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  • Backyard Banter Podcast
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 54: Kyle Crabbs - Build my own chair at the table
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 53: James Koh - Divorce the information from emotion
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 52: Will Brinson - That's how it'll have to be
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 51: Charles McDonald - Not an escape from reality
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 50: What you've learned - For you, by you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 49: Jourdan Rodrigue - Let's see what you think then
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 48: Justin Twell - Long process to come back
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 47: Justin Lonero - It's time to relearn life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 46: Scott Bischoff - Life presented the greatest challenge possible
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 45: Al Zeidenfeld - Little steps along the way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 44: Jason Romano - Just a different dream
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 43: Matt Harmon - But here we are (Season 1 finale)
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 42: Gregg Rosenthal - I have to make it work or else
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 41: Jon Moore - Determiner of what I want
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 40: Uncle Chaps - Just have fun with it
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 39: Bob Harris - The best addiction I've ever had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 38: Scott Fish - Everybody working together to make this big
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 37: Jene Bramel - Ask the questions you want answered
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 36: Mike Tagliere - Never going to leave this candy store
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 35: Ben Cummins - Starting at ground zero
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 34: Field Yates - It's the nature of what we do
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 33: Chris Heil - I gave it everything I had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 32: Sal Stefanile - Just make them notice you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 31: Adam Levitan - Accept an alternate lifestyle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 30: Matthew Freedman - It's not built for everyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 29: George Kritikos - If your heart's not in it people notice
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 28: Marcas Grant - Certainly never expected this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 27: Steve Palazzolo - I understand the questions that come
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 26: Matt Miller - To build bridges not burn them
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 25: Graham Barfield - A human game played by humans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 24: Pat Daugherty - I just said yes to everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 23: Eric Galko - There's always work to be done
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 22: TJ Hernandez - In some roundabout way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 21: Alex Gelhar - Homework for the rest of your life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 20: The Fantasy Footballers - Because we were fans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 19: Jessica Kleinschmidt - The scariest person you deal with is yourself
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 18: Evan Silva - A willingness to work hard
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 17: Jeff Risdon - It's hard to be in the middle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 16: Cecil Lammey - Because I didn't ask for anything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 15: Patrick Claybon - If you shine people will see you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 14: Denny Carter - People want to know you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 13: Adam Rank - Honestly just don't go away
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 12: Adam Pfeifer - Being happy is doing this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 11: Mark Schofield - You get one drive in this life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 10: Liz Loza - Ride the horse in the direction it's going
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 9: Matthew Berry - I've done it without being negative to anyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 8: Matt Franciscovich - Persistence is a huge deal
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 7: Matt Williamson - I got lucky, but I made my own luck
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 6: Eric Stoner - Passions are best left as hobbies
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 5: Josh Norris - You don't have to have an opinion on everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 4: Rumford Johnny - Elevate somebody or get out of their way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 3: JJ Zachariason - No one cares because you're not established
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 2: Matt Waldman - Popular doesn't necessarily make it good
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 1 - Sigmund Bloom
  • Fantasy Hipsters
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 28: We''l see you in a bit.
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 27: "Ehhh how about you people relax with that one"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 26: Mail Satchel - Davante Adams debate & "friends of the show"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 25: NFL Network's Top 100 Players This or That
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 24: Mail Satchel - Surviving without Charlie and Tight Ends to Watch
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 23: Jeremy Maclin reaction, news recap and did Harmon pull off that hat?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 22: Mail satchel - WE ARE THE PODCAST OF THE PEOPLE
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 21: Reception Perception review of sleepers, breakouts and surprises
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 20: Evan Silva destroys our MFL10 hopes and dreams
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 19: Mail satchel - Will Brandon Marshall thrive with the Giants in 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 18: We Are Pretty Mad
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 17: Mail satchel - Rompers, clean eating and the 2007 NFL Draft class
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 16: NFL depth chart breakdowns and being sick of bad Eddie Lacy jokes
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 15: Mail satchel - Drafting too many rookies, breakouts and bell-cow RBs
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 14: French press vs. pour over coffee & mock draft review with James Koh
