We're technically past the halfway point of the NFL season and take one look at the standings and things are starting to straighten out. The contenders are separating themselves from the "pretenders" as we get closer to thinking about playoffs and positioning. As far as the power rankings go, there was plenty of moving and shaking again. But where did they end up? Just for fun, I'm gonna do the NFC first. It's not fair that I always do the AFC first.
1. New Orleans (8-0, Last Week: 1) - They keep showing chinks in their armor, falling behind against teams that have no business beating them. But thanks to Drew Brees' arm and a bend but don't break 2nd half defense, the Saints have stayed unbeaten. NEXT @ St. Louis
2. Minnesota (7-1, LW: 2) - Through 8 weeks, couldn't ask for much more from the Vikes. Brett Favre has been spectaular, AP has been AP, and Percy Harvin has been a nice addition to the WR corps. The defense hasn't been as great as advertised though. NEXT vs. Detroit
3. Dallas (6-2, LW: 4) - I know I sure didn't see them being this good. Tony Romo is doing a great job in the passing game to compliment his trio of runningbacks. Plus, the defense is keeping teams at bay, and now, they've won 4 in a row. NEXT @ Green Bay
4. Atlanta (5-3, LW: 5) - Matt Ryan is struggling a bit but there's nothing better for a struggling QB than a solid running game. That's what Michael Turner has been, rushing for 166 yds this past week and 2 TD. The second half schedule is a bit easier for them. NEXT @ Carolina
5. Philadelphia (5-3, LW: 3) - Not a good loss by the Eagles. Yes, the Cowboys played a great game but at home, you have to expect a better offensive effort from the Eagles. Maybe the lack of a running game caught up with Philly this time. NEXT @ San Diego
6. Arizona (5-3, LW: 8)- Something about bad losses that brings the best out of the Cardinals the next week. That was the case again as Kurt Warner tossed 4 TD and the Cards defense stymied the Bears. They're in complete control of the NFC West now. NEXT vs. Seattle
7. Chicago (4-4, LW: 7) - The Bears defense was ripped to shreds by the Cardinals offense in the first half, pretty much putting the game out of reach. They are still in the thick of the playoff race, but to stay in it, the defense needs to keep teams around 21 points. NEXT @ SF (Thurs)
8. NY Giants (5-4, LW: 9) - They lost and yet moved up in the power rankings. That's how it works sometimes. They have lost 4 in a row but at least this latest loss wasn't lopsided. The defense played well until the final drive. The O-Line was awful again. NEXT: Bye Week
9. Carolina (3-5, LW: 10) - The Panthers played the Saints tough, at one point having a 17-3 lead. But the defense couldn't hold it, which is no surprise. The running game yet again led the offense but once they fell behind, they didn't have a chance. NEXT vs. Atlanta
10. Green Bay (4-4, LW: 6) - Yikes. 2 losses in a row but none worse than the one against the Bucs this past week. I figured the 3-4 defense would give the Packers problems early on but this late in the year, no excuses for allowing a game-winning TD drive to TB. NEXT vs. Dallas
11. Seattle (3-5, LW: 12) - For a while, it looked like the Seahawks were going to lose to the lowly Lions but then, they woke up. Still not sure what their problem is. Their defense is young but full of talent and the offense has weapons. Maybe coaching? NEXT @ Arizona
12. San Francisco (3-5, LW: 11) - These are not happy days in San Francisco. The first quarter of the season was great at 3-1. The second quarter has been dreadful at 0-4. They need a super second half now to give Arizona a run for the division crown. NEXT vs. Chicago (Thurs)
13. Washington (2-6, LW: 13) - Yes, they lost again but the fight they displayed against the Falcons is admirable. But now to the bad. Clinton Portis suffered a concussion, Jason Campbell was nicked up twice, and the defense gave up two long TD runs. NEXT vs. Denver
14. Tampa Bay (1-7, LW: 16) - Congrats to Raheem Morris and the Bucs from avoiding the dreaded 0-16 record. If Josh Freeman plays like that the rest of the season, they'll win more than one game too. Very impressive first start in the NFL. NEXT @ Miami
15. St. Louis (1-7, LW: 15) - The Rams probably spent the entire bye week trying to figure out a way to stop Drew Brees and the Saints. Here's a hint for them: you can't, especially with the defense that the Rams are going to put on the field. NEXT vs. New Orleans
16. Detroit (1-7, LW: 14) - Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers. That's probably all Jim Schwartz said in the locker room after the game. 4 INT from Matthew Stafford killed just about any chances the Lions had of a win. Doesn't get easier for them this week. NEXT @ Minnesota
