The NFL "Big 9", Week 5 Edition.

What a wild week in the NFL. Our previous week number 1 ranked Cowboys fell to Washington and among other undefeated teams, Denver and Baltimore fell. As a result there was lots of movement on the "Big 9".

Last week's rank in ().

1 (2). New York Giants - 3-0 - The defending champs take over the top spot by default. As they rested in their bye week they saw division foes Dallas and Philly fall leaving them as the last team standing in the NFL's toughest division.

2 (3). Buffalo Bills - 4-0 - They just keep chugging along under the radar. Could this really be the AFC's best team? Hard to believe but so far they might be.

3 (NR). Tennessee Titans - 4-0 - I left them off last week because it's hard to imagine a team that has undergone all the Vince Young drama and led by Kerry Collins amounting to much but it's hard to overlook a 4-0 record. They have already logged 3 home victories though and things figure to get harder as they face tougher opponents on the road.

4 (9). Washington Redskins - 3-1 - The forgotten team in the mighty NFC East marched into Texas Stadium and knocked off the Cowboys, showing they belong with the big boys. Still a lot of questions including the always fragile health of Clinton Portis but when you knock off the #1 seed you deserve to move up.

5 (1). Dallas Cowboys - 3-1 - A home loss to the Redskins and now the media reports that T.O. had a heated discussion with Romo about his lack of involvement in the passing game. Somewhere Donovan McNabb is laughing. This is still the most talented team in the league but nobody can wreck locker room chemistry quicker than a disgruntled T.O.

6 (8). Pittsburgh Steelers - 3-1 - It wasn't a pretty W but the Steelers bounced back from an ugly loss to Philly by stopping the previously unbeaten Ravens. The injury to Rashard Mendenhall could be a killer though as Willie Parker's health is also in question. It's hard to be a power running team without a healthy running back.

7 (5). Denver Broncos - 3-1 - Even some of the great Denver teams over the years struggled to win at Arrowhead so the loss alone wasn't a killer but this game highlighted a lot of Denver's weaknesses. When the passing game sputters they are very beatable because there is no running game to speak of and the Denver can't stop anyone. They remind me a lot of the early Elway years. Great passing game, not much else.

8 (NR). Carolina Panthers - 3-1 - They win ugly and by the smallest of margins but thus far they have gotten the job done. I don't think the have the weapons to hang with the Cowboys or Giants offensively but Steve Smith getting into a groove could change that in a hurry.

9 (NR). San Diego Chargers - 2-2 - They are an Ed Hochuli whistle away from being 3-1 and are probably still the most talented team in the AFC. If the L.T. we saw in the 4th quarter Sunday shows up the rest of the year, this team is going to be VERY tough to beat.

Other teams on the rise - Chicago, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville.

So there it is folks. As always comments are appreciated!

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".