Contact: [email protected]
  Backyard Banter
  • Home
  • 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
  • Bio Page
  • Harmon's Fantasy Football Tiered Rankings
  • The Backyard Banter Quarterback Typology
  • Analyzing the Landing Spots for the First Round Wide Recievers
  • Reception Perception
    • Reception Perception: Cordarrelle Patterson and a Developing Story
    • Reception Perception: Jordy Nelson and Mastering the Little Things
  • Ramblings
    • Rebuilding a broken house: losing weight, changing my lifestyle and never looking back
    • Fighting through negativity bias and a wide receiver's drops
    • Saying Goodbye to Dixie
    • The #FreeAustinTice Campaign
    • 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
    • The Redskins Better Not Blow This Thing Up
    • The Commodification of NFL Players
    • Digging Deeper: Why Josh Freeman Failed with the Buccaneers
    • The Fall of Aaron Hernandez and the Patriot Way
    • Washington Redskins Injury Concerns
    • Carolina Panther's Draft Bungles
    • Stubbornness the Silent Coaching Killer
  • The Fantasy Gameplan Podcast
  • Draft Class Jersey Number Grades
  • 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)
  • 2014 Free Agent Profiles
    • Josh McCown Free Agent Profile
    • Jason Hatcher Free Agent Profile
    • Jarius Byrd Free Agent Profile
    • T.J. Ward Free Agent Profile
    • Lamarr Houston Free Agent Profile
    • Darrelle Revis Free Agent Profile
    • Eric Decker Free Agent Profile
    • Jared Veldheer Free Agent Profile
    • DeMarcus Ware Free Agent Profile
    • Tyson Jackson Free Agent Profile
    • Jon Asamoah Free Agent Profile
    • Michael Johnson Free Agent Profile
    • Brandon Albert Free Agent Profile
    • Louis Delmas Free Agent Profile
    • Red Bryant Free Agent Profile
    • John Carlson Free Agent Profile
    • D'Qwell Jackson Free Agent Profile
  • BYOB Forums (Bring Your Own Banter)
  • 2014 NFL Free Agency Position Breakdowns
    • 2014 Quarterback Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Running Back Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Fullback Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Wide Receiver Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Tight End Free Agent Rankings
    • 2014 Offensive Tackle Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Offensive Guard Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Offensive Center Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Interior Defensive Lineman Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Edge Player Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Linebacker Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Cornerback Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Safety Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Specialist Free Agent Breakdown
  • 2014 NFL Draft Content
    • 2014 NFL Draft Tiered Prospect Big Board (Top 75)
    • 2014 Tiered Colored Position Board
    • 2014 NFL Draft Tiered Prospect Big Board (Top 32)
    • 2014 NFL Draft Top 10 Quarterback Ranking
    • 2014 NFL Draft Running Back Top 10 Ranking
    • 2014 NFL Mock Draft--Post Free Agency
    • 2014 NFL Mock Draft--Pre Free Agency
    • 2014 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Top 10 Ranking
  • Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down
    • April 27th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • April 13th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • April 6th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • March 30th Sunday Morning Coming Down
  • 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Seventeen 2013 Power Rankings
    • Week Sixteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Fifteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Fourteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Thirteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Twelve 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Eleven 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Ten 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Nine 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Eight 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Seven 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Six 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Five 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Four 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Three 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Two 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • 2013 Season Preview Edition/Week One
  • 2013 Weekly NFL Previews
    • Super Bowl Preview
    • Playoffs- Conference Championship Round NFL Preview
    • Playoffs- Divisional Round NFL Preview
    • Playoffs- Wildcard Round NFL Preview
    • Week Sixteen NFL Preview
    • Week Fifteen NFL Preview
    • Week Fourteen NFL Preview
    • Week Thirteen NFL Preview
    • Week Twelve Picks
    • Week Eleven Picks
    • Week Ten Picks
    • Week Nine Picks
    • Week Eight Picks
    • Week Seven Picks
    • Week Six Picks
    • Week Five Picks
    • Week Four Picks
    • Week Three Picks
    • Week Two Picks
    • Week One Picks
  • Week in Review 2013
    • Playoffs- Wildcard Round in Review
    • Week Seventeen in Review
    • Week Sixteen in Review
    • Week Fifteen in Review
    • Week Fourteen in Review
    • Week Thirteen in Review
    • Week Twelve in Review
    • Week Eleven in Review
    • Week Ten in Review
    • Week Nine in Review
    • Week Eight in Review
    • Week Seven in Review
    • Week Six in Review
    • Week Five in Review
    • Week Four in Review
    • Week Three in Review
    • Week Two in Review
    • Week One in Review
  • 2013 Team Record Predictions
    • AFC Record Predictions
    • NFC Record Predictions
  • Rapid Reactions
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Eleven
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Ten
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Nine
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Eight
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Seven
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Six
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Five
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Four
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Three
  • The 2013 All-Surprise Teams
    • AFC 2013 All-Surprise Team
    • NFC 2013 All-Surprise Team
  • NFL Player Rankings (2013)
    • Top 10 NFL Quarterback Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Running Back Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Wide Receiver Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Tight End Rankings
    • Top 10 Offensive Linemen Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Defensive Lineman Rankings
  • 2013 Season Archives
    • How to Fix 'em (2013 Offseason) >
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Oakland Raiders
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • Detroit Lions
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Buffalo Bills
      • New York Jets
      • Tennessee Titans
      • San Diego Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • 2012 Season Archives
    • The Backyard Banter 2012 Season Awards
    • Fantasy Football Corner >
      • Week Twelve Fantasy Football Tips
      • Week Eleven Fantasy Football Tips
      • Week Ten Fantasy Football Tips
      • Week Nine Fantasy Football Rankings and Tips
      • Week Eight Fantasy Football Rankings and Tips
    • NFL Power Rankings (2012) >
      • Championship Round
      • Divisional Round
      • Wild Card Round
      • Week 17
      • Week 16
      • Week 7
      • Week 6
      • Week 5
      • Week 4
      • Week 3
      • Week 2
      • Week 1
      • Season Preview Edition 8/18
    • My Weekly NFL Picks (2012) >
      • Super Bowl Pick
      • Championship Round
      • Divisional Round
      • Wild Card Round
      • Week 17 Picks
      • Week 16 Picks
    • Week in Review (2012) >
      • The Super Bowl
      • Divisional Round
      • Wild Card Round
      • Week 17
      • Week 16
      • Week 5
      • Week 4
      • Week 3
      • Week 2
      • Week 1

