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Everyone loves power rankings of the teams in a particular sport. But why not see how the top teams stack up among the best of the big six team sports in North America? Which teams are flying highest right now, regardless of sport?
Sweet 16 is my attempt to rank the elite teams in the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, and college football and basketball as a whole every month. Only the very best teams land a spot in these rankings.
No. 16 New York Giants
Yes, Plaxico's skills will certainly be missed, but the Giants should be very good on defense and running the ball this season. Eli will have to find a new number one target to throw to, but shouldn't look as bad as he did in the final weeks of last season.
Right now the Giants have to be in any discussion of the top NFC teams.
No. 15 New York Yankees
So Boston might have the Yankees' number—they still have to feel good about sitting in second in the American league and only trailing the Red Sox by two games in the division.
Losing nine straight to Boston probably stings a little, but on the bright side they won't have to see the Sox again until August.
No. 14 Oklahoma Sooners
The return of playmakers Sam Bradford, DeMarco Murray, and Jermaine Gresham are reason enough for the excitement in Norman. And the letdown against Florida will only serve as more motivation for Bradford and the Sooners.
If Oklahoma can shore up its offensive line, they could have a very special season.
No. 13 Kansas Jayhawks
As if the return of Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins wasn't enough to get Jayhawk fans excited, add another top five recruiting class, including the 6'6" SG phenom Xavier Henry, and you're looking at a team with legitimate national championship aspirations.
No. 12 Philadelphia Phillies
The defending champs quietly have the third best record in baseball and own a very impressive 23—9 road record, good for best in the bigs.
Now if they could just bring a little of that road swagger back home.
No. 11 North Carolina Tar Heels
Since this is the first ranking, the Tar Heels deserve some love for their National Championship, and really make the list based on past merit.
The loss of Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington and Danny Green will really hurt, but don't forget about the talent UNC has returning. Add the number two recruiting class in the nation and a pretty good coach in Roy Williams, and the Heels should still be a dangerous top 10 team this year.
No. 10 Texas Longhorns
While the Longhorns basketball team should be great next season too, it's Colt McCoy and the football team that grab the 10 spot.
Texas should have one of the best passing offenses again, but would probably like to do a little better on the ground this year. They'll also be playing with a pretty big chip on their shoulder. The Longhorns will be hoping to close the season in Pasadena.
No. 9 Orlando Magic
While the Magic came up short in the finals, how many people truly thought Orlando would beat the mighty Cavs who were steamrolling through the playoffs, let alone Boston?
Obviously the Magic wish the season had ended with a title, but should still take pride in the great season it was. The goal now has to be keeping Turkoglu in Orlando.
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