FRIDAY FOOTBALL FIXX

February 4th, 2011 Friday

Friday’s Football Fixx

COUNTDOWN TO SUPER SUNDAY

The clock is ticking and the big dance is nearing for both the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers. I am pretty sure that anything and everything that can be said about these two teams has been spoken and with less than 48 hours until kickoff there’s not much left to say other than let their actions speak louder than words.

Action is what most football fans will hoping to see and lots of it come Super bowl Sunday and with superstars like Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger, Clay Matthews, Greg Jennings, Hines Ward, James Harrison, and Charles Woodson it’s not likely we’ll be disappointed. We’ve already seen these two mix it up once before and they gave us one memorable matchup, we much more greater at stake and on the line this time around these two figure to give us everything they’ve got and then some. Near one thousand yards of offense and 73 points will be a tough act to follow, but with the greatest prize dangling before each, Sunday will be nothing less than fantastic battle of epic proportions.

Breaking it Down

If you have been following the coverage all week long you have probably heard several spins from many analysts sharing their opinions of what each team does well, their strengths, their weaknesses and tendencies; not to be different I will offer my own summation of this Super Matchup

For the Packers the strength of their game lies simply in the arm of Aaron Rodgers. Sure the Pack would love to be able to run the ball around 25 times on Sunday, but simply their success is going to come in the air. The run will be used mostly to slow down the Steelers’ pass rush and if the offensive line can give Rodgers time, he should be able to easily take apart the Steelers secondary.

On the other side, the running game will be very key for Big Ben who likes to throw the ball downfield. With his big play receiver (Mike) Wallace, if Roethlisberger can use the play-action effectively he’ll be able to freeze the secondary long enough to keep his eyes downfield for the big play. The Packers could be susceptible to the run, so running back Rashard Mendenhall should be the early focus for the Steelers, like a boxer throwing jabs and just waiting for Big Ben to throw that big overhand haymaker downfield.

Defensively for the both teams, neither figure to lose this game to the run. If the Packers are going to have success, they will need to get to Big Ben and put him down, but the same will be true of the Steelers. Linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley must pressure Rodgers and get in his face in order to slow down the Packers passing attack.

Keys to the Game

Everyone knows that Rodgers is going to be key for the Packers offense, but his tight ends Andrew Quiarless and Donald Lee could be huge in the red zone on Sunday. With the Steelers having to worry about the Packers three and four receiver sets, the tight end spot could be vulnerable.

The Steelers need Big Ben to play well without question, but important to his success will be his running game. Mendenhall needs to have a strong game on Sunday if the Steelers offense is going to be effective. If Mendenhall is held in check, Big Ben could have a long day with lots of cheese in his ears.

Who AM I Picking

In case I have not made it clear, I am picking the Packers on Sunday. Their passing attack is just too awesome to stop. The Steelers have a very good pass rush, but Rodgers can deliver the ball quickly and will have plenty of options. While Big Ben is a big threat in his own right, the Steelers’ “O” line is going to have a tough time trying to slow down the Packers pass rush.

My Pick: Green Bay Packers

News and Notes From Around the League

BRADFORD EARNS ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
The Rams rookie starting quarterback had a fine year leading his team to a 7-9 record, six wins better than their dismal 2009 season. Bradford showed lots of poise and courage in the pocket and showed plenty of zip and precision with his throws. A battered receiving corp left the young gunslinger shorthanded much of the 2010 season, but despite he was still able to pass for 3,512 yards with 18 touchdowns and a respectable 76.5 passer rating.

SUH NAMED DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
The Lions stud defensive lineman is well on his way to becoming a star in this league. In his maiden voyage as a professional Suh racked up 10 sacks and 66 total tackles from his defensive tackle position. His also added a forced fumble and interception to his resume to earn the honors of ROY. His presence on the field gives the young Lions’ defense attitude and great improvement.

CLARK REHAB JUST STARTING
The Colts starting tight end suffered an unusual injury to his wrist. He wore a cast for three months and has just starting rehabbing about two weeks ago. It recovery time is going a bit slow that what some had originally thought, but it sounds like Clark should fine by late summer.

