Best 5 NFL teams as of week 16. (1 Viewer)

[jonessed]

Why are the Eagles with their shaky defense not in the top 5 over Denver with their shaky offense? At least Philly was able to blow out the terrible teams they played, while Denver can only score 13 on Oakland and 9 on Kansas City?

The Broncos are 4-1 with their 5 opponents having a combined record of 14-13. They are 2-1 vs. teams above .500. The Eagles are 4-2 with their 6 opponents having a combined record of 15-17. They are 1-2 vs. teams above .500. See the difference?

No, not really. Looks like you are splitting hairs to me and going for your home team.

You are the one who singled Denver out earlier, after I had mentioned that Denver, Carolina and NO should all be ranked higher than Philly.

Denver- Their offense is too bad to have them ranked that high. When they play a team that can put up some points instead of the JV offensive teams they played the past two games then you will see.

Denver held the Patriots to 7 points IN NEW ENGLAND. New England scored 24 points the week before they played the Broncos. They scored 38 points the week after they played the Broncos. So don't give me this "the Pats offense was struggling" crap. The Patriots struggled against the Broncos, because Denver's defense has been awesome so far.

Point to when I stated Denver's defense had not been awesome.

It hasn't. Okay, let's look at this logically. The Broncos have allowed 37 points in five games, 10 field goals and a single touchdown. The Rams scored 18 points against the Broncos. In their other five games this season, the Rams have averaged 24 points a game. The Chiefs scored 6 points against the Broncos. In their other four games this season, the Chiefs have averaged 21 points a game. The Patriots scored 7 points against the Broncos. In their other four games this season, the Patriots have averaged 25 points a game. The Ravens scored 3 points against the Broncos. In their other five games this season, the Ravens have averaged 23 points a game. The Raiders scored 3 points against the Broncos. In their other four games this season, the Raiders have averaged 13 points a game. So, the Broncos have held their opponents to 6, 15, 18, 20, and 10 points below the averages against other teams. That is an average of 14 points a game. I would say if you are holding your opponents to 14 points less than what they score against everyone else on average, you are playing pretty damn awesome. Counterpoint?

You quote someone saying your D is great and then you state why your D is great and ask for a counterpoint? Quit being so overzealous. You aren't even making sense.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Why are the Eagles with their shaky defense not in the top 5 over Denver with their shaky offense? At least Philly was able to blow out the terrible teams they played, while Denver can only score 13 on Oakland and 9 on Kansas City?

The Broncos are 4-1 with their 5 opponents having a combined record of 14-13. They are 2-1 vs. teams above .500. The Eagles are 4-2 with their 6 opponents having a combined record of 15-17. They are 1-2 vs. teams above .500. See the difference?

No, not really. Looks like you are splitting hairs to me and going for your home team.

You are the one who singled Denver out earlier, after I had mentioned that Denver, Carolina and NO should all be ranked higher than Philly.

Denver- Their offense is too bad to have them ranked that high. When they play a team that can put up some points instead of the JV offensive teams they played the past two games then you will see.

Denver held the Patriots to 7 points IN NEW ENGLAND. New England scored 24 points the week before they played the Broncos. They scored 38 points the week after they played the Broncos. So don't give me this "the Pats offense was struggling" crap. The Patriots struggled against the Broncos, because Denver's defense has been awesome so far.

Point to when I stated Denver's defense had not been awesome.

It hasn't. Okay, let's look at this logically. The Broncos have allowed 37 points in five games, 10 field goals and a single touchdown. The Rams scored 18 points against the Broncos. In their other five games this season, the Rams have averaged 24 points a game. The Chiefs scored 6 points against the Broncos. In their other four games this season, the Chiefs have averaged 21 points a game. The Patriots scored 7 points against the Broncos. In their other four games this season, the Patriots have averaged 25 points a game. The Ravens scored 3 points against the Broncos. In their other five games this season, the Ravens have averaged 23 points a game. The Raiders scored 3 points against the Broncos. In their other four games this season, the Raiders have averaged 13 points a game. So, the Broncos have held their opponents to 6, 15, 18, 20, and 10 points below the averages against other teams. That is an average of 14 points a game. I would say if you are holding your opponents to 14 points less than what they score against everyone else on average, you are playing pretty damn awesome. Counterpoint?