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 13: Mail satchel - Los Angeles Chargers the hipster's team of 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 12: NFL Draft rookie fits and a cast iron running back with Matt Waldman
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 11: NFL Draft preview and drumset vomit with Josh Norris of Rotoworld
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 10: Mail satchel - Dynasty debate, bad impressions and hipster bands
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 9: Perfect Prospect Parings — identifying NFL fits for draft prospects
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 8: Corey Davis, DeVante Parker and what to drink at your draft
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 7: Carlos Hyde, Laquon Treadwell and NFL Draft rookie big board part 3
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 6: Valuing Jordan Howard for 2017 and NFL Draft rookie big board part 2
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 5: NFL Draft rookie top-12 big board and in-depth beer interview
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 4: Kaepernick saga, Harmon shaves his beard and Franchise gets roasted
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 3: Eddie Lacy, Free Agency, music & beer and picking best QB roommate
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 2: Early Free Agency Fallout, Combine Standouts & Mailbag
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 1: NFL Scouting Combine preview and washed vets
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast: Teaser episode introduction
  • Reception Perception: 2017
    • Reception Perception: Investigating any correlation between the results and draft prospect age
  • The 2016 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception: 11 flags planted for the 2016 season
    • Reception Perception: Nelson Agholor can bounce-back in Doug Pederson's offense
    • Reception Perception: Improved technician Donte Moncrief is set to explode in 2016
    • Reception Perception: Only one concern can hold Sammy Watkins back from his ceiling
    • Reception Perception: Bruce Ellington has a chance to flash this season with the 49ers
    • Reception Perception: Albert Wilson and the Diary of a Truther
    • Reception Perception: Willie Snead built an impressive resume we must not ignore
    • Reception Perception: Welcome the ascending Tyler Lockett to rarified status
    • Reception Perception: Kamar Aiken is the answer to the Ravens receiver riddle
    • Reception Perception: DeSean Jackson and Josh Doctson make the Washington wide receivers a strength
    • Reception Perception: Browns make a refreshing first pick in Corey Coleman
    • Reception Perception: The fruitless search for fatal flaws with Laquon Treadwell
    • Reception Perception: Why there will never be a cumulative or overall grade
    • Reception Perception: The changing variables for Torrey Smith point to a rebound
    • Reception Perception: 2016 media appearances
    • Reception Perception: Rashard Higgins - never tell me the odds
    • Reception Perception: Keyarris Garrett is a unicorn in this draft class
    • Reception Perception: Malcolm Mitchell is a top-10 receiver in the 2016 NFL Draft
    • Reception Perception: 2016 NFL draft prospects results
    • Reception Perception: Golden Tate won't be able to replace Calvin Johnson
    • Reception Perception: Jeff Janis, trump cards and sorting through the noise
    • Reception Perception: Top-four college receiver primer
  • The 2015 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception Based Media Appearances
    • Reception Perception: Steve Johnson is the Surest Sleeper Around
    • Reception Perception: Target and Contested Catch Data for Sophomore WRs
    • Reception Perception: Success Rate vs. Coverage Scores for the Sophomore Wide Receivers
    • Reception Perception: Why we Must Consider the Entire Range of Outcomes for Sammy Watkins
    • Reception Perception: Data Results from Year 1
    • Reception Perception: Scanning Through the Dolphins Receiving Corps for Fantasy Answers
    • Reception Perception: Allen Robinson is Quietly on the Precipice of a Massive Breakout
    • Reception Perception: Michael Crabtree is Exactly What the Raiders’ Passing Game Needs
    • Reception Perception: Justin Hunter and Wisely Shopping the Clearance Bins
    • Reception Perception: How Kevin White Began His Ascension to the Top
    • Reception Perception: Sammie Coates Falls Along a Dangerous Archetype
    • Reception Perception: A Video Rundown of the Data
    • Reception Perception: New Browns Receiver Dwayne Bowe Bring Value to a Depleted Pass Game
    • Reception Perception: Expectations and an Odd Coupling Doomed Mike Wallace in Miami
    • Reception Perception: Andre Johnson Still has Plenty Left to Offer the Colts
    • Reception Perception: Randall Cobb Made the Right Call Sticking With the Packers
    • Reception Perception: Where Do We Go From Here, Percy Harvin?
    • Reception Perception: Devin Smith and The Value of a Trump Card (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: The Siren Song of Dorial Green-Beckham (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Impending Free Agent Michael Crabtree
    • Reception Perception: Amari Cooper Under the Microscope (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Sammy Watkins and Cordarrelle Patterson
  • Matt Harmon's in-season film review blog
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    • Reception Perception: Cordarrelle Patterson and a Developing Story
    • Reception Perception: Jordy Nelson and Mastering the Little Things
  • Ramblings
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    • Fighting through negativity bias and a wide receiver's drops
    • Saying Goodbye to Dixie
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    • My Reaction to Adrian Peterson and The Cycle of Abuse
    • Steve Smith: A Lesson in the Dangers of Emotional Football
    • The Arizona Cardinals Will Make the Playoffs
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    • The Commodification of NFL Players
    • Digging Deeper: Why Josh Freeman Failed with the Buccaneers
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  • The Eye in the Sky
    • The Eye in the Sky: The St. Louis Rams Should Commit to Sam Bradford for 2014
    • The Eye in the Sky: Why the Cardinals Struggle Against Tight Ends
    • The Eye in the Sky: Uncovering a Diamond in the Rough, Mike Brown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Uncovering a Diamond in the Rough, Brandon Bostick
    • The Eye in the Sky: E.J. Manuel's Improvement All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Why Defending the Colts Offense is too Easy All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Picking Apart the Jets Defense All-22 Breakdown
    • Eye in the Sky: Texans vs. Chiefs (Week Seven) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Redskins vs. Cowboys (Week Six) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Panthers vs. Cardinals (Week Five) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Colts vs. Seahawks (Week Five)
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  • 2014 NFL Draft Content
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    • April 27th Sunday Morning Coming Down
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Week Seven NFL Power Rankings

