NFL Power Rankings Week 8: How Does Tony Romo Injury Affect Balance of Power?

NFL Power Rankings week 8 time, and we have a crucial injury to Tony Romo to talk about.  

As many of you are now aware, Tony Romo is looking at 6-8 weeks on the mend due to a fractured collarbone, delivered by the pass rush of one Michael Boley.  

As you will see, this greatly diminishes the reputation of the once-great Cowboys organization. They may have had hopes of Super Bowl glory, but now they will just have to worry about getting out of the bottom of the power rankings list.  

So here is my take on the best and worst in the NFL. 

Bottom Feeders: No. 32-21

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CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 24: Cheerleaders during the San Francisco 49ers versus Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 24, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

32: Bills (0-6 ) lost to Ravens

Last Week's Ranking: 31

I really would like to place them higher.  They score a lot of points and scared the Ravens this week.  

31: 49ers (1-6) lost to Panthers

Last Week's Ranking: 29

If the Cowboys were not so bad, NFL fans would be asking what happened to the 49ers.  This team should be much better. 

30: Panthers (1-5) beat 49ers

Last Week's Ranking: 32

Way to beat up on a team that is down on their luck Panthers. 

29: Cowboys (1-5) lost to Giants

Last Week's Ranking: 27

As soon at Romo was injured the Cowboys just gave up.  Why?  It was only Tony Romo. 

28: Lions (1-5) BYE

Last Week's Ranking: 26

Nothing like a bye week to not lose a game.  Now that's momentum.  

27: Broncos (2-5) lost to Raiders

Last Week's Ranking: 22

I have no idea how you lose to the Raiders, let alone lose to them in such a grand fashion, at home. 

26: Browns (2-5) beat Saints

Last Week's Ranking: 30

The Browns showed heart and defense. Great game, savor that one Cleveland. 

25: Bengals (2-4) lost to Falcons

Last Week's Ranking: 23

So having a bunch of All-Pro receivers was not the answer. 

24: Jaguars (3-4) lost to Chiefs

Last Week's Ranking: 25

At least they tried this week. 

23: Chargers (2-5) lost to Pats

Last Week's Ranking: 24

This team would make the playoffs if you didn't have to kick the ball off every games.  

22: Rams (3-4) lost to Bucs

Last Week's Ranking: 21

An almost win for the Rams is as good as an actual one in my book. 

21: Raiders (3-4) beat Broncos

Last Week's Ranking: 28

It pains me to rank them this high.  I have a feeling though, that they wasted all their scoring on Denver.  

No. 20: Vikings (2-4) Lost to Packers

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GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 24: Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts as Desmond Bishop #55 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates his interception for a touchdown at Lambeau Field on October 24, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jim Prisching/Ge

Now the Vikings find themselves in a similar situation as the Cowboys.  They must try and make the playoffs without their number one quarterback.

Even is Brett Favre keeps his streak of games played alive, It is more than evident that he is no longer the Favre of old.  He is just an old Favre. 

Last Week's Ranking: 19

No. 19: Cardinals (3-3) Lost to Seahawks

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SEATTLE - OCTOBER 24: Running back Tim Hightower #34 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes against Marcus Trufant #23 and Lawyer Milloy #36 of the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on October 24, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 2

Going into Sunday, the Cardinals had a very beatable opponent in the Seahawks.  But, no one can win a game when they cough up the ball five times.  

The Cards will have to shore up their mistakes if they want to make a push for the off-season.  

Last Week's Ranking: 18

No. 18: Packers (4-3) Beat Vikings

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GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 24: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers meets with Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings after the Packers defeated the Vikings 28-24 at Lambeau Field on October 24, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jim Prisching/Ge

Sunday night's victory was a gritty win for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers nation.  You could see it in Aaron Rodgers face as time expired.  A heavy weight was lifted.  It is now time to forget about that Favre guy and concentrate on the future. 

While we are doing that, let's concentrate on drafting a line and some running back in the off-season. 

Last Week's Ranking: 20

No. 17: Seahawks (4-2) Beat Cardinals

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SEATTLE - OCTOBER 24: Running back Justin Forsett #20 of the Seattle Seahawks rushes against the Arizona Cardinals at Qwest Field on October 24, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett ride again.  The Seahawks now have an explosive tandem of backs to go along with that very mediocre talent of Matt Hasselbeck. Cheers!

Last Week's Ranking: 17

No. 16: Buccaneers (4-2) Beat Rams

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TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 24: Quarterback Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers points out the defense of the St. Louis Rams during the game at Raymond James Stadium on October 24, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

I should have put them lower.  Not only did they beat my Rams, but they did so as well as giving me hope all game.  It was 17-6 at the half.  That's when we should have rushed the field, but no, they decided to play the rest of the game.  

Last Week's Ranking: 16

No. 15: Bears (4-3) Lost to Redskins

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CHICAGO - OCTOBER 24: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears sits on the bench a game against the Washington Redskins at Soldier Field on October 24, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Redskins defeated the Bears 17-14. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Jay Cutler must have a lot of chemistry with DeAngelo Hall because they were hooking up all day.  Hall picked off four passes from Jay Cutler.  Then Cutler had the audacity to say he would throw his way again if he had the chance.  

Why not give credit where credit is due?  Oh, right you are Jay Cutler.  The only way you don't throw an interception is if you are busy getting sacked.  So stay down on the ground or give the ball to Matt Forte...

Oh, man.  That felt good.  

Last Week's Ranking: 12

No. 14: Dolphins (3-3) Lost to Steelers

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 15: Dolfan Bandits Shane Meyer, L, and Manny Lopez cheer as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the Miami Dolphins at Land Shark Stadium on November 15, 2009 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Dolphins defeated the Buccaneers 25-23.