UMENYIORA ON HIS WAY BACK TO HEALTH
This is good news for the Giants and their defensive End. Umenyiora bounced back in 2010 with a solid campaign collecting 11.5 sacks and 10 forced fumbles; this followed a disappointing 2009 season that saw him lose his starting job. Osi is recovering from hip surgery and expects to be healthy and ready for camp this summer.

Just my views.

By David Ortega

FRIDAY FOOTBALL FIXX

January 28th, 2011 Friday

Friday’s Football Fixx

Who Will Win on Super Sunday?
Bold predictions can sometimes become boring clichés fast, but that doesn’t mean we tire from hearing them and on that note I would like to offer a few thoughts on the big dance set to take stage in just over a week. The Packers and Steelers have traveled very different roads to get to Dallas, but both have used very similar blue prints to find their way; a big armed quarterback, a suffocating pass rush, and playmakers all around.

The Packers boast the next up and coming elite quarterback in the game with Aaron Rodgers. Finally out of the shadow of a legend, Rodgers is paving his way to his own history. In the post season he has looked as good as any other under center completing better than 70 percent of his throws, averaging 263 yards per game, and accounting for eight touchdowns (6 pass, 2 run). His counterpart, Big Ben (Roethlisberger) has not been quite the highlight reel this post season, but his resume has been well documented; 10-2 record in the post season, one of the highest regular season winning percentages as a starter, and his third appearance in the Super Bowl. Both will lead offenses very capable of lighting up the score board in a hurry.

The Packers were only 10th in scoring this past season, but they did rank 5th in passing and will undoubtedly stick to their guns on the big stage. The Steelers

Can the Defenses Dominate on the Big Stage?

Super Bowl XLV should plenty filled with lots of fireworks from both offenses, but don’t think for a moment there will be an absence of defense. The Steelers finished the regular season with the 2nd ranked defense overall (1st in scoring), while the Packers ranked 5th overall and second in scoring. The Steel Curtain had plenty of stars on the defense with players like James Harrison (10.5 sacks), LaMarr Woodley (10 sacks), and Troy Polamalu (7 interceptions).

The Packers also have plenty of stars on defense to boast of as well with players like Charles Woodson (5 forced fumbles), Clay Matthews Jr (13.5 sacks), and Cullen Jenkins (7 sacks). Both defenses face monumental tasks of trying to stop the opposing offenses, but each should some level of success. The Packers are going to bring plenty of heat and count on Big Ben to hold onto the ball longer trying to make a play downfield, while the Steelers defense will limit the Packers ground game so they can turn their dogs loose on the edge to get after Rodgers.

This matchup has the makings of being something great and the evidence is readily available to view; their matchup in December 2009 is a screaming example. Both teams will be exchanging haymakers and thunderbolts on Super Sunday, but which team will land the biggest blow and take the biggest prize?

This one may be too close to call, but like their previous meeting this one could simply come down to who has the ball last.


Injury News and Updates for Super Sunday

The Steelers will likely be without defensive end Aaron Smith (triceps) who is still ailing from his injury according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The team had refrained from placing him on the injured reserve in hopes he could be ready for the Super Bowl (if they had made it), but the prospect looks improbable at best now.

The word on offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey has not changed much; he suffered a sprained ankle in the AFC Championship and appears to be dealing with a broken bone in the ankle as well. His status appears to be in serious doubt and would be huge blow to the “O” line.

The Packers appear to be in good health leading up to Super Sunday with just a few players getting some rest; Greg Jennings (knee) was listed as limited, but appears to be fine and just resting up for the big dance on February 6th.

Just my views.