2013 Week Seven NFL Power Rankings

By: Matt Harmon

32. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-6)
  • They certainly were feisty in Denver this Sunday, but that should not give us any doubt in considering who the worst team in football is. In a year where Jacksonville needs little victories to get excited about, Justin Blackmon is giving them just that. He is emerging as a dominant piece in the middle of the field. 

31. New York Giants (0-6)
  • Eli Manning is on pace for over forty interceptions this season, so I hate the fact that some people still want to give him a pass just because he has two Super Bowl rings. He has been a huge part of the problem, not a part of the solution. The Giants could be staring at their first win when they play the Vikings Monday night. 

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-5)
  • How embarrassing is it that the Bucs cannot control a MRSA outbreak? As a multi-million dollar a year organization you should be able to provide the best, and safest facilities for your employees. The NFL Players Association has every right to be upset with this organization and its head coach. 

29. Minnesota Vikings (1-4)
  • Matt Cassel did not play as poorly as his numbers indicate, but it will almost certainly be Josh Freeman’s time on Monday night. Minnesota is running out of time to make this season matter, so switching to Freeman now, before it is too late, makes the most sense. 

28. Washington Redskins (1-4)
  • What are the Washington Redskins doing well right now? Their defense is terrible on the back end, they cannot tackle, and no one on offense is playing up to their 2012 level. This ranking feels really low for a team with some talent, and they really could improve any week. For now though, it is hard to pick the Redskins to beat anybody right now. Their only win came against the Matt Flynn led Raiders. 

