Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Nate's NFL Power Rankings: Post-Week 6

It's probably happened before, but I can't recall a season where the difference between the top and bottom teams are so wide. It seems there's at least two double-digit spreads each weekend; and this week, for example, four road teams are favored by a touchdown or more.

Rankings like these are of course pretty worthless in October; for example, my rankings at this time last year had Washington, Buffalo and Tampa in the Top 6.

The exercise has however taught me that the Redskins are good for one thing — deciding which of the worst teams are worser.

1. New Orleans (5-0). Giant thrashing earns them top spot.
2. Minnesota (6-0). Vikings are running with the Twins' Metrodome magic.
3. Indianapolis (5-0). Have won 14 straight in the regular season.
4. Denver (6-0). Mike Nolan has created a dominant defense.
5. New England (4-2). Back to the 59-0 scores that made them gamblers' favorites.
6. N.Y. Giants (5-1). Bad loss, but it's early.
7. Atlanta (4-1). Best start in franchise history.
8. Green Bay (3-2). Aaron Rogers may be MVP playing behind this O-Line.
9. Chicago (3-2). Any WSCR callers want Orton back? Too late.
10. Cincinnati (4-2). Next three could make year: @ Chi, Bal, @ Pit.
11. Pittsburgh (4-2). Favored to knock of Vikes this weekend.
12. Baltimore (3-3). Acting a little TOO calm during L streak for my liking.
13. Dallas (3-2). Two plays from 5-0.
14. San Francisco (3-2). Road test ahead @ Houston then @ Indy.
15. Arizona (3-2). Passing game still amazing.
16. N.Y. Jets (3-3). Season could go south quickly.
17. San Diego (2-3). Lowest I've had them in years.
18. Houston (3-3). Secondary likely keeps them out of playoffs.
19. Miami (2-3). Henne could still wind up best of Flacco-Ryan class.
20. Seattle (2-4). Hawks must cut down on costly turnovers (10 in six games).
21. Philadelphia (3-2). Wins are over Car, TB, KC. Wash next?
22. Jacksonville (3-3) Currently hold final spot in AFC playoff race.
23. Buffalo (2-4). Will Jets win spur a resurgance?
24. Carolina (2-3). Fire John Fox? Get real Panthers.
25. Oakland (2-4). Think I've picked Raiders wrong ATS every week but one.
26. Cleveland (1-5). That they are this high tells you how bad the worst are.
27. Kansas City (1-5). Beat 'Skins on the road.
28. Detroit (1-5). Beat 'Skins at home.
29. Tennessee (0-6). Don't get a chance to beat the 'Skins.
30. Washington (2-4). See above and below.
31. St. Louis (0-6). Lost to the 'Skins by 2.
32. Tampa Bay (0-6). Lost to the 'Skins by 3.

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