You quote someone saying your D is great and then you state why your D is great and ask for a counterpoint? Quit being so overzealous. You aren't even making sense.

That was a brain cramp on my part, I admit. Reading this and several other threads at the same time, I got confused or something. My apologies.

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

 

[Urine_Idiot]

Carolina has got to be #6 if not #5. Seattle's schedule is cake and they should've lost yesterday. Carolina has won 4 in a row, including every win with Steve Smith on the field. They would be 5-1 if it weren't for that horrendous error by Chris Gamble on the punt return against Minnesota. They have given the Saints their only loss and they anhililated a very good and determined BAL defense coming off their only loss and it was in their house! That's fine though, Carolina thrives when they don't get enough respect.

QFT. I'm still at Gamble for that play.

QFT?

Quite F'ing True or Quick foot tickler?

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Yikes. WTF was that, Chicago?

Guess that Hester draft pick was a good one too, huh? Remember how bad their return game was last year?

 

[Doug B]

Honestly ... the only team I'd favor over the Saints in the Superdome right now would be the Bears. By 3.

Scratch that -- the pressure of going undefeated will knuckle them under at some point. Saints-Bears in N.O. would be a pick 'em.Dammit ... the Cardinals could've helped us in the race for NFC home field. Oh well.

 

[aposulli]

Power rankings based on: if every team played every team once, what would their record be?

(... in other words... Chicago would be favored h2h against 30 of the 31 other NFL teams)

1. Chicago (30-1)

2. Indianapolis (28-3)

3. San Diego (27-4)

t4. Denver (26-5)

t4. Seattle... with a healthy Alexander (26-5)

No way about Indy, especially now that Simon is out. Teams are going to run, run, run on that team and minimize the amount of time the Indy offense can be on the field.

I am not the least bit surprised that someone would say that Indy isn't the 2nd best team in the NFL, but the fact is, I would favor them against nearly every team in a neutral-field game.Here are ESPN's power rankings FWIW... http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/powerranking...2006&week=7

I don't know weather it's good or bad that they ranked them the same as me... although I made mine before MNF

 

[BGP]

I'd rank em1. Patriots2. Bears3. Ravens4. Colts5. CowboysI think its about time the Patriots are getting respect. The team getting no respect now in this thread are the Cowboys, imho. Cowboys have a top defense and as a team are rushing for 4.71 ypc. Julius jones is getting 4.8 YPC. Watch out for these guys.Let's criticize my top 5:1. Patriots - WRs are weak. Pass defense shaky. Giving up 7.13 YPA passing.2. Bears - Can't run the football. That usually catches up with you.3. Ravens - Haven't beaten anyone convincingly. Offense might be overrated. Running game not dominant like in 2000.4. Colts - Iffy defense. Running game needs to get better.5. Cowboys - Marginal passing game. Can't trust Julius Jones to stay healthy.But, they are my top 5.

This week I rank em1. Patriots2. Bears3. Chargers4. Cowboys5. EaglesObviously head-to-head results factor little in my evaluation, since the Eagles beat the Cowboys. Let's rip my top 5 team-by-team:1. Patriots - still questions in the passing game.2. Bears - Grossman has to be questioned now.3. Chargers - Still throwing too much for my liking.4. Cowboys - Still have to question Bledsoe.5. Eagles - defense looking weak right now.

 

[Mahoney]

1. Patriots

2. Chargers

3. Steelers

4. Denver

5. Indianapolis

The list may be slightly shuffled between now and January, but let's be serious, it is silly for anyone to try to argue the best team in the NFL last week, this week, or next month is a team in the NFC.

Come January it'll be the same story as it has been the last 3, "All 6 AFC teams could probably roll into the NFCs #1's house and beat them."

 

[Andy Dufresne]

 

[djcolts]

1. Bears

2. Colts

3. Broncos

4. Pats

5. (I have no clue)

Probably the Colts move down in the next two weeks and either the Pats or Broncos move up to #2. If the Colts somehow win @Denver and @NE they move up to #1.

 

[Pole Cat]

I'd rank em

1. Patriots

2. Bears

3. Ravens

4. Colts

5. Cowboys

I think its about time the Patriots are getting respect. The team getting no respect now in this thread are the Cowboys, imho. Cowboys have a top defense and as a team are rushing for 4.71 ypc. Julius jones is getting 4.8 YPC. Watch out for these guys.

