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

[MLBrandow]

1. Cowboys - most complete team right now

2. Broncos - if Cutler delivers, they will be the team to beat.

3. Colts - Defense does not have me convinced, and Manning still hit or miss against the 3-4, which is every defense he'll face in the playoffs.

4. Patriots - Coaching will always keep this team at or near the top as long as there is at least average talent.

5. Chargers - This is LT's year, but they need to learn to play defense.

Wow, an NFC team on top....

Teams to watch:

+Bears - if Grossman's throwing hand keeps causing him problems, this team will crumble down the stretch. They won with Orton, sure, but there's a difference between bad decisions and bad mechanics due to injury. One of them is coachable.

+Seahawks - if this team gets healthy down the stretch, no reason to believe their freshness won't payoff in the postseason.

+49ers - As long as Frank Gore is running the football, the 9ers will be in position to win. If he hadn't sat out the final bit of their drive, they would have beaten the Rams and moved to 6-5.

+Chiefs - When Trent Green shakes the rust off, this team might be very dangerous.

Current Picks:

AFC - Chiefs over Chargers

NFC - Cowboys over Seahawks

SBXLI - Chiefs over Cowboys

 

[Gr00vus]

1. Cowboys - most complete team right now

You mean the team that just cut its kicker to sign Martin Grammatica?

2. Broncos - if Cutler delivers, they will be the team to beat.

Isn't that a pretty big if, especially in that division?

5. Chargers - This is LT's year, but they need to learn to play defense.

They get their defense back this week - pretty much all of it. Watch and see....

 

[djcolts]

1. Cowboys - most complete team right now2. Broncos - if Cutler delivers, they will be the team to beat.3. Colts - Defense does not have me convinced, and Manning still hit or miss against the 3-4, which is every defense he'll face in the playoffs.4. Patriots - Coaching will always keep this team at or near the top as long as there is at least average talent.5. Chargers - This is LT's year, but they need to learn to play defense.Wow, an NFC team on top....Teams to watch:+Bears - if Grossman's throwing hand keeps causing him problems, this team will crumble down the stretch. They won with Orton, sure, but there's a difference between bad decisions and bad mechanics due to injury. One of them is coachable.+Seahawks - if this team gets healthy down the stretch, no reason to believe their freshness won't payoff in the postseason.+49ers - As long as Frank Gore is running the football, the 9ers will be in position to win. If he hadn't sat out the final bit of their drive, they would have beaten the Rams and moved to 6-5.+Chiefs - When Trent Green shakes the rust off, this team might be very dangerous.Current Picks:AFC - Chiefs over ChargersNFC - Cowboys over SeahawksSBXLI - Chiefs over Cowboys

Broncos and Chiefs have the same record (tied for 5th best in the AFC) - why do you have one of them as the #2 team in your rankings, and yet not even reaching the AFC championship game, while you have the other one winning the Super Bowl but not in your top 5?

 

[North]

1. Indy (favorites for home field in AFC, will Dungy rest his players AGAIN down the stretch)

2. Ravens (will see what their made of on Thursday, tough at home)

3. SD (lost head to head with Ravens)

4. NE (As long as Brady is throwing, they have a chance)

5. Dallas (big win against Colts proves they can play with the big boys. Can Romo keep it up?)

6. Chicago (Two loses expose how average they are. Defense is great, offense not good enough to do anything in playoffs)

7.KC (going to the playoffs this year. Their schedule makes them toughened for the playoffs)

8. Denver (What will Cutler do? Overated D as far as I am concerned)

9. Seattle (With a win in Denver this week they will move up in my rankings)

10. Carolina (Heating up at just the right moment. They will catch NO!)

 

[MLBrandow]

Broncos and Chiefs have the same record (tied for 5th best in the AFC) - why do you have one of them as the #2 team in your rankings, and yet not even reaching the AFC championship game, while you have the other one winning the Super Bowl but not in your top 5?

