Ranking the Excitement Factor for All 32 NFL Teams

Few times in the NFL season bring as much excitement and misery than the midway portion of the regular season. 

For teams near the top, it's a time to get excited about a possible playoff position on the road to a Super Bowl.

For teams near the bottom, the week is a time to reflect on what has gone wrong so far, to develop ways to get better and in the worst-case scenarios an opportunity to get excited about a top spot in next year's draft.

However, the divide in excitement levels can be pretty wide. To help better understand this, we will use a very accurate scientific gauge: The Gus Johnson Meter.

Named for the fiery NFL commentator, ranks will range from one Gus Johnson (least excited) up to five Gus Johnsons (most excited).

Here are the excitement ranks for each NFL team.

Arizona Cardinals

There's a lot to not like in the desert for the Arizona Cardinals. Sitting at 1-6, the team has to be disappointed in the performance of newly signed quarterback Kevin Kolb. 

While the team was in the drivers seat in their last game against the Baltimore Ravens, sloppy play near the end allowed their opponent the opportunity to squeeze out the W. 

Overall, there's just not a whole lot to be excited for with this squad right now.

Excitement ranking: 1.5 Gus Johnsons

Atlanta Falcons

All is good for the Atlanta Falcons as they come to the halfway point of the season. 

Though the team will lament a loss to division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers, along with decisive losses to the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, they do have to be excited with wins over the then "Dream Team" Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions.

With an easy matchup against the Indianapolis Colts this upcoming weekend, look for this team to be 5-3.

Excitement ranking: 3.5 Gus Johnsons

Baltimore Ravens

While they really should have handled their game against the Arizona Cardinals easily, the Baltimore Ravens showed plenty of grit in avoiding a potential trap loss.

The team now has a major opportunity to disprove its critics in the upcoming rematch against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Ravens cruised in their week one matchup, winning 35-7.

A win Sunday would certainly clear the nasty taste from confusing losses to the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Excitement ranking: 4 Gus Johnsons

Buffalo Bills

While their suffocating win over the Washington Redskins may have been overlooked, it's tough to see past this very talented Buffalo Bills squad. 

Running back Fred Jackson has been rocking stat sheets all year, while newly re-signed quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has been stellar for most of the year. 

The team now has a great matchup against division rival New York Jets in a game to prove they aren't the lowest on the New York football totem pole (the Bills lost to the New York Giants in Week 6).

Excitement ranking: 5 Gus Johnsons

Carolina Panthers

While last week's game ended on a real low note (nice kick Olindo Mare!), the Carolina Panthers have been much more exciting this year than at any point in the past few years, even if it hasn't necessarily translated to wins. 

At the head of this change is rookie quarterback Cam Newton. While he can't solve all the teams problems (primarily the porous defense), his leadership and early growth have been a real boost to a team that frankly didn't have anything going for it.

Despite this increased excitement, it's tough to give any more Gus Johnsons until they start putting extra marks in the win column.

Excitement ranking: 3 Gus Johnsons

Chicago Bears

While the Chicago Bears have not been slouches in any sense of the word, they may find themselves the victims of circumstance—being in the NFC North division.

Though they have put together a few solid wins (including the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers), they have struggled against better competition.

With the top end of their division stacked by the undefeated Green Bay Packers and the surging Detroit Lions, it's tough to say that the Bears really have a place near the top of the pecking order.

Excitement ranking: 2 Gus Johnsons

Cincinnati Bengals

The rapid growth of quarterback Andy Dalton has taken the Cincinnati Bengals by storm and the team amazingly now sits at 5-2, ahead of the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North division race.

While the Bengals should be favorites playing against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, they will then face an intimidating division stretch with games against the imposing defenses of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens.

How they do against that competition will say a lot about how far they can see themselves going this season.

Excitement ranking: 3.5 Gus Johnsons

Cleveland Browns

This team is a mess and primarily in the first quarter: The Cleveland Browns have been outscored 44-3 in first quarters this season.

Those kinds of hot starts have propelled the team to a less-than-exciting 3-4 record.

Most disturbing, however, has been the rapid decline of running back Peyton Hillis. While he has received flak for missing game time due to injuries, he'll most likely get the most criticism for skipping out on a charity Halloween party for kids.

Excitement ranking: 1 Gus Johnson

Dallas Cowboys

While the Cowboys led the league in heart-pounding finishes to start the year, the team as of late has been in "blowout or be blown out" mode. The team decimated the St. Louis Rams, then were rocked themselves by the surging Philadelphia Eagles.

The 'Boys now have to prep for a seemingly winnable matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. As far as blowouts go, I'm positive they're looking for a result similar to their efforts in St. Louis.