27. Buffalo Bills (2-4)
  • It looks like we are all ready to go on another ride with Thad Lewis in Week Seven! My new favorite backup quarterback gets to take on another tough defense in Mimi this week, so it will be yet another litmus test for where he is in his young career. 

26. Oakland Raiders (2-4)
  • The Raiders showed on Sunday that they are not ready to compete with the top teams in the AFC, even though their quarterback beleives they are. Nevertheless, considering where they were just a month ago, unless something crazy happens like they lose out, this season looks like it will be considered a success.  

25. Houston Texans (2-4)
  • Houston continues to sink in the power rankings and after getting worked over at home by a seemingly inferior team, they earned it. Houston rose up from obscurity a few years ago and looked to be an ascending AFC playoff contender for the next several years. Now, it looks like that potential super Bowl window has all but slammed shut, and we now must consider what big changes are in store for this team when this miserable season comes to an end. 

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-4)
  • Pittsburgh gets that elusive first win, but it likely comes too late to make much noise in their division. The rest of this season is likely going to be an opportunity for the Steelers brass to gauge where this team is. Is it time for a full on rebuild, or does this team just need to reload at key spots, and who stays and who needs to go?

23. Carolina Panthers (2-3)
  • Even though they dominated the Vikings in a blowout on Sunday, the Panthers do not make a big leap up these rankings. The Panthers needs to show consistency and the understanding that the formula they used on Sunday is how they will win more games. They could either use that win as a springboard for the rest of this season, or they could go into a shell like they did against the Cardinals. 

22. Atlanta Falcons (1-4)
  • The Falcons are coming off a bye week, but they get to play the Buccaneers at home this week to try and jump-start their seemingly lost season. 

21. Arizona Cardinals (3-3)
  • The Cardinals have a good defense, some talent on offense, and a quarterback holding them back. Sound familiar? Everyone got excited that Carson Palmer was coming to down, but Palmer is looking even worse than he did as a Raider. No doubt, he is better than the guys Arizona had last year, but maybe not as much as many thought. 

20. St. Louis Rams (3-3)
  • We still do not have a good feel on where the Rams are as a team. They looked ready to be buried after their Thursday night loss to the 49ers, but since then they have been lights out. Granted those two games were against the 32nd ranked Jaguars and the collapsing Texans. However, maybe the difference is rookie running back, Zac Stacy, who has been a stabilizing, if unspectacular, force in this offense. 

19. New York Jets (3-3)
  • The Jets can compete with good teams if Geno Smith is having an on week, but in his off weeks, they are not good enough to win consistently in this league. Let’s not forget how hurting this offense is for high-end talent around Smith. 

18. Cleveland Browns (3-3)
  • Brandon Weeden’s presence will probably continue to cause the Browns to fall in the ranking. Cleveland’s defense was even more disappointing on Sunday. They have played like a top ten unit prior to Sunday, but they let the Lions go up and down the field with ease. That side of the ball needs to improve, not fall away, if the Browns want to keep pace in their division. 

17. Tennessee Titans (3-3)
  • The Titans are another team that is falling back to Earth, but that has a lot to do with their current quarterback situation. You have to wonder if Jake Locker will be good enough to bring life back to this team, and if he will not be back too late. 

16. Philadelphia Eagles (3-3)
  • Don’t look now, but the Eagles are tied for first place in the NFC Least. Here is what Eagles fans have to be really excited about: this is just a rebuilding year. If the Eagles can get to the playoffs in a year where Chip Kelly has probably installed barely half of the program he wants, then you have to feel really good about their future going forward. 

15. Miami Dolphins (3-2)
  • The Dolphins were on a bye this week and lets hope they spent most of that week trying to solve their pass protection woes. Despite a surprising start to the season, this team is going nowhere if they do not give Ryan Tannehill more time to throw. 

14. San Diego Chargers (3-3)
  • It felt like everyone was just waiting for the Chargers to blow that game, but that moment never came to pass. If the Chargers offensive line plays that well in the pass and running game, they can contend in the AFC. Phillip Rivers is right when he said that game could be a season changing win. 