Updated October 17, 2012

Administrator Note: The power rankings were especially hard at the top this week. I try not to be a prisoner of the moment on this website, but I can certainly be accused of doing so with some of my rankings. However, I also pride myself on not blindly looking at records and ranking teams that way. I think that is a poor way to judge teams and I am not doing it. If you want that type of lazy, thoughtless, typical analysis head to another place. So go ahead, attack these rankings and hit me up on Twitter (@BackyardBanters) or the contact form on the homepage with thoughts.

32.  Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4)

            The Jags stay at 32 as they had a bye week. Not much to say about this team, but lets hope the offense got more creative over the bye, or at least you know, good.

31.  Kansas City Chiefs (1-5)

             This team has not had a lead at any point this ENTIRE NFL season. You have to be really bad to do that. With that stat, and the fact we are debating between Matt Cassel and Brady Quinn at quarterback I can easily make an argument the Chiefs are one of the two worst teams in the league. Also, how can you possibly be discussing an extension with your GM during a season like this? Kansas City cannot show that this is acceptable.

30.  Cleveland Browns (1-5)

            I have a friend who is constantly hounding me about the Browns. I hope he is happy now that this is the highest ranking the Browns have held all year! In all seriousness I am glad that the Browns got their first win and that some their young talent is showing up for them. The Browns look to be headed to another turnover under their new owner, but that is probably a good thing. The current setup of the Browns was not really working (namely Mike Holmgren’s mysterious role with the team). There are simply too many voices between Holmgren, Heckert, and Pat Shurmur.  I think one last change will do this team good.

29.  Carolina Panthers (1-4)

            Carolina was on a bye this week so not much to say about them. However, the panic button seems to be getting slammed in the Panthers organization. Cam and the Panthers need to turn it around or the wheels could fall off here, and fast.

