Following a week of close matchups in the NFL, the top 10 power rankings include some changes. Although there seems to be a lot of disrespect by the media towards the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints, those teams seem to be the top two teams in the NFC. The Patriots' annihilation of the Jets on Monday night set them apart from the rest of the AFC, including the Pittsburgh Steelers.
(LW) = Last Week Rating
1. (1) Atlanta Falcons gain another come from behind victory, this time on the road
The 10 – 2 Falcons proved to all non-believers that they can win in the Georgia Dome or on the road. The win against Tampa Bay proved that the Falcons are the most consistent team in the NFL. Down by 10 in the fourth quarter, a 102-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Eric Weems started the comeback. Week in and week out Roddy White has proved to be the best wide receiver in the league today.
2. (3) New England Patriots destroy New York Jets on Monday night to claim top spot in AFC East
I think I’ve now learned to never count out Patriots quarterback, Tom Brady. I chose the Jets to win the game by ten points as the Patriots own one the worst statistical defenses in the league. The young guns on defense pulled off big plays by picking off Mark Sanchez, as well as putting the pressure on the second year quarterback. Now 10 – 2, the Patriots sit atop the AFC forcing teams to play in New England come playoff time.
3. (6) New Orleans Saints quietly putting together quality season
The 9 – 3 Saints sit just one game behind the Atlanta Falcons for the best record in the NFC South. While they haven’t looked as impressive this season as in years past, they find a way to win. I’ve heard analysts state that if it Roy Williams protected the ball better on Thanksgiving; the Dallas Cowboys would have won. And yes, the Saints defense looked pedestrian against the lowly Cincinnati Bengals, but Drew Brees is a top-3 quarterback in the NFL.
4. (7) Ben Roethlisberger leads Pittsburgh Steelers past division rival Baltimore
Big Ben and the Steelers are now 9 – 3, and in second place in the AFC. Roethlisberger showed he is one of toughest players in the NFL by leading his team back after having is nose broken during their first drive. Troy Polamalu and James Harrison dominated on defense again. Wide receiver Mike Wallace had another good game and is proving to be a great replacement to Santonio Holmes.
5. (2) New York Jets look like NCAA team in loss to Patriots
Sanchez and the Jets can beat the Patriots in New York, but bring the game to Mass. and they can’t click. The defense was hurt more by the loss of Safety Jim Leonhard than expected. The defensive line looked like they didn’t care to attack Brady, and Wes Welker was open all night. No team needs a win more this week than the Jets and a tough matchup with the Miami Dolphins will truly be a test for the 9 – 3 team.
6. (8) Jay Cutler fights back to beat Detroit Lions
In the same boat as the Falcons and Saints, the Bears and their 9 – 3 record get no respect. They have an extremely tough schedule ahead of them, but as long as Cutler protects the football, Matt Forte get’s his 20 – 25 touches, and their defense continue their strong play, they should be able to hold on to their playoff spot.
7. (9) Green Bay Packers make statement against San Francisco 49ers
Aaron Rodgers led the Packers past the 49ers 34 – 16 in Green Bay to win their 5th game out of 6. In his first career game, running back James Starks burst onto the scene at the right time. If Starks can keep up the numbers he put up on the 49ers (18 carries – 73 yards) the Packers might be able to level out their offense in time for the playoffs.
8. (4) Baltimore Ravens lose game they should have won in heartbreaking fashion
Ravens Head Coach John Harbough said after the game "I don't really sit in here and criticize my coaches' play-calling after the fact," when asked about why the Ravens attempted to pass on a 2nd and 5 in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. While they had a better chance of winning the game had they ran the ball, it will never be known what would have happened that night. At 8 – 4, the Ravens are still holding onto a playoff spot and a matchup with the AFC West champion in the first round.
9. (10) Philadelphia Eagles beat Houston Texans on short notice behind arm of Michael Vick
Vick threw over 300 yards for the third time in four weeks and scored a rushing touchdown in the 34 – 24 defeat of the Texans. LeSean McCoy had another great game with his combined rushing and receiving totals eclipsing the 120 yard mark – as predicted – with 2 touchdowns. A showdown with a very hot Cowboys team will be an interesting game for the Eagles.
10. (NR) New York Giants ruin the playoff hopes of Washington Redskins
The New York Giants played a great game at home against the Redskins and improved their record to 8 – 4 to keep pace with the Eagles. Ahmed Bradshaw rushed the ball 25 times for 97 yards with 2 touchdowns for his best performance since week 7. They have a long road ahead of them to make the playoffs as need to travel to Minnesota, Green Bay and Washington, and have a home game left against the Eagles. It’s highly likely that only 1 team will make the playoffs from this division, so every game is important.
Who fell out: San Diego – Every time I expect them to do well, they do what they did against the Raiders in week 13.
Who’s on doorstep: Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars
Who can book vacation tickets for January: Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts
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