Week 11 Power Rankings
Looking back at Week 11, here are our exclusive Power Rankings.
1. Colts- Go ahead and question the Colts defensive abilities after surrendering 37 to the Bengals. The point is, this team is 10-0 and if the crew on one side of the ball is lagging, the other one picks up the slack. That is the material of champions.
2. Broncos- Denver showed reasons for their home perfection by shutting out the Jets at Mile High Stadium. True, it is the Jets, but shutouts are a rare thing to come by in today’s NFL.
3. Seahawks- Narrowly squeaking by San Francisco should be cause for concern, however, with Shaun Alexander running the way he is (over 1200 yards on the season) and a 8-2 record to show for it, Seahawks fans should be worrying about extending their running back’s contract more than anything.
4. Chargers- Even with the Chargers’ scoring capabilities and their defensive functionality, the team is sadly only 6-4 and will have to finish nearly flawlessly in order to make it into the AFC postseason. Note to the oppositions: The Bolts could be one of the most dangerous wild cards the NFL has ever seen.
5. Steelers- The Steelers may have lost in Baltimore, but do not fear fans of the Steel city, for the almighty savior of Bill Cower’s career, Big Ben Roethlisberger will be back to save the day on Monday night versus the Colts. Wait, this game is versus the Colts? Hmm, I may have to take that one back. (The Steelers will at least be in the game though).
6. Panthers- Getting bounced in Chicago will never do a team justice in their pursuit of respect as the best team in the conference. The Panthers have shown vulnerability in crucial situations which may allow you into the playoffs, but not too much further.
7. Bengals- This team can flat out score the ball and as long as the defense can solidify leads, the sky is the limit for Cincy. Unfortunately, the D failed in doing just that as the Bengals were smacked in their own house for 45 points. Lucky for these Cats, the Steelers lost a gimme to the Ravens and are likely looking at another defeat at the hands of the Colts Monday night.
8. Jaguars- The Jags barely defeated a Titans team who was looking to play season spoiler in week 11, but still, a win in the NFL is always a hard fought one. With the Colts’ perfection and the Jags quality play (7-3), Jack Del Rio’s squad simply found themselves in the AFC South in a bad year.
9. Cowboys- After seeing the Giants’ collapse against Minnesota, it seems clear now that the Bill Parcels coached Cowboys should be division favorites. The Cowboys don’t seem to have any troubles scoring red-zone touchdowns which Denver has serious problems with in regards to giving them up so look for a potential Thanksgiving shootout in Big D.
10. Bucs- Chris Simms is evolving before our eyes into the quarterback the Bucs were hoping they would get with his pedigree. The Bucs have won two in a row as a result of Chris’ fine efforts.
11. Patriots- The Pats seem to be finally pulling away from the worst division in the AFC, the East. Having a substantial lead should help ease the mind of coach Belichick after the passing of his father. We offer our kindest condolences for the Belichick family.
12. Bears- Chicago’s shutdown of the Panthers should put all doubts aside. Not only is this team hot, (six game win streak) but by beating a good team, they have also proved they are for real in the NFC.
13. Falcons- If the Falcons have any hopes of even winning a wild-card, they must beat teams in Atlanta. A Turkey Day match up against the Lions may not be a home game, but certainly an easy opportunity for redemption.
14. Chiefs- KC is impossible to figure out. One week, the Chiefs get shut down at home by a not so great Bills team and then go on the road the next and knock the teeth out of the Texans (45-17). The question is, are the Texans that awful or are the Chiefs that inconsistent?
15. Giants- By putting the hurt on Philly, the Giants have all but assured themselves that the NFC East should be a two dog fight between them and the Cowboys. The only problem is, the Giants are one game back and are looking at Seattle next week. At least the Cowboys are playing the Broncos, another 8-2 team.
16. Redskins- Somehow, the Skins managed to lose a close battle at home versus the Raiders. These are not the kind of games you give up if you plan on earning a wild card.
17. Vikings- Out of the oblivion and back into the playoff picture, the Vikes are back at the .500 mark. To top it off, their schedule is more or less Cake, as the only game they have left to play outside is at Baltimore. Wait, why should Minnesota care if they play outside? They have won two straight in the grass.
18. Raiders- By beating a mediocre Washington team in DC, the Raiders have given us reason to believe that their schedule has been what has ruined their season and no so much Norv Turner.
19. Browns- Cleveland is by no means a good team, however, at 4-6 they are decent and with Romeo Crennel at the helm, this team could be playoff bound a lot sooner than some had previously guessed.