28.  Oakland Raiders (1-4)

            The Raiders are probably taking an unfair drop after they played the undefeated Falcons tough all day. However, they still found a way to lose in the end, and that’s just what bad teams do. I found that their defense was a nice surprise in week 6, but lets see that consistently for a few weeks. Also, Carson Palmer has strung together two nice games (other than the game blowing pick six) in a row. They need that to continue.

27.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-3)

            I am not putting much stock into that win. Beating a bad Chiefs team led by Brady Quinn really does not carry much weight in my book. They have only beat two teams in my bottom five so I am not a believer yet. How about Aqib Talib though? Any guess to whom the Thug4life award winner is this week?

26.  Tennessee Titans (2-4)

            I know that they beat the Steelers. A few reasons I am not putting much stock into that. It was a Thursday night game, and we all know that those have been pretty fluky so far this season. Also, the Steelers clearly are not a great team this year. Lastly, they were at home so you cannot discount all of that.

I have not gotten the memory of those stinkers the Titans put up against better teams out of my head.

25.  Indianapolis Colts (2-3)

            I was probably a prisoner of the moment last week by moving the Colts a little too high. They are certainly better than last year, but still not a good team. I figured they would lose this game as they were likely emotionally drained after such a highly emotional win over the Packers the week before. It did not help that Andrew Luck played a down right bad game. He was fooled like he probably has not been for a long time in his football career by much of what Rex Ryan did on defense.

24.  New York Jets (3-3)

            I still do not think the Jets are very good. I am not buying that Shonn Greene will run that well again and therefore leaving Mark Sanchez to win a game in which he passes for only 82 yards. The Jets managed to get back to ground and pound this week and playing some elite defense against the Colts. I doubt it lasts however.

23.  New Orleans Saints (1-4)

            The Saints had a bye this week. Their next game will be the last of the Aaron Kromer era. I think the return of Joe Vitt will help this team; just not sure how much really.

22.  Cincinnati Bengals (3-3)

            Two weeks, two losses to teams that they should have beaten. Being the team that gives the Browns their first win of the season is not really a trophy you want in your case. Cincinnati continues to confirm my suspicions about them. They were clearly overrated by the mass media, going to show that despite the whole “you can’t blame them for whom they beat or who is on their schedule they have a winning record” nonsense is a rather silly and lazy philosophy to have. It matters.

21.  Buffalo Bills (3-3)

            I am not really putting much stock into the fact that they beat the Cardinals. With their advantage of defensive line versus offensive line they should have come away with a victory based solely on that. Mario Williams collected his first multi-sac came as a Bill here. Not surprising considering who he was facing. As a $100 million dollar man this performance should be a given. Now it is time to show up against better competition.

20.  St. Louis Rams (3-3)

            St. Louis, when you look at the numbers, actually dominated the game on Sunday; every number except the score. The keys were their inability to close drives and their storied rookie kicker missing some crucial kicks that he has not been for the majority of the season. The Rams will win those types of games with more experience.

19.  Detroit Lions (2-3)

            Detroit had what could be considered a “launching” type of win on Sunday. I still do not think they are that good, but that win could start a revival. A friend of mine asked me why the Lions are not play as well as last season. I responded: their secondary stinks hard and their much hyped d line is underperforming. They also cannot muster much of a consistent running game. I think they are regressing from last year because Stafford and CJ are not playing to their super standards of last year. That clearly is the catalyst for this team. Essentially they are not a good enough team to counteract those two not playing at an elite level.

18.  Dallas Cowboys (2-3)

             The Cowboys absolutely lack mental toughness. I think that comes back to some poor coaching. The questions are coming down hard on Jason Garrett, and rightfully so. ESPN’s Dan Graziano tells us we should be viewing the Cowboys as a rebuilding team rather than a failing contender (http://espn.go.com/blog/nfceast/post/_/id/44344/youre-looking-at-the-cowboys-all-wrong). I think he has some very valid points, but the problem is that the football world always views them as a contender for whatever reason. Oh wait, I do know the reason. It’s the Cowboys themselves; they treat themselves like contenders, especially the top guy. Jerry Jones said just yesterday this is a title contending level team. Way to go Jerry, keep leveling the expectations. Did you ever think maybe it would be a good idea to just say nothing for a change?

