Week 7 NFL Rankings They Aren't Who We Thought They Were

This NFL season has been a roller coaster ride for analysts and odds-makers alike. The teams that were expected to be the contenders for the championship are looking very mediocre at this moment. Fans and experts are wondering which teams are for real.

Prior to the season, most experts looked to teams like the Packers, Ravens, Colts, Saints, Falcons, Cowboys, Vikings, Chargers, Steelers, and Jets to dominate. While some of these teams have proven themselves, others have shown why this is a league of parity and sometimes the paper champs are just that. Many teams are doing a little soul searching trying to find their identity and examining their flaws.

One of the big surprises of the season has been the Kansas City Chiefs. They are 4-2 and have a tremendous running game, which is only ranked behind the Jets. With new defensive and offensive coordinators managing young talent, this team looks to change the landscape of the AFC for years to come. Matt Cassell has one of the best QB ratings in the NFL! The Chiefs might not make it to the top this year, but look for them to spoil other AFC teams hopes. The Chiefs could own their division by Thanksgiving.

While some teams are surprising with their success, others have stunned us with their lackluster records and execution. One of the biggest disappointments are the Cowboys. How can a team with so much talent on both sides of the ball not put it together on the field? Their current record is 1-5 and the only win was on the road. Now with Romo being hurt, the Giants could arguably be the top team in the NFC.

The Vikings have several questions as well. With the Favre ankle injury, the Vikings might have to look towards Tavaris Jackson, which will alter the team's identity. Randy Moss was brought to Minnesota so Favre had a deep threat he could chuck it up to. But now, he's gone. If Jackson is behind center, the team will look to be a run first team.

The whole NFC North is confusing. The Bears are in first place with the worst offensive line in the NFL and an offensive coordinator too stubborn to run the ball. The Packers are not the prevailing team the experts looked towards either. Now, with major injuries on both sides of the ball, the battle of attrition that is the NFL will have the Pack struggling.

The Bengals, who acquired Terrell Owens in the summer, also have Cedric Benson. The team is 2-4 in a division that includes the Ravens, Steelers, and the upstart Browns that recently made a mockery of the Saints. Like the Cowboys, the talent is there, but the execution on the field shows that maybe the coaches aren’t using the talent effectively.

   The Chargers have been Super Bowl favorites for years. They always seem to have slow starts, but this year a “slow start” is an understatement. They lead the league in passing yards, mostly due to playing from behind so much. With the off the field issues of disgruntled Vincent Jackson, injured/overrated Shawne Merriman and Antonio Gates turf toe, the Chargers are tied for last in the AFC West behind the Chiefs and the Raiders!

   The top teams come December will mostly be AFC heavy teams. The Steelers won games with defense, and now Big Ben is back and looks very sharp. The Patriots, who went under the radar due to the Jets' hype, are 5-1 as Bill Belichick coaches a list of no name players.. The Colts are still in the hunt even though Dallas Clark was recently put on IR. The Ravens have recently developed a passing game, in addition to the stout defense and effective running game. With reborn LaDainian Tomlinson, maturing Mark Sanchez, and the exotic blitz heavy defense, the Jets will improve even more throughout the season.

   Unlike other major sports, the parity in the NFL cannot be matched. This year the experts and analysts cannot be trusted. Like Chris Berman says, “That’s why they play the games”.

October 27, 2010