411's NFL Power Rankings 10.31.07: Week 8
Posted by Don M. Dumas on 10.31.2007
The game of the year is almost here! 411's Don M. Dumas picks the winner, but is that reflected in his latest edition of Power Rankings? And which team is tops is the NFC? Check out the article to find out!
Everybody is talking about the Indianapolis Colts hosting the New England Patriots in Week 9. Finally, all this debate about which team is truly number 1 will be settled.
Despite the Patriots blowing teams out every week, I have kept the Colts atop my power rankings. After all, they are the ones defending the title. With that said, I must admit that I am more impressed with New England thus far.
What concerns me about the Patriots is their running game, or lack thereof. Unfortunately for Indianapolis, it doesn't hinder their ability to find the end zone. For the Colts, I'm a little worried about their rushing defense.
Sure, the Colts' run defense is slightly better than average. But if you're looking for a weakness you'll have to settle for that aspect of their game.
If forced to make a prediction, I'll pick the Patriots. If the Colts win, though, I can just backtrack and say, "I had Indianapolis number 1 on my power rankings all season long. See, I told you so." I'm in a win-win situation now.
On to another great team. The Green Bay Packers' win over the Broncos at Invesco Field was impressive. If it wasn't for their stumbling against the Chicago Bears, they could be undefeated as well. Either way, the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants have some legitimate competition for the NFC Crown.
In fact, from now on, the ‘Boys and the G-Men are chasing the Pack in my opinion. That's pretty scary for those teams. Let us not forget that until a certain athletic, left-handed, quarterback with the number 7 on his jersey came to town a few years back (I said I would not mention his name again, and I'm staying true) the Packers had never lost a home playoff game.
Nobody wants to play at Lambeau Field in January. If Green Bay keeps it up, they will have the first seed in the NFC and just might get a free trip to Arizona. Despite what people say about the dominant conference, in the big game anything can happen.
Okay. Enough chitchat. Let's get down to the good stuff…
1
The Colts remain undefeated after a second half surge against the Panthers. Manning looked good, Addai looked great. Well, as fans, we got what asked for. Should the Colts win, I there any doubt that they'll repeat as champs?
previous rank: 1
2
I don't think the Patriots were running up the score on Washington, they were just tuning up for their next game. Everybody on the field is a professional, so they are supposed to play hard from first gun to last, regardless of the score. The Pats will have their biggest and only test all year this week, Hard to imagine that home-field advantage will be determined in Week 9, huh?
previous rank: 2
3
The Cowboys rested up last week but did manage to extend QB Tony Romo's contract. Next week they play the inconsistent Eagles. The Cowboys better win to keep pace with the Packers.
previous rank: 3
4
It was nice to Brett Favre and WR Greg Jennings take it to the Broncos on the first play of overtime. I know I said that the ‘Boys will be chasing them from now on, but I ranked them behind Dallas just because of the quality of the opponent to which they lost.
previous rank: 4
5
WR Hines Ward bounced back in a big way, catching two touchdowns from Ben Roethlisberger. RB Willie Parker ran wild on the hapless Bengals, and they remain one game ahead of the Ravens.
previous rank: 5
6
Who decided that playing in London would be a good idea? What a nasty, sloppy game. I like those games when they're played on this side of the globe, but it was irritating to watch from Wembley Stadium. Either way, Giants win.
previous rank: 6
7
Wow. The Chargers whooped the Texans terribly. This is what everybody expected when the season began. I think the Chargers will overcome their slow start and win the division now that Denver has made it clear that they don't want it.
previous rank: 10
8
So, last week I said the Raiders would win the game. Well, I was close, but in the end, I was wrong. However, QB Vince Young only attempted 14 passes and that makes me wonder: How confident are the Titans in their stud QB?
previous rank: 9
9
The Jaguars won, but I had to drop them a few spots because of the superb play of the teams above them. The defense did their job, carrying the team while their QB was out with an injury. It may be a month before David Garrard gets back on the field, so they better hope that can continue.
previous rank: 7
10
I only dropped the Panthers a few spots because they played they played the Colts. After coming off a bye week, though, it would have been nice to see a better performance in that second half.
previous rank: 8
11
After a bye week, the Ravens have an extra day to prepare for the Pittsburgh Steelers this Monday night. Being that this game is in Pittsburgh, I don't think the Ravens will be able to win. So, expect a little drop next week.