17. Miami Dolphins (3-3)

            The Dolphins are so much better than I expected. The Dolphins fans should be totally pumped about Tannehill as he is light years ahead of what any of us could have expected from a mental standpoint. He is playing very smart football and his physical talent is evident. Joe Philbin deserves a ton of credit for the job he has done with this kid, and the entire team. Despite questions about him he is looking like a knockout hire. The Dolphins have finally found their replacement for Marino. It only took a decade and a half too!

16.  Philadelphia Eagles (3-3)

            The Eagles ship looks like it is sinking. Juan Castillo was finally fired from the job that he was never qualified for to begin with. Of course, it is the offense that is actually struggling so this was probably a change just for changes sake. Many are speculating that the next move could be a benching of Michael Vick. If it happens do not expect it to be permanent. Andy Reid needs to save his job, and he probably will not be doing that with Nick Foles. A Vick benching would be more along the lines of a move to “shake him up”. Reid doesn’t care about the future because he needs to win today. The Castillo moved showed that.

15.  San Diego Chargers (3-3)

            I said that the Monday night game would tell us a lot about both teams. Well here is what it showed me about San Diego. They were indeed overrated, Phillip Rivers is no longer an elite quarterback, and I was right about Norv Turner. They have the looks of an 8-8 team at this point. You can tell these guys need to be shaken up and a leadership change would most likely do that. Norv is one of the best offensive minds of the modern football era, but he even seems to be out thinking himself in that department.

14.  Washington Redskins (3-3)

            RG3 has put this team light years ahead of where they were last year. I will say that I do not believe they will be a playoff team this year, mostly because the NFC is too good. However, he is the real stinkin deal. The Shanahan team has given him a perfect amount to work with from a playbook standpoint in his rookie year, and are letting him use his athleticism when need be. The key will be to make sure he grows in the offense and does not get too comfortable because defenses will catch up to what they are doing now (see Newton, Cam and Panthers, Carolina 2012 offense).

13.  Pittsburgh Steelers (2-3)

That is a bad loss to the Titans on Thursday night, and I am seriously rethinking the Steelers as a playoff team. The Steelers were so beat up as they had Woodley and Polomalu out and then lost three linemen during the game, including their two best. However, injuries are a part of the game and the Steelers no longer seem to be a good enough team to win unless Ben Roethlisberger has a near flawless game. He threw an uncharacteristic interception when the Steelers were marching. This defense is, in fact, old and slow now. If Ben cannot save the day consistently, this team may miss the playoffs.

12.  Minnesota Vikings (4-2)

            The Vikings lost but I am not going to drop them too far. I do not think their extremely high level of play was sustainable, but I still think they can be a good team. I see them falling from this spot in the future though. What baffles is how they defended Robert Griffin on Sunday. Leslie Frazier was doing an outstanding job with this team, but he looked totally fooled for some reason by Washington. How could you possibly let him score on a 76-yard run?

11.  Arizona Cardinals (4-2)

             Another bad loss for the Arizona Cardinals and I fully expect them to start sinking. Their offensive line is just horrible and Kevin Kolb was beaten up so badly these past three games (sacked a whopping 22 times) that he is now out because his ribs are removed from his sternum. Yikes. The injury bug has not been kind to these guys and what was looking like a special season for this team now looks like it was a mirage.

10.  Seattle Seahawks (4-2)*

            Seattle is impossible to play at home. With the best defense in the league (yes you heard me right) behind that crowd noise they just destroy an offenses rhythm and focus. The trouble is that they just are not as good when they travel. I would love to see them beat a good team on the road, but I am just not sure they can do that. An encouraging sign was that Russell Wilson had his first great game of the season. Let me just say I am pumped to watch the game Thursday night against the Niners.

