NFL Power Rankings

It's been an exciting season already, filled with surprise success stories and disappointing failures - here are the power rankings for the season up through Week 4.

1. Green Bay Packers (4-0)

The defending champs are as good as they've ever been, thanks to phenomenal play from my top MVP candidate, Aaron Rodgers.

2. New England Patriots (3-1)

They let one game slip from them, but this offense is just too high-powered to leave out of the top 2.

3. Baltimore Ravens (3-1)

Defense wins championships, they just happen to have a really good running back, quarterback, and set of receivers.

4. Detroit Lions (4-0)

They're undefeated, but not quite there yet. The offense looks great, but the defense worries me.

5. New York Giants (3-1)

Strong running game, tough defensive line, and playmaking receivers make the G-Men legitimate contenders.

6. Houston Texans (3-1)

People are underestimating Matt Schuab and the Texans, who beat Indy and Pittsburgh already.


7. New Orleans Saints (3-1)

The Saints are quietly asserting themselves as playoff contenders, thanks to the departure of Reggie Bush and the addition of home-run hitter Darren Sproles.

8. San Diego Chargers (3-1)

I'm not quite sold on the Bolts just yet, but Ryan Matthews seems to have a good hold on the running game and Phillip Rivers is an elite QB.


9. Tampa Bay Bucaneers (2-1)

This position depends on whether or not they beat the Colts tonight, but Josh Freeman and the Bucs have put together a strong start thus far.

10. New York Jets (2-2)

If they can get back to the running game, they'll get back to winning.

11. Tennessee Titans (3-1)

Give Matt Hasselbeck credit - he's old, but he's throwing like he's 21 again.

12. Atlanta Falcons (2-2)

Matt Ryan is finally getting used to his new receivers, and once this offense gels, the Falcons will be on their way to another playoff appearance.

13. Buffalo Bills (3-1)

Ryan Fitzpatrick has surprised a lot of folks, but we'll see if he can keep this dream season alive.


14. San Francisco 49ers (3-1)

The 9ers success depends on Frank Gore and the running game, which finally took off against the Eagles.

15. Washington Redskins (3-1)

Rex Grossman has impressed, and the Redskins defense has held up nicely.


16. Chicago Bears (2-2)

The offensive line needs to protect Cutler better if the Bears want to keep their playoff hopes alive.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2)

I don't know what's wrong with Big Ben, but he's gonna be in Big Trouble if he can't find his groove.


18. Cleveland Browns (2-2)

Colt McCoy is getting better and better each week, while their running game is getting worse and worse. #MaddenCurse

19. Cincinnati Bengals (2-2)

You gotta love the intensity Andy Dalton plays with.

20. Oakland Raiders (2-2)

Darren McFadden quietly leads the league in rushing yards.

21. Philadelphia Eagles (1-3)

The "Dream Team" is looking more and more like a nightmare.

22. Carolina Panthers (1-3)

Cam Newton is establishing himself as a future NFL star.


23. Kansas City Chiefs (1-3)

Without Jamaal Charles, it's going to be a long season.

24. Dallas Cowboys (2-2)

Tony Romo is as reliable as flat tire.

25. Denver Broncos (1-3)

We want Tebow, we want Tebow!

26. Seattle Seahawks (1-3)

This offense has dangerous weapons, they just don't work very well.

27. Minnesota Vikings (0-4)

Adrian Peterson is doing all that he can, but the poor guy gets no help.

28. Arizona Cardinals (1-3)

There's been a nice connection between Larry Fitzgerald and Kevin Kolb, we'll see if this turns into anything.


29. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3)

The Jags are a decent team, but until Blaine Gabbert develops into a better QB, they'll stay at just decent.


30. St. Louis Rams (0-4)

The Rams need Steven Jackson healthy and Sam Bradford accurate.

31. Miami Dolphins (0-4)

Reggie Bush sucks at football.


32. Indianapolis Colts (0-3)

We have now verified that the Colts are, in fact, nothing without Peyton Manning.

NFL Preseason Predictions! Part 6: The Pitiful NFC West + Super Bowl Prediction!

I know, my title is harsh. But there's good reasoning.

1. No team from this division has won a Super Bowl in over a decade.

2. There hasn't been a wild card qualifier from this division since 2004.

3. Last year, the NFC West housed the worst and second worst rushing teams in the entire NFL.

4. The Seahawks won the divisional title last season with a 7-9 record.

5. Can you name more than three players on more than one of these teams? Probably not.

Therefore, my title is justified. Deal with it, west-coasters. And Missourians.