By David Ortega

TUESDAY FOOTBALL NOTES

January 25th, 2011 Tuesday

Tuesday’s Football Notes

Packers Complete the Road Trifecta
The Packers stormed into the windy city on Sunday having won their previous two post season matchups on the road and looking for the trifecta sweep. It was not a pretty win for Green Bay , but Aaron Rodgers and the Packers managed to hold off the Bears late second half rally. The win was secured largely due to the play of the game, a 18 yard interception and return for a touchdown by the Packers defensive lineman B.J. Raji. This was the second time in about a month that the Packers had defeated the Bears and now they will face the Steelers on Super Bowl Sunday. The Cheesehead road warriors have now ran off five straight wins, defeating the Bears twice, the Giants, Falcons, and Eagles. A win on Super Sunday would complete what has been a remarkable run for Rodgers and company; one that actually started some three plus seasons ago on September 8th, 2008 when Rodgers first took the snap under center as the Packers new starting quarterback.

Roethlisberger Gets Knocked Around But Not Down
The Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was knocked around pretty good on Sunday against the Jets defense. In the early moments of the first quarter Big Ben took a hard shot in the thigh area from Jets lineback Calvin Pace. He came up limping pretty noticeably and it had to be an early concern for the Steelers coaching staff; part of Ben’s effectiveness is his mobility and ability to stretch the play. Sunday’s matchup with the Jets was anything, but pretty with both defenses makes plays to keep this contest close. It was the Steelers defense early with a sack, forced fumble and return for a touchdown dictating action, but in the second half the Jets defense seemed to stiffen up, coming up with two picks and forcing a safety mid-way through the 4th quarter. Big Ben took his licks, but despite the early injury he continued to play well enough to pick up needed first downs, chew clock, and in the game’s most critical moment make the play of the game with a short pass to rookie wide receiver Aaron Brown to gain the needed first down to run out the clock. Big Ben’s injury did not appear to be serious as he was able to play the rest of the game with no visible setbacks. With two weeks the Steelers quarterback should be healthy and ready to evade the Packers pass rush on Super Sunday; evade it as well as anyone can be expected.

This Could Be a Rematch for the Ages
The Steelers and the Packers; why does that sound so sweet and what is so familiar and enticing about this matchup anyway? Maybe it’s because we have seen this act once before and with the second act set to take place on the world’s largest stage how can we not anticipate greatest beyond imagination. Two historic franchises with a winning culture and nine Super Bowl trophies combined, how can anyone expect anything less than a spectacular Super-ridiculous matchup on Super Bowl Sunday? What makes this matchup so surreal, for most of the football world that follows this game with dedication and passion, we have already seen these two Goliaths battle once before and the result; one of the greatest games played in recent history. Last year the Packers and Steelers lined up on Heinz Field and did battle like two gladiators fighting for a kingdom and locked in a death-match. It was no-holds barred as these two squared off throwing hay-makers one after another. Both teams would total over 70 points and rack up 973 net yards of offense, with the final play in regulation deciding the outcome. Needless to say, the Steelers prevailed 37-36 on Big Ben’s 19 yard touchdown pass to Mike Wallace (the extra point was necessary to secure the win). It was a matchup for the ages that has gone down in the history books (and one you can catch on the NFL Network) as one of the greatest games ever played and in less than two weeks, these two teams get to do it again for the largest prize; the Lombardi Trophy. Get ready for Super Sunday, it should be a great one!

By David Ortega

FRIDAY FOOTBALL FIXX

January 21st, 2011 Friday

Friday’s Football Fixx

Packers Look Like A Real Favorite On Sunday
The Bears may have won the North Division, they may have beaten Seattle last week, and they may have defeated the Packers here (at Soldier Field) weeks ago (back in Week 3), but the way the Cheeseheads are playing right now it’s very difficult to not consider them the favorites on Sunday. And while the Bears have every right to feel confident about their matchup at home this Sunday, who could blame there for questioning their own chances. Afterall, the Packers will enter Sunday without a doubt the hottest quarterback in the league; Aaron Rodgers is completing near 80 percent of his throws in the playoffs and has six touchdown passes and not interceptions. The Monsters of the Midway have played impressive defense much of the season, but what they face this Sunday could be one of the most lethal wide receiving corps this league has seen since the “Greatest Show On Turf” days (and remember, I said could); Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, James Jones, and Jordy Nelson (Jones and Nelson could easily start on a number of teams). While the Bears will face a monument of a task in trying to stop Rodgers and company, Jay Cutler and his Bears offense could be on the receiving end of several big hits. In two games against the Packers defense led by linebacker Clay Matthews Jr. and cornerback Charles Woodson, Cutler has been sacked nine times and intercepted three. The Bears may be at home, but they might not like the smell of what the Packers are cooking.

