NFL Power Rankings Week 6: Jets and Steelers Teams To Beat, Cowboys Falling Fast
Another week, another exciting set of games. Whether it was the Cardinals upsetting the Saints, the Jets exhilarating win over an emotional Vikings team or the Redskins overtime thriller, there was no shortage of heart stopping action.
We saw teams pass for over 400 yards and lose—twice. We also saw teams throw four interceptions and walk away with the W.
So where does every team rank after another wacky Sunday in the NFL? Read on to find out.
Rankings Teams 21-32
1 of 21
32. Bills
31. Panthers
30. 49ers
29. Browns
28. Lions
27. Rams
26. Bengals
25. Seahawks
24. Raiders
23. Dolphins
22. Jaguars
21. Buccaneers
20. Arizona Cardinals
2 of 21
It was undrafted rookie Max Hall’s first career start, and it couldn’t have gone better. The statistics weren’t impressive (17 of 27 for 168 yards and an INT), but behind a stellar defense that picked off Drew Brees three times, the Cardinals advanced to 3-2.
Arizona has a bye next week followed by two easy games against Seattle and Tampa Bay. Despite losing key defensive players during the offseason, the Cardinals are in position to repeat as NFC West champs.
19. Dallas Cowboys
3 of 21
The ‘Boys face the Vikings next week in a crucial early season match-up. Before the season, both teams were considered Super Bowl contenders, but with only one win apiece, expectations have changed.
Dallas has an extremely talented offense that is averaging 421 yards per game (second in the NFL) and an eighth ranked defense that allows only 305 total yards per game. With games at Minnesota and home against New York, Dallas has a difficult upcoming schedule, but at 1-3, can ill afford to lose.
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18. Minnesota Vikings
4 of 21
Their first game with Randy Moss didn’t go quite as well as many hoped for. Moss was limited to go routes, as he is still unfamiliar with the playbook, and the Jets secondary handcuffed Favre. Although the future hall of famer threw for 264 yards and three touchdowns, it came on an anemic 14 of 34 passing.
Based on talent, this is a top five team. With Kevin and Pat Williams clogging up the middle and Jared Allen wreaking havoc on the outside, the defense is just a notch below elite.
Meanwhile, the offense features elite players at every skill position with Favre, Moss, Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin. This team has the talent; now do they have the will?
17. Denver Broncos
5 of 21
Kyle Orton threw for 314 yards and two touchdowns, yet lost his spot as the leagues top passer to Philip Rivers. More importantly, his team dropped to 2-3 going into Sunday’s game against the Jets.
After torching the league’s top pass defense, will Orton be able to duplicate his effort against Revis and Cromartie? Tune in Sunday to find out.
16. San Diego Chargers
6 of 21
Despite over 400 yards from Philip Rivers, the Chargers blew a 13-game winning streak against the Raiders, losing 35-27.
There were plenty of positives to take away, even in defeat. Rookie Ryan Matthews looked sharp in only nine carries, while Malcom Floyd (eight catches, 213 yards) made San Diego fans forget about Vincent Jackson.
The inability of any Charger to fall on Rivers' late-game fumble was disconcerting, and hopefully that is addressed by coaches in this week’s meetings.
15. Houston Texans
7 of 21
Eli Manning threw for 297 yards and three touchdowns as the Texans pass defense once again failed to turn in a half way decent performance.
While Houston sports a great offense with Andre Johnson, Matt Schaub and Arian Foster, the defense is in shambles. Despite the league's fifth best rushing defense, the Texans sport the second worst total defense. The Texans secondary is so bad that Eli Manning’s 300 yard performance actually dropped their average passing yards allowed— which now sits at 329.6.
Houston hosts Kansas City this week, and if Matt Cassel even approaches the 300 yard mark, the Texans might have to consider switching to a nickel base set.
14. New Orleans Saints
8 of 21
Last year’s Super Bowl winners are floundering. A week after losing 41-10 to San Diego, the Cardinals beat New Orleans 30-20. Pathetic.
This is a Cardinals team that starts an undrafted rookie quarterback from BYU. A team that allowed nine sacks just a week prior. That lost multiple key players on the defensive side of the football.
Brees threw three interceptions, and the Saints allowed two defensive touchdowns, dropping them off the list of NFC elites.
13. Washington Redskins
9 of 21
Donovan McNabb threw for 357 yards, and LaRon Landry stepped up with 13 tackles and an interception as the Redskins defeated Green Bay 16-13 in overtime.
The 3-2 ‘Skins look like a legitimate playoff contender with McNabb at the helm, but will be challenged over the next two weeks with games against Indy and Chicago.
12. Green Bay Packers
10 of 21
The Packers not only lost the game, but may have lost Aaron Rodgers to a concussion. The Pro Bowl quarterback took a helmet to helmet hit late in Sunday’s OT loss to Washington and may be forced to sit Sunday’s game against Miami.
If Rodgers is unable to go, former LSU Tiger Matt Flynn would get the start for Green Bay.
11. Kansas City Chiefs
11 of 21
Despite the loss, the Chiefs turned a lot of heads Sunday against the Colts. While Matt Cassel doesn’t look like the big money quarterback they traded for, the defense was impressive and the running game remains solid.
The Chiefs have terrific play makers with Jamaal Charles, Dwayne Bowe, Dexter McCluster and others. It will be interesting whether they stick with the run or take to the air against an atrocious Houston secondary on Sunday.
