NFL Power Rankings: Week Six

(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Who would've thought that the Week One snoozefest between Denver and Cincinnati, which the Broncos won, 12-7, on that miracle tipped 87-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Stokley, would turn out to be a legitimate defensive struggle between two of the best teams in the AFC?

This week, Denver (5-0) stunned New England, 20-17, in overtime and the Bengals (4-1) beat Baltimore, 17-14, on the road.

Both of these teams are in my top 10, but let's take a look at the rest of the rankings.

1. (1) New York Giants (5-0)

For the third straight week, I was forced to watch the Giants blow out a college team because there was no other NFL game on in their time slot.  It's a good thing I had the Red Sox-Angels game to flip to, which turned out to be very exciting and quite satisfying.

2. (2) Indianapolis Colts (5-0)

Forgive me if I didn't watch any of the Sunday night mismatch between the Colts and Titans, but I was busy tuning into the Yankees' clinching win over the Twins.

3. (3) Minnesota Vikings (5-0)

Adrian Peterson is tied for the league lead in touchdowns (7) and is second in rushing (481 yards).

4. (4) New Orleans Saints (4-0)

The Saints were idle this week before their big showdown with the Giants at the Superdome on Sunday.

5. (5) Denver Broncos (5-0)

This Denver team is for real with the best scoring defense in the league (8.6 ppg) and the second best total defense (252.8 ypg).

6. (9) Atlanta Falcons (3-1)

The Falcons absolutely dismantled the 49ers on the road, putting up 35 points in the first half.

7. (10) Philadelphia Eagles (3-1)

Donovan McNabb was stellar in his return from injury, completing 16 of 21 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns.

8. (11) Cincinnati Bengals (4-1)

The Bengals should request that Gus Johnson call all of their games.

9. (6) New York Jets (3-2)

That vaunted Jets defense looked absolutely confused against Miami's Wildcat offense.

10. (7) New England Patriots (3-2)

The Pats have now been shut out in the second half twice in the past four games.

11. (8) Baltimore Ravens (3-2)

The Ravens have lost two close games and we're left to wonder why they've only beaten three teams with a combined record of 3-11.

12. (12) Green Bay Packers (2-2)

The Pack got a bye week before two very winnable games vs. Detroit and at Cleveland.

13. (13) Chicago Bears (3-1)

The Bears' off week, on the other hand, comes prior to a pair of difficult road contests at Atlanta and Cincinnati.

14. (14) Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2)

Ben Roethlisberger has thrown five touchdowns and just one interception over his past two games.

15. (15) San Diego Chargers (2-2)

San Diego got a bye before playing its entire division over the next three weeks.

16. (24) Miami Dolphins (2-3)

Ronnie Brown ran for 74 yards and two scores, caught three passes for 14 yards and even threw for 21 yards, and my fantasy team still lost by 20.

17. (16) San Francisco 49ers (3-2)

Down 25 in the third quarter, Dre' Bly intercepted a pass by Matt Ryan but was caught from behind and lost the ball when he began celebrating during his return. "Dre's going to be Dre'," Bly said. "When I make plays, and I've made a lot, I express myself."  I'm surprised Mike Singletary didn't drop his pants right then and there.

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