If the 11th week of the NFL season taught us anything, it's that we know nothing.
But of course we already knew that.
After 10 weeks of my saying the Steelers were one of the top three teams in the league, they lost to the Jets in overtime.
Ricky Williams was reinstated...again.
And the Dolphins welcomed him back...again.
And who said a field goal has to land on the ground behind the uprights to be good?
The Browns proved that's not the case when a field goal try ricocheted off the rear support beam and landed in the end zone—with the result being three points.
As it stands, the only thing that's all but official in the NFL is that the Dolphins won't be playing football in January.
Beyond that, clarity is hard to come by—but let's give it a whirl anyway...
1. New England Patriots (10-0)
Not much needs to be said here. The pursuit of perfection continues.
2. Dallas Cowboys (9-1)
Romo and Owens are as close to Brady and Moss as you can get.
The Cowboys' one and only loss this season is to the Pats—can you blame them?
3. Green Bay Packers (9-1)
The Packers are off to their best start since the 1962 season, when they opened 10-0 and went on to win the NFL Championship over the Giants.
Brett Favre is playing better than he ever has.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-3)
The Jags were successful in doing something the Colts couldn't—beating the Chargers.
If the Jags' defense continues its stellar play, Jacksonville can probably make itself comfortable in my top five.
5. Indianapolis Colts (8-2)
What's wrong Peyton? Still can't figure out how to score without your top-tier receivers?
6. New York Giants (7-3)
I've been very hesitant to give the Giants this much credit—but they've earned it.
After all, defense does win games.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4)
Three forced fumbles and two interceptions against the Falcons tells me the Tampa defense is firmly behind Jeff Garcia and Earnest Graham.
Look for a strong second half of the season.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3)
Their inconsistency makes them not-so-powerful in my book. The loss to the Jets hurt.
9. Cleveland Browns (6-4)
You have to wonder if Brady Quinn's job is safe. He went from being the talk of the nation to being an afterthought in Northern Ohio.
15 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
greg pitsch about 1 year ago
This is the only guy who would put the niners over the raiders. You obviously, do not watch the bay area teams play. Because week in, week out the raiders are in the game. The niners l;ose out by a long shot every time.. Culpepper is playing better than both Smith and Dilfer... Look at stats when you write. It might save some criticism.
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Chris Radez about 1 year ago
Here's a stat for you. Daunte Culpepper has 7 fumbles and 4 INTs in 5 games he's appeared in (only started in 4 of those games). That doesn't appear to criticize my logic...
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Norbert Cartagena about 1 year ago
I'm rooting for the Dolphins to go 0-16. I love a perfect season. Oh, and the Pats going 16-0 would be cool, too. But yea, Go Dolphins! Continue losing!
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tee polk about 1 year ago
T.O. for MVP?????
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Baruch Landa about 1 year ago
How great would it be if the Pats lost to the Dolphins to go 15-1 on the season (and the Fins 15-1 would be quite ironic too)? Didn't that happen to the '85 Bears? They lost to the Dolphins, right? Would love to hear your opinion on that.
On another note, how can you put the SEAHAWKS so high up?! Who cares about the record...
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Chris Radez about 1 year ago
It actually really wouldn't surprise me at all if that's how it turns out for the Pats and the Dolphins. In 2004 when the Patriots went 14-2, one of their two losses was to those same Phins. Plus, something tells me that Bill Belichick doesn't want the publicity involved with going 16-0... so expect him to lose at least one game... especially now that the Colts have lost two. Home-field advantage is no longer an issue.
The Seahawks... I know. It was tough for me to put them up there, but I still feel like they have the tools to put up some good performances before the season is over. If you look at their remaining schedule: STL, PHI, ARI, CAR, BAL, ATL ...... there's no reason why they can't run the table and enter the playoffs with a 12-4 record. I realize that the weakness of their schedule doesn't give them credibility, but it should provide them with momentum nonetheless.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Dont talk bad about the eagles. 5-5 isnt bad at all in the NFC plus they had a run last year without McNabb. Feely 6 for 9 100 plus yards TD , not something you get upset about. Plus the pats have a good coach which would study for McNabb or Feeley. feeleys got a hurt hand imagine if he went down and kolb came in and lit the pats up
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Derek Kramer about 1 year ago
Someone sees the Bills past the drubbing they took. Make the run to the wild card!!!
Good luck with your Kolb theory anonymous dude... trust me I don't think it'll happen...
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Baruch Landa about 1 year ago
Ok Chris, I do hear what you're saying about the Seahawks schedule. However, I think Holgrem is going to revert back to his conservative style of play (with or without Alexander), and it's only a matter of time. So yes, in theory they can run the table, but I think 10-6 is realistic. Speaking of the Seahawks, I'm going with the upset today @ STL. What's your take?
One more thing: I feel bad for the Ravens. I personally thought 13-3 this year with a legitimate shot at the Super Bowl. Injuries ruin everything...
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Baruch Landa about 1 year ago
I meant for the SEA-STL game on Sunday by the way...
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Chris Radez about 1 year ago
heh... I actually predicted the very same upset in the article where I discussed the Rams. While it really shouldn't happen... it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest.
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RealFootball365.com about 1 year ago
In reference to your commentary on the Cincinnati Bengals, I feel obliged to quote Bill Parcells:
"You are what your record says you are"
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Chris Radez about 1 year ago
You're right... but I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels like they should be doing much better with the talent they have on their team.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
#4 FAVRE 4 HIS 4TH MVP
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RealFootball365.com about 1 year ago
That's the thing about the NFL, though. The Bengals are perceived to be more "talented", but think about it. They didn't make the playoffs last year and they have one of the worst records in football this year.
Sure, they have some very talented skill players, but their offensive and defensive lines are average at best and they have few playmakers on defense.
Three years ago, they had some defensive playmaking ability to go along with that offense, which is why they were contender. The 2007 Bengals are not that same team.
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