas to leapfrog New York until possibly Week 9 when the NFC East rivals match up during TV sweeps week.
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3 Steelers 1-0 3 3/6 On paper, Pittsburgh's preseason offensive line concerns were justified. But as the Giants answered their defensive line questions, the Steelers alleviated a lot of offseason worries with a crushing offensive line performance.
On paper, Pittsburgh's preseason offensive line concerns were justified. But as the Giants answered their defensive line questions, the Steelers alleviated a lot of offseason worries with a crushing offensive line performance. The best way to protect the QB is to run the football, and the holes for Willie Parker were Hummer-sized, allowing Big Ben Roethlisberger to throw just 14 times Sunday.
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4 Panthers 1-0 9 4/13 Though conservatively No. 13 in last week's pre-kick rankings, the time for restraint is over. Sunday's thrilling, final-play win in San Diego was no fluke win against no fluke team (Chargers ranked No.
Though conservatively No. 13 in last week's pre-kick rankings, the time for restraint is over. Sunday's thrilling, final-play win in San Diego was no fluke win against no fluke team (Chargers ranked No. 1 last week). Jake Delhomme, healthy again, provided late heroics that were once commonplace in Carolina during the Panthers' first Super Bowl run five years ago. Now that he's healthy, look out.
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5 Chargers 0-1 4 1/5 Top to bottom, they are still the best and most talented team in football, even without injured Shawne Merriman. They likely will surpass the Panthers and everyone else after shaking off their Week 1 shocker.
Top to bottom, they are still the best and most talented team in football, even without injured Shawne Merriman. They likely will surpass the Panthers and everyone else after shaking off their Week 1 shocker. But that's no way to begin a season and San Diego will have to earn its way back to No. 1. The initial impression: The Chargers left a little of their edge in the locker room where they read all their preseason hype, but expect that edge to return in Week 2 and beyond.
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6 Colts 0-1 3 3/6 They will have to win their way back, but this is still one of the top three teams in football. One bad loss won't change that, but if the Colts continue to come out uninspired they could blow the huge opportunity afforded them in the non-Tom Brady NFL in 2008.
They will have to win their way back, but this is still one of the top three teams in football. One bad loss won't change that, but if the Colts continue to come out uninspired they could blow the huge opportunity afforded them in the non-Tom Brady NFL in 2008.
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7 Patriots 1-0 5 2/7 The Patriots A.B. (After Brady) may drop even more depending on this week's critical matchup with the Jets and some spunky new quarterback they picked up this summer. This week, Dr. Evil Bill Belichick gets the benefit of the doubt considering the system, the history and the talent he has built in New England.
The Patriots A.B. (After Brady) may drop even more depending on this week's critical matchup with the Jets and some spunky new quarterback they picked up this summer. This week, Dr. Evil Bill Belichick gets the benefit of the doubt considering the system, the history and the talent he has built in New England. But if QB Matt Cassel stumbles against the Jets, prepare for panic attack numbers to spike in the Northeast.
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8 Eagles 1-0 3 8/11 Just about every good Sunday deed by the McIggles has been met with the "Rams" qualifier, and understandably so — all except one. No. 5 looks very healthy for the first time since, well, his Super Bowl season in 2004.
Just about every good Sunday deed by the McIggles has been met with the "Rams" qualifier, and understandably so — all except one. No. 5 looks very healthy for the first time since, well, his Super Bowl season in 2004. If they win in Dallas this week, all qualifiers disappear.
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9 Packers 1-0 - 9/9 Breathe, Wisconsin, breathe … There is an afterlife, or at least a life after Brett Favre. Amid an insanely trumpeted season opener, and with one misguided on-air type hyping Packers QB Aaron Rodgers' debut as the most scrutinized season-opening performance in the history of modern team sports, the burden on the new kid was definitely heavy.
Breathe, Wisconsin, breathe … There is an afterlife, or at least a life after Brett Favre. Amid an insanely trumpeted season opener, and with one misguided on-air type hyping Packers QB Aaron Rodgers' debut as <i>the most scrutinized season-opening performance in the history of modern team sports</i>, the burden on the new kid was definitely heavy. But A-Rodge might be alright after all.
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10 Titans 1-0 2 10/12 The Titans appeared to rip off the Jaguars' game plan in Week 1 with a dynamic duo at RB and shutdown defense. If Jeff Fisher can fix the ticker problem in his quarterback's chest while Vince Young's injured knee heals the next few weeks, the Titans have an excellent shot at the playoffs.
The Titans appeared to rip off the Jaguars' game plan in Week 1 with a dynamic duo at RB and shutdown defense. If Jeff Fisher can fix the ticker problem in his quarterback's chest while Vince Young's injured knee heals the next few weeks, the Titans have an excellent shot at the playoffs.