There are two reasons for that.1) Inexperience in the regular season and inexperience in the postseason are entirely different. In answering two questions at once, if Cutler plays "game manager" style, this team will be very hard to beat this season. In other words, he just needs to play the way Plummer was playing last year. Hand the ball off, make a few plays, don't try to shoulder the offense on your own.2) I picked the Chiefs to win the Super Bowl in February of last year. I stuck with them all offseason and think that when Green is healthy enough to regain his form (and he's not right now, but is healthy enough to play), this offense will be every bit as high-powered as it was. At that, Larry Johnson is practically a lock for 150/2 every game, and the defense is actually respectable this year. They have one shot at winning the Super Bowl this year, whereas the Broncos are just getting started for a stretch run over the next several seasons. That urgency will carry more weight in the playoffs IMO. You hear time and again how rookies don't understand the magnitude of the postseason because they haven't had a season watching it from their homes (as pros).

 

[Despyzer]

3. SD (lost head to head with Ravens)

There probably is no more valid reason to rank the Ravens above the Chargers, and I won't really squabble with it other than to point out that the game was in Baltimore and the Chargers were clearly the better team on the field for three and half quarters. San Diego's a much better team now than they were when they met, but I think Baltimore is too. It's a close one.

 

[NatronIsMean]

1. Indy (favorites for home field in AFC, will Dungy rest his players AGAIN down the stretch)2. Ravens (will see what their made of on Thursday, tough at home)3. SD (lost head to head with Ravens)4. NE (As long as Brady is throwing, they have a chance)5. Dallas (big win against Colts proves they can play with the big boys. Can Romo keep it up?)6. Chicago (Two loses expose how average they are. Defense is great, offense not good enough to do anything in playoffs)7.KC (going to the playoffs this year. Their schedule makes them toughened for the playoffs)8. Denver (What will Cutler do? Overated D as far as I am concerned)9. Seattle (With a win in Denver this week they will move up in my rankings)10. Carolina (Heating up at just the right moment. They will catch NO!)

LOFL. Chicago lost by 4 at NE, and they're "average" now? BRILLIANT!

 

[zoonation]

1. Baltimore - defence wins championships...and the O is serviceable

2. Dallas - huge firepower on O, above-average D, questionable secondary

3. San Diego - with Merriman back, LT rolling like no other ever has and the feeling they can overcome anything, I expect them to challenge for the AFC title.

4. New England - even with the suspect O and the turnovers, Brady and the master find ways to get it done. Wouldn't want to play them in the playoffs.

5. Indy - no rush D = another early exit from the post season. I have no reason to believe they will get it done this year. For sure won't beat San Diego and the 3-4 D if they get to the AFC title game.

6. Chicago - Grossman sucks...sorry Bears fans. Love that defence though. I just can't get over the brutal turnovers.

 

[H.K.]

LOFL. Chicago lost by 4 at NE, and they're "average" now? BRILLIANT!

Chicago got beat by Minnesota and Arizona. However, those two teams gave Chicago a free W with horrendous play late in the games. The Bears are not going anywhere against the type of opponents they'll face in the playoffs.

 

[zoonation]

LOFL. Chicago lost by 4 at NE, and they're "average" now? BRILLIANT!

Chicago got beat by Minnesota and Arizona. However, those two teams gave Chicago a free W with horrendous play late in the games. The Bears are not going anywhere against the type of opponents they'll face in the playoffs.

 

[dickey moe]

1. San Diego

2. Dallas

3. New England

4. Indy

5. Chicago (but falling fast)

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Colts

Chargers

Pats

Bears

Ravens

 

[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.

Well let's update,once again pointing out flaws in my top 5.1. Patriots - ok its getting harder to find flaws after that passing performance on MNF. The pass defense might be a little weak.

