NFL Power Rankings Week 11: Eagles New No. 1 as Falcons, Bears and 49ers Rise
The 2010-11 season has been rather unpredictable I'd say. We are now in Week 11 of the NFL season and 25 of 32 teams either lead, are tied, or are within two games of the division lead. For the sake of meaningful football, I hope the parody continues.
We are now back to a full slate of games, the bye weeks have gone bye-bye. Only two of the 16 Week 11 games don't have playoff implications: Buffalo-Cincinnati and Detroit-Dallas.
Top five matchups to watch in Week 11:
Indianapolis at New England
Chicago at Miami
Tampa at San Francisco
Oakland at Pittsburgh
New York Giants at Philadelphia
Top five quarterbacks in Week 11:
1. Philip Rivers/2. Tom Brady/3. Mike Vick/4. Jon Kitna/5. Aaron Rodgers
Top five running backs in Week 11:
1. Jamaal Charles/2. Frank Gore/3. Maurice Jones-Drew/4. Peyton Hillis/5. Fred Jackson
Top five wide receivers in Week 11:
1. Roddy White/2. Greg Jennings/3. Dwayne Bowe/4. Dez Bryant/5. Brandon Lloyd
And now what you've all been waiting for: My absurdly funny Week 11 Power Rankings.
Don't like my list? I want to hear from you! Share yours in the comments section below. Let's discuss people! Have any mock headlines? Share those too.
1. Philadelphia Eagles 6-3
1 of 32
Previously Ranked: 4
Week 10: 59-28 win at Washington
Right now, at this very moment, the Philadelphia Eagles are the best team in football. Michael Vick treated the Redskins like high-schoolers on Monday Night Football. He found the end zone six times, four in the air and two on the ground, and don't forget his 333 passing yards and 80 rushing yards.
Vick's contribution: 413 total yards, 6 touchdowns
I wonder if the Redskins feel duped. Somewhere Andy Reid is smiling while combing his mustache.
Next up: New York Giants
I have no reason to believe the Michael Vick and the Eagles offense will slow down against the Giants. This is one for the ages.
2. New England Patriots 7-2
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Previously Ranked: 5
Week 10: 39-26 win at Pittsburgh
I'm sitting here trying to figure out what to say about the Patriots and all I can do is shrug my shoulders. I want to say that they're the best team in football team, but I'm not convinced. Please convince me Mr. Brady!!!
A nice win over a good Pittsburgh team, big ups nonetheless.
Next up: Indianapolis
Really surprised this one isn't a night game this week. Tony Dungy and Rodney Harrison would be hysterical to listen to on Football Night in America.
3. Atlanta Falcons 7-2
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Previously Ranked: 7
Week 10: 26-21 win over Baltimore
I'll take the Falcons over any other NFC team—as long as the game is played at the Georgia Dome. However the road is a much different story.
Rowdy Roddy White is playing the best football of any receiver in the NFL right now.
Next up: at St. Louis
The Rams are 4-0 at home. They are another one of those teams that shows you something different each week. I wonder if Matt Ryan is aware that the Rams have blown three fourth-quarter leads this season.
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4. New York Jets 7-2
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Previously Ranked: 6
Week 10: 26-20 OT win at Cleveland
The Jets may have seven wins but let me assure you, they aren't that good. Two weeks in a row teams have managed to hand the game over on a silver platter. If you want to think of the glass as half full, both games were won on the road.
I'm just glad somebody named Ryan won the game.
Next up: Houston
The Texans are not playing good football. Rex Ryan needs to get his guys focused and go for an early knockout. No more overtimes for this bunch.
5. Baltimore Ravens 6-3
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Previously Ranked: 3
Week 10: 26-21 loss at Atlanta
The Falcons drove the ball 85 yards on seven plays in 45 seconds for a touchdown to win the game. Oh boy, Ray Lewis has got to be pissed right now.