The Dolphins had control of the Ben Roethlisberger fumble in the end zone.  You know it.  I know it.  The officials know it.  But I had a burrito bet riding on that game and I won.  So, I will not be making waves on the call.  

Way to go NFL.

Last Week's Ranking: 13

No. 13: Redskins (4-3) Beat Bears

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CHICAGO - OCTOBER 24: DeAngelo Hall #23 of the Washington Redskins celebrates an interception in the final minutes of a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 24, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Redskins defeated the Bears 17-14. (Photo

Great win.  I do have to say their win was 60% Jay Cutler ineffectiveness and 40% DeAngelo Hall placement.

I know it Skins fans, it would be great to face Cutler every week.  

Last Week's Ranking: 15

No. 12: Chiefs (4-2) Beat Jaguars

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KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 24: Quarterback Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after passing to Dwayne Bowe #82 for a touchdown during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 24, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Miss

I don't know if you get brownie points for beating the Jaguars.  More often than not they are busy beating themselves. 

They did beat them by 22 points to I guess I will give a half hearted clap then.  

Last Week's Ranking: 14

No. 11: Texans (4-2) BYE

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HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 26: Running back Arian Foster #23 of the Houston Texans rushes against the Dallas Cowboys in the second quarter at Reliant Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

I hope their bye week gave Matt Schaub and Arian Foster much needed rest.  They need to be hitting on all cylinders when they face the Colts this weekend.  

Last Week's Ranking: 11

No. 10: Saints (4-3) Lost to Browns

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NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 24: Members of the Saintsations cheerleaders of the New Orleans Saints perform during the game against the Cleveland Browns at the Louisiana Superdome on October 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Im

The only reason they are still in the top ten after Sunday's embarrassment is that they are defending champions.  So they have one week to prove to me that they are serious about defending their crown.

What the Browns did to them was just embarrassing.  They were scoring at will and talking trash along the way.  What made it more painful to watch was that it was on New Orleans soil.  

Last Week's Ranking: 7 

No. 9: Eagles (4-3) Lost to Titans

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NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 24: Kevin Kolb #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs with the ball during the NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on October 24, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

For the first week in a while, Kevin Kolb looked human.  Andy Reid used this moment to his advantage by quickly picking Mike Vick as the starting quarterback moving forward.

It is the only time in history that a head coach was looking forward to an unimpressive game from his backup QB.  

Last Week's Ranking: 6 

No. 8: Falcons (5-2) Beat Bengals

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 24: Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons scores a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals at Georgia Dome on October 24, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

It is hard to deny that the Falcons are a playoff team when their offense is clicking like it was on Sunday.  Roddy White was a reliable receiver, Matt Ryan was delivering solid passes and Michael Turner was supplying a viable option on the ground.  

Last Week's Ranking: 10

No. 7: Giants (5-2) Beat Cowboys

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 25: Wide receiver Steve Smith #12 of the New York Giants celebrates a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the second quarter at Cowboys Stadium on October 25, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

After a couple of missteps and interceptions off of tipped balls, the Giants showed that they are a new team.  

They may have started 1-2, but since that time they have rolled off four wins in a row.  The latest was a come from behind thrashing on Monday Night. 

Last Week's Ranking: 9 

No. 6: Titans (5-2) Beat Eagles

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NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 24: Kerry Collins #5 of the Tennessee Titans throws a pass during the NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles at LP Field on October 24, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans won 37-19. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

This was supposed to be the Vince Young and Chris Johnson show.  Well, the Titans will take any win. Even if it features the elder statesman Kerry Collins and youngster Kenny Britt.  

The Titans seem to find new weapons every week. 

Last Week's Ranking: 8 

No. 5: Ravens (5-2) Beat Bills

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BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 24: A cheerleader for the Baltimore Ravens celebrates a Ravens touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium on October 24, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Bills 37-34. (Photo by Larry French/Getty I

The Ravens found out quickly that the Bills are better than their 0-6 mark.  The Super Bowl hopefuls needed an overtime field goal to escape unscathed.  Memo to the NFL, Ryan Fitzpatrick is very good. 

Last Week's Ranking: 5 

No. 4: Colts (4-2) BYE

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LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 17: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts throws a pass against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on October 17, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The Colts may have a tough challenge ahead in the Houston Texans. But, as long as they have Peyton Manning, this team will remain in the top five.  Unless they lose to the Texans.  You know, just giving full disclosure.  

Last Week's Ranking: 4

No. 3: Jets (5-1) BYE

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 29: Fans of the New York Jets cheer on their team against the Carolina Panthers on November 29, 2009 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated the Panthers 17-6. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

There is a lot to like about the Jets.  They have a solid offense and one of the best defenses in the league.  When they are healthy they are tough to beat.  

They should be able to capitalize on the weak line of Green Bay on Sunday.  Six wins will feel mighty good this time of year.  

Last Week's Ranking: 2

No. 2: Patriots (5-1) Beat Chargers

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SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 24: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England throws the ball against the San Diego Chargers during their NFL game on October 24, 2010 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

The Pats stay in the same slot as they were in week seven.  I just cannot give credit to knocking off the Chargers.  Everyone beats them.  Hell, the Raiders and Rams have wins against them.  

Last Week's Ranking: 3

No. 1: Steelers (5-1) Beat Dolphins

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PITTSBURGH - OCTOBER 17: Hines Ward #86 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the game on October 17, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Last week it was Ben Roethlisberger.  This week it was Hines Ward's time to shine.  This team is deep on both sides of the ball.  They just execute and win every weekend. 

There is no doubt.  This is the team to beat in the NFL. 

Last Week's Ranking: 1