Let's criticize my top 5:

1. Patriots - WRs are weak. Pass defense shaky. Giving up 7.13 YPA passing.

2. Bears - Can't run the football. That usually catches up with you.

3. Ravens - Haven't beaten anyone convincingly. Offense might be overrated. Running game not dominant like in 2000.

4. Colts - Iffy defense. Running game needs to get better.

5. Cowboys - Marginal passing game. Can't trust Julius Jones to stay healthy.

But, they are my top 5.

This week I rank em1. Patriots

2. Bears

3. Chargers

4. Cowboys

5. Eagles

Obviously head-to-head results factor little in my evaluation, since the Eagles beat the Cowboys.

Let's rip my top 5 team-by-team:

1. Patriots - still questions in the passing game.

2. Bears - Grossman has to be questioned now.

3. Chargers - Still throwing too much for my liking.

4. Cowboys - Still have to question Bledsoe.

5. Eagles - defense looking weak right now.

As an fan, I can't say they belong in the Top 5 after this weekend, but to pin it on the defense who didn't give up an offensive TD this week seems wrong. I actually think the D is pretty good, though they are prone to giving up big plays/penalties at very bad times. This may have more to do with a quick strike offense that puts the D on the field for most of the game.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

How bizzare.

1. Chicago

2. Indianapolis

3. Denver

4. New Orleans

5. New England

5a. Cincinnati, St. Louis, Atlanta, Minnesota*

*The Vikings defense is still underrated and needs to be in the discussion with defenses like Denver's.

The Chargers are out due to their losses on defense.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

New England

Philadelphia

San Diego

Dallas

New York Giants

 

[Norseman]

New EnglandPhiladelphiaSan DiegoDallasNew York Giants

No Bears or Colts? =

 

[Ghost Rider]

New EnglandPhiladelphiaSan DiegoDallasNew York Giants

I love sarcasm. Well done! My top 5 now (neither team has a prayer of getting there by winning tonight):1. Chicago2. Indianapolis3. Denver4. New England5. New Orleans

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

New EnglandPhiladelphiaSan DiegoDallasNew York Giants

No Bears or Colts? =

Indy (as well as Baltimore, Minnesota and Denver) is not well rounded enough for me. We'll see what kind of impact McFarland has.

 

[BGP]

I'd rank em

1. Patriots

2. Bears

3. Ravens

4. Colts

5. Cowboys

I think its about time the Patriots are getting respect. The team getting no respect now in this thread are the Cowboys, imho. Cowboys have a top defense and as a team are rushing for 4.71 ypc. Julius jones is getting 4.8 YPC. Watch out for these guys.

Let's criticize my top 5:

1. Patriots - WRs are weak. Pass defense shaky. Giving up 7.13 YPA passing.

2. Bears - Can't run the football. That usually catches up with you.

3. Ravens - Haven't beaten anyone convincingly. Offense might be overrated. Running game not dominant like in 2000.

4. Colts - Iffy defense. Running game needs to get better.

5. Cowboys - Marginal passing game. Can't trust Julius Jones to stay healthy.

But, they are my top 5.

This week I rank em1. Patriots

2. Bears

3. Chargers

4. Cowboys

5. Eagles

Obviously head-to-head results factor little in my evaluation, since the Eagles beat the Cowboys.

Let's rip my top 5 team-by-team:

1. Patriots - still questions in the passing game.

2. Bears - Grossman has to be questioned now.

3. Chargers - Still throwing too much for my liking.

4. Cowboys - Still have to question Bledsoe.

5. Eagles - defense looking weak right now.

As an fan, I can't say they belong in the Top 5 after this weekend, but to pin it on the defense who didn't give up an offensive TD this week seems wrong. I actually think the D is pretty good, though they are prone to giving up big plays/penalties at very bad times. This may have more to do with a quick strike offense that puts the D on the field for most of the game.

Even factoring out the Eagles-Buccaneers game, the Eagles' defense is giving up 14.93 yards per point, which is poor. The biggest factor seems to be they are giving up too many passing TDs.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Even factoring out the Eagles-Buccaneers game, the Eagles' defense is giving up 14.93 yards per point, which is poor. The biggest factor seems to be they are giving up too many passing TDs.

At this rate, the Eagles are not even a top 10 team, much less a top 5 team. They are 4-3 and have lost two in a row, so they are sort of on the downslide.