Next up: at Carolina
A much needed layup.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers 6-3
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Previously Ranked: 1
Week 10: 39-26 loss to New England
I bet the Steelers wish they could have this one back. The NFL's top-ranked defense looked pretty amateur to me.
Next up: Oakland
I'm concerned for the Steelers. They're only a .500 team at home this season. Not good with the red-hot Raiders coming to town. The Steelers may have saved Raiders' head coach Tom Cable's job last season.
7. Indianapolis Colts 6-3
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Previously Ranked: 9
Week 10: 23-17 win over Cincinnati
Good thing Peyton chose to have his worst game of the season against Cincinnati and not a good team. Tough days ahead for the battered Colts.
Word is Jacob Tamme could barely walk his back hurt so bad after the win on Sunday. Not sure if he'll miss any time.
Next up: at New England
This one's for the football fan in everybody.
8. New York Giants 6-3
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Previously Ranked: 2
Week 10: 33-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys
The Giants laid an enormous egg against the Cowboys. They really blew a chance to separate themselves from the pack. I think I just heard a tire blow on the Giants bandwagon. Please keep your arms and legs inside the bandwagon at all times because it's going to be a bumpy ride from here on out.
Next up: at Philadelphia on Sunday Night Football.
9. Green Bay Packers 6-3
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Previously Ranked: 8
Week 10: BYE
Next up: at Minnesota
I'm thinking the Packers pound Favre into retirement.
10. New Orleans Saints 6-3
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Previously Ranked: 10
Week 10: BYE
Next up: Seattle
Reggie Bush is expected to play, which is great news for the Saints. His presence in the backfield makes Drew Brees so much more dangerous. Five wins from Seattle shouldn't scare anybody—anywhere.
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6-3
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Previously Ranked: 15
Week 10: 31-16 win over Carolina
Josh Freeman may be the most underrated quarterback in the NFL. It's too bad he plays in Tampa. LeGarrette Blount seems like the real deal.
Next up: at San Francisco
Most of the country will be watching Colts-Patriots in the late slot but don't sleep on this matchup for a minute!
12. Oakland Raiders 5-4
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Previously Ranked: 13
Week 10: BYE
Is Darren McFadden the NFL's most improved player?
Next up: at Pittsburgh
I wouldn't be surprised if the Raiders left Pittsburgh with a 6-4 record.
13. San Diego Chargers 4-5
13 of 32
Previously Ranked: 14
Week 10: BYE
Philip Rivers for MVP!!!
Next up: Denver on Monday Night Football
No team needed a bye week more than the Chargers. It looks like the Chargers will have Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee back for Monday night football—and I'm willing to bet Antonio Gates misses another one.
14. Chicago Bears 6-3
14 of 32
Previously Ranked: 19
Week 10: 27-14 win over Minnesota
It’s been a few years since teams have had to key in on Hester when forming a defensive game plan. I don’t want to jinx anything, but man, he looks like the Hester of old. He looks like the guy who can take any kick back for six, and he’s equally as dangerous when he lines up at receiver.
Hester’s box score:
4 catches-38 yards, 1 TD
2 kickoff returns-100 yards
2 punt returns-47 yards
Total: 8 touches-185 yards, 1 TD – 23.12 yards per touch
Pretty good eh?
Next up: at Miami on Thursday Night Football
Jay Cutler and the Bears seem to be rolling again. Watching them battle the Packers down the stretch will be fun.
15. Miami Dolphins 5-4
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Previously Ranked: 17
Week 10: 29-17 win over Tennessee
A rather bizarre game. The Dolphins lost both Chad Pennington and Chad Henne to injuries forcing third-stringer Tyler Thigpen into the game. Didn't much matter though considering the outcome.
Randy Moss has all of one catch in two games against Vontae Davis and the Dolphins.
Next up: Chicago on Thursday Night Football
Chad Henne is listed as day-to-day according to head coach Tony Sparano. If I were a betting man, I'd bet on Thigpen to start against the born-again Bears.
