NFL Power Rankings from a Fan's Perspective

This is your NFL rankings as far as entertainment value, wins, and other interesting factors no one else probably thinks about.

Your No. 1 ranked team is the Minnesota Vikings. With every win, this team gets better and more focused on the ultimate prize, that Super Bowl trophy.

The Vikings are undefeated and have just lacked that leader-type quarterback in past years to get back in the Super Bowl conversation.

Now, with a very good defense, Brett Favre, the ultimate warrior at quarterback, and the always touchdown threat of Adrian Peterson, who is always ready to get you 150 yards on the ground in a game, look out this season.

I had previously thought Atlanta would rise up and make it to the Super Bowl as the NFC representative this season, but I have to go with the mystique of Brett Favre and the fact that the Vikings have so many previous losses in past Super Bowls.

Go Vikings! You're fun to watch this season.

The team they play in the NFC Championship might just very well be the New Orleans Saints, who are showing defense to go with offense. Drew Brees is always pretty good. They have a punishing running game and an emerging defense, as you saw in the Jets game.

New Orleans are 4-0 and on the rise. They are your No. 2 ranked team in wins and entertainment value.

No. 3 are the New York Giants. Part of this ranking is due to Steve Smith, who has emerged as a big-time weapon, to take the place of Burress.

Eli Manning is dependable, and the defense is always present in games. They are 4-0 and have a big game coming up against the Saints next week.

Peyton Manning and the Colts are in the fourth position in my rankings. They are also 4-0, and very, very steady this season. The only question, remains the run defense, and perhaps injuries, as Peyton needs enough weapons to throw to.

The new rookie running back shows promise, as the running game has been somewhat questionable as well. Donald Brown looks good, and the starters need to stay healthy.

The defending Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers have my fifth position, currently. Seriously, does anyone think Denver will beat these guys, besides Denver Bronco fans? I know Pittsburgh is 2-2, but things will get better.

Pittsburgh has showed, however, how very important Troy Polamalu is on that defense. With a healthy Polamalu all over the field, this defense still needs to be feared on any given game day.

We all know Big Ben is money under pressure, and Mendenhall and Parker will get it done, plus Moore is a versatile player as well, as he threw a touchdown to Miller last week.

The New England Patriots have my No. 6 spot, but if Denver can beat them, Denver will slide up a couple of notches. That's a big if, however.

New England is 3-1, and needs a win in Denver, to establish presence in the grand scheme of NFL power.

Alright, Denver, 4-0 and currently in the No. 7 spot, mainly because of that lucky first week win at Cincinnati.

Without that win, you might be ranked lower, so be happy, don't worry, and try to beat Tom Brady and the Patriots this week. Then, watch your team move up and get some respect.

The Philadelphia Eagles have spot No. 8, at 3-1 and with a good team. Injuries are key to this team getting anywhere this season, as Westbrook misses game time, and other players must step up and carry the load.

McNabb is still very good with a supporting cast, but his window of opportunity is getting smaller and smaller to actually win a Super Bowl. We could very well see McNabb gets his hopes dashed by some old guy in Minnesota.

The surprising San Francisco 49ers have my No. 9 spot, presently, but Atlanta could swap with them this week. Big game for Mike Singletary and that defense this week against the Falcons.

Atlanta has the No. 10 spot but could also move up with a win against the Niners, and a couple more good weeks, against quality teams.

A good addition was Tony Gonzales at tight end, and a healthy Roddy White is also key, as far as weapons for Matt Ryan to have at his disposal.

The defense also has to play tougher, especially against the run. They are lucky Frank Gore is not playing against them this week in San Francisco and must take advantage of that. I do have them winning this game and slipping ahead of the Niners in the rankings.

No. 11 in the ranking are the also surprising Bengals. Our hearts go out to Mike Zimmer, the defensive coordinator, and the whole Bengal organization, for the loss of Zimmer's wife recently.

They should play an inspired game today against Baltimore and maybe pull off an upset.

Baltimore is in the No. 12 spot, but will move up, with a win against Cincinnati. Joe Flacco is playing great, the defense is always tough. and the running game is coming along.

They have to get over the proverbial hump and wrest away that division stranglehold that Pittsburgh holds, year after year.

Your No. 13 team is the Chicago Bears. Cutler looks pretty good, but Matt Forte has a slow start on the season. Defensive holes must be filled.

Your 14th ranked team are the Dallas Cowboys. The quarterback is slightly above average, the team is aging, and injuries are bothering the running game.

The defense is not all that special. Sorry Dallas, you need some help, in the next couple of drafts, and maybe a quarterback like Tebow, McCoy, or Bradford.

No. 15 is Arizona, who is facing just better teams to play this season. They may drop further in the rankings after the Houston game, whom I have picked to make the playoffs this season.

This is a big game for Houston to move up in rankings and compete for that division, or at least a wild card this season. That offense needs to get ahead of Arizona quickly this week, for Arizona has difficulty coming back from large deficits.

No. 16 is Houston but will flip flop with Arizona with a win. This defense needs to get better, as the offense has plenty of weapons.

No. 17 is the Jacksonville Jaguars, who may be 4-2 going into their bye week. Sims-Walker is proving to be a great receiver, Garrard is stepping up, and Maurice Jones-Drew is a great player as well.

Defense is the question, for continued success.

Green Bay is all the way down in 18th place in your NFL power ratings. They need help in all facets.  Defense, offense, special teams, the works.

Speaking of defense, San Diego has none. That's why they are ranked in 19th place. They have a great quarterback, good runners, and good receivers. Even a good kicking game and special teams. Just no defense.

The Miami Dolphins round out the top 20 in rankings. Perhaps Tennessee is just as good, but they have to start winning some games.

Washington could somehow climb into the top 20 but must start playing a whole lot better.

Everyone else in the league is not a very good team, and will not likely make any impact on this season in the NFL.

Biggest surprise in the NFL, the Denver Broncos. Biggest disappointment, the Carolina Panthers. followed by San Diego, Dallas, and Green Bay.

Hope you liked my rankings, and if you don't, speak up!

Thomas [NFL Mikee] Moreland.