NFL Power Rankings Week 6

The Packers knocked off their throne.  Lions go rock-bottom.

Disclaimer: These are NOT professional opinions and just the opinions of a jr. analyst that hopes to be a little more known later on in life. If you wish to talk with me about my rankings, contact me on Twitter: @jcs436.

The NFL has a lot of turnaround. Just like I have a lot of homework. Thus why I haven’t done a power rankings in two weeks which is a shame. As for the first sentence, that’s probably why the Bengals, Jets, and Falcons are actually now a threat in the football world and why the Ravens, Eagles, Chiefs are not threats right now. Then there are the middle pack teams that have a fighting chance still. We’ll get into those teams soon enough. Simon says “On to the bloody rankings!” You thought I meant Simon says the game when really I was referencing Simon Cowell. Tricked ya. Maybe…….

P.S. I took off the boost and drops in rankings because I haven’t done them in two weeks so its unfair to teams to show dramatic drops or boosts due to my inability to be able to write rankings every week.

  1.     New England Patriots

The Patriots get a bump due to their overall dominance of every team they play. Brady looks like a robot and is playing like he is 28, not 39. The defense is doing well and nobody knows what to do to beat the Pats yet. They’re starting to look like the Patriots team who went undefeated in 2007. But, hey, its only week 6 and they are only 4-0 so let’s hold up on the comparisons.

   2.     Green Bay Packers

         The Packers get bumped down for two reasons. 1. Giving the other team the ball 3 times is bad. 2. Their wins just don’t look as dominant as the Pats’ wins do. Not all of this is the Packers fault. They are still one of the best teams in the League but for now the Pats just look like a superior force than the Packers. Also, between both teams, one QB has thrown 2 INTS and the other one has 0 INTS. Take a guess at who.

    3.     Cincinnati Bengals

I can’t believe I am putting them this high but when I look at the rest of the upper level teams, no team looks better than Cincy. The Dalton we know of is no longer here. He has confidence even after he makes mistakes whereas when he made mistakes before; he used to falter in games. This newfound confidence has surged the offense to its highest potential and with the defense showing that they are a force to be reckoned with, this Bengals team is a surefire top 5 team in 2015.

    4.     Denver Broncos

Defense, defense, defense! Wow, what did I say at the beginning of the year? The Broncos would be known for their defense by the end of the year. Turns out its only week 6 and the Broncos are more feared for their defense than offense. However, I wouldn’t ever discount an offense with Manning under center. Yes, post-snap, he is looking like an average QB but pre-snap, he is still probably the smartest QB in the NFL when it comes to dissecting the opposing defense. That could be the difference between winning or losing a game in the last two minutes of a game.

    5.     Atlanta Falcons

I honestly don’t believe the Falcons are a juggernaut. They shouldn’t be confused for one either simply because in three of their five games, they were trailing in the 4^th quarter and had to rally to win their game. Why does that matter? A win is a win right? True, but when you look at the juggernaut teams of the NFL, they are usually dominating their opponent the entire game. As is right now, Dan Quinn is cooking up something special in Atlanta but he has lots of room to improve if he wants to stand toe to toe with Packers and Patriots of the league.

    6.     Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are officially a top 3 team in the NFC. They always were but you need to be into the season a bit before you can make assumptions about teams that haven’t completely established themselves. Well, here they are; the best team in their division and one of the best in their conference. Bruce Arians and GM Steve Kiem have made a fine contender in Arizona.

    7.     Carolina Panthers

Defense looks tough. Running game is alright. And oh boy does Cam Newton look amazing. Too bad his passing game doesn’t and it’s not his fault. His receivers are mediocre at best yet he keeps producing. If the coaching staff can figure out how to milk out the best efforts from their receivers, then the Panthers have a shot of contending for the NFC South with the Falcons.

    8.     New York Jets

Jets had a bye week. For some reason, it feels like the Jets are getting the attention they deserve but not the respect they deserve. Fitzpatrick is playing some of his best ball right now and the Jets have a dominant defense that can go toe to toe with top offenses. Why take that away from them? Because they’re the Jets? #fansdontmoveonquickenough

    9.     New York Giants

Eli Manning looks like the Eli of old. He isn’t playing like a game manager and is performing like he did during his Super Bowl days. As long as Coughlin keeps the defense disciplined, the Giants can win the NFC East without any questions asked.

