Nate's NFL Power Ratings Oct. 1

By Nate Sandstrom

Remember how much I praised the Big 12 the other day? I'm equally impressed by the NFC East, even though they finally lost a game outside the division on Sunday night. Thus, all but the Eagles are in my top four.

More interesting to readers might be how I stack three NFC South teams in the next five (that may make it hard for Atlanta to win seven games, Mark).

At the bottom of the poll, the Detroit Lions sit at #30 with a status of awfuler. But relax silver and blue fans there may be bright days ahead. And I'm not talking about Matt Millen being sacked, it's that the Curse of Bobby Layne expires in four days. Sorry Cubs fans, that's the only curse ending this year.



1. New York Giants (3-0), OK, OK, I guess I have to admit the Giants are good.
2. Tennessee (4-0). What if Kerry Collins played the Giants in the Super Bowl?
3. Washington (3-1). Thought the first game was still preseason.
4. Dallas (3-1). Man, the NFC East is good.
5. Buffalo (4-0). I guess Mark was right about them after all. Go Lee Evans!
6. Carolina (3-1). How did they lose to Minnesota?
7. San Diego (2-2). Really should be 3-1.
8. Tampa Bay (3-1). Not sure how they're winning, but they are.
9. New Orleans (2-2). NFC South looking as strong as ever.
10. Denver (3-1). Not far from 1-3, but still got wins.
11. Philadelphia (2-2). Pretty early, but really need win over Skins this weekend.
12. Green Bay (2-2). Falling fast.
13. Chicago (2-2). Much better with Hester in lineup.
14. Pittsburgh (3-1). Injuries mounting.
15. Jacksonville (2-2). Not sure what to make of Jags, but I'm guessing 9-7.
16. Baltimore (2-1). Hype of the week: Beltway Superbowl!
17. Indianapolis (1-2). Old. Satisfied. Out of the playoffs.
18. New England (2-1). Seriously, lost by 25 to Miami? At home?
19. New York Jets (2-2). Fav-tastic Sunday.
20. Miami (1-2). Another team I don't know what to make of.
21. Minnesota (1-3). Can Vikings get Mike Tice back?
22. Arizona (2-2). Still highest-rated team in NFC West.
23. San Francisco (2-2). What's an Alex Smith?
24. Seattle (1-2). Can we get Steve Largent back?
25. Atlanta (2-2). Have already peaked for the year.
26. Kansas City (1-3). Why wouldn't you always play Huard?
27. Oakland (1-3). I actually think they might get better.
28. Houston (0-3). I still like Sage over Schaub.
29. Cleveland (1-3). Still awful.
30. Detroit (0-3). Awfuler. Still, things have been worse.
31. Cincinnati (0-4). Awfulest.
32. St. Louis (0-4). Awfulestest. Would be better if they and Oakland were both still in LA.