20. Eagles- Next year the defense will be older and the offense will need serious help in the receiving department. To top it all off the Eagles ownership is one of the stingiest in the NFL. Philly is shifting from NFC champs to chumps faster than you can say Madden Curse.
21. Ravens- Watching Baltimore and Pittsburgh duke it out in overtime without Big Ben is like watching two eighty year old men attempt to beat each other over the head with their canes. Not pretty.
22. Bills- The Chargers may have a powerful attack, but 48 points? The Bills D stunk it up once again and another “L” is tacked on to the Buffalo record to show for it.
23. Dolphins- According to Nick Saban, winning isn’t important this season as long as players learn new things for next season. In spite of how true this statement is, getting shut out by Cleveland is not appreciable by any means. Note to coach Saban, save these comments for yourself.
24. Cardinals- If watching Arizona win in St. Louis taught us anything, it was that the only way this team is capable of success is when Kurt Warner is perfect (Cards scored 38 but D gave up 28)
25. Lions- Detroit got slammed in Big D with Joey Harrington behind the wheel of the offense. It should be obvious at this point what position the Lions are likely looking to draft.
26. Packers- If Green Bay wanted to do themselves and Brett Favre a favor, they would trade him to a potential contender for a high round draft pick. He will always be remembered as a Packer, however, such a great career simply can not be capped off with the season the Yellow and Green are having.
27. Titans- Almost ruining the season for the Jags could just be the highlight of the 2005 season for Tennessee.
28. Rams- When St. Louis runs for six yards, it doesn’t matter who they are playing, it will be a loss. Maybe if Mark Bulger is out long enough, the Rams will finally learn the importance of the run.
29. Saints- Beating the Pats on the day Bill Belichick learned of his father’s death doesn’t sound like something a Saint would do. Give New Orleans props for acting in character.
30. Jets- Here is an equation for Jets fans: J+E+T+S-X=BAD. Your answer is, X equals quarterback, an O-line and more or less anything but a kicker. This team has been crippled by injuries.
31. Niners- The only thing keeping the 49ers from the worst spot is the fact that they came close to at least taking the Seahawks into overtime. In spite of their dreadful season, San Francisco is not giving up which is a positive sign for the years to come.
32. Texans- The saddest thing about the Texans struggles is that they are playing even worse than they did in their first year of existence. That’s right, Houston is worse than an expansion team.
1. Colts- Go ahead and question the Colts defensive abilities after surrendering 37 to the Bengals. The point is, this team is 10-0 and if the crew on one side of the ball is lagging, the other one picks up the slack. That is the material of champions.
2. Broncos- Denver showed reasons for their home perfection by shutting out the Jets at Mile High Stadium. True, it is the Jets, but shutouts are a rare thing to come by in today’s NFL.
3. Seahawks- Narrowly squeaking by San Francisco should be cause for concern, however, with Shaun Alexander running the way he is (over 1200 yards on the season) and a 8-2 record to show for it, Seahawks fans should be worrying about extending their running back’s contract more than anything.
4. Chargers- Even with the Chargers’ scoring capabilities and their defensive functionality, the team is sadly only 6-4 and will have to finish nearly flawlessly in order to make it into the AFC postseason. Note to the oppositions: The Bolts could be one of the most dangerous wild cards the NFL has ever seen.
5. Steelers- The Steelers may have lost in Baltimore, but do not fear fans of the Steel city, for the almighty savior of Bill Cower’s career, Big Ben Roethlisberger will be back to save the day on Monday night versus the Colts. Wait, this game is versus the Colts? Hmm, I may have to take that one back. (The Steelers will at least be in the game though).
6. Panthers- Getting bounced in Chicago will never do a team justice in their pursuit of respect as the best team in the conference. The Panthers have shown vulnerability in crucial situations which may allow you into the playoffs, but not too much further.
7. Bengals- This team can flat out score the ball and as long as the defense can solidify leads, the sky is the limit for Cincy. Unfortunately, the D failed in doing just that as the Bengals were smacked in their own house for 45 points. Lucky for these Cats, the Steelers lost a gimme to the Ravens and are likely looking at another defeat at the hands of the Colts Monday night.
8. Jaguars- The Jags barely defeated a Titans team who was looking to play season spoiler in week 11, but still, a win in the NFL is always a hard fought one. With the Colts’ perfection and the Jags quality play (7-3), Jack Del Rio’s squad simply found themselves in the AFC South in a bad year.