    10. Buffalo Bills

That win was awful and to be quite frank, rather bland, ugly, and boring. But, a win is a win and you take what you can get when you play in a division with the Patriots. Considering how the Patriots will probably win their division, the fight the Bills will make to try and get a wild card spot will be fun to watch.

    11. Seattle Seahawks

Gut check loss to Cincy. The offense looks muddy and isn’t performing very well to win games. These type of things tend to happen when you have a terrible O-line. I know I keep bashing their O-line but until it improves, it will be the reason this offense doesn’t run as well as it did before.

    12. Pittsburgh Steelers

Impressive final drive to take the win. It feels like the biggest reason that game was won, was because of Big Ben. He wasn’t even on the field but his coaching and guidance are what sparked Vick and the Steelers offense to get going and start scoring points. Without him on the sidelines, I think the Chargers win the game which speaks volumes of the both the importance of Roethlisberger and the leadership he can display on or off the field.

    13. Indianapolis Colts

Give a lot of credit to Matt Hasselback for their win in the Houston game. Not only was he playing with a bacterial infection at age 40, but he did it with precision and played some good mistake free football. The Colts are in good hands if Luck remains injured or goes down again.

    14. Minnesota Vikings

Vikes had a bye weak but the notable weakness on this team is the passing game. Bridgewater isn’t playing up to expectations and needs to step it up if this team wants to contend for an NFC wildcard. Tough playing in the same division as the Packers.

    15. San Diego Chargers

Gates came out of the gates of exploding onto the field for 93 yards and a TD. It’s unfortunate that a player who gave more life to an already good Chargers offense lost his first game. The Chargers had no reason to lose and this loss might hurt later when the wild card ties come up at the end of the season.

    16. St. Louis Rams

The game the Rams had against the Packers will be the epitome of the Rams 2015 season. The Rams have a defense that is so good, it can force 3 turnovers from the best QB in the League but their offense is so terrible that it will never be able to take advantage of all the turnovers in the world that the defense can provide. Amazing defense + terrible offense = below-average team. Unfortunate.

    17. Oakland Raiders

The Raiders are this high simply because they are better than every team listed below. In addition, they gave what could be the #1 defense in the league everything they had and still almost came out with a W. This Raiders team has shown lots of growth since last year despite a 2-3 start. Get excited Raiders fans. Your time is closer than you think.

    18. Dallas Cowboys

Life is rough if you’re a Dallas Cowboy fan….or a Brandon Weeden. Come on, the guy had 3 TDs and 2 picks with a completion rate greater than 70% (FYI That completion rate is WAY above the average and better than QBs like Rodgers.) and now you want to bench him for Matt Cassel? Yes he hasn’t won either start but it’s pretty risky to turn to Matt Cassel so soon. It seems as if the Cowboys are desperate for a win. I don’t blame them for being desperate but I don’t know if Cassel is the answer. We’ll see this Sunday, won’t we.

    19. Washington Redskins

Cousins. Oh Cousins. You just can’t make that kind of throw especially in overtime. The game was given to the Redskins but Cousins is the Achilles heal to this Redskins team. They aren’t a bad team but up and down quarterback play is going to determine the games that the team wins and loses.

    20. Philadelphia Eagles

Some solid play from the Eagles on both sides of the ball. Too bad they don’t play this consistently. This game shows the team all analysts expected. I even expected them to be like this. The problem isn’t roster talent. The problem is the synergy that the team has and they need to get it together. I’m also almost positive that Bradford isn’t the answer for the Eagles. But hey, he could prove me wrong.

    21. Cleveland Browns

What a game from Josh McCown! If someone would have told me before the season started that Josh McCown would lead the Browns to a win at Baltimore while throwing for a franchise record 457 yards, I would have laughed and thrown my drink in their face so that their head could be cleared. Yet here we are and it happened. I’m pretty sure this was McCown’s secret middle finger game to all of his critics that said he would be useless to the browns.