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11 Saints 1-0 3 11/14 New Orleans head coach Sean Payton is openly giddy at times with all the big-play weapons on his roster, and nearly all paid dividends against the Bucs. Better yet, the Saints' defense showed more toughness, which they'll need in a competitive NFC South.
New Orleans head coach Sean Payton is openly giddy at times with all the big-play weapons on his roster, and nearly all paid dividends against the Bucs. Better yet, the Saints' defense showed more toughness, which they'll need in a competitive NFC South.
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12 Jaguars 0-1 7 5/12 Nearly every top AFC team from 2007 is dealing with major injury issues (Patriots, Colts, Chargers), and the Jags are no different. Unfortunately for QB David Garrard, it’s the offensive line walls that are crumbling before his eyes, a big concern as they face tough pressure defenses Buffalo and Indy the next two weeks.
Nearly every top AFC team from 2007 is dealing with major injury issues (Patriots, Colts, Chargers), and the Jags are no different. Unfortunately for QB David Garrard, it’s the offensive line walls that are crumbling before his eyes, a big concern as they face tough pressure defenses Buffalo and Indy the next two weeks.
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13 Bears 1-0 10 13/23 Meet Kyle Orton, Game Manager. Feel no shame, Bearded Wonder … because this is the formula that could propel the Bears into the playoffs. And thankfully for Chicago, new RB Matt Forte has a forte for avoiding controversy, DUIs and opposing tacklers … unlike his predecessor.
Meet Kyle Orton, Game Manager. Feel no shame, Bearded Wonder … because this is the formula that could propel the Bears into the playoffs. And thankfully for Chicago, new RB Matt Forte has a forte for avoiding controversy, DUIs and opposing tacklers … unlike his predecessor.
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14 Bills 1-0 6 14/20 Now that's one way to open a season … big plays, fake field goals and a breathtaking punt return touchdown in a 24-point blowout over a supposed top NFC contender. Watch out for the Bills, who after visiting the Jags this week get three straight very winnable games in a row — home against the Raiders, then road games at St.
Now that's one way to open a season … big plays, fake field goals and a breathtaking punt return touchdown in a 24-point blowout over a supposed top NFC contender. Watch out for the Bills, who after visiting the Jags this week get three straight very winnable games in a row — home against the Raiders, then road games at St. Louis and Arizona. In a now-wide open AFC East, Buffalo should challenge until the end of the season.
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15 Broncos 1-0 6 15/21 While the Broncos looked incredible in Week One, judgment is reserved until they face an actual professional team. That said (or typed), Denver's nationally-televised dismantling of sorry Oakland showed off the rejuvenated QB Jay Cutler — literally, since his diabetes is now diagnosed and under control.
While the Broncos looked incredible in Week One, judgment is reserved until they face an actual professional team. That said (or typed), Denver's nationally-televised dismantling of sorry Oakland showed off the rejuvenated QB Jay Cutler — literally, since his diabetes is now diagnosed and under control.
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16 Vikings 0-1 6 10/16 Yes, watching Tarvaris Jackson at QB during portions of the Packers game was difficult at times. Despite his up-and-down game, the Vikings were one critical third-quarter punt return touchdown allowed away from pulling off the upset against the hated Packers.
Yes, watching Tarvaris Jackson at QB during portions of the Packers game was difficult at times. Despite his up-and-down game, the Vikings were one critical third-quarter punt return touchdown allowed away from pulling off the upset against the hated Packers. With A-Pete running the ball and a defense that should continue to improve as the year goes on, Jackson is the fulcrum on which the Vikings' season can sway.
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17 Buccaneers 0-1 - 17/17 Think Bucs coach Jon Gruden longs for Brett Favre? Chucky called plays like No. 4 was on the roster, with the Bucs throwing 41 times against the Saints. Injury alert: QB Jeff Garcia already tiptoe-ing the injured list with a bad ankle.
Think Bucs coach Jon Gruden longs for Brett Favre? Chucky called plays like No. 4 was on the roster, with the Bucs throwing 41 times against the Saints. Injury alert: QB Jeff Garcia already tiptoe-ing the injured list with a bad ankle. Defense alert: Tampa allowed 438 yards to New Orleans. Panic alert: Hardly. Losing to an improved Saints team on the road in Week One hurts, but should not be overblown by the defending NFC South champion Bucs.