2. Bears - Grossman did a lot better - running game looks weak tho.

3. Cowboys - Romo is still a wild card even with the good day last week.

4. Chargers - Run defense might be suspect allowing 4.15 yards per carry.

5. Ravens - Offense overall still weak but perhaps it turned a corner against the Saints.

1. Patriots - Well they've been here all year - not moving them yet.2. Cowboys - Romo has to keep it going, and there's no guarantee he will.

3. Bears - have to respect that defense even with the trouble now at QB.

4. Chargers - Defense still a little troubling.

5. Ravens - Still need a better running game.

 

[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.

Well, now that Indy has gone through their toughest stretch of schedule and sits with only 1 loss, I have to consider then for top 5 status. Yes, I'm a Colt's homer, but I took a wait and see approach to this thread from the get-go.You can say all you want about their past playoff performances, their weak run defense, etc. But the Colts are getting healthy. Bob Sanders is close. Brandon Stokley is close.I'd rank them right now:ColtsChargersPatsCowboysChiefs

 

[PMENFAN]

#1 The Bungles-For real. The defense is good enough, and they don't have to be great. Offensively, they are maybe the best in the league top to bottom in the passing game, and then they've got Rudi to pound it. Not only the #1, but I think a clear cut #1. Hammered the Chiefs week 1 in KC, and impressive against Cleveland in week2. Rudi ran it down their throats, when they knew they were going to run. That's the mark of a good running game. #2 Atlanta- Two impressive division wins, and another very good running team. Very good defensively thus far, though there are questions about the offensives they've faced. At some point, they will have to pass the ball. I have questions if they can. Not a huge Vick believer. But, at this point, this is where they sit in my view. #3 J'ville-Very good defensively, and balanced offensively. A well coached team that will not get out efforted. I expect steady improvement as the season goes forward. #4 SD- Looks like an offensive juggernaut. Granted the competition hasn't been stiff, but they don't make the schedule. Defensively they've been very sound. Even if their #1 guys, LT goes down, there will be very little drop off. #5 Indy- Have to give props to the Colts. They contend year in and out. You know they'll be there to choke at the end, but they're always there. Honorable mention. da Bears, NY Giants, Pats.(edit to add Ravens)

Wow, what a difference 10 weeks makes? Atlanta cannot pass the ball. They can run like mad, defense is still okay, but the chunks that come in the passing game are missing. They're a middle of the pack team without it. The Bungles are surging. They were plagued, and remain hampered on the oline. #1 San Diego-Offensively, they just look great. NE has their work cut out for them to stop LT. I'm just happy I have got to watch him grow as a player. Man, is he special. Can this be Schottys year? Or, will he do something idiotic? Will he have a 30 yard field goal to win it, and take 3 knees to make it a 36 yarder and miss, instead of kicking the 30 yarder on first down? #2-Ravens-Lastnight was a fluke. That's a good ballclub there in B'more. Great D, and McNair has the O playing with confidence. #3-Colts-Have to be concerned about the run D, and Peytons propensity for choking, but they have only lost 1x. But, they haven't lost many over the last 5 years, but they always seem to lost early, and often, in the playoffs. How many Superbowls have they lost? #4-Dallas-That Defense is alive, adn Romo is plaing like a young Brett Favre without the mistakes. Why did the Tuna not put him in earlier? They can vault all the way to #2 this weekend with a win. #5 NE Pats-Nobody, and I mean NOBODY is asking to draw the Patriots. This team has shows steady improvement all season. Harrison and Wilson will be back for the Playoffs to shore up the secondary, and the WR's will have gelled with Brady. Watch the Jets and Bengals for the AFC wildcard spots.

 

[bryhamm]

Update after week 13:

1. SD

2. NE

3. DAL

4. IND

5. BAL

Just on the outside -- CIN, CHI

 

[sinatravolta]

1. Chargers

2. Colts

3. Patriots

4. Cowboys

5. Ravens

6. Bengals

7. Bears

 

[pizzatyme]

1. Chargers2. Colts3. Patriots4. Cowboys5. Ravens6. Bengals7. Bears

 

[Cowboys#1]

no way colts are still top 2

1. SD

2. Dallas

3. NE

4. Indy

5. Ravens

6. Chicago

 

[culdeus]

SD

BAL

NE

DAL

IND

 

[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.