 

[BGP]

New EnglandPhiladelphiaSan DiegoDallasNew York Giants

No Bears or Colts? =

Indy (as well as Baltimore, Minnesota and Denver) is not well rounded enough for me. We'll see what kind of impact McFarland has.

The Colts' defense has been horrible. They are dead-last in the NFL giving up 5.25 yards per carry. They are giving up a porous 13.33 yards per point. The running game is only ranked 21st, gained 3.76 yards per carry. I'm amazed they are 6-0 - they are basically Peyton Manning and that's it this year. Not a top 5 club to me.

 

[Limp Ditka]

1. Colts - After last Monday night, I have a hard time believing that the Colts wouldn't rip the Bears secondary to shreds if given the chance.

2. Bears - See above. I think Indy would win and that's why the Bears are ranked below them.

3. Denver - Running game is as good as expected and the D has been great. Only thing that scares me about this team is that they really haven't had to open it up on O since week 1. How will this team react the next time it has to play from behind?

4. New England - The faces change, the results stay the same. The one loss is to Denver, at home, which keeps them ranked behind them.

5. Dallas takes this spot if they win tonight. Looks like I need to throw soem respect New Orleans way.

 

[djcolts]

New England

Philadelphia

San Diego

Dallas

New York Giants

No Bears or Colts? =

Indy (as well as Baltimore, Minnesota and Denver) is not well rounded enough for me. We'll see what kind of impact McFarland has.

The Colts' defense has been horrible. They are dead-last in the NFL giving up 5.25 yards per carry. They are giving up a porous 13.33 yards per point. The running game is only ranked 21st, gained 3.76 yards per carry. I'm amazed they are 6-0 - they are basically Peyton Manning and that's it this year. Not a top 5 club to me.

Joseph Addai 70 354 5.1 1 Dominic Rhodes 92 299 3.3 3

The solution seems simple...

 

[Norseman]

New England

Philadelphia

San Diego

Dallas

New York Giants

No Bears or Colts? =

Indy (as well as Baltimore, Minnesota and Denver) is not well rounded enough for me. We'll see what kind of impact McFarland has.

I guess wins & losses don't matter. You seem to like the teams that have nearly as many wins as they have losses, that is well rounded.

 

[culdeus]

Chicago - For now at least

Indy - Haven't really been tested

San Diego - Giving a pass on that game

Dallas/Giants winner

New York Jets - You heard me

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

1. New England - Brady is getting comfortable with his new targets

2. Chicago - still looking like the most balanced team in the league

3. Indianapolis - still the best regular season team, not #1 because of playoffs

4. New Orleans - top home field advantage in the league

5. Philadelphia - so close to 7-0, but like Indy, has some holes that could (should) be exposed in the playoffs.

Hon Mention:

San Diego - Defense is crippled without Merriman and Philips

Baltimore, Denver, Minnesota - Weak offenses

Dallas - Bledsoe

Carolina - Running game is not on track

Seattle - no running game, Hasselbeck hurt

St. Louis - rComing together, but still a very mediocre defense.

 

[pizzatyme]

Alot will be told in the next few weeks. Indy goes to Denver and NE.

Until then, it is a crapshoot.

For the record, the Colts are missing their best run stopper in Bob Sanders. And, their Offense will get better if/when Stokley is healthy.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

New England

Philadelphia

San Diego

Dallas

New York Giants

No Bears or Colts? =

Indy (as well as Baltimore, Minnesota and Denver) is not well rounded enough for me. We'll see what kind of impact McFarland has.

I guess wins & losses don't matter. You seem to like the teams that have nearly as many wins as they have losses, that is well rounded.

It's more than wins and losses, especially this early in the season.

 

[BGP]

I'd rank em1. Patriots2. Bears3. Ravens4. Colts5. CowboysI think its about time the Patriots are getting respect. The team getting no respect now in this thread are the Cowboys, imho. Cowboys have a top defense and as a team are rushing for 4.71 ypc. Julius jones is getting 4.8 YPC. Watch out for these guys.Let's criticize my top 5:1. Patriots - WRs are weak. Pass defense shaky. Giving up 7.13 YPA passing.2. Bears - Can't run the football. That usually catches up with you.3. Ravens - Haven't beaten anyone convincingly. Offense might be overrated. Running game not dominant like in 2000.4. Colts - Iffy defense. Running game needs to get better.5. Cowboys - Marginal passing game. Can't trust Julius Jones to stay healthy.But, they are my top 5.