Can the (Rex) Ryan Express Fly through Steel
It’s been almost like a Hollywood script or more like an episode out of “Hardknocks” on HBO watching the Jets overcome and defy odds to reach the pinnacle of the AFC race to Dallas (Super Bowl XVL). With the two final teams representing the AFC (Jets and Steelers) ready to square off on Sunday, the ending could be less than climatic for head coach Rex Ryan and company. While he and his Jets have been riding a feverish wave of momentum with wins over the Colts and Patriots, one can not helped but point out one glaring fact; they have not seen a defense like this. Both the Patriots (defense ranked 25th overall) and Colts (defense ranked 20th overall) were worthy opponents in their own right, but with defenses ranked in the bottom half the Jets offense was able to dictate tempo and play their game. These two teams have played before, just six weeks ago in the Steelers own backyard with the Jets coming out on top. It’s not to say they were lucky, they earned the win, but as the old saying goes “any given Sunday.” There is a colossal difference in this matchup however, this is the AFC Championship, the Steelers have been here and Rex’s young quarterback Mark Sanchez has only played in one; the Steeler’s quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be making his fourth start. The Steelers boast the 2nd ranked defense overall and led the NFL with 48 sacks this season. In their first matchup the Steel Curtain only got to Sanchez once, something they are certain to improve on Sunday. Ryan and company may be hoping for clear sailing on Sunday, but when they take Heinz field all they may find is cold steel.


Injury News and Updates

The Bears are as healthy as they can expect as this juncture of the season with the only notable injury being safety Chris Harris (hip). According to head coach Lovie Smith he anticipates Harris playing Sunday in the NFC Championship.

The Jets were down a man last Sunday against the Patriots with kick-return specialist/wide receiver Brad Smith sidelined with a groin injury, but according to ESPN, he is expected to serve as the teams’ kick returner in the AFC Championship.

The Jets starting shutdown corner Darelle Revis was limited in practice on Thursday, but returned as a full-participant on Friday. Revis is fully expected to start on Sunday without any concerns and will likely draw the assignment of covering the Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward.

Just my views.

By David Ortega

LAST MINUTE TAKES

January 15th, 2011 Saturday

Last Minute Takes

Ravens-Steelers Matchup

The Ravens and Steelers split their two matchups this season with each team win on the others field, but in the series since Joe Flacco has been under center for Baltimore the Steelers own a 5-2 record.

The key for the Ravens will be pass protection; Flacco was sacked four times the last time these two teams got together. It’s going to be a tall order to run the ball against the Steelers number one rated run defense, but the Ravens must find ways to get the ball into the hands of Ray Rice. In their last meeting the Ravens offense ran the ball just 20 times and passed the ball 37 times. They will need better balance today if they hope to protect Flacco from the Steeler’s pass rush and playmakers; James Harrison (10.5 sacks), LaMarr Woodley (10 sacks) and Troy Polamalu (7 interceptions).

When they do have to throw the ball, wide receiver Derrick Mason could come up big with the secondary keying on Boldin and Heap (1o catches last weekend against the Chiefs). Flacco will have to use all of his weapons and still try to get the ball downfield to challenge the Steelers deep, but Mason could be the answer for a couple of key third downs and in the red-zone.

The Steelers would like to dictate this affair very much like the last time these two teams squared off, but 13 points may not be enough to secure the win today. The Steelers finished the year 11th in rushing and would like nothing better than to grind out big yardage against the nasty Ravens defense. Big Ben (Roethlisberger) has the knack of improvising, give him a solid ground attack and he can be even more dangerous with play-action roll outs.

The Steelers figure to give the run game every opportunity to succeed, but they won’t be afraid to let Big Ben drop back and chuck the rock. In one game this season against the Ravens, Roethlisberger passed for 253 yards with a touchdown. Big Ben could be the key for the Steelers, he may have to make a few plays today if they hope to generate enough points to win.