Well let's update,once again pointing out flaws in my top 5.1. Patriots - ok its getting harder to find flaws after that passing performance on MNF. The pass defense might be a little weak.

2. Bears - Grossman did a lot better - running game looks weak tho.

3. Cowboys - Romo is still a wild card even with the good day last week.

4. Chargers - Run defense might be suspect allowing 4.15 yards per carry.

5. Ravens - Offense overall still weak but perhaps it turned a corner against the Saints.

1. Patriots - Well they've been here all year - not moving them yet.2. Cowboys - Romo has to keep it going, and there's no guarantee he will.

3. Bears - have to respect that defense even with the trouble now at QB.

4. Chargers - Defense still a little troubling.

5. Ravens - Still need a better running game.

After week 13:1. Patriots - some concerns again about injuries in the secondary I guess.

2. Cowboys - Romo still has no track record. You CAN win super bowls with a QB that simply has a hot hand but that's all we can consider him as being for now. Had perhaps his worst game as a pro in the win @ NYG.

3. Bears - Rex Grossman struggling still.

4. Chargers - The defense still looks a bit leaky to me. Giving up 21 points to the Bills? Not sure I like that.

5. Ravens - What we learned in the 7-13 loss to the Bengals is that the offense can still be inconsistent. They still lack a strong run game.

 

[Gr00vus]

4. Chargers - The defense still looks a bit leaky to me. Giving up 21 points to the Bills? Not sure I like that.

Granted their defense isn't close to 100% yet - they've still got important starting defensive players hurt - but did you actually see/hear the game?2 of the touchdowns came because the Bills started their drives inside the Charger 20, one due to a Rivers fumble, the other due to a punt return. The other touchdown was given up with the Chargers in prevent defense mode - they were happy to let the Bills down the field in exchange for killing the clock.All things considered their defense played pretty well this week, not as dominant as it was prior the the suspension and all the injuries, but it definitely looked like it's heading back in that direction.

 

[WampusCat43]

1. SD

2. Dallas

3. NE

4. Indy

5. Chicago

5.1 Cincinnati (we'll see if this resurgence is real in two weeks). They're 17 points from being 11-1, and they've only allowed 23 points in their last three games.

 

[Ghost Rider]

So, the Patriots barely beat the Lions at home and move ahead of the Colts, who still have a better record and who won AT NE a month ago? I would love to hear the logic behind that one.

Right now, I would put SD 1 and Indy 2.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

ChargersColtsPatsBearsRavens

I'll keep the same list as last week except I swapped Indy and SD. Seahawks, Saints and Cowboys are honorable mentions. I'm not as sold on the Cowboys as others are here to move them up over the Bears or Ravens. Maybe next week after the Saints game.

 

[Phlash]

So, the Patriots barely beat the Lions at home and move ahead of the Colts, who still have a better record and who won AT NE a month ago? I would love to hear the logic behind that one. Right now, I would put SD 1 and Indy 2.

Patriots offense - #9 in yardage, #8 in points scoredPatriots defense - #9 in yardage, #3 in points scoredColts offense - #3 in yardage, #3 in points scoredColts defense - #16 in yardage, #18 in points scoredPatriots offense is great, Patriots defense is even better.Colts offense is superb, defense is below average.They are both top 5 teams, the Patriots are just much superior defensively.

 

[Doug B]

Time for an update ... things are looking a little clearer to me after 13 games played. My top five right now, regardless of record:

1) San Diego

2) Baltimore

3) Chicago

4) Cincinnati

5) New Orleans

New England, Dallas, Jacksonville, Indianapolis, and Seattle make up the next group.