16. Kansas City Chiefs 5-4
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Previously Ranked: 12
Week 10: 49-29 loss at Denver
The Chiefs defense gave up 35 first-half points to a team that has struggled much of the season. Things aren't on the up-and-up as much as they used to be in KC. But hey, Matt Cassel had a career game—469 yards and four touchdowns.
Next up: Arizona
Arizona provides a good opportunity to right the ship.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars 5-4
17 of 32
Previously Ranked: 20
Week 10: 31-24 win over Houston
What an unbelievable finish. A hail mary doesn't work in real life! It only works in the movies!
Nice to see Maurice Jones-Drew back on track. He's going to put up HUGE fantasy numbers down the stretch.
Next up: Cleveland
Need a win here to keep pace with the AFC's top dogs.
18. Tennessee Titans 5-4
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Previously Ranked: 11
Week 10: 29-17 loss at Miami
Three different quarterbacks lit up Tennessee's defense. The offense didn't look any different with Randy Moss on the field, and quite frankly, I'm surprised a Jeff Fisher-coached team played so poorly coming off the bye.
Next up: Washington
Chris Johnson is going to have a huge game. The Redskins are coming off a 31-point loss on Monday Night Football.
19. Seattle Seahawks 5-4
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Previously Ranked: 28
Week 10: 36-18 win at Arizona
The Seattle Seahawks are the class of the NFC West at the moment. Saying that out loud made me throw up in my mouth a little bit. Sorry Seattle, I'm not buying it.
Next up: at New Orleans
Matt Hasselbeck is once again injured. He played with broken bones in his non-throwing hand. Poor guy can't catch a break--no pun intended.
20. Cleveland Browns 3-6
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Previously Ranked: 23
Week 10: 26-20 OT loss to the New York Jets
They were so close! Poor time management and bad defensive play-calling were to blame for the loss. On the bright side, Colt McCoy had another solid game under center.
Next up: at Jacksonville
Some words of advice for the Browns: If David Garrard or any other Jaguar quarterback throws a hail mary, DO NOT bat the ball anywhere near a turquoise jersey.
21. San Francisco 49ers 3-6
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Previously Ranked: 26
Week 10: 23-20 OT win over St. Louis
Troy Smith won the battle of Heisman Trophy winners.
Smith's Box: 17-for-28 for 356 yards and one TD; 12.7 yards per pass attempt.
The next stat is most impressive. Eight of his 17 completions went for 20 yards or more. The eight that went 20 or more accounted for 301 of his 356 passing yards.
Next up: Tampa Bay
This is going to be a GREAT game. Eight wins will win the NFC West. Losing to Tampa will make it very difficult to get there. Troy Smith is electric!
22. Dallas Cowboys 2-7
22 of 32
Previously Ranked: 31
Week 10: 33-20 win at the New York Giants
So much for not making in-season coaching changes. Jason Garrett had the 'Boys fired up! Knocking off the hottest team in football on the road is no easy task.
Congrats.
Next up: Detroit
After the Cowboys performance in New York, I'm starting to wonder if Jerry's billion-dollar stadium is cursed. The 'Boys are 2-3 on the road, making them winless at home. The Lions have lost two straight coming off the bye and things seem to be getting worse. No better time to get the first win at home.
23. Houston Texans 4-5
23 of 32
Previously Ranked: 16
Week 10: 31-24 loss at Jacksonville
In last week's power rankings, I asked if someone would please turn on Gary Kubiak's seat warmer. Someone listened—thank you.
A hail mary may get him fired. Shhhhh, don't tell the nuns.
Next up: at the New York Jets
Revis on Johnson is strength versus strength. It's going to be AWESOME!
24. St. Louis Rams 4-5
24 of 32
Previously Ranked: 18
Week 10: 23-20 OT loss at San Francisco
What is wrong with the Rams? Another blown fourth-quarter lead. Another blown opportunity to move above .500 for the first time since 2006. I hate to be a doubter, but I'm doubting the Rams. They can't win on the road and they can't hold a lead. Two terrible qualities for a football team.