The real difference today will come down to which team will force the other into making mistakes; the Steelers look to have the edge with one of the leagues most lethal pass rushes (48 sacks led the league). Look for a ton of pressure, some errant throws, and keep your eye on Polamalu.

My pick; Steelers

Packers-Falcons Matchup

This matchup has the look and feel of every fantasy football owners dream come true; big time playmakers, lots of yards, and lots of points. In their first go round it was the Packers that provided most of the big plays racking up 418 yards of offense, but it was the Falcons that made the loudest noise scoring the most points and taking the game.

The keys for the Packers, or what hurt them was coming up with just 17 points on four trips into the red-zone. The Falcons in some ways may have been fortunate to hold on for the win, but then again with a 7-1 record at home this season and 20-4 over the past three season, the Falcons know how to win at home.

Rodgers was able to hit his targets and had a lot of success in the air, which will be key today. If the Falcons are going to disrupt the Packers offense they will have to do a better job of bringing pressure (only one sack in the first matchup).

The Packers are going to do their best to slow down defensive end John Abraham and the Falcons pass rush with their new found running game. Last week against the Eagles defense rookie running back James Starks had lots of success gaining over 120 yards on the ground.

For the Falcons, they will need another cool-under-pressure game from quarterback Matty “Ice” Ryan. Ryan completed over 62 percent of his throws this season and tossed 28 touchdowns with just nine picks. To take some pressure off the three year starter, the Falcons will lean heavily on their 1,300-yard rusher Michael Turner. In their first meeting Turner rolled his way through the defense for 110 yards and a touchdown.

These two teams have not seen a lot of each other in the past (just twice since Ryan arrived in Atlanta) and they last met nearly two months ago, but each is going to do what it is they like to do Packers-pass, Falcons-run). What we will see will be a matchup that will transpire into a game that will take on the familiar shape of what we saw back in week 12. In that game these two teams combined for 37 points, today they may reach that mark at halftime.

If this game becomes a horse race, the Packers just may have the thoroughbreds needed to outlast the Falcons on the back stretch.

My Pick; Packers

Just my take.

By David Ortega

MY POWER RANKINGS (WK 9)

November 10th, 2010, Wednesday

MY NFL Team Power Rankings
(thru Week Nine)



This season has been anything and everything in between, all but what most had expected. With teams like the Cowboys disappearing into oblivion and the Vikings scrambling to save their mortal football lives, we see new teams like the Chiefs, Buccaneers, and Rams finding redemption in 2010.

Still there are quite a few of the expected names near the top of my weekly rankings, with the Giants, Falcons and Ravens leading the way. The Packers and Saints who had slipped a bit are finally starting to look like the dominant teams many expected to see early in the season.

With week 10 ready to start this Thursday, here’s how they rank;

Top 10

1. New York Giants (6-2): Even though their resume of opponents does not look impressive, the G-men have over the past several weeks running their win streak to five. At present little brother Eli and company could be the class of the NFC
2. Atlanta Falcons (6-2): Matt Ryan and company have the birds soaring with a 4-0 home record this seaosn, coupled with a tough run defense ranked 6th in the league the Falcons appear to be real contender in the NFC. Thursday night they will be tested against the Ravens.
3. Baltimore Ravens (6-2): The Ravens and Joe Flacco have got the offense rolling averaging nearly 29 points in their last four games (3-1 in that stretch). Flacco has been superb since week three tossing 11 touchdowns with just one pick.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2): The Steelers managed to hang on Monday night, but the North divisional matchups are always tough. With Big Ben in the saddle and the number four ranked defense overall, Pittsburgh looks like a favorite to take the AFC crown.
5. New York Jets (6-2): Their week nine win didn’t lack any dramatics, but it was far from impressive. However, their come-from-behind victory did show some resilience and maturity from the second year quarterback. It’s going to be a lot of fun watching quarterback Mark Sanchez in the second half.
6. New England Patriots (6-2): So much for being on top. There’s nothing like the student teaching the professor a trick or two, but you can bet Belichick and Brady will rebound and stay in the AFC hunt down the stretch.
7. New Orleans Saints (6-3): And just when you thought they were ready to relinquish their crown, here come Drew Brees and the Saints. After falling to 4-3, the Saints have responded with two consecutive and impressive wins. The Giants and Falcons better not stumble.
8. Green Bay Packers (6-3): They are probably the quietest 6-3 team you will see, although their defense has looked dominant the past two weeks. Rodgers was unstoppable last Sunday and if he gets it going, the NFC could be in trouble.
9. Philadelphia Eagles (5-3): With a healthy Vick under center, this team looks like a very dangerous team in the second half of the season, as evident with their impressive win on Sunday over the Colts. Are people in Philly asking, McNabb who?
10. Indianapolis Colts (5-3): The Colts suffered a tough road loss in hostile territory last Sunday, but with Manning at the helm they were in it all the way to the end. It’s been a slow start, but at 5-3 they are on tied for first in the South and will definitely be a player down the stretch.