This week I rank em1. Patriots2. Bears3. Chargers4. Cowboys5. EaglesObviously head-to-head results factor little in my evaluation, since the Eagles beat the Cowboys. Let's rip my top 5 team-by-team:1. Patriots - still questions in the passing game.2. Bears - Grossman has to be questioned now.3. Chargers - Still throwing too much for my liking.4. Cowboys - Still have to question Bledsoe.5. Eagles - defense looking weak right now.

This week:1. Patriots - Passing game looked a little better but still questions there.2. Bears - bye week - still must question Grossman.3. Chargers - still throwing too much but also not dropping them despite the loss.4. Broncos - weak passing game but everything else looks solid5. Cowboys - tough loss and will drop them one spot. Qb now a mess.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

This week:

1. Patriots - Passing game looked a little better but still questions there.

2. Bears - bye week - still must question Grossman.

3. Chargers - still throwing too much but also not dropping them despite the loss.

4. Broncos - weak passing game but everything else looks solid

5. Cowboys - tough loss and will drop them one spot. Qb now a mess.

Ridiculous.

 

[BGP]

This week:

1. Patriots - Passing game looked a little better but still questions there.

2. Bears - bye week - still must question Grossman.

3. Chargers - still throwing too much but also not dropping them despite the loss.

4. Broncos - weak passing game but everything else looks solid

5. Cowboys - tough loss and will drop them one spot. Qb now a mess.

Ridiculous.

They are 3-3. Far from dead. Further, look at their vital statistics:http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal2006.htm

Strong defense. Strong running game. Sure, question the QB. But there's a lot to like there.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

This week:

1. Patriots - Passing game looked a little better but still questions there.

2. Bears - bye week - still must question Grossman.

3. Chargers - still throwing too much but also not dropping them despite the loss.

4. Broncos - weak passing game but everything else looks solid

5. Cowboys - tough loss and will drop them one spot. Qb now a mess.

Ridiculous.

They are 3-3. Far from dead. Further, look at their vital statistics:http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal2006.htm

Strong defense. Strong running game. Sure, question the QB. But there's a lot to like there.

Their three wins are against 2 (maybe 3) of the worst teams in the league. Those numbers are skewed as a result. HOw was their run D against New York last night?

 

[BGP]

This week:

1. Patriots - Passing game looked a little better but still questions there.

2. Bears - bye week - still must question Grossman.

3. Chargers - still throwing too much but also not dropping them despite the loss.

4. Broncos - weak passing game but everything else looks solid

5. Cowboys - tough loss and will drop them one spot. Qb now a mess.

Ridiculous.

They are 3-3. Far from dead. Further, look at their vital statistics:http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal2006.htm

Strong defense. Strong running game. Sure, question the QB. But there's a lot to like there.

Their three wins are against 2 (maybe 3) of the worst teams in the league. Those numbers are skewed as a result. HOw was their run D against New York last night?

Well, if you want to look at strength of victories around the NFL, you'll find that just about everyone with good win-loss records have weak SoVs. So I discount that. I will trust the numbers they've put up over 6 games in total and tend to discount the loss to the Giants as the aberration. I like their chances of having a very good season.

 

[thatguy]

1. New England - Brady is getting comfortable with his new targets2. Chicago - still looking like the most balanced team in the league3. Indianapolis - still the best regular season team, not #1 because of playoffs4. New Orleans - top home field advantage in the league5. Philadelphia - so close to 7-0, but like Indy, has some holes that could (should) be exposed in the playoffs.Hon Mention:San Diego - Defense is crippled without Merriman and PhilipsBaltimore, Denver, Minnesota - Weak offensesDallas - BledsoeCarolina - Running game is not on trackSeattle - no running game, Hasselbeck hurtSt. Louis - rComing together, but still a very mediocre defense.

Okay, normally I don't do this because we're all entitled to our opinion, but this just seems silly to meenver beat New England pretty bad in New England, and you have the Pats first. Denver beat Baltimore, and you give Baltimore honorable mention. Despite this, Denver isn't even in your top 11? Um, okay.