10. Tennessee Titans
12 of 21
Chris Johnson continued his trend of alternating hit or miss games by rushing 19 times for 131 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday’s 34-27 win over Dallas.
The AFC South is muddled with all four teams sitting on 3-2 records, but the Titans could change that with a win on Sunday over the division rival Jaguars.
9. Philadelphia Eagles
13 of 21
With Michael Vick sitting with a rib injury and LeSean McCoy battling his own ailment, the Eagles defeated the 49ers, 27-24.
Philadelphia suffered another loss when defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley went down for the year with an injured elbow. He was replaced by Antonio Dixon who filled in admirably, recording a sack in the win.
The Eagles take on Atlanta this weekend, but it appears Vick is still injured and will be unable to play against his former team.
8. Chicago Bears
14 of 21
How is this possible? Todd Collins gets the start for a concussed Jay Cutler and throws for only 32 yards and four interceptions, yet the Bears still win! Collins recorded a 6.3 QB rating, yet left with a 23-6 victory.
A lot of credit goes to running back Matt Forte. The versatile back from Tulane carried the rock 22 times for 166 yards and two touchdowns.
Once again the defense was phenomenal tallying five sacks, three interceptions and holding the Panthers to under 150 yards of total offense. If Cutler can ever transform this offense, this Bears team can really do damage.
7. New York Giants
15 of 21
After Tom Coughlin was put on the hot seat earlier this season for his team’s poor play, the Giants are right back in the thick of things.
In a 34-10 road win over the Texans, Eli Manning threw for 297 yards, including 130 to Hakeem Nicks, and the defense silenced Matt Schaub and the Houston offense.
In fact, the Pro Bowl quarterback turned in his worst performance on the season, completing just 16 of 34 passes for 196 yards and an interception.
With a balanced run game, improving passing game led by young stud receivers Steve Smith and Nicks plus one of the best pass rushes in the game, the Giants look like the early favorite in the NFC East.
6. Atlanta Falcons
16 of 21
Sometimes I wonder what Matt Ryan would do without Roddy White. The former UAB star has accounted for 40 percent of Ryan’s yardage including 101 of Ryan’s 187 yards against the Browns.
Michael Turner was spectacular, turning in his best performance of the year with 19 carries for 140 yards. If Ryan can keep his turnovers low and Turner can stay healthy, the Falcons could be dancing the dirty bird all January long.
5. Indianapolis Colts
17 of 21
At 3-2, a top five ranking may seem high for the Colts, but they fully deserve this spot.
With the emergence of Austin Collie to a receiving core that includes Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark, the Colts offense is dangerous. Now, as the hard running Mike Hart is added to the fold, the Indy attack gains yet another wrinkle.
After knocking off the lone undefeated team in the NFL, the Colts will travel to Washington for a showdown against the Redskins. The ‘Skins defense shut down Aaron Rodgers last week, so a big game from Peyton Manning would speak volumes.
4. New England Patriots
18 of 21
For New England, the bye week could not have come at a more perfect time. Despite leading the NFL in scoring, the Patriots traded away Randy Moss to the Vikings.
While they have traded for Deion Branch and will substitute speedster Brandon Tate in Moss’ starting spot, there are many questions about how this new-look offense will look.
Expect a lot of looks to rookie tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez this week against a stout Ravens pass defense.
3. Baltimore Ravens
19 of 21
The Ravens impressed me this weekend with their win over Denver. Even though their top ranked passing defense surrendered over 300 yards through the air, Baltimore found ways to win. Ray Rice finally righted the ship, running for 127 yards and two touchdowns.
We all know Baltimore’s defense is amongst the league’s elite, but until Joe Flacco shows improvement, this team may be stuck in the mud. Even after adding Anquan Boldin and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Flacco has regressed—his QB rating dropping 16 points since last year.
2. New York Jets
20 of 21
It pains to admit it, but the Jets are scary good. Darelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie may be the best cornerback tandem in my lifetime, and together, give opposing QB’s almost nowhere to throw. Last night, Brett Favre completed only 41 percent of his passes despite the new addition of Randy Moss.
Offensively, the Jets are also much improved since last year. LT is running hard for New York, while offering help in the pass game as both a blocker and receiver. In tandem with Shonn Greene, the Jets have a tough running game that can wear out opposing defense.
My biggest problem still lies with quarterback Mark Sanchez. Last night, he completed only 48 percent of his passes for under 200 yards and yet he was still praised like a deity. Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes, Jerricho Cotchery and Dustin Keller compose a wonderful receiving core, but until Sanchez takes his game to the next level, the Jets will have to carry their young QB.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
21 of 21
The Steelers had a bye last week, yet retain the top spot on the power rankings list. Without Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh produced the fewest passing yards of any team in the league, yet still went 3-1. Now that the prodigal son has returned, the Steelers are ready to reverse that trend.
Mike Wallace has emerged as a weapon on offense and should help offset the offseason loss of Santonio Holmes. Add to that the top ranked rush defense in the NFL and one of the best linebacking cores in football, and it’s easy to see why Sports Illustrated picked the Steelers to win it all.
With Big Ben sitting, this team developed an us against the world mindset. That mental toughness and edge is an invaluable tool moving forward.
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