The Rest of the league

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-3)
• Kansas City Chiefs (5-3)
• Chicago Bears (5-3)
• Tennessee Titans (5-3)
• Oakland Raiders (5-4)
• St. Louis Rams (4-4)
• Miami Dolphins (4-4)
• Washington Redskins (4-4)
• Jacksonville Jaguars (4-4)
• Houston Texans (4-4)
• Seattle Seahawks (4-4)
• San Diego Chargers (4-5)
• Minnesota Vikings (3-5)
• Cleveland Browns (3-5)
• Arizona Cardinals (3-5)
• San Francisco 49ers (2-6)
• Detroit Lions (2-6)
• Cincinnati Bengals (2-6)
• Denver Broncos (2-6)
• Carolina Panthers (1-7)
• Dallas Cowboys (1-7)
• Buffalo Bills (0-8)

MY POWER RANKINGS (WK 7)

October 29th, 2010, Saturday (late week)

MY NFL Team Power Rankings
(thru Week Seven)



It’s been a bit of a wacky first seven weeks with teams like Kansas City and Tampa Bay causing folks to take notice, but in the top 10 through the first seven weeks anyways there are still a lot of familiar faces.

Here’s how they rank;

Top 10

1. New York Jets (5-1): The Jets have the perfect balance of run and pass with great team defense. The winners of five straight look very tough as we near the mid-way point of the season.
2. New England Patriots (5-1): Tom Brady and Bill Belichick just find ways to win. With an offense scoring 30 points per game, the defense does not need to be dominant.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1): Now that Big Ben has returned the offense has more big play potential. With a stout defense and hard nose running game the Steelers looked primed to challenge for the AFC title.
4. New York Giants (5-2): The Giants are now winners of five straight and are playing like the class of the NFL. With Nicks emerging as a force and Bradshaw leading the ground assault, the G-men look poised to wrestle the NFC title away from all takers.
5. Baltimore Ravens (5-2): The Bills exposed the Ravens shaky secondary mixed with some poor tackling last week, but a patented offense and a Ray Lewis on defense always makes this team dangerous.
6. Tennessee Titans (5-2): The Titans have been a bit of an early surprise this season sitting on top of the AFC South, but when you consider their 8-2 finish last year, should we be surprised? They are winning now and we have yet to really see Chris Johnson break loose.
7. Atlanta Falcons (5-2): Not so much a surprise, but definitely an impressive start for the Falcons. Their only two losses this season have come at the hands of teams from Pennsylvania, so if you’re a team from another state it could be a long afternoon on Sunday.
8. Indianapolis Colts (4-2): The Colts are a bit of a mixed look this season, at times looking dominant and at others looking exposed. Injuries could be adding up, but Manning keeps holding the offense together (2nd in the NFL).
9. Houston Texans (4-2): The Texans have emerged as a contender in the tough AFC South division, but a suspect defense (ranked last in the NFL) could eventually catch up to them.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2): One of the surprises of the 2010 season has been the upstart Bucs, but their two losses have come to teams with winning records while all four wins have come against teams with a combined record of 8-18. It may be a bit too early to start tooting any horns.


