These are mathematically calculated Power Rankings. They take into account everything a team has done on the scoreboard this year and nothing else. For that reason, Arizona still sits at 14 (despite being in a free-fall). They are the only team that’s ranking is off a bit. When I have time, I’ll write a detailed post explaining the formula that I use.
This week, we have no changes in the top 3 and every team in the bottom 8 either stayed put or moved only one spot. There was lots of movement with other teams, including a 7-spot rise from Tampa Bay and 6-spot drops from both Philadelphia and St. Louis.
- Green Bay Packers (5-3) no change (last week:1)
New York and Houston closed the gap this week, but Green Bay still comes in on top.
- New York Giants (6-2) no change (last week: 2)
They almost let their rematch with Dallas slip away from them, but they finished the job like great teams do.
- Houston Texans (6-1) no change (last week: 3)
They are all rested up and ready to continue winning.
- New England Patriots (5-3) +2 (last week: 6)
They put on a display of their power in England and now they get to enjoy their bye week.
- San Francisco 49ers (6-2) no change (last week: 5)
In four of their last five games, they’ve allowed a total of 12 points. The fifth game, they allowed 26 to the Giants.
- Denver Broncos (4-3) +4 (last week: 10)
They have the sole lead in the AFC West now, and there’s a good chance they’ll never give it up again.
- Atlanta Falcons (7-0) no change (last week: 7)
They looked impressive against Philadelphia. Then again, everyone looks impressive against Philadelphia.
- Chicago Bears (6-1) -4 (last week: 4)
The Bears defense probably has more touchdowns than some offenses in the league right now. I say “probably” because I don’t feel like looking it up.
- Seattle Seahawks (4-4) -1 (last week: 8)
They really didn’t want to lose against Detroit, but now they get to return home where they have been phenomenal this season.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3) +5 (last week: 15)
They were able to stop RG3 and pick apart the Redskins defense. They’re all of a sudden relevant in the AFC race again.
- Miami Dolphins (4-3) +2 (last week: 13)
Speaking of relevant in the AFC, the Dolphins are playing well and look good enough to grab a wild-card spot.
- Minnesota Vikings (5-3) -1 (last week: 11)
The Thursday night home loss can’t feel good and now they start a rough second-half of their schedule by traveling to Seattle.
- Washington Redskins (3-5) -4 (last week: 9)
Their defense was exposed by Pittsburgh. RG3 can’t win games on his own.
- Arizona Cardinals (4-4) -2 (last week: 12)
At this point, the Cards are certainly not in the top-half of the league. They’ll need to lose a few more games for that to show up in the rankings, however,
- TampaBay Buccaneers (3-4) +7 (last week: 22)
Their offense is rolling and their defense is good. Don’t count them out of the playoff race.
- Dallas Cowboys (3-4) +3 (last week: 19)
The defense did everything they could to win against New York. They are under .500 but still contenders in the NFC.
- Baltimore Ravens (5-2) +1 (last week: 18)
We’ll see if the bye-week helped them figure out some issues.
- Detroit Lions (3-4) +2 (last week: 20)
The Lions passed up the Rams, making the NFC North officially the best division top-to-bottom.
- New York Jets (3-5) -2 (last week: 17)
Two straight losses to division foes doesn’t help their chances. Lucky for them, they have a bye-week to figure things out.
- Philadelphia Eagles (3-4) -6 (last week: 14)
They are sticking with Vick at quarterback. Hopefully for not too much longer.
- Carolina Panthers (1-6) +3 (last week: 24)
They have a good enough team to win some games still, as long as they don’t unravel.
- St. Louis Rams (3-5) -6 (last week: 16)
I doubt they enjoyed their trip across the pond.
- Indianapolis Colts (4-3) no change (last week: 23)
Andrew Luck got his first road win. The fact that it was in overtime is an added bonus.
- New Orleans Saints (2-5) -3 (last week: 21)
They host Philadelphia next week in a match-up of disappointing teams.
- Cincinnati Bengals (3-4) no change (last week: 25)
They are in a rough spot after three straight losses. Denver could make it four.
- Cleveland Browns (2-6) no change (last week: 26)
They won an ugly game, but they don’t seem like a team that is going to win any pretty games.
- Oakland Raiders (3-4) +1 (last week: 28)
They have two straight victories. Unfortunately, they were against Jacksonville and Kansas City.
- San Diego Chargers (3-4) -1 (last week: 27)
Norv Turner won’t be around to use the nice draft pick they will earn from a poor season.
- Buffalo Bills (3-4) no change (last week: 29)
Welcome back from your bye week, Buffalo. Now, go play Houston.
- Tennessee Titans (3-5) +1 (last week: 31)
They have played four really close games, with two going into overtime.
- Jacksonville Jaguars (1-6) -1 (last week: 30)
The Jaguars are simply quite bad.
- Kansas City Chiefs (1-6) no change (last week: 32)
Well, at least Matt Cassel is returning.
I said it before. I’ll say it again. Worst power rankings on the web. Period.
Yeah, well, ya know that’s just like, your opinion, man.