 

[gigantor]

SD

Chicago

Cincy

New Orleans

Baltimore

 

[Doug B]

SD

Chicago

Cincy

New Orleans

Baltimore

... Ravens kicked our butts in the Superdome, though.

 

[Mahoney]

1. San Diego

2. Baltimore

3. New England

4. Cincinnati

5. Indianapolis

 

[Doug B]

1. San Diego

2. Baltimore

3. New England

4. Cincinnati

5. Indianapolis

Dallas and Jacksonville beat them, and Tennessee has given them all they wanted and more ... the Colts have been getting exposed lately.

 

[bryhamm]

1. SD

2. BAL (god I hate putting them this high)

3. CHI

4. IND

5. NO

Outside looking in: CIN, NE, DAL

 

[Doug B]

1. SD

2. BAL (god I hate putting them this high)

3. CHI

4. IND

5. NO

Me too ... but they're dam hard to beat. Their 2000 team wrote the book on winning ugly, and the Ravens are still continuing on that theme.

 

[yetiknight]

1. San Diego - Duh!!

2. Chicago - Defense is that good. If Grossman gets hot for three games in the playoffs, they win it all.

3. Baltimore - Defense again. They are just a shade behind Chicago.

4. New Orleans - Potential to blowout any team. Very dangerous team.

5. Cincinnati - They've earned their way back up, but they have to beat Indy to stay here.

 

[Mahoney]

1. San Diego

2. Baltimore

3. New England

4. Cincinnati

5. Indianapolis

Dallas and Jacksonville beat them, and Tennessee has given them all they wanted and more ... the Colts have been getting exposed lately.

Should Miami and New York be ranked higher than the Patriots?They are in a rut. It is a marathon, not a sprint. If you told the Colts that they have 2 weeks to go play any NFC team for all the marbles on a neutral field in Miami, they would win. It doesn't matter who the NFC team is, the Colts would beat them, and in my book, that makes them better than every team in the NFC.

 

[dickey moe]

Can anyone make an argument that San Diego is not the best team right now?

 

[Despyzer]

Can anyone make an argument that San Diego is not the best team right now?

Only an uneasy one - the Ravens beat them.... but it was in Baltimore, and San Diego looked like the better team for almost the entire game.

 

[Doug B]

Should Miami and New York be ranked higher than the Patriots? They are in a rut. It is a marathon, not a sprint. If you told the Colts that they have 2 weeks to go play any NFC team for all the marbles on a neutral field in Miami, they would win. It doesn't matter who the NFC team is, the Colts would beat them, and in my book, that makes them better than every team in the NFC.

Understood, though I disagree. Your analysis is internally consistent.

 

[The Football Freak]

1) San Diego - Simply wow.

2) Aint's - That offense is ridiculous.

3) Baltimore - A win is a win.

4) Chicago - I have to put them here, and they will either solidify or drop out tonight.

Homer Pick) Jacksonville - When they are on, watch OUT!

On the bubble: Colts, Dallas, New England

 

[Mahoney]

1. "The Whale's ######"

2. Baltimore

3. Indianapolis

4. New England

5. Cincinnati

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

1- SD

2- Balt

3- cHICAGo

4- Indy

5- Dallas/NO tie.

 

[bryhamm]

1- SD2- Balt3- cHICAGo4- Indy5- Dallas/NO tie.

I agree with this list ... although I think CHI and and IND are interchangeable.

 

[DaWidowMaker]

1. San Diego

2. Baltimore

3. Chicago

4. Dallas

5. Indy

The Saints losing to the Skins shows once again how up and down they are.

6. Pats

7. N.O

 

[BGP]

Can anyone make an argument that San Diego is not the best team right now?

There is just no way I would ever rank a Marty Schottenheimer coached team #1.He has choked in the playoffs for far too long.The last experience, where HE personally choked the playoff game against the Jets away by shutting down his offense and trying the long FG, is just the latest example.Never, ever #1. Ever.