9. Cowboys- After seeing the Giants’ collapse against Minnesota, it seems clear now that the Bill Parcels coached Cowboys should be division favorites. The Cowboys don’t seem to have any troubles scoring red-zone touchdowns which Denver has serious problems with in regards to giving them up so look for a potential Thanksgiving shootout in Big D.
10. Bucs- Chris Simms is evolving before our eyes into the quarterback the Bucs were hoping they would get with his pedigree. The Bucs have won two in a row as a result of Chris’ fine efforts.
11. Patriots- The Pats seem to be finally pulling away from the worst division in the AFC, the East. Having a substantial lead should help ease the mind of coach Belichick after the passing of his father. We offer our kindest condolences for the Belichick family.
12. Bears- Chicago’s shutdown of the Panthers should put all doubts aside. Not only is this team hot, (six game win streak) but by beating a good team, they have also proved they are for real in the NFC.
13. Falcons- If the Falcons have any hopes of even winning a wild-card, they must beat teams in Atlanta. A Turkey Day match up against the Lions may not be a home game, but certainly an easy opportunity for redemption.
14. Chiefs- KC is impossible to figure out. One week, the Chiefs get shut down at home by a not so great Bills team and then go on the road the next and knock the teeth out of the Texans (45-17). The question is, are the Texans that awful or are the Chiefs that inconsistent?
15. Giants- By putting the hurt on Philly, the Giants have all but assured themselves that the NFC East should be a two dog fight between them and the Cowboys. The only problem is, the Giants are one game back and are looking at Seattle next week. At least the Cowboys are playing the Broncos, another 8-2 team.
16. Redskins- Somehow, the Skins managed to lose a close battle at home versus the Raiders. These are not the kind of games you give up if you plan on earning a wild card.
17. Vikings- Out of the oblivion and back into the playoff picture, the Vikes are back at the .500 mark. To top it off, their schedule is more or less Cake, as the only game they have left to play outside is at Baltimore. Wait, why should Minnesota care if they play outside? They have won two straight in the grass.
18. Raiders- By beating a mediocre Washington team in DC, the Raiders have given us reason to believe that their schedule has been what has ruined their season and no so much Norv Turner.
19. Browns- Cleveland is by no means a good team, however, at 4-6 they are decent and with Romeo Crennel at the helm, this team could be playoff bound a lot sooner than some had previously guessed.
20. Eagles- Next year the defense will be older and the offense will need serious help in the receiving department. To top it all off the Eagles ownership is one of the stingiest in the NFL. Philly is shifting from NFC champs to chumps faster than you can say Madden Curse.
21. Ravens- Watching Baltimore and Pittsburgh duke it out in overtime without Big Ben is like watching two eighty year old men attempt to beat each other over the head with their canes. Not pretty.
22. Bills- The Chargers may have a powerful attack, but 48 points? The Bills D stunk it up once again and another “L” is tacked on to the Buffalo record to show for it.
23. Dolphins- According to Nick Saban, winning isn’t important this season as long as players learn new things for next season. In spite of how true this statement is, getting shut out by Cleveland is not appreciable by any means. Note to coach Saban, save these comments for yourself.
24. Cardinals- If watching Arizona win in St. Louis taught us anything, it was that the only way this team is capable of success is when Kurt Warner is perfect (Cards scored 38 but D gave up 28)
25. Lions- Detroit got slammed in Big D with Joey Harrington behind the wheel of the offense. It should be obvious at this point what position the Lions are likely looking to draft.
26. Packers- If Green Bay wanted to do themselves and Brett Favre a favor, they would trade him to a potential contender for a high round draft pick. He will always be remembered as a Packer, however, such a great career simply can not be capped off with the season the Yellow and Green are having.
27. Titans- Almost ruining the season for the Jags could just be the highlight of the 2005 season for Tennessee.
28. Rams- When St. Louis runs for six yards, it doesn’t matter who they are playing, it will be a loss. Maybe if Mark Bulger is out long enough, the Rams will finally learn the importance of the run.
29. Saints- Beating the Pats on the day Bill Belichick learned of his father’s death doesn’t sound like something a Saint would do. Give New Orleans props for acting in character.
30. Jets- Here is an equation for Jets fans: J+E+T+S-X=BAD. Your answer is, X equals quarterback, an O-line and more or less anything but a kicker. This team has been crippled by injuries.
31. Niners- The only thing keeping the 49ers from the worst spot is the fact that they came close to at least taking the Seahawks into overtime. In spite of their dreadful season, San Francisco is not giving up which is a positive sign for the years to come.
32. Texans- The saddest thing about the Texans struggles is that they are playing even worse than they did in their first year of existence. That’s right, Houston is worse than an expansion team.
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