Tuesday, September 23, 2008

The NFL "Big 9".

I've thought about doing an NFL Power Rankings for awhile but hesitated because everyone has one. Then I realized I spend like 2 hours every Tuesday looking at the NFL power rankings on every sports site imaginable. So hey, one more can't hurt... Right?

So here you go.. Gaddeus' "Big 9", the 9 NFL teams I feel are playing the best right now.

1. Dallas Cowboys - 3-0 - Is anyone playing better than America's team? The offense is cranking on all cylinders after besting the Packers on Sunday Night despite T.O. barely even making an appearance. The 1-2 punch of Marion Barber and Felix Jones looks as good as any tandem in the league. And don't forget this team is capable of throwing the ball some too.... Unless it's the playoffs.

2. New York Giants - 3-0 - Going into the season a lot of people (including yours truly) wondered if the Giants could even make the playoffs in the brutal NFC East. Especially with Strahan retired and Osi Umenyiora out for the year with injuries. But lo and behold the defending champs are 3-0 and showing no signs of letting up.

3. Buffalo Bills - 3-0 - Who? No seriously. This team is playing outstanding football right now and with the Patriots shell-shocked after their crushing loss to Miami, Buffalo is clearly the team to beat in the AFC East.

4. Philadelphia Eagles - 2-1 - Yes, there are numerous undefeated teams we could stick here ahead of the Eagles but it's hard to penalize a team when their only loss was to the Cowboys in Texas Stadium. This team just plays with incredible heart. With both McNabb and Westbrook nursing injuries this past Sunday the defense just took over the game, sacking Big Ben so many times he still hasn't gotten up.

5. Denver Broncos - 3-0 - Watching Bronco games this year is like watching two of your friends play Madden. Both teams score on every possession. It's almost like a college game. Eventually the Broncos lack of anything resembling a defense and uncanny good luck will catch up with them. But right now they look as good as anyone, especially on offense.

6. Green Bay Packers - 2-1 - Another NFC team who's only loss came to the Cowboys. The Packers have looked solid all year in spite of the Brett Favre fiasco but suffered 2 big losses on Sunday night. Not only did Dallas come into Lambeau and get the W but Packers CB, Al Harris left the game with a serious injury and may be done for the year.

7. Baltimore Ravens - 2-0 - Though I haven't been overly impressed with the Ravens they are unbeaten. And while it's hard to imagine a Joe Flacco led team as a serious Superbowl contender, 2-0 is still 2-0.

8. Pittsburgh Steelers - 2-1 - A week ago I probably would have put them at #2 but after an embarrassing loss to the Eagles it appears the Steelers have some pretty serious issues on offense. Their O-Line had no answer for Philly's blitz scheme and now comes the news that Wlllie Parker will miss at least one week as well.

9. Washington Redskins - 2-1 - The forgotten team in the brutal NFC East, the Redskins have really flown under the radar. With road games in Dallas and Phily on the horizon it's hard to imagine the 'Skins hanging onto this slot.

So there it is.. Sure you can argue that New England, Indianapolis, San Diego and Jacksonville are gonna finish ahead of many of these teams by season's end but right now they just haven't performed well enough to merit consideration. The Pats might have snuck in had they kept is respectable against Miami but when you can't stay within 3 TD's of the Dolphins on your home field, you aren't making the "Big 9".

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