Excitement ranking: 3.5 Gus Johnsons

Denver Broncos

While some may find excitement in watching quarterback Tim Tebow struggle and flail all over the field, don't count me as one of them.

After his big win against the "mighty" Miami Dolphins, Tebow couldn't do much of anything against the physical Detroit Lions. 

Tebow's development, along with the team's string of losses, could prompt the team to search for a new quarterback in the offseason to take the starter role.

To reiterate:

Almost anybody at QB right now > Tebow

Excitement ranking: 1.5 Gus Johnsons

Detroit Lions

After years of setbacks and disappointment, the Detroit Lions have come out with major chips on their shoulders. They've put it to good use, starting out 6-2.

The offense has been potent (at least through the air), while the defense has been nothing short of stifling.

The team's success for the rest of the season rests on one question: Can everybody stay healthy? If so, this team could be a major threat.

Excitement ranking: 5 Gus Johnsons

Green Bay Packers

Not much to say here. The Green Bay Packers are, by a large margin, playing the best football in the league. Currently undefeated at 7-0, it truly seems that they will only lose if they want to.

Excitement ranking: 5 Gus Johnsons

Houston Texans

In a division with no front-runner, the Houston Texans have been somewhat of a disappointment for not taking a firmer grasp of the AFC South. 

While they have beaten their division rivals, they are currently only one game ahead of the Tennessee Titans.

While injuries have slowed the their efforts, the team has to hope they take advantage of their matchup with the Cleveland Browns to keep their division lead rolling.

Excitement ranking: 2.5 Gus Johnsons

Indianapolis Colts

They may or may not decide to go with Andrew Luck, but it's an easy call to make that the Indianapolis Colts are the worst team in football. 

While other teams find ways to be competitive, this team insists that they really don't want to win. That may seem like a harsh thing to say, but then again they are, in the words of Dennis Green, exactly who we thought they'd be without Peyton Manning.

Excitement ranking: -4 Gus Johnsons

Jacksonville Jaguars

I don't have much to say about the Jacksonville Jaguars. The team, in a rebuilding mode with rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert, is at least two years from being a major contender. 

While they have two lighter matchups at Indianapolis and Cleveland, neither win is a lock. At 2-6, it should be a long season for the Jags.

Excitement ranking: 1 Gus Johnson

Kansas City Chiefs

After a shaky 0-3 start where many (myself included) thought the team was in a tailspin for good, the Kansas City Chiefs are now tied for the division lead with a 4-3 record.

With matchups against the Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos upcoming, the team could be 6-3 before we know it.

Fighting through the injuries, the victories has to be a major boost for head coach Todd Haley. He had been criticized in the offseason for going to concerts with the team, including a Lil Wayne show.

Excitement ranking: 4 Gus Johnsons

Miami Dolphins

What a disaster down in Miami. The Dolphins have come out of the gate disastrously, and are still looking for their first win. 

Ravaged by injuries, the team has also squandered chances for victories against the Denver Broncos and New York Giants. 

The only clear sign for the team is the lack of a future for head coach Tony Sparano. 

Excitement ranking: 0 Gus Johnsons

Minnesota Vikings

While the Minnesota Vikings struggled earlier in the season under veteran quarterback Donovan McNabb, the team has found new life with rookie Christian Ponder. 

The team, narrowly losing to the Green Bay Packers, found a scrappy win against the Carolina Panthers (and highly touted rookie Cam Newton). 

While things in Minnesota are far from perfect, the past few weeks have been an encouraging move in the right direction.

Excitement ranking: 3 Gus Johnsons

New England Patriots

While the New England Patriots have excelled offensively, particularly wide receiver Wes Welker, the team has been exposed for its weak defense. 

The play was exploited disastrously last Sunday by the Pittsburgh Steelers, who were able to control the ball for most of the game. Using a series of short passes, the Steelers were able to frustrate the Patriots defense to pick up first downs.

Despite these issues, it's tough to keep the Patriots down. History has shown those wagering against Patriots head coach Bill Belichick do so at their own peril.

Excitement ranking: 4 Gus Johnsons

New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints surprised many with their loss to the struggling St. Louis Rams. 

The loss was an aberration from an otherwise positive season so far. While the team's only big win was against the Chicago Bears, the Saints for the most part have won the games they should.

Head coach Sean Payton has to hope the team's success isn't negatively affected from the karma of running the score up against the Indianapolis Colts.

Excitement ranking: 3.5 Gus Johnsons

New York Giants

While the New York Giants have started the season with a strong 5-2 record, I'm not sold on how good this team is. 

