1) New York Giants (11-2)
The Giants may have played a horrible game Plax-less, but the Eagles had their backs to the wall, and its really hard to maintain the level of play that Eli and company had for the entire regular season. The defense is still phenomenal. They still have the best running game in the league. The only problem they may have to overcome is if New Eli plays like Old Eli in the Playoffs. If that does not happen they will be repeat champs come February.
2) Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3)
Troy Polamalu is defensive player of the year to this point in the season. Every game I watch the Steelers in he seems to be near the ball on every play. Put that together with the year the linebackers are playing and the ability of Roethlisberger run the offense and I think this team, which has played by far the toughest schedule, is the team to beat in the AFC.
3) Tennessee Titans (12-1)
I know they have the best record in the league, but something just does not feel right about them. Not enough dominant performances against the elite teams in the league quite yet to put them above the 3-spot.
4) Carolina Panthers (10-3)
I hate to say it since the Birds have Carolina's first round pick next year, but they a really good. What Williams and Stewart did running the rock on a really strong Tampa defense really really impressed me. And they definitely are in the driver's seat for hosting a playoff game at home, where they have looked especially dominant.
5) Indianapolis Colts (9-4)
Peyton is a candidate for MVP, the defense is coming into form, and I didn't realize it, but they have won 6 straight and will probably end up going into the playoffs very hot. Bob Sanders is clearly the X-factor as far as what the team does.
6) Baltimore Ravens (9-4)
Watching the Ravens D is always an enjoyable experience. Last Sunday night I participated in an Ed Reed love-fest (that sounds weird but you get the point) with an amigo of mine. He is so much fun to watch. Between him and Ray Lewis refusing to age, not even a rookie QB--who actually is playing really well also--could prevent them from a strong finish to the season.
7) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-4)
Tampa's an interesting team because there are very few big-name superstars, just seasoned vets at important positions (Ronde Barber, Jeff Garcia) , young contributors who have for the most part flown under the public radar
8) Philadelphia Eagles (7-5-1)
We are hot, and the season is alive. Win out, and we're probably in...not a team that anyone wants to draw in the first round of the playoffs. Then again, if the Bucs make the playoffs there's always the possibility that Don throws the Ronde Barber special.
9) Dallas Cowboys (8-5)
Tony Romo is not the Savior in Dallas, it's that simple. They may not even make the playoffs, it will come down to a tough divisional road game against a hot team that wants revenge, and a postseason berth of their own. I can not wait to see the Team Obliterator (Copyright Skip Bayless)meltdown as he watches his former squad kick him swiftly into vacation-mode.
10a, 10b, 10c) New York Jets, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins (All 8-5)
The division is up for grabs, and eventually someone is going to separate themselves from the pack. I still can't get over the fact that Miami is this good. What a difference a year makes.
13) Atlanta Falcons (8-5)
I love Matty Ice and After-burner Turner, but there is a reason that only Marino has led his team to the big dance as a rookie. I hate to say it but I think the wheels come off in the next few weeks, and even if they make the playoffs, they won't go deep.
14) Minnesota Vikings (8-5)
Adrian Peterson is great, so is Jared Allen. Same story as the beginning of the season though: You're not going to win with that quarterback situation.
15) Arizona Cardinals (8-5)
Kurt Warner is too prone to turning the ball over for the team to get far in the playoffs. Their schedule in that division was just too easy and made them look better than they actually are.
16) Chicago Bears (7-6)
Kyle Orton has improved dramatically from last year, but the team seems to remain the epitome of mediocrity.
17) Denver Broncos (8-5)
Love Jay Cutler, but the defense is too weak, and Jay and the other playmakers are too young. Give them a few years.
18) New Orleans Saints (7-6)
Another inconsistent squad. Can we please stop the Drew Brees MVP talk. Pretty please?
19) Washington Redskins (7-6)
Boy, how a season can change. We should have known this team was a phony one when they lost a home game to the Rams!
20) San Diego Chargers (5-8)
They've had some serious injuries on defense the worst being Merriman, but giving that division up to Denver is sad. How the mighty have fallen.
21) Houston Texans (6-7)
Nice win in Lambeau gives them the slight edge on the Pack in the rankings, but this team still can't hang with the Titans and Colts in the division, so they won't be playoff-bound this year. The future does not look too bad though.
22) Green Bay Packers (5-8)
Incredibly inconsistent team. One week they blow a team out, the next week they get blown out. Looks like they do miss Brett after all.
23) San Francisco 49ers (5-8)
San Francisco beat the Jets last week, which means one of 2 things. Either San Fran is on the up and up or the Jets aren't quite as good as advertised. I'm going to go with the latter. Patrick Willis still looks awesome, and is a great player to build a defense around.
24) Buffalo Bills (6-7)
Marshawn can't do it by himself. This team has just gotten worse and worse as the season has progressed. Home losses to the Browns and the 49ers are a good indicator that neither Trent Edwards nor JP Losman are the answer at the most important position on a football team.
25) Cleveland Browns (4-9)
I think Glenn Dorsey may be a better starting quarterback in the NFL than Ken Dorsey.
26) Oakland Raiders (3-10)
Their defense shows flashes, but Jamarcus Russell is clearly not the answer for Raider Nation. Unfortunately you have to throw the ball once and awhile to win games.
27) Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9)
When Sage Rosenfels and Kyle Orton make your defense look bad in back to back weeks, you know your team doesn't have a prayer. If no one else, at least Fred Taylor is definitely aware of the situation.
28) Seattle Seahawks (2-11)
Seneca Wallace looked good for most of the game against the Pats, but ended up blowing it late. Mike Holmgren's last season is not one that he would like to remember anytime soon.
29) Kansas City Chiefs (2-11)
Tony Gonzalez is having a surprisingly great year despite KC being absolutely awful. It's ashame Tony couldn't escape that situation and play for a contender as the year winds down.
30) St. Louis Rams (2-11)
And Marc Bulger looked like a legitimately good pick for my fantasy squad as a backup to Tom Brady, in case the unthinkable happened. If you did not know why my team finished in last, you do now.
31) Cincinnati Bengals (1-11-1)
Not even Chad Johnson or Ocho Cinco or whatever the heck he's calling himself these days can keep this team remotely watchable. At least the Lions have Calvin Johnson. Speaking of which...
32) Detroit Lions (0-13)
Poor, poor Calvin Johnson...
Ry for Ry Wednesday TGIL:
NUGGETS (-11.5) over Timberwolves
SIXERS (+6.5) over Cavaliers
SPURS (-6.5) over Hawks
Grizzlies (-2.5) over THUNDER
Texas Christian (PK) over INDIANA
Gonzaga (-5) over WASHINGTON STATE
DUCKS (-1.5 (+150)) over Blues
CAPITALS/Bruins OVER 5.5
Last Night's Picks: 5-3
BLOG PICKS: 31-22
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