9.  Denver Broncos (3-3)

            PEYTON IS A GOD! Seriously this man is just incredible and you have to give him a standing ovation for how he is playing after missing a whole year with a neck injury. He didn’t tear and ACL, he didn’t pop a shoulder, or tweak his hammy (not downplaying any of those injuries mind you), no this dude had FOUR procedures on his neck. Some people never return to work after something like that. Peyton is merely adding points to his legacy and I couldn’t be any happier for him. If they can just manage to play like they did in the second half in the first, than they could run away with a weak AFC.

8.  New England Patriots (3-3)

            Read my ranking for the Seahawks and you will see why I am not dropping the Patriots much. Playing at Seattle is really almost unfair for offense. There was no way that they were going to able to run that offensive juggernaut in hurry up mode properly there. I would certainly have bet Seattle would win that game based on location alone. I expect a huge rebound by the Patriots agaisnt the rival Jets. Look out.

7.  Green Bay Packers (3-3)*

            The Packers circa 2011 finally came out of hiding. Aaron Rodgers looked like a machine all night and even delivered a silencing “Shhhh” to his critics after the game. I hope they do not get too wrapped up in one win, but I am beginning to think we will see the Packers take off here soon. They are just way too talented to be a 3-3 team, and they showed it on Sunday night.

6.  Baltimore Ravens (5-1)

            The Ravens are 5-1, won their game, but they dropped anyways. The reason is they lost Lardarrius Webb and Ray Lewis are both on IR now (I doubt Lewis comes back even though he is designated to return). This team will be hard pressed to overcome such tough losses. Lewis isn’t close to the same player, but is an emotional leader. Webb may be the second best corner in football after Darrel Revis. There will be tough sledding ahead for the Ravens. This season is now squarely on Joe Flacco’s shoulders, and I cannot wait to see how he responds.

5.  Chicago Bears (4-1)

            This is bye week team I have a lot to say about. I have seen a few people make the case that Chicago is the best team in the NFC. This at first gave me pause, but it could well be true. they have not exactly beat a bunch of stud teams, and their loss to Green Bay stands out. However, Chicago has an offense with great balance and can threaten a defense at every level. It also encourages me that they have not just beat bad teams, but throttled them. I want to see Chicago play better competition to test this teaory, but call me interested.

4.  San Francisco 49ers (4-2)

            This was a really bad loss for San Fran as the Giants essentially wrote the book on how to beat them. However, we all should have known this already; just get the game into Alex Smith’s hands. He is not an elite signal caller by any stretch of the imagination, and cannot carry this team. The problem is that this is easier said than done. Not many people can play a flawless game like the Giants did against what is one of the toughest and most disciplined teams we have seen in years. Like I said, super pumped for Thursday night.

3.  Houston Texans (5-1)

            Houston got absolutely thrashed by the Packers, but I am not overly concerned. I do not think many people could have successfully stopped the Packers machine on that day. Houston is showing some cracks in their armor, but this is still a talented team and can easily maintain their high ranking. That being said, more than ever I believe that the AFC is wide open.

2.  Atlanta Falcons (6-0)

             No the Falcons are not my number one team. BUT HOW????? THEY ARE UNDEFEATED!!!!!! Well frankly they just are not playing like the best team in football right at this moment. I believe that if the two teams I saw Sunday matched up against the other on a neutral field, the Giants would win the majority of those games. If you look back at all of their games, who have the Falcons really beat? Even many of their games were not complete games. I am going to wait and see before anointing this team, as they have not shown they can succeed in the biggest spots just yet. I am not sold.      

1.  New York Giants (4-2)

             The Giants however, continue to show that they are capable of showing up when the pressure is tight on them. If we get the Giants team we have been seeing lately every weak, no question they are the best team in the NFL. The question is will we get that? I talked about the prison of the moment problem, and I very well could be suffering from that, but right now I think this is the most dangerous team in the league. This could change any week, hence why we do these things weekly, but right now I believe the Giants should be favored against any team in the league straight up, and I feel pretty strongly about it. 

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