1)New England (5-0) Last week: 1
- It'll be very difficult for you to play the "no respect" card this year. While the win over Cleveland wasn't perfect, it was still a win, and still a convincing win at that. Second big test (SD was considered a test at the time, even though they've tanked since) is next week in Dallas. Someone has to walk away with a loss!
- Classic Indy. Early lead + no mercy = Colts win. But one must admit, you've got a very easy schedule. You're first big test isn't until the Patriots visit the dome in two weeks. Even then, you've got them at home.
- I really wrestled over where to rank you this week. 9 points in the last 40 seconds could be deserving of a #1 spot for resilience and ability under pressure. But the fact that you needed to score 9 points in the last 40 seconds in order to sneak a win past Buffalo is what ended up dropping you to 3rd. A win next week could catapult you to #1. A loss with a good showing could keep you at #3. I can't wait for that game!
- Handing out the first shut-out of the season brings you back into the top five. Especially since it was against a team that made it into the power rankings last week (you'll note their conspicuous absence this week!) Strong D so far this season. And we all know it's the Defense that wins championships. The question is: can it get you to the post season?
- I wanted to send you farther than fifth for the game you handed to Chicago (which wasn't Favre's fault, by the way. It's tough to make a difference in a game when your offensive Co-coordinator won't let you throw the ball, but would rather run using a talentless back running against a D that hasn't allowed it all game) but I couldn't determine who to put above you. Even though you lost a game you should have taken easily, you're still a very talented team. Still in JMO:JTF's top five.
- Held KC to seven points: Respectable. Only scored 17 against them: somewhat troubling, but the victory moves you up the ladder.
- Another come from behind win. Playing in the only NFL game where both teams are the home team you managed to over come a late deficit to the Jets (who are none too shabby.) Welcome to the highest you've been on the list since week 1.
- You didn't climb like Jacksonville because you had way more trouble with Atlanta than you should have. But, in the end a win's a win and it ticks you up one notch.
- You've one loss, and it's to division rivals the Giants. You easily defeated Detroit (another JMO:JTF dropout), not to mention a victory over NFC east enemy Philly. You're not looking to bad right about now.
- What a year! The Cleveland Browns have been on this list. The Detroit Lions have been as high as #7. I was totally wrong about Favre. Now the Arizona Cardinals are in the top 10 of the NFL. I checked your schedule. You've beaten some tough teams (Seattle and Pittsburgh) and, at least for right now, you deserve it. (Don't make me regret it by losing to St Louis or anything like that!)
Notable removals: Detroit: What is up?! One week you lose by a land slide to Philly, then you beat Chicago like they are a Powder Puff team, then you lose to Washington like you needed a map to the end zone? Inconsistent play does not warrant a spot on the list! Seattle: Don't I have egg on my face. And it's Seahawk egg. The week after I induct you onto the power rankings you go and get shut out by a team I'd ranked lower than you!? How could you do this to me? Now straighten up and flight right!
Honorable Mentions: San Diego: Wow, you looked like your old self again! But one good win does not a season make. You shall have to spend another week in shame on the sideline. Chicago: Well, you took advantage of GB's game plan of "we're not trying to win, we're trying not to lose." Which never works. But that doesn't mean we should let you back on the list with your friends. Let's see another big win and then we'll talk about it. Maybe.
Don't forget: Red Sox try to take the first game of the series against Cleveland on Friday!
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