1. Indianapolis (8-0, LW: 1) - It wasn't the best game played by the Colts but considering the injuries to their defense, keeping the dynamic Texans offense to 17 points has to feel great. With a 3-game lead, they should cruise to the AFC North title. NEXT vs. New England
2. Cincinnati (6-2, LW: 3) - If you don't believe the Bengals are good, you're kidding yourself. The offense might be the most balanced in the NFL, thanks to Cedric Benson's resurgence. The defense though has been the real star of this team all season. NEXT @ Pittsburgh
3. Pittsburgh (6-2, LW: 4) - The Steelers sure looked like a Super Bowl champion team against the Broncos. The defense only gave up 3 points and kept Kyle Orton out of rhythm. And the offense scored almost at ease against what was the best defense in the NFL. Next vs. Cincinnati
4. New England (6-2, LW: 5) - The Pats are back. The Dolphins gave them all they could handle but in the end, Tom Brady and Randy Moss were too good. Those two can complete any pass to each other at any time. That's scary since Moss is so good. NEXT @ Indianapolis
5. Denver (6-2, LW: 2) - Second loss in a row for the Broncos and this one was telling. Kyle Orton is starting to turn the ball over and it's clear that if they fall behind, he's incapable of driving them down the field for a score. Losing control of division crown too. NEXT @ Washington
6. San Diego (5-3, LW: 9) - Now this is the Chargers team that I expected to show up in Week 1. The defense, despite a ton of injuries, put plenty of pressure on Eli Manning and the offense is starting to really click, especially the Rivers-Jackson connection. NEXT vs. Philadelphia
7. Houston (5-4, LW: 8) - Tough loss by the Texans but fans should be encouraged by the game. They stuck with the Colts till the end on the road. Plus, their defense gave up just 20 points to a very good Colts offense. Still in decent shape to make their first-ever playoffs. NEXT: Bye Week
8. Miami (3-5, LW: 7) - This team is probably better than 3 wins but the schedule has been brutal. Now, they need to probably go 7-1 in the second half to just have a shot at the playoffs. Tough task but possible if they can keep running the ball well. NEXT vs. Tampa Bay
9. Baltimore (4-4, LW: 6) - Early in the season, this team looked Super Bowl bound. But now, Joe Flacco is struggling and the rush defense may be struggling more. Cedric Benson racked up 117 yds on them and now, at 4-4 and 3rd in the division, playoffs not looking good. NEXT @ Cleveland (Mon)
10. NY Jets (4-4, LW: 10) - Jets had the bye week to figure out what's been going wrong. They've gone 1-4 in their last 5 games and while Mark Sanchez hasn't been great on offense, the defense has regressed a bit as well. Still have a chance to make playoffs though. NEXT vs. Jacksonville
11. Jacksonville (4-4, LW: 11) - Not the most impressive win over the Chiefs. They seemed to be well in control until the end where they tried to give it away. Mike Sims-Walker is slowly becoming a star but he'll never be one with David Garrard at QB. NEXT @ NY Jets
12. Tennessee (2-6, LW: 13) - Chris Johnson said the Titans were gonna win 10 in a row. Well, there's just 8 wins away. There's no doubt they are a better team with Vince Young at QB. He's not making mistakes and Johnson and the O-Line have found their groove. NEXT vs. Buffalo
13. Buffalo (3-5, LW: 12) - The Bills are probably not going to the playoffs but how they finish may determine whether Dick Jauron stays on as head coach and whether or not they aggressively pursue Michael Vick when the season ends. Gonna be interesting. NEXT @ Tennessee
14. Oakland (2-6, LW: 14) - I'm pretty sure not even a bye week can keep this team from playing poorly. JaMaracus Russell has 8 games to prove he's worthy of an NFL starting QB spot because the new coach that comes isn't going to play him if he stinks. NEXT vs. Kansas City
15. Kansas City (1-7, LW: 15) - I don't think Todd Haley thought it would be this tough. Releasing your starting RB 8 games in the season, Matt Cassel unable to spark the offense, and a young defense that won't exactly keep the Chiefs in many ballgames. NEXT @ Oakland
16. Cleveland (1-7, LW: 16) - It's not a matter of who starts for the Browns. It's just a matter of can they play one complete game on offense and defense. They could make some real strides with a good performance on Monday night in front of the nation. NEXT vs. Baltimore (Mon)
We're technically past the halfway point of the NFL season and take one look at the standings and things are starting to straighten out. The contenders are separating themselves from the "pretenders" as we get closer to thinking about playoffs and positioning. As far as the power rankings go, there was plenty of moving and shaking again. But where did they end up? Just for fun, I'm gonna do the NFC first. It's not fair that I always do the AFC first.