 

[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.

Well let's update,once again pointing out flaws in my top 5.1. Patriots - ok its getting harder to find flaws after that passing performance on MNF. The pass defense might be a little weak.

2. Bears - Grossman did a lot better - running game looks weak tho.

3. Cowboys - Romo is still a wild card even with the good day last week.

4. Chargers - Run defense might be suspect allowing 4.15 yards per carry.

5. Ravens - Offense overall still weak but perhaps it turned a corner against the Saints.

1. Patriots - Well they've been here all year - not moving them yet.2. Cowboys - Romo has to keep it going, and there's no guarantee he will.

3. Bears - have to respect that defense even with the trouble now at QB.

4. Chargers - Defense still a little troubling.

5. Ravens - Still need a better running game.

After week 13:1. Patriots - some concerns again about injuries in the secondary I guess.

2. Cowboys - Romo still has no track record. You CAN win super bowls with a QB that simply has a hot hand but that's all we can consider him as being for now. Had perhaps his worst game as a pro in the win @ NYG.

3. Bears - Rex Grossman struggling still.

4. Chargers - The defense still looks a bit leaky to me. Giving up 21 points to the Bills? Not sure I like that.

5. Ravens - What we learned in the 7-13 loss to the Bengals is that the offense can still be inconsistent. They still lack a strong run game.

After week 15:1. Patriots - Still a very strong team. I guess RB is a concern as is the secondary.

2. Bears - The offense is still a concern, shrouded by lethal special teams.

3. Ravens - 7-1 in last 8. The QB is better this year but the offense still questionable.

4. Chargers - Won 8 straight. Still giving up a few too many points for my liking.

5. Saints - Barely edge out the Cowboys - giving up too many points.

My first change in my top 5 for a while. The Cowboys barely drop out due to the fact that the defense has been getting shredded for 2 weeks. They are right on the cusp, though, and may get back in.

 

[PsychoMan]

1. Chargers

2. Ravens

3. Colts

4. Bears

5. Cowboys/Saints/Patriots

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

NE #1?

They will be lucky to win a game in the playoffs

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Ravens

Chargers

Pats

Bears

Colts

I really like the Ravens more and more. They have a great defense, a good scheme, and they have found the offensive swagger to bolster their chances. Everyone loves SD and with good reason but I like the Ravens a little more. The Pats have the history, the QB, and the coach so I'm not going to let them fall very far back from here. Bears look shaky but they are still the best in the NFC and a tough match-up for anyone on any given day especially if they can get folks healthy. The one thing I like about the Colts is that no one is going to expect them to win now and Peyton Manning can beat anyone on any given Sunday. Colts need to find someway to stop the run though if they expect to get through games with any of the three AFC teams I have ranked higher.

Great season though. Lots of ?????? and surprises still to come.

 

[BGP]

NE #1? They will be lucky to win a game in the playoffs

I've had them there all year. People have doubted the Patriots constantly. After 3 super bowls in which Belichick has won titles with inferior talent, I'm done doubting him. This team is far better statistically than last year. It is better than the 01 title team. I'd be looking for Belichick to do the usual thing of grinding out close, boring wins where opponents look up and suddenly see the clock is about to run out on their season.

 

[Workhorse]

NE #1? They will be lucky to win a game in the playoffs

I've had them there all year. People have doubted the Patriots constantly. After 3 super bowls in which Belichick has won titles with inferior talent, I'm done doubting him. This team is far better statistically than last year. It is better than the 01 title team. I'd be looking for Belichick to do the usual thing of grinding out close, boring wins where opponents look up and suddenly see the clock is about to run out on their season.

It all depends on their health come playoff time. If Harrison, Maroney, Watson, Faulk and Wilfork come back, I'd agree with you. Without half of those guys, the Pats are in trouble in the postseason.