    22. Baltimore Ravens

Many are asking if Baltimore’s season is already over at 1-4. If you look at their remaining schedule, it’s actually reasonable to see them go 5-5 after their next 5 games. However, after that, it becomes very hard to decide whether Baltimore has it in them to beat the tougher opponents they have in their last 4 games.  Balitmore is riddled with injuries and trying to win with 3^rd and 4^th stringers starting the games for them will be tough.With the Bengals nearly a lock to win the AFC North, all Baltimore can hope for is a wildcard and the wild card teams all have 3 wins already to just their 1 win. It won’t be a miracle if Baltimore can get a wildcard, but it won’t be a very feasible task either.

    23. Chicago Bears

Give Jay Cutler some credit. He is the one who has led his team to comeback wins in their last two games to give them a two game streak. While I don’t see the Bears making a huge comeback and sneaking into the playoffs, it’s a good sign that a team is able to bounce back after an 0-3 start when nobody gave them a chance. In fact, they have a chance to go 3-3 after this week. They play the Lions on Sunday.

    24. Tennessee Titans

This is how you know Mariota still has room to grow. The Titans had 1:41 left on the clock to drive the ball down the field and kick in the game winning field goal. Instead of that happening, Mariota throws an interception on the first play of the drive thus ending the hopes of the Titans winning the game. It’s ok Mariota. Live and learn buddy. Live and learn.

    25. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs would be higher but it looks like their season is possibly over with Jamaal Charles taking an ACL tear. The injury is a huge blow to an offense that relied on Charles at so many times to move the chains for them. At this point, the Chiefs need to utilize Alex Smith more to see if he really is the QB the team needs, especially in desperate times like this.

    26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This game showed the type of gameplan that the Bucs will be using throughout their season. They are going to want to pound the ball and make defensive stops while letting Jameis Winston slowly mold into an NFL QB. It’s not what you expected when you drafted Winston but it’s better than nothing and may be the best thing for him to be able to grow as a QB in the NFL.

    27. San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers came to play ball and play ball they did. Unfortunately, a better Giants team outclassed them. It was nice to see flashes of the old Kaepernick that used to excite us but he still showed the mistakes he’s been making the past two years. His performance was an improvement from previous games but it’s not enough. Not yet anyways.

    28. Jacksonville Jaguars

Bortles is playing amazing football. He is growing to be a fine QB and is starting to get the gears rotating on an offense that’s finally hitting it’s stride. Believe it or not, the Jags offense will keep this team in games. Now…..about that Jaguars defense…..

    29. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins are this low for two reasons. Reason No. 1 Their head coach was fired. This is actually a good thing for the team long term because the Dolphins needed a different style of coaching. However, short term wise, it may take the Dolphins some time to get used to their new interim head coach. Reason No. 2 This team has so much talent but can’t find a way to use it to win. They’re like the AFC version of the Eagles. And that’s scary

    30. New Orleans Saints

Drew Brees is again in another year where he plays well but the rest of his team doesn’t. The running game won’t get going and his best WR is a previous unknown that was signed off the practice squad of the Panthers. To put the cherry on top, the Saints defense is flat out awful right now and needs to figure out how to turn their unit around before they become a laughingstock. Poor Drew Brees

    31. Houstan Texans

There isn’t much to say about this Texans team other than another year is going to be wasted of J.J. Watt’s prime and that the merry go round at the quarterback position is going to win the Texans any games. O’Brien just needs to pick a QB and stick with them. Cycling through QBs each week doesn’t frustrate just the fans, but it also probably frustrates the wide receivers on the Houston offense as well

    32. Detroit Lions

It’s tough watching your franchise QB getting benched for your backup in the middle of the 3^rd quarter. In fact, it’s tough as a player when you watch your fans leave the game in the middle of the second quarter. Must be hard to play in a city where your fans give up on the game before the game is even out of reach. Tough break Lions. Tough break. Keep your chins up though. You’ll get a game eventually. Hopefully.

Packers and Pats stay on top, Eagles and Lions take a massive tumble

Week 3 Power Rankings

Disclaimer: These are NOT professional opinions and only my own opinions. Also, there are teams that beat teams that are ranked higher than them. This is only because, as of now, the higher ranked team is still a better overall team. (Ex: Redskins beat the Rams but the Rams are still ranked higher) If you disagree, feel free to leave a comment or contact me via Twitter @jcs436.