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18 Jets 1-0 1 18/19 What was more exhilarating for his new teammates in Week 1, Favre firing a pass longer than 10 yards in the air (no offense, Mr. Pennington) — a 54-yard TD pass in his first quarter sporting the Jets green? Or was it his fourth-down heave for his second career Jets TD, practically a red-zone Hail Mary that only Favre could complete? Now the real test begins — the New York Bretts host the New England Cassels in Week 2, followed by a trip to San Diego in Week 3.
What was more exhilarating for his new teammates in Week 1, Favre firing a pass longer than 10 yards in the air (no offense, Mr. Pennington) — a 54-yard TD pass in his first quarter sporting the Jets green? Or was it his fourth-down heave for his second career Jets TD, practically a red-zone Hail Mary that only Favre could complete? Now the real test begins — the New York Bretts host the New England Cassels in Week 2, followed by a trip to San Diego in Week 3.
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19 Redskins 0-1 3 16/19 Jim Zorn's bizarre late-game playcalling aside, the Redskins "were who we thought they were" before the season … a solid club with a quality running game and tough defense with ongoing questions at the most important position on the field.
Jim Zorn's bizarre late-game playcalling aside, the Redskins "were who we thought they were" before the season … a solid club with a quality running game and tough defense with ongoing questions at the most important position on the field. While it's too early to bury Jason Campbell yet under yet another offensive system, by midseason the Redskins need to know one way or another which direction they are headed at QB.
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20 Browns 0-1 5 15/20 Reality bites. With all the preseason hype surrounding the Browns and their offense, many assumed that their defense would be automatically transformed thanks to the trade of behemoth defensive tackle Shaun Rogers from Detroit — a team that went 7-9 in 2007.
Reality bites. With all the preseason hype surrounding the Browns and their offense, many assumed that their defense would be automatically transformed thanks to the trade of behemoth defensive tackle Shaun Rogers from Detroit — a team that went 7-9 in 2007. Umm… no.
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21 Seahawks 0-1 13 8/21 You could almost read Mike Holmgren's mind in Week 1 — "I came back for this!" The final Seahawks season for the head coach began brutally in Buffalo, thanks in part to the desperate situation at WR Seattle finds itself in.
You could almost read Mike Holmgren's mind in Week 1 — "I came back for <i>this!</i>" The final Seahawks season for the head coach began brutally in Buffalo, thanks in part to the desperate situation at WR Seattle finds itself in. So it's up to Matt Hasselbeck, he of the achy-breaky back, to make No. 1 receivers out of some dudes named Logan Payne and Courtney Taylor. Look for a Seahawks signing this week.
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22 Texans 0-1 4 18/22 After the first 8-8 season in franchise history, the Texans rode a wave of hope entering Week 1. Houston, we have a problem … and it's not just a lame, overused one-liner. The Texans collapsed in Pittsburgh after a daring 4th-and-1 spot didn't go their way early in the game.
After the first 8-8 season in franchise history, the Texans rode a wave of hope entering Week 1. Houston, we have a problem … and it's not just a lame, overused one-liner. The Texans collapsed in Pittsburgh after a daring 4th-and-1 spot didn't go their way early in the game. Head coach Gary Kubiak must instill a bit more resolve in his team, especially if they are to survive the next four games against very good defenses (Ravens, Titans, Jaguars, Colts).
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23 Cardinals 1-0 1 22/23 They were methodical and business-like in beating the 49ers, and now the Cardinals are in first place all alone in the NFC West! Sure, 15 games remain, but it's a start. With the Seahawks banged up, Arizona must take advantage early in the season.
They were methodical and business-like in beating the 49ers, and now the Cardinals are in first place all alone in the NFC West! Sure, 15 games remain, but it's a start. With the Seahawks banged up, Arizona must take advantage early in the season. Can they build a lead inside the division? Does it really matter in this division?
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24 Dolphins 0-1 1 24/25 Tuna's new team is a work in progress with absolutely zero expectations of turning the Dolphins around in one season. Bill Parcells should be pleased that his team is much more competitive that the '07 Dolphins, and they had a chance to beat the Jets at the end of the game.
Tuna's new team is a work in progress with absolutely zero expectations of turning the Dolphins around in one season. Bill Parcells should be pleased that his team is much more competitive that the '07 Dolphins, and they had a chance to beat the Jets at the end of the game. Of biggest concern is grooming a young offensive line that got beat up in the season opener. But the Dolphins now look like a professional football team, which sadly is considered an improvement.
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25 Ravens 1-0 4 25/29 Hey yo, Joe Flacco … way to go! The Delaware rookie quarterback responded when pressed into starting duty with a gritty performance one might expect, well, for someone with a blue-collar name like Joe Flacco.