1. St. Louis Rams 8-8

It came down to who has a better defense in determining this division's winner, and the Lou has the advantage. Teams won't be terrified to face them, but the Rams will definitely be able to shut down some of the more average teams this year. That's all QB Sam Bradford will need, depending on whether or not he avoids the sophomore slump. Stephen Jackson defines the word "workhorse" and although he's take a load of hits in his career, he's just too strong to slow down yet. Additionally, Jackson will have the new support of Jerious Norwood and Cadillac Williams to take some of the load off of his shoulders. He's been carrying the team on his back for too long, and its time he gets some help. The receiving corps is still below average, but with the addition of Mike Sims-Walker and signings of rookies Austin Pettis and Greg Salas, St. Louis is taking small steps of improvement. The Rams have the ability to make some noise this season, but we'll see whether or not they can live up to the hype.

Final Prediction: Loss in Wild Card Round



2. Seattle Seahawks

Seattle made some noise last season, and it wasn't just the "12th man". After making the playoffs with an unheard of 7-9 record, the 'Hawks took down the defending champion New Orleans Saints in the wild card round of the playoffs. All eyes are on newly acquired Tavaris Jackson, who never developed to the QB that Minnesota was hoping for. Now he's got a chance to prove himself, and he's got the talent around him to do it. Marshawn Lynch is deadly at running back, and he'll be sharing carries with Leon Washington and possibly Michael Robinson. At receiver, the Seahawks somehow managed to acquire Sidney Rice, which will provide a HUGE lift in the passing game (if Jackson can find him) and push the ball downfield for once. Golden Tate has the athleticism and ability to be an outstanding receiver, we're just waiting on the correct coaching to fully develop him. With Jackson at the helm, this will be a good but not great team, strictly because of the lack of ability in arm accuracy and decision making. Jackson can make some plays with his feet, but Seattle desperately needs success through the air, so unless the former Viking can download information from Michael Vick's brain, I don't see a playoff appearance for the 'Hawks.

Final Prediciton: Miss Playoffs


3. San Francisco 49ers 7-9

Aside from the quarterback position, the 49ers have some legit talent on offense. A machine at running back with Frank Gore, two wide receivers that have gifted abilities with Braylon Edwards and Ted Ginn, Jr. The offensive line is average, so the only thing holding these guys back is quarterback play. Alex Smith has thrown more touchdowns in his career, and hasn't come close to living up to his potential at all. Luckily for him, he's only 27 and has another year or two to step his game up and keep his job as a starter locked up. As for the San Francisco defense, you can't demand too much improvement at the linebacker position with Patrick Willis running the show, but that secondary is extremely weak. If the 9ers can continue stopping the run, and Alex Smith can learn how to play consistently, the Bay could finally reach the playoffs again. Do I think it'll happen...

Final Prediction: No


4. Arizona Cardinals 3-13

Ever since Kurt Warner left, this place has been a disaster. But with the addition of Kevin Kolb, the Cards are hoping to revitalize their glory days. They had a decent draft, acquiring a talented running back in Ryan Williams, plus an intimidating linebacker in Sam Acho, and, oh yeah, the best cornerback in the entire draft-Patrick Peterson. Mix in Peterson with Abdullah, Rhodes, and Wilson, and you've got quite an impressive secondary. But, everything else on the defense is wretched. It's not going to be a pretty year out in the desert, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Cards stole a few upsets against some playoff-caliber teams.

Final Prediction: Miss Playoffs

And that wraps up my NFL Preseason Predictions series! All 32 teams analyzed forward and back, and although I won't be dead-on, at least I gave you all some valuable information about your teams. And now, for the grand finale. . .

J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS!

I think ultimately, defense wins championships. That's what New York has. A punishing, relentless defense that will ultimately get to Aaron Rodgers and force turnovers. The Jets will run the ball early and often, and by the time the 4th quarter rolls around, the Pack will be exhausted, and that's when the Jets will score the winning touchdown, a pass from Mark Sanchez to Santonio Holmes. Green Bay may lead early, but the green and gold just aren't tough enough to handle Rex Ryan and his malicious defense.

Thanks to all of you for your support in this series! It was fun for me, and I hope it was the same for you. And remember, whether you think you can or can't, you're probably right. Until next time!

NFL Preseason Predictions! Part 4: The Red-Hot NFC North

I don't normally associate the NFC North with anything warm, but these four teams have some serious momentum going for them. If you missed the AFC predictions, you can check them out here for the AFC East, here for the AFC West, and here for the North and South divisions.