The NFL has quick turnarounds. The Jets are on top and the Colts are at the bottom after two wild weeks of football. Never thought that would happen, now did ya? Don’t worry, neither did I. Strange how the football world works that way sometimes. On a sidenote, I didn’t do rankings last week due to be being with college. So if the drops and rises of teams seem steep, it’s from their rise and fall from the past two weeks.

1.     Green Bay Packers 2-0 (same)

Think I felt the Packers fans fear a little bit when Wilson started running the ball well against them. Luckily the Packers D showed up and forced a couple turnovers to let A. Rod and the Packers O work their magic. They stay on top as the best overall team until proven otherwise.

2.     New England Patriots 2-0 (same)

What a game Tom Brady! 466 yards and 3 touchdowns were his stats against Buffalo and he is supposed to be in his decline phase as a QB. Methinks that Brady is pissed off from a horrendous offseason and wants to show he and his team are the top dogs in the NFL without heavy “scandalous” (yes I hate myself) criticism. That will still be hard to pull off, as the Patriot’s secondary is still pretty suspect. They have given up 53 points in the last two games. Not what Super Bowl defenses typically do.

3.     Arizona Cardinals 2-0 (+2)

If you want to criticize the Cardinals for the reason behind their success being that they beat two bad teams, you’re already too late. “Stop! You ain’t SHIT!” Head Coach Bruce Arians told them in their team meeting Monday morning. Now this is the formula for an elite football team. In the past, the elite football teams of the NFL have always done two things. 1. They criticize their wins and hate their losses. 2. They trash bad teams for the garbage they are and never give those bad teams a chance. Arizona is doing both right now and showing their success isn’t a fluke. Keep it going Arians. The current is in your favor.

4.     Denver Broncos 2-0 (+4)

The first 50 minutes of their game against the Chiefs showed the aging Manning everyone feared we would see. The last 10 minutes of the game showed the vintage Manning everyone knew was still there waiting to come out. What a heroic two-minute drill by Manning, surgically cutting through a defense that had been giving him trouble all game. The real hero (heroes) of the game, though, was the Denver Defense. I said before the season in my first 2015-2016 rankings for people to not be surprised when Denver is known more for their defense than offense. So far, that is looking like it may be the truth sooner than later.

5.     Cincinnati Bengals 2-0 (+8)

We have all seen this story before. Andy Dalton and the Bengal’s offense looks new and reborn while the defense is stopping opposing offenses efficiently. It happens every year yet somehow this team can never turn it on when it really matters (the playoffs, prime night games, or any important game). However, props to Andy Dalton for not letting the heavy criticism get to his head and playing what looks like the best football he has ever played before. Maybe this is the year he turns everything around? #tooearlytoknow

6.     Pittsburgh Steelers 1-1 (+1)

Why hello Pittsburg, welcome back to stardom and dominance. The Steelers slam dunked the 9ers 43-18 and it didn’t look like a mistake. The scary part? This was without Le’Veon Bell who just came off of suspension. Look out AFC, the real Pittsburgh Steelers are coming back. Well…kind of…sort of… their defense still needs work.

7.     Kansas City Chiefs 1-1 (+5)

I’m still laughing inside at those who said the Chiefs are better than the Broncos after Week 1 came by. It’s still realistic that the Chiefs win the division, but for those that discounted the Broncos when thinking the Chiefs would be AFC West winners, I have something to say to you. Peyton Manning is still better than Alex Smith. And as I said before, until proven otherwise, the Chiefs are only second best in the division.

8.     Buffalo Bills 1-1 (+9)

The score doesn’t even justify what the game really was. The Patriots offense blew the Bills D out of the water. However, the game (besides the loss) was entirely positive for the Bills. Tyrod Taylor showed grit when far behind and tried to make a comeback. Taylor is going to be keep his offense going in future games even when the game looks dreary just like this one did. Congratulations Rex Ry…er…Buffalo, you have finally found a quarterback.