1. New Orleans (8-0, Last Week: 1) - They keep showing chinks in their armor, falling behind against teams that have no business beating them. But thanks to Drew Brees' arm and a bend but don't break 2nd half defense, the Saints have stayed unbeaten. NEXT @ St. Louis
2. Minnesota (7-1, LW: 2) - Through 8 weeks, couldn't ask for much more from the Vikes. Brett Favre has been spectaular, AP has been AP, and Percy Harvin has been a nice addition to the WR corps. The defense hasn't been as great as advertised though. NEXT vs. Detroit
3. Dallas (6-2, LW: 4) - I know I sure didn't see them being this good. Tony Romo is doing a great job in the passing game to compliment his trio of runningbacks. Plus, the defense is keeping teams at bay, and now, they've won 4 in a row. NEXT @ Green Bay
4. Atlanta (5-3, LW: 5) - Matt Ryan is struggling a bit but there's nothing better for a struggling QB than a solid running game. That's what Michael Turner has been, rushing for 166 yds this past week and 2 TD. The second half schedule is a bit easier for them. NEXT @ Carolina
5. Philadelphia (5-3, LW: 3) - Not a good loss by the Eagles. Yes, the Cowboys played a great game but at home, you have to expect a better offensive effort from the Eagles. Maybe the lack of a running game caught up with Philly this time. NEXT @ San Diego
6. Arizona (5-3, LW: 8)- Something about bad losses that brings the best out of the Cardinals the next week. That was the case again as Kurt Warner tossed 4 TD and the Cards defense stymied the Bears. They're in complete control of the NFC West now. NEXT vs. Seattle
7. Chicago (4-4, LW: 7) - The Bears defense was ripped to shreds by the Cardinals offense in the first half, pretty much putting the game out of reach. They are still in the thick of the playoff race, but to stay in it, the defense needs to keep teams around 21 points. NEXT @ SF (Thurs)
8. NY Giants (5-4, LW: 9) - They lost and yet moved up in the power rankings. That's how it works sometimes. They have lost 4 in a row but at least this latest loss wasn't lopsided. The defense played well until the final drive. The O-Line was awful again. NEXT: Bye Week
9. Carolina (3-5, LW: 10) - The Panthers played the Saints tough, at one point having a 17-3 lead. But the defense couldn't hold it, which is no surprise. The running game yet again led the offense but once they fell behind, they didn't have a chance. NEXT vs. Atlanta
10. Green Bay (4-4, LW: 6) - Yikes. 2 losses in a row but none worse than the one against the Bucs this past week. I figured the 3-4 defense would give the Packers problems early on but this late in the year, no excuses for allowing a game-winning TD drive to TB. NEXT vs. Dallas
11. Seattle (3-5, LW: 12) - For a while, it looked like the Seahawks were going to lose to the lowly Lions but then, they woke up. Still not sure what their problem is. Their defense is young but full of talent and the offense has weapons. Maybe coaching? NEXT @ Arizona
12. San Francisco (3-5, LW: 11) - These are not happy days in San Francisco. The first quarter of the season was great at 3-1. The second quarter has been dreadful at 0-4. They need a super second half now to give Arizona a run for the division crown. NEXT vs. Chicago (Thurs)
13. Washington (2-6, LW: 13) - Yes, they lost again but the fight they displayed against the Falcons is admirable. But now to the bad. Clinton Portis suffered a concussion, Jason Campbell was nicked up twice, and the defense gave up two long TD runs. NEXT vs. Denver
14. Tampa Bay (1-7, LW: 16) - Congrats to Raheem Morris and the Bucs from avoiding the dreaded 0-16 record. If Josh Freeman plays like that the rest of the season, they'll win more than one game too. Very impressive first start in the NFL. NEXT @ Miami
15. St. Louis (1-7, LW: 15) - The Rams probably spent the entire bye week trying to figure out a way to stop Drew Brees and the Saints. Here's a hint for them: you can't, especially with the defense that the Rams are going to put on the field. NEXT vs. New Orleans
16. Detroit (1-7, LW: 14) - Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers. That's probably all Jim Schwartz said in the locker room after the game. 4 INT from Matthew Stafford killed just about any chances the Lions had of a win. Doesn't get easier for them this week. NEXT @ Minnesota