Next up: Atlanta
Could be a trap game for the Falcons, you never really what what to expect from them on the road.
25. Denver Broncos 3-6
25 of 32
Previously Ranked: 27
Week 10: 49-29 win over Kansas City
The up and down season continues for the Broncos. They could lose by 30 or win by 30, you never know. Tim Tebow seems to be fitting in rather well in Denver, with two more touchdowns.
Next up: at San Diego
If Denver wants to play in the postseason, a win here is imperative. My gut tells me they lose by 30.
26. Buffalo Bills 1-8
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Previously Ranked: 29
Week 10: 14-12 win over Detroit
It wasn't pretty, but a win's a win. My man Freddy Jackson finally got it going on the ground for the Bills! He carried the ball 25 times for 153 yards and a touchdown, add in six catches for 37 yards and another score, and you've got gold star material.
Gold star for you Mr. Jackson.
Next up: at Cincinnati
You can be sure that this will one will come down to the wire. You know why? It's because Gus Johnson will be in the booth. His last three games have been instant classics.
27. Minnesota Vikings 3-6
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Previously Ranked: 21
Week 10: 27-13 loss at Chicago
The Vikings are falling fast and if someone doesn't catch them Brett Favre may go home for good. Or maybe that's what they want.
If Brad Childress were to open a fortune cookie tomorrow it would say: the greatest danger could be your stupidity.
Next up: Green Bay
I wouldn't be surprised if this is the last game Brett Favre ever plays. You think Chilly will drive him to the airport if it is?
28. Cincinnati Bengals 2-7
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Previously Ranked: 24
Week 10: 23-17 loss at Indianapolis
I don't understand how this team keeps losing. They have so much talent it's maddening! Carson Palmer is the best worst quarterback in the league.
Next up: Buffalo
The Gus Johnson game. This is how it goes down. Bengals down six with four seconds left, ball on the Bengals 46 yard line. Palmer heaves it to the end zone, the ball hits Chad on the head and falls right into TO's hands. Bengals win. Chad is seen crying in the tunnel.
Storybook ending.
29. Washington Redskins 4-5
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Previously Ranked: 25
Week 10: 59-28 loss to Philadelphia
OK, someone please explain this to me: Wasn't Donovan McNabb too out-of-shape to run the two-minute drill just a few weeks ago? How do they then turn around and give him a 78-million dollar contract extension?
The sign in the picture says it all.
Next up: at Tennessee
I think the Redskins win here. The Titans will play a much slower game than what they saw against Philadelphia.
30. Detroit Lions 2-7
30 of 32
Previously Ranked: 22
Week 10: 14-12 loss at Buffalo
The Lions have lost an NFL-record 25 straight on the road. Fred Jackson ran ALL OVER Jim Schwartz's defense.
Next up: at Dallas
The best medicine for a bad road team is a bad home team. Dallas is winless at home this season.
31. Arizona Cardinals 3-6
31 of 32
Previously Ranked: 30
Week 10: 36-18 loss to Seattle
What quarterback controversy? Derek Anderson threw for 322 yards and touchdown. The defense is where you'll find the controversy. Ken Whisenhunt's defense gave up 490 total yards to Seattle. That's shameful.
Next up: at Kansas City
The Chiefs have struggled mightily for two consecutive weeks. That's just about the only bright spot here.
32. Carolina Panthers 1-8
32 of 32
Previously Ranked: 32
Week 10: 31-16 loss at Tampa Bay
Another game, another loss for the Carolina Panthers. I've seen teams do less with more. Losing your starting quarterback and top two running backs cannot be easy. Jimmy Clausen and Mike Goodson stepped in admirably in relief. At least things can't get any worse, right?
This just in—John Fox believes Jimmy Clausen may have suffered a concussion near the end of Sunday's loss.
Next up: Baltimore
Oh wait, things are going to get worse, that's right, the well-rested Ravens are coming to town.
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