 

[BGP]

1. New England - Brady is getting comfortable with his new targets2. Chicago - still looking like the most balanced team in the league3. Indianapolis - still the best regular season team, not #1 because of playoffs4. New Orleans - top home field advantage in the league5. Philadelphia - so close to 7-0, but like Indy, has some holes that could (should) be exposed in the playoffs.Hon Mention:San Diego - Defense is crippled without Merriman and PhilipsBaltimore, Denver, Minnesota - Weak offensesDallas - BledsoeCarolina - Running game is not on trackSeattle - no running game, Hasselbeck hurtSt. Louis - rComing together, but still a very mediocre defense.

Okay, normally I don't do this because we're all entitled to our opinion, but this just seems silly to meenver beat New England pretty bad in New England, and you have the Pats first. Denver beat Baltimore, and you give Baltimore honorable mention. Despite this, Denver isn't even in your top 11? Um, okay.

I don't agree that you should automatically rank one good team ahead of another just because of a head-to-head win. Denver has a horrible offense, in particular the passing game. It is so bad I think even that prolific defense might not overcome it.

 

[bryhamm]

At this point, you have to go off of record. There are 5 teams with 1 or 0 losses. Then you can rank them however you see fit. IMO, they are ranked as follows:

IND (6-0)

NE (5-1)

DEN (5-1)

CHI (6-0)

NO (5-1)

 

[BGP]

At this point, you have to go off of record. There are 5 teams with 1 or 0 losses. Then you can rank them however you see fit. IMO, they are ranked as follows:IND (6-0)NE (5-1)DEN (5-1)CHI (6-0)NO (5-1)

I think if its about record, then put the Patriots at #1 because with that schedule I believe they finish 13-3 at worst.

 

[bryhamm]

At this point, you have to go off of record. There are 5 teams with 1 or 0 losses. Then you can rank them however you see fit. IMO, they are ranked as follows:IND (6-0)NE (5-1)DEN (5-1)CHI (6-0)NO (5-1)

I think if its about record, then put the Patriots at #1 because with that schedule I believe they finish 13-3 at worst.

Maybe, but I am not looking forward. I am looking at where they are right now and how they have played. Good teams find ways to win even when they might be playing poorly (no one is going to go out and look good for 16 games). IND is tops until they lose, or put together a string of bad looking wins. Big test for them this week. If IND wins, they stay #1. If DEN wins, they might leapfrog NE and end up #1.

 

[thatguy]

1. New England - Brady is getting comfortable with his new targets2. Chicago - still looking like the most balanced team in the league3. Indianapolis - still the best regular season team, not #1 because of playoffs4. New Orleans - top home field advantage in the league5. Philadelphia - so close to 7-0, but like Indy, has some holes that could (should) be exposed in the playoffs.Hon Mention:San Diego - Defense is crippled without Merriman and PhilipsBaltimore, Denver, Minnesota - Weak offensesDallas - BledsoeCarolina - Running game is not on trackSeattle - no running game, Hasselbeck hurtSt. Louis - rComing together, but still a very mediocre defense.

Okay, normally I don't do this because we're all entitled to our opinion, but this just seems silly to meenver beat New England pretty bad in New England, and you have the Pats first. Denver beat Baltimore, and you give Baltimore honorable mention. Despite this, Denver isn't even in your top 11? Um, okay.

I don't agree that you should automatically rank one good team ahead of another just because of a head-to-head win. Denver has a horrible offense, in particular the passing game. It is so bad I think even that prolific defense might not overcome it.

I agree you can't automatically do that. However, the fashion in which Denver beat New England was telling in its own right. Until we see proof that Denver's defense is not capable of overcoming their offensive problems, it makes little sense to drop them so far.

 

[BGP]

1. New England - Brady is getting comfortable with his new targets2. Chicago - still looking like the most balanced team in the league3. Indianapolis - still the best regular season team, not #1 because of playoffs4. New Orleans - top home field advantage in the league5. Philadelphia - so close to 7-0, but like Indy, has some holes that could (should) be exposed in the playoffs.Hon Mention:San Diego - Defense is crippled without Merriman and PhilipsBaltimore, Denver, Minnesota - Weak offensesDallas - BledsoeCarolina - Running game is not on trackSeattle - no running game, Hasselbeck hurtSt. Louis - rComing together, but still a very mediocre defense.