1. Indianapolis (8-0, LW: 1) - It wasn't the best game played by the Colts but considering the injuries to their defense, keeping the dynamic Texans offense to 17 points has to feel great. With a 3-game lead, they should cruise to the AFC North title. NEXT vs. New England
2. Cincinnati (6-2, LW: 3) - If you don't believe the Bengals are good, you're kidding yourself. The offense might be the most balanced in the NFL, thanks to Cedric Benson's resurgence. The defense though has been the real star of this team all season. NEXT @ Pittsburgh
3. Pittsburgh (6-2, LW: 4) - The Steelers sure looked like a Super Bowl champion team against the Broncos. The defense only gave up 3 points and kept Kyle Orton out of rhythm. And the offense scored almost at ease against what was the best defense in the NFL. Next vs. Cincinnati
4. New England (6-2, LW: 5) - The Pats are back. The Dolphins gave them all they could handle but in the end, Tom Brady and Randy Moss were too good. Those two can complete any pass to each other at any time. That's scary since Moss is so good. NEXT @ Indianapolis
5. Denver (6-2, LW: 2) - Second loss in a row for the Broncos and this one was telling. Kyle Orton is starting to turn the ball over and it's clear that if they fall behind, he's incapable of driving them down the field for a score. Losing control of division crown too. NEXT @ Washington
6. San Diego (5-3, LW: 9) - Now this is the Chargers team that I expected to show up in Week 1. The defense, despite a ton of injuries, put plenty of pressure on Eli Manning and the offense is starting to really click, especially the Rivers-Jackson connection. NEXT vs. Philadelphia
7. Houston (5-4, LW: 8) - Tough loss by the Texans but fans should be encouraged by the game. They stuck with the Colts till the end on the road. Plus, their defense gave up just 20 points to a very good Colts offense. Still in decent shape to make their first-ever playoffs. NEXT: Bye Week
8. Miami (3-5, LW: 7) - This team is probably better than 3 wins but the schedule has been brutal. Now, they need to probably go 7-1 in the second half to just have a shot at the playoffs. Tough task but possible if they can keep running the ball well. NEXT vs. Tampa Bay
9. Baltimore (4-4, LW: 6) - Early in the season, this team looked Super Bowl bound. But now, Joe Flacco is struggling and the rush defense may be struggling more. Cedric Benson racked up 117 yds on them and now, at 4-4 and 3rd in the division, playoffs not looking good. NEXT @ Cleveland (Mon)
10. NY Jets (4-4, LW: 10) - Jets had the bye week to figure out what's been going wrong. They've gone 1-4 in their last 5 games and while Mark Sanchez hasn't been great on offense, the defense has regressed a bit as well. Still have a chance to make playoffs though. NEXT vs. Jacksonville
11. Jacksonville (4-4, LW: 11) - Not the most impressive win over the Chiefs. They seemed to be well in control until the end where they tried to give it away. Mike Sims-Walker is slowly becoming a star but he'll never be one with David Garrard at QB. NEXT @ NY Jets
12. Tennessee (2-6, LW: 13) - Chris Johnson said the Titans were gonna win 10 in a row. Well, there's just 8 wins away. There's no doubt they are a better team with Vince Young at QB. He's not making mistakes and Johnson and the O-Line have found their groove. NEXT vs. Buffalo
13. Buffalo (3-5, LW: 12) - The Bills are probably not going to the playoffs but how they finish may determine whether Dick Jauron stays on as head coach and whether or not they aggressively pursue Michael Vick when the season ends. Gonna be interesting. NEXT @ Tennessee
14. Oakland (2-6, LW: 14) - I'm pretty sure not even a bye week can keep this team from playing poorly. JaMaracus Russell has 8 games to prove he's worthy of an NFL starting QB spot because the new coach that comes isn't going to play him if he stinks. NEXT vs. Kansas City
15. Kansas City (1-7, LW: 15) - I don't think Todd Haley thought it would be this tough. Releasing your starting RB 8 games in the season, Matt Cassel unable to spark the offense, and a young defense that won't exactly keep the Chiefs in many ballgames. NEXT @ Oakland
16. Cleveland (1-7, LW: 16) - It's not a matter of who starts for the Browns. It's just a matter of can they play one complete game on offense and defense. They could make some real strides with a good performance on Monday night in front of the nation. NEXT vs. Baltimore (Mon)
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