13. Baltimore Ravens (3-3)
  • With Torrey Smith the only reliable weapon in the passing game, and sputtering running game, it is hard to project the Ravens for great things this season. The defense certainly cannot afford to let up the big plays, and running yards it did to Green Bay on Sunday.

12. Detroit Lions (4-2)
  • The NFC is jam packed with potential playoff teams, and the Lions are making a serious push to be considered amongst them. This offense is dangerous, and has role players like Joseph Fauria and Kris Durham emerging around the stars. They have already matched their win total from last season, and look to be back on the right track as an organization. 

11. Dallas Cowboys (3-3)
  • The Cowboys showed signs of being a complete team on Sunday, which they had not to that point in the season. However, if DeMarco Murray misses significant time, it could be crushing for this offense. The Cowboys would really prefer Tony Romo and the passing game to not have to carry this team, but none of the back up running backs on this roster look capable of carrying the load if called upon. 

10. Chicago Bears (4-2)
  • The Bears have an Achilles heel, and it is the middle of their defense. After countless injuries to their defensive tackle core, there is serious doubt they will be able to stop the run effectively. Watching Brandon Jacobs barrel through that defense was just humiliating. 

9. Cincinnati Bengals (4-2)
  • The Bengals certainly should have never let it be that close against the Bills, but they still won the game. I am a notorious Andy Dalton detractor, but I have to admit, he played his best game all season against the Bills. If he plays like that, this team will be tough to beat in the AFC. 

8. New England Patriots (5-1)
  • The Patriots had an impressive win against the Saints on Sunday, but it is still tough to see them besting the teams ahead of them in an odd numbered series. If Aqib Talib is forced to miss significant time, that will seriously hurt a defense that has carried this team to its 5-1 record. 

7. Indianapolis Colts (4-2)
  • The Colts laid a big old egg on Monday night. For the love of the football gods, why does Indianapolis want to be a power running team when they clearly do not have the personnel for it? Their offensive line cannot blow open holes, and their defense got bullied by the Chargers running game, and clearly cannot compete in a close contest. It is beyond apparent the Colts need to open up the offensive playbook and go to an up-tempo quick passing attack. 

6. Kansas City Chiefs (6-0)
  • The Chiefs just keep winning games with spectacular defense and leaning on Jamal Charles on offense. It is hard to see them being a serious contender with a pedestrian passing offense, but there is a silver lining for the Chiefs. They do not play a good football team until November 17th against the Broncos.

5. San Francisco 49ers (4-2)
  • The 49ers are back to being a physical running football team. Of course, there is a lack of pass catching weapons, but was the offseason of crowning for Colin Kaepernick premature? Most of the time he does not read the entire field or even look for his second read. He is still very raw as a pure passer, and still has a world of potential. However, there is clearly still a lot of growth needed with him.

4. Green Bay Packers (3-2)
  • Green Bay has sustained some injuries to its impressive stable of pass catchers, but luckily have developed a dominant rushing attack led by Eddie Lacy just in time to overcome them. However, this team has sustained multiple injuries to key players (Cobb, Jones, Matthews, Perry currently), and cannot afford too many more. 

3. New Orleans Saints (5-1)
  • The Saints fell to the Patriots, but you cannot kill a team for losing to Brady and Belichick in Foxboro. The saints head in to a bye at the perfect time, because it looks like Jimmy Graham will have all the time he needs to heal from the injury he sustained in that contest. 

2. Seattle Seahawks (5-1)
  • Being able to win when you are banged up, and not playing your best is the sign of an elite team. Seattle is doing that right now. When the Seahawks get Percy Harvin and their injured offensive lineman back they will be a much-improved team, and they are already the best team in the NFC. 

1.    Denver Broncos (6-0)
  • The Broncos continue to plug along, even though the game with Jacksonville was closer than expected. Who would have thought that Knowshon Moreno would be the second most important player on this offense? This former first round bust is not only the perfect fit in this offense with his proficiency as a pass catcher and blocker, but he is the teams tone setter. Moreno is running angry and gets this team fired up. If he ever goes down, the drop off to Ronnie Hillman and Montee Ball will be significant. 
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.