9.     Atlanta Falcons 2-0 (+15)

Head Coach Dan Quinn has got something special going on in Atlanta. The defense finally has a pass rush and doesn’t hold back their explosive offense anymore. At this rate, the Falcons could be the cook’s specialty in a rather lame NFC South Division. One last thing, Julio Jones, you are a beast! What a catch last Sunday.

10. Seattle Seahawks 0-2 (-6)

Don’t hit the panic button yet 12s! Kam Chancellor is coming back into the defensive lineup so that can hopefully kick start the defense back into gear. However, I’m still scratching my head as to why they traded for Jimmy Graham. If you are going to trade away one of your best offensive lineman for a playmaker, at least use that playmaker. Two targets for one catch and 11 yards? Not what I think GM Schneider had in mind when he made the trade. If you ask me, Seattle was still mourning their Super Bowl loss and was imagining the final play with someone like Jimmy Graham in the game. Little did they forget, they’re already terrible offensive line got worse when they traded away Max Unger. Don’t believe me? Watch Seattle’s run plays. It shows when Lynch is getting tackled as soon as the  ball is in his hands.

11. New York Jets 2-0 (+11)

Watch out Seattle, the new sheriff is in town. The Jets played championship level defense on Monday night and looked spectacular picking Andrew luck off a whopping four times. This defense means business and the offense is the business partner. And by business partner, I mean the one who gets things done but screw up every once in a while. For now, that’s not a bad thing.

12. San Diego Chargers 1-1 (+2)

Tough loss against Cincy last week. Rivers is developing a nice chemistry with Ladarious Green and Stevie Johnson these days. Wonder if it will develop into the Chargers becoming the surprise top offense in the NFL. They have the quarterback to make it happen. #onecandream

13. Dallas Cowboys 2-0 (-7)

Cowboys fall this far because no Bryant and no Romo = no bueno for the Cowboys offense. However, this Dallas D is sneaky could and could win a few games for the Cowboys. If the Boys can go 3-5 without Romo the next 8 weeks, they’ll be in good shape to make a late run for the playoffs. Don’t give up on America’s team yet.

14. Carolina Panthers 2-0 (+5)

After seeing that game against the Texans, it’s clear to see that Cam Newton is the reason the Panthers will win or lose games. If he plays well, they will more than likely win. If he sucks, so will the Panthers. Also, tough break for the Panthers losing Luke Kuechly for now. Panthers better hope they get him back as soon as possible from that concussion.

15. Minnesota Vikings 1-1 (+1)

Nice for Vikings fans to see a win at home after watching a brutal loss on national TV. This match also showed what the Vikings are going to be about this season. Having Adrain Peterson carry the offense by being the best running back in the NFL. Oh, Bridgewater and the Vikings defense will make plays too.

16. Indianapolis Colts 0-2 (-13)

The Colts are showing their true colors. Andrew Luck can no longer hide the problems Indy has always had; a mediocre defense and a terrible offensive line trying to protect their QB.

17. St. Louis Rams 1-1 (+3)

Welcome back to the real world St. Louis. After beating the Seahawks, people seemed to think the Rams were the real deal and contenders for the NFC West. There is a small flaw though; IT WAS ONE GAME. The Rams look like the Rams of old right now. Amazing defense + Bad offense = Mediocre team. Quite unfortunate.

18. Miami Dolphins 1-1 (-3)

So much for the hype around the Dolphins this offseason. It’s clear that the Dolphins are always destined for around a .500 season again for as long as Joe Philbin is head coach. The Dolphins are a bland team with so much talent. On paper, they look like a top 10 team. Unfortunately, Philbin just doesn’t know what to do with his talent. This team will have high highs and low lows the entire season from how it looks.`

19. Baltimore Ravens 0-2 (-9)

The Ravens miss Terrell Suggs. Oh I’m sorry I misspoke. They are crying for Terrell Suggs and couldn’t even pressure Derek Carr without him. Unless the rest of the defense can step it up, its going to be a long season for Baltimore. On a positive note, the offense looked fantastic last week. The next step for Baltimore? Don’t even worry about the injuries or critics. Sunday at home vs the Bengals is a must win.