previous rank: 11
12
Sometimes, things don't work out like they're supposed to. Denver loses, and they go up two spots in the rankings. What was remarkable about their loss, however, was not what happened in overtime, but what happened in the first quarter. The untouchable cornerback Champ Bailey was burned for a 79-yard touchdown.
previous rank: 14
13
Big test with Green Bay coming to town this week. I really can't believe how well this team has been playing lately. If they can beat the Pack and then Denver the next week, maybe they will make the playoffs this year.
previous rank: 15
14
The ‘Hawks travel to Cleveland to face the high-powered Browns offense. Even if they lose, they'll still be in first place in their weak defense. They are very fortunate to still be in good shape despite their shoddy play.
previous rank: 13
15
It pains me to put the Lions in this position. Prior to the season I couldn't see the Lions competing, yet here they are one game behind the Packers in the NFC North
previous rank: 18
16
So much for trapping the Patriots. Then, after getting blasted, some ‘Skins cried about the Pats running up the score. Then, they lose their cornerback Carlos Rogers for the entire season. They'll bounce back against the Jets.
previous rank: 12
17
QB Jeff Garcia finally showed he was human, throwing 3 interceptions. They did play well against the run, but the turnovers were too much to overcome. With their next two games against the Cardinals and Falcons, they should be right back on track.
previous rank: 16
18
Other than the Patriots, aren't the Browns the most exciting team to watch? Derek Anderson throwing the ball to Braylon Edwards is becoming a very dangerous threat.
previous rank: 21
19
The Saints are on a roll, winners of 3 straight. It seems that writers across the nation, including myself, wrote the Saints off too early. I'm not saying they're a lock for the playoffs, but they're not to be overlooked, either.
previous rank: 22
20
The Cardinals can still salvage their season, although they'll probably lose to the Buccaneers this week. Maybe not. You never know with mediocre teams. However, aren't we all getting a little tired of their underachieving?
previous rank: 20
21
Here we go again. Good game by the Eagles, right after a bad game by the Eagles. Dallas will probably stomp the pretty good this week, keeping the cycle of the last few weeks alive.
previous rank: 24
22
That was a poor performance in San Diego. Hopefully QB Matt Schaub won't miss any time after taking that cheap shot by Drayton Florence. Expect a close game with Oakland this week.
previous rank: 17
23
The Bills are now one game under .500 thanks to their victory over the Jets. I couldn't move them up on the rankings, however, it was against the Jets. J.P. Losman to Lee Evans seems to work better than Edwards to Evans, though.
previous rank: 23
24
Maybe Brian Griese wasn't the answer, tossing 3 picks in the end zone and 4 total. The defense played a lot better against Detroit this time around, but they need to force more turnovers for this team to compete.
previous rank: 19
25
Their game with the Titans was pretty even. But, the Raiders turned the ball over twice, and that proved to be the difference. WR Mike Williams dropped an easy pass that would have given the Raiders a first down. Instead, the play resulted in a turnover on downs. That's what happens to bad teams.
previous rank: 25
26
The Vikes tried, but couldn't run on the Eagles. Defensively, they didn't create any turnovers. When that's you really have, you can't really win if you can't do what your best at.
previous rank: 26
27
I don't think this team can turn it around. But, everytime I've said that about a team this year (Chiefs, Saints, Lions), they turn it around. So, pick them to beat Buffalo on your teaser this week..
previous rank: 27
28
Great news, Hotlanta! You didn't lose last week! Okay, that was cruel. They come off their bye week and face the 49ers this week. They have a shot.
previous rank: 28
29
New Orleans spanked this team in San Francisco. With RB Frank Gore not performing like last season, this team has no shot. The defense is making improvements, though. Thank goodness they don't face Marques Colston every week.
previous rank: 29
30
It seems the Jets are finally going to give the young gun, Kellen Clemens, a shot. I think it's the right move. The season is no longer salvageable anyway, why not get a sneak peek at the future.
previous rank: 29
31
The Rams jumped on the Browns 14-0, but still couldn't get their first win. Losing 16 games seems possible, even though they have RB Steven Jackson back now.
previous rank: 31
32
Well, the English atmosphere did nothing to help the Dolphins. In a sloppy game, they had a chance, but the ball just seemed to bounce the Giants' way. Hopefully, they won't spend their first pick on a kick returner again.