Okay, normally I don't do this because we're all entitled to our opinion, but this just seems silly to meenver beat New England pretty bad in New England, and you have the Pats first. Denver beat Baltimore, and you give Baltimore honorable mention. Despite this, Denver isn't even in your top 11? Um, okay.

I don't agree that you should automatically rank one good team ahead of another just because of a head-to-head win. Denver has a horrible offense, in particular the passing game. It is so bad I think even that prolific defense might not overcome it.

I agree you can't automatically do that. However, the fashion in which Denver beat New England was telling in its own right. Until we see proof that Denver's defense is not capable of overcoming their offensive problems, it makes little sense to drop them so far.

I defeinitely wouldn't drop them that far myself, but when I look at that offense, I can also understand why some might.

 

[thatguy]

1. New England - Brady is getting comfortable with his new targets2. Chicago - still looking like the most balanced team in the league3. Indianapolis - still the best regular season team, not #1 because of playoffs4. New Orleans - top home field advantage in the league5. Philadelphia - so close to 7-0, but like Indy, has some holes that could (should) be exposed in the playoffs.Hon Mention:San Diego - Defense is crippled without Merriman and PhilipsBaltimore, Denver, Minnesota - Weak offensesDallas - BledsoeCarolina - Running game is not on trackSeattle - no running game, Hasselbeck hurtSt. Louis - rComing together, but still a very mediocre defense.

Okay, normally I don't do this because we're all entitled to our opinion, but this just seems silly to meenver beat New England pretty bad in New England, and you have the Pats first. Denver beat Baltimore, and you give Baltimore honorable mention. Despite this, Denver isn't even in your top 11? Um, okay.

I don't agree that you should automatically rank one good team ahead of another just because of a head-to-head win. Denver has a horrible offense, in particular the passing game. It is so bad I think even that prolific defense might not overcome it.

I agree you can't automatically do that. However, the fashion in which Denver beat New England was telling in its own right. Until we see proof that Denver's defense is not capable of overcoming their offensive problems, it makes little sense to drop them so far.

I defeinitely wouldn't drop them that far myself, but when I look at that offense, I can also understand why some might.

I can certainly understand why some might drop them. However, I can't see how someone can justify dropping them out of the top 11. Espcially given that Denver beat this person's #1 decisively on their hometurf. As I said, it just seems silly and unjustifiable. I'd love to hear his reasoning.I don't take this personal by any means, I really am curious.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

1. New England - Brady is getting comfortable with his new targets

2. Chicago - still looking like the most balanced team in the league

3. Indianapolis - still the best regular season team, not #1 because of playoffs

4. New Orleans - top home field advantage in the league

5. Philadelphia - so close to 7-0, but like Indy, has some holes that could (should) be exposed in the playoffs.

Hon Mention:

San Diego - Defense is crippled without Merriman and Philips

Baltimore, Denver, Minnesota - Weak offenses

Dallas - Bledsoe

Carolina - Running game is not on track

Seattle - no running game, Hasselbeck hurt

St. Louis - rComing together, but still a very mediocre defense.

Okay, normally I don't do this because we're all entitled to our opinion, but this just seems silly to meenver beat New England pretty bad in New England, and you have the Pats first. Denver beat Baltimore, and you give Baltimore honorable mention. Despite this, Denver isn't even in your top 11? Um, okay.

Since you seem to be of the "A beat B, therefore A is better than B" you might want to check this website out:http://www.beatpaths.com/

Of course, you may be disappointed that Denver is only 6th.

 

[Mr. Pink]

1. Chicago - They got by the first of their trap games. All teams that have designs on going undefeated catch themselves flat every once in a while. They had theirs last week and they found a way to win...a mark of a very good team. They are the most complete team in the league. The defense and special teams (all phases) are off the hook.

2. Denver - The win in New England was impressive and keeps them ahead of the Pats. Another stifling defense with a very good running game. As long as they don't need to rely on having the ball in Jake's hands, they will be successful.

3. New England - As stated above, their loss to Denver keeps them behind the Broncs. I'm not so worried about the WR corps. Afterall, Givens and Branch weren't exactly household names a couple of seasons ago. Brady makes WRs successful, not the other way around. Their defense and run game are better than solid. That and the coaching will carry the day for the remainder of the season and beyond.