20. Oakland Raiders 1-1 (+7)

Now THERE is the potential analysts have been seeing in the Raiders. A beautiful (yes beautiful and it hurts to say that) final drive steered by Derek Carr won the game for Oakland. Now all they have to do is keep up the momentum for future games. Next stop? Cleveland.

21. Jacksonville Jaguars 1-1 (+7)

A nice turnaround from Week 1’s disaster of a start for the Jaguars. The defense is finally starting to click and Blake Bortles is having a nice start to his sophomore year. As long as the improvement can be kept up, a positive record isn't out of the question for this young Jaguars team.

22. Washington Redskins 1-1 (+7)

How in the world does a “bad offense” beat an amazing defense? Simple. You have one of the better offensive lines in the game create holes for a talented backfield and that’s all the Skins had to do to create their winning formula. Also the defense is looking stout right now. Time will tell if they can keep this formula up though.

23. San Francisco 49ers 1-1 (+2)

Will the real San Francisco 49ers please stand up. This team goes from locking down the best running back in the game to not being able to hold down the oldest running back in the game. Doesn’t make sense to me. I wonder what Jim Tomsula is thinking right now. What are you thinking 9ers fans?

24. Cleveland Browns 1-1 (+6)

I have scratched my head so much over the decision to bench Manziel and put McCown back in, that my head is currently bleeding. Neither has shown the capability to take the Browns to a winning season but at least Manziel can still develop and become that QB who can take the Browns to a winning season. If I were Mike Pettine, I would go with the gamble and start Manziel again. Sooner or later you have to find out if he can be your franchise QB or if he is worth a roster spot.

25. Detroit Lions 0-2 (-14)

Forget what I said about knowing by Thanksgiving. It’s already Week 2 and VERY clear that the Lions miss Suh’s presence. That being said, the defense is completely at fault. When your supposedly “explosive” offense doesn’t use your explosive players correctly (Johnson, Abdullah, Tate), can you really expect to win games? I would so no, you can’t.

26. Tennessee Titans 1-1 (+6)

For all of the critics saying Mariota would flop in the NFL, he isn’t looking too shabby at all and even refused to give up in a sure-fire loss. Yeah he didn’t light up the Browns like everyone thought but it’s a positive sight to see a rookie not giving up on a lost game.

27. Philadelphia Eagles 0-2 (-18)

I don’t think I have ever witnessed the Eagles play so bad before. Starting to wonder whether Kelly’s coaching is the problem, or that the players don’t synergize well together. However, you can’t judge a team off two games. More needs to be seen and since the division is so week right now, 0-2 isn’t the worst fate they could suffer. However, 0-3 or 0-4 would be a different story.

28. New York Giants 0-2 (-7)

Something is up when you blow away two 10 point leads, especially when one is at home. You would think a Coughlin-Manning led team would have sealed away both games early in the fourth quarter. This Giants team has talent but if the poor-decision making keeps on happening, not much is going to be expected from this team. As of right now, I’m not even expecting much yet either.

29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1-1 (+2)

How the Bucs defense outplayed Drew Brees’ offense is anyone’s guess. I’m still trying to figure out myself.  I don’t see this as a turnaround for the franchise since it was only the Saints, but, hey, it’s a step forward and you take what you can get in the NFL.

30. Houston Texans 0-2 (-12)

Bottom line, until Hoyer or Mallet starts showing they can play QB, this offense (let alone the team) won’t be going anywhere. Which really sucks because the defense tends to play well. *in the distance you can hear Arian Foster roaring back from injury to save the Houston offense*

31. New Orleans 0-2 (-8)

I won’t ever doubt a team led by Sean Payton and Drew Brees but this team is off to a brutal start this season. What makes the situation worse is that Brees is hurt and might be out for a couple games.  The defense needs to step up its game or there won’t be any hope for this team because right now anywhere between 5-11 to 7-9 is what this team is staring at.

32. Chicago Bears 0-2 (-6)

Welp, suspicions have been confirmed. The defense sucks and now without Jay Cutler out so will the offense.  The Bears need miracle turnaround if they want to salvage their season. Especially in a division where you play Rodgers and Peterson twice.