1. Green Bay Packers 12-4

The Pack is back, this time with more options at running back. The Green and Gold have Ryan Grant, James Starks, and a guy I think has the tools to develop into a Michael Turner in a short amount of time - 3rd round pick Alex Green. Green is a big back with explosive speed, weighing in at 6'0 225 lbs and recording a 4.45 second 40 yard dash. If the Packers can get him involved early, they'll add yet another weapon to their deadly offensive arselnal. Jermichael Finley is back from injury, Greg Jennings remains a top-tier receiver, and Aaron Rodgers is the prototype NFL quarterback. Look for the Pack to establish a running game this season, but don't be surprised if Aaron throws for 4,000 yards again. Defensively, Green Bay looks to be very sharp this year. A solid but not amazing defensive line, very good linebackers led by Clay Matthews and A.J. Hawk, and an outstanding secondary which includes Charles Woodson, Nick Collins, Sam Shields and Tramon Williams. This makes for a very impressive season for Green Bay.

Final Prediction: Super Bowl Appearance

2. Chicago Bears 11-5

"Da Bears" added a much needed offensive lineman with Gabe Carimi in the draft, which will help protect Jay Cutler and open up so more lanes for Matt Forte. The Bears have a very easy schedule laid out, so a playoff appearance looks probably for Chi-town. The Bears defense is a good as ever, so it's all in the hands (or arm) of Cutler not to screw up this sesaon.

Final Prediction: Loss in Divisional Round

3. Detroit Lions 8-8

Um, the Lion's defense is border-line stacked. Yeah, I said it. Just hear me out. You have quite possibly the best defensive line in the NFL with Suh, Fairley (whom Mel Kiper had as the #1 draft prospect for quite some time), Kyle Vanden Bosch, Cliff Avril and Corey Williams. The "Silver Crush" will be joined by Justin Durant, Chris Houston, and other young talents looking to prove themselves in a very intimidating defensive lineup. Matt Stafford is an elite QB in the making, and the Detroit running game is improving with Jahvid Best gaining more experience. Calvin Johnson leads the way for the wideouts, but look for recently-signed Maurice Stovall to put in work. If the Bears didn't have such a cake-walk schedule, I think the Lions would contend for a Wild Card spot.

Final Prediction: Miss Playoffs (But Improve Drastically)

4. Minnesota Vikings 6-10

We don't know what's going on in Minnesota. Is McNabb too old to start or is Christian Ponder too inexperienced to produce? Is Percy Harvin able to stay healthy? The only thing holding this Viking offense together is Adrian Peterson, and every opposing defense knows it. He'll still get his numbers but, this will not be a great year for the Vikes. At least Minnesota's defense functions properly. Maybe we'll see a heroic effort from Donvan McNabb and a trip to the Super Bowl, and maybe they won't even come close to making the playoffs.

Final Prediction: Miss Playoffs

More NFC predictions coming your way soon! Thanks for reading! And remember, whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right. Until next time!

Favre From Perfect

January 26th, 1997. The day of Super Bowl XXXI, and the day I became a Brett Favre fanatic at age 5. Favre and the Packers won the game, and since then I have watched nearly every Green Bay game to date. I wore his jersey minimum twice a week, and now, after all that's happened as of late, I've lost all my respect for the future hall-of-famer.

When Favre "retired" at the press confrence, I was actually surprised. I knew he had been back in forth in his decision for the past couple years, but after going so far in the playoffs I thought for sure he wouldn't stop there. But, he did, and I had to deal with it.

A friend of mine that lives in Wisconsin sent me down a few notorious Wisconsin newspapers, and all had Favre on the cover. I framed the cover of "The Capital Times" which had Favre looking triumphant, and the background was inscribed with LEGEND.

Hardly. In his interview with Greta Van Susteren, Favre declared that he wanted to be released from the Packers, and went on whining about how nobody wants him in Green Bay, and after watching five minutes of it I was indignant about everything he was saying. I think he is being beyond selfish, its obvious that he's just bored at home and wants his football fix. He's throwing away his legacy, and seems to not care at all. He says he does, but if he did then he wouldn't try to play for a different team.

ESPN.com says the Jets and Bucs are interested in Favre.

I just can't picture Favre in a different uniform. Imagine him throwing to Joey Galloway in those hideous Bucaneer uniforms. It's disgusting.

ESPN also reports that the Packers are postponing retiring Favre's jersey, and I couldn't agree with the Pack any more. I think Mike McCarthy is handling the situation very well, he says that he will not release Favre, and Favre won't start if he stays in Green Bay. He couldn't have thought of a better idea, but he couldn't stop Favre from demanding a trade, so now we get to see Favre go fail at another team.

Why, Brett. Why.