4. Indianapolis - I know they're undefeated, but I want to see how they perform against an elite team. Peyton is on pace to match last year's production and the run game seems more than adequate...maybe even moreso if they give Addai a greater share of the carries. The defense is questionable at best. The addition of McFarland helps, the loss of Doss hurts.

5. New York Giants - This was a tough call over the Saints. The Giants defense has come around, although I worry about the loss of Arrington. The offense is explosive with multiple receiving threats and the run game has an outstanding one-two punch.

 

[thatguy]

1. New England - Brady is getting comfortable with his new targets

2. Chicago - still looking like the most balanced team in the league

3. Indianapolis - still the best regular season team, not #1 because of playoffs

4. New Orleans - top home field advantage in the league

5. Philadelphia - so close to 7-0, but like Indy, has some holes that could (should) be exposed in the playoffs.

Hon Mention:

San Diego - Defense is crippled without Merriman and Philips

Baltimore, Denver, Minnesota - Weak offenses

Dallas - Bledsoe

Carolina - Running game is not on track

Seattle - no running game, Hasselbeck hurt

St. Louis - rComing together, but still a very mediocre defense.

Okay, normally I don't do this because we're all entitled to our opinion, but this just seems silly to meenver beat New England pretty bad in New England, and you have the Pats first. Denver beat Baltimore, and you give Baltimore honorable mention. Despite this, Denver isn't even in your top 11? Um, okay.

Since you seem to be of the "A beat B, therefore A is better than B" you might want to check this website out:http://www.beatpaths.com/

Of course, you may be disappointed that Denver is only 6th.

Read my posts. I'm not suggesting it's an infallible way of doing rankings - merely that Denver's good showing against the Pats in Foxborough can't be discounted. And I'm not disapointed at all, merely curiuos.ETA: Interesting site, nonetheless. I put far more stock, however, in head to head matchups than these so-called "beatpaths".

 

[fornov]

I'll give it a try...

1. Chicago - Everyone had them CROWNed before the Cardinals game, then they get dropped because of a win they didn't deserve. I can see some doing that, but not me. A road win is a road win, no matter how you get it. That road win in MN is starting to look better and better, too.

2. Denver - Amazing defense. Probably the best in the league, no offense to the rest of the teams on this list (except Indy, of course). I think their running game is solid as always, and the passing game will come around with time. Plummer is no savior, but he's good enough to lead this team to W's.

3. Indianapolis - Very strong showing this week against a reeling Redskins team. Their offense is nearly unstoppable, especially with Addai looking better. I've never really been an Addai supporter, but he is starting to make me think he can get it done in the NFL.

4. New England - It's all about #12. It took me a long time to come around on Brady, but the past 3 years have been amazing. It simply does not matter who he is throwing the ball to, he will get the team down the field. Running game looks strong, defense is improved; how do they do it?

5. Carolina - Remember their slow start last year? They still made it to the NFC Championship game. It looks like this season could be a carbon copy. So what if Delhomme locks onto Steve Smith? I would too if I was his QB (not that I can play QB). Very strong defense.

Honorable mention - San Diego, New Orleans, New York Giants - I fully believe these are all Super Bowl contenders. After these 8 teams, the dropoff to Seattle, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Minnesota, and Atlanta is fairly large, IMO.



Edited for spelling

 

[sad pandas]

1. Chicago

2. New England

3. Indy

4. NYG

5. SD or Balt - take ur pick

Denver is crap - no way 13 ppg is going to hold up when they still play Indy, Cincy, SD twice, and KC. They are done.

I think NYG is team to beat in the NFC...Peyton vs Eli again in Feb

but what do i know seriously

 

[fornov]

Just for fun...

Sagarin Ratings

 

[thatguy]

1. Chicago

2. New England

3. Indy

4. NYG

5. SD or Balt - take ur pick

Denver is crap - no way 13 ppg is going to hold up when they still play Indy, Cincy, SD twice, and KC. They are done.

I think NYG is team to beat in the NFC...Peyton vs Eli again in Feb

but what do i know seriously

Good question.

 

[Assani Fisher]

1. Chicago

2. Indy

3. Denver

4. NE

5. NYG

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

Just for fun...

Sagarin Ratings

Someone else who thinks STL is nowhere as good as their record.

 

[Assani Fisher]

6. NO

7. Min

8. Sea

9. Stl

10. Cincy