The Rest of the league

• Kansas City Chiefs (4-2)
• Seattle Seahawks (4-2)
• Green Bay Packers (4-3)
• New Orleans Saints (4-3)
• Philadelphia Eagles (4-3)
• Washington Redskins (4-3)
• Chicago Bears (4-3)
• Miami Dolphins (3-3)
• Arizona Cardinals (3-3)
• Oakland Raiders (3-4)
• St. Louis Rams (3-4)
• Jacksonville Jaguars (3-4)
• Cincinnati Bengals (2-4)
• Minnesota Vikings (2-4)
• San Diego Chargers (2-5)
• Cleveland Browns (2-5)
• Denver Broncos (2-5)
• Carolina Panthers (1-5)
• Dallas Cowboys (1-5)
• Detroit Lions (1-5)
• San Francisco 49ers (1-6)
• Buffalo Bills (0-6)

MY POWER RANKINGS (WK 2)

September 24th, 2010, Friday

My NFL Team Power Rankings
(Week Two)


Here's how I breakdown my top 10. The Packers with their strong passing game led by Aaron Rodgers and an aggressive defense led by second year linebacker Clay Matthews look like the class of the league at the moment. The Saints are still a favorite in the NFC, but after they struggled some last Monday night against the Niners they take a step down. An early surprise has to be the undefeated Steelers who can make it three in a row on with a win on the road Sunday against the Bucs; and they can only get better once Big Ben makes his return in week six. The Chiefs and Bucs are nice early stories this season, but you have to question their early soft schedule.

Here's how they rank;

Top 10

1. Green Bay Packers (2-0): The Packers take the top spot with complete balance. After two weeks Dom Caper's defense leads the NFL with 10 sacks and the offense is ranked 3rd in scoring.
2. New Orleans Saints (2-0): The Saints are the defending champs, but after a shaky Monday win on the road they need to rebound with a strong performance on Sunday.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0): What is scary about the Steelers start is they are out of the gate fast with two wins without their starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. How good will they be when he returns?
4. Chicago Bears (2-0): In two games Jay Cutler and the Bears passing game has fired on all cylinders. Cutler has passed for 649 yards with five touchdown passes and has Da Bears sitting atop the North with a huge Monday night matchup with the 2-0 Packers.
5. Miami Dolphins (2-0): Quietly and relatively un-noticed head coach Tony Sparano has his club sitting alone atop the AFC East at 2-0 with a big intra-division clash with the Jets on Sunday.
6. Houston Texans (2-0): The Texans are one of the hottest teams and have an explosive offense, but their Achilles heel could be a suspect secondary ranked dead last in the NFL.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0): One of the biggest surprises this season, but also a benefactor of a weak schedule. Both of their opponents this season have yet to win a single game.
8. Kansas City Chiefs (2-0): Another surprise this season. The Chiefs could benefit greatly from their fast start and a weak division, but a weak early schedule (opponents record is 1-3) could be misleading.
9. Indianapolis Colts (1-1): Manning and company ran into a buzz-saw in week one falling to the Texans, but rebounded strong last Sunday against the G-Men scoring 38 points.
10. New York Jets (1-1): After a sluggish week one loss to the Ravens on Monday night, Sanchise and Ryan rallied the troops for an impressive home opener victory over the Patriots.

The Rest of the league

• Atlanta Falcons (1-1)
• New England Patriots (1-1)
• San Diego Chargers (1-1)
• Cincinnati Bengals (1-1)
• Baltimore Ravens (1-1)
• Philadelphia Eagles (1-1)
• Washington Redskins (1-1)
• Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1)
• Denver Broncos (1-1)
• Tennessee Titans (1-1)
• Oakland Raiders (1-1)
• New York Giants
• Minnesota Vikings (0-2)
• San Francisco 49ers (0-2)
• Dallas Cowboys (0-2)
• Seattle Seahawks
• Arizona Cardinals
• Carolina Panthers (0-2)
• Detroit Lions (0-2)
• Cleveland Browns (0-2)
• St. Louis Rams (0-2)
• Buffalo Bills (0-2)

Check back every week for my “NFL Team Power Rankings”
By David Ortega