With their major win against a down Buffalo Bills squad, the team has also struggled against the less than stellar Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins.

However, I think I would be much more convinced should the team knock off the New England Patriots, whom they beat in the Super Bowl a few seasons ago to ruin the Pats' perfect season.

Excitement ranking: 3.5 Gus Johnsons

New York Jets

At 4-3, the New York Jets have to know they are in a tight spot if they want to compete in the AFC East. 

They get a perfect opportunity, playing the New England Patriots once and Buffalo Bills twice in November.

These games will play a big part on whether the team will be able to make a playoff run.

Excitement ranking: 3.5 Gus Johnsons

Oakland Raiders

While the Oakland Raiders have improved with head coach Hue Jackson, the team's Gus Johnson meter has been reset to adjust to new quarterback Carson Palmer. 

With his first game in Oakland disastrous (three interceptions, with one returned for a touchdown), he will have to improve in his debut against the weak Denver Broncos.

Excitement ranking: 0 Gus Johnsons

Philadelphia Eagles

With wins against the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys, the Philadelphia Eagles are looking back to normal after several painful early-season losses.

The Eagles will now see a tricky November schedule, with games against the Chicago Bears, New York Giants and New England Patriots.

In a three way tie for second in the NFC East, the next few weeks will play a big part of whether the "Dream Team" can take back their nickname.

Excitement ranking: 4 Gus Johnsons

Pittsburgh Steelers

While losses to the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans are unnerving, the Pittsburgh Steelers flourished in a tough game against the New England Patriots. 

Exploiting a loose defense, the Steelers looked incredibly comfortable all day Sunday.

With that said, the Steelers' matchups against their division rival Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals should say a lot of which direction the team can go. 

Excitement ranking: 4.5 Gus Johnsons

San Diego Chargers

After the fumble-fest of Monday night against the Kansas City Chiefs, the team will have to face major questions about its ability to keep its composure in tough matchups.

The team has struggled in matchups against the New England Patriots and New York Jets and their wins have mainly come from weaker competition.

However, they have a great opportunity to get past this label with a matchup against the Green Bay Packers Sunday.

Excitement ranking: 3 Gus Johnsons

San Francisco 49ers

Standing at 6-1 for the first time since 1998, the San Francisco 49ers have found a completely new identity under head coach Jim Harbaugh. 

The running game has been dominant and the defense (particularly against the rush) has been stifling. Quarterback Alex Smith, who had previously been hounded as the worst first-overall pick ever, has excelled in the system brought in by Harbaugh. 

With the rest of the NFC West struggling, the Niners may have a playoff spot sealed by Thanksgiving.

Excitement ranking: 5 Gus Johnsons

Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks, beset by injuries, have struggled out of the gate. 

While the team scored a big win against the New York Giants, the team has struggled in losses to the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Four games behind the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC West, the Seahawks will have to play catchup fast if they want to even dream of a return to the playoffs.

Excitement ranking: 2.5 Gus Johnsons

St. Louis Rams

While the St. Louis Rams should be very excited about its win over the New Orleans Saints, the Rams are in pretty lousy shape this season.

Injuries have destroyed the team's defense and the offense has also failed to find consistency for much of the season.

After a seven-win season, it's frustrating to see this team struggle so badly in 2011. 

Excitement ranking: 1.5 Gus Johnsons

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been far from perfect (see their loss to the San Francisco 49ers), the team's young roster has shown plenty of moxie in holding second place in the NFC South.

The team has scored big wins against the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons, and barely missed on a win against the Detroit Lions in Week 1.

The Bucs will have a tricky November schedule, including games against the Saints, Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers. It will be interesting to see how the team rises to the challenge. 

Excitement ranking: 3.5 Gus Johnsons

Tennessee Titans

It's really, really tough to gauge this Tennessee Titans squad. While the team has scored wins against the Baltimore Ravens and then-competent Denver Broncos, the Titans have been blown out by the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Most disturbing in the team's fortunes has been the disappearance of running back Chris Johnson. His (Gus Johnson noted) "getting away from the cops speed" has been sorely missed for a team in need of extra scoring.

Excitement ranking: 2 Gus Johnsons

Washington Redskins

(pictured: Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan looks bored.)

While the defense of the Washington Redskins has been competent, the team's offense has been disastrous.

Quarterbacks Rex Grossman and John Beck have been ineffective and the rushing game has been decimated by injuries.

I would have initially given the team 0 Gus Johnsons, I gave a point to account for the thrill of watching Shanahan age years in a matter of hours standing on the sideline.

Excitement ranking: 1 Gus Johnson