Hey yo, Joe Flacco … way to go! The Delaware rookie quarterback responded when pressed into starting duty with a gritty performance one might expect, well, for someone with a blue-collar name like Joe Flacco. Nothing flashy passing-wise (15-for-29 for 129 yards) but zero turnovers, zero sacks and one key block during a Mark Clayton reverse for touchdown. Flacco's earned the starting gig again for another week, and he may get RB Willis McGahee in the backfield as well.
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26 Falcons 1-0 5 26/31 Why didn't Falcons rookie QB Matt Ryan just retire on the spot after completing a 62-yard touchdown pass for his first career NFL throw? Ryan's in a good spot, with an owner who digs him, banking mega bucks while also handing off to dazzling RBs Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood, who anchored Atlanta's team-record 318 rushing yards against Detroit.
Why didn't Falcons rookie QB Matt Ryan just retire on the spot after completing a 62-yard touchdown pass for his first career NFL throw? Ryan's in a good spot, with an owner who digs him, banking mega bucks while also handing off to dazzling RBs Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood, who anchored Atlanta's team-record 318 rushing yards against Detroit.
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27 Bengals 0-1 3 24/27 Enough about Ocho Cinco, what happened to Numero Nueve? Carson Palmer struggled in a big way against a revived Ravens defense, but it was Cincy's offensive line that let Baltimore pester Palmer repeatedly.
Enough about Ocho Cinco, what happened to Numero Nueve? Carson Palmer struggled in a big way against a revived Ravens defense, but it was Cincy's offensive line that let Baltimore pester Palmer repeatedly. Now that the Bengals lost their most winnable game in the first half of the season, they face five '07 playoff teams in the next seven games. Ay caramba!
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28 Chiefs 0-1 4 28/32 Ranked dead last in the preseason rankings, the Chiefs showed enough fight to lift them out of the cellar. Plus they intentionally altered the face of the 2008 season with the Tom Brady injury.
Ranked dead last in the preseason rankings, the Chiefs showed enough fight to lift them out of the cellar. Plus they intentionally altered the face of the 2008 season with the Tom Brady injury. While they shouldn't necessarily be commended for that, the Chiefs nearly pulled off the major upset. Kansas City still doesn't have a quarterback, meaning the Chiefs will remain in the Fight for No. 32 all year.
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29 49ers 0-1 2 27/29 So much for the long-awaited Mike Martz point party by the Bay … Some of San Francisco's scoring problems could be left at the feet of its defense, actually, because the Niners couldn't get the ball back in the second half of their loss to Arizona.
So much for the long-awaited Mike Martz point party by the Bay … Some of San Francisco's scoring problems could be left at the feet of its defense, actually, because the Niners couldn't get the ball back in the second half of their loss to Arizona. But five turnovers dampered some of the preseason hopes for Mike Nolan, who is battling for his job in '08.
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30 Lions 0-1 9 21/30 Wow. Could things get any more depressing in Motown? Giving up 34 points to a team with a rookie starting QB? Not good. This team should be great for Fantasy players who own Jon Kitna, Calvin Johnson or Roy Williams.
Wow. Could things get any more depressing in Motown? Giving up 34 points to a team with a rookie starting QB? Not good. This team should be great for Fantasy players who own Jon Kitna, Calvin Johnson or Roy Williams. But this much-ballyhooed Lions defense poised to become Tampa Bay North with ex-Bucs coach Rod Marinelli molding the unit … 474 yards allowed, 318 on the ground against the Falcons … that is all.
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31 Rams 0-1 5 26/31 Maybe Steven Jackson should have continued his holdout, because it must not have been fun to be part of that 38-3 whitewash in Philly-delphia. Bad news, Rams fans — it ain't going to get any easier until … Week 9, if Arizona is considered an easy game.
Maybe Steven Jackson should have continued his holdout, because it must not have been fun to be part of that 38-3 whitewash in Philly-delphia. Bad news, Rams fans — it ain't going to get any easier until … Week 9, if Arizona is considered an easy game. This week it's the defending Super Bowl champion Giants. Note to Rams offensive linemen: Get your revolving doors ready.
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32 Raiders 0-1 2 30/32 Well, at least the Raiders are young. There's your positive from Oakland's season-opening loss to Denver, a 41-14 blowout. The defense got completely shoved aside by a light Broncos offensive line, which is a scary thought once the Raiders face a more beefy front.
Well, at least the Raiders are young. There's your positive from Oakland's season-opening loss to Denver, a 41-14 blowout. The defense got completely shoved aside by a light Broncos offensive line, which is a scary thought once the Raiders face a more beefy front. Man Not to Envy: Lane Kiffin, dead coach walking.
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Wow...Giants at #1? I was not all that impressed with their offense last week.
