NFL Power Rankings Week 1

with upsets and injuries I simply couldn't resist:

10) New York Giants (Previous Ranking: off)
Last Week's result: W vs Washington

Convincing win. Though Manning still looks like a timid kitten in the pocket. If they want climb in the power rankings, he needs to mature. next game at St Louis, should be an easy win.

9) Chicago (Previous Ranking: off)
Last Week's result: W vs Indianapolis

Wow. WOW. The mighty Bears D held Indy to 1 touchdown and that was in the second half! Used Orton's strengths rather than trying to force him to do things he doesn't do well. Keep this up and you'll contend. next game at Carolina. Tough game. It'll be close. Probable loss.

8) Carolina (Previous Ranking: off)
Last Week's result: W vs San Diego

Poise, calm, gameplan. Overcame the team some have picked to win it all. Welcome to the list. Next game home vs Chi-town. It'll be close, but you should be able to eek out a win.

7) Green Bay (Previous Ranking: 7)
Last Week's result: W vs Minnesota

Brett who? This is Mr. Rodger's neighborhood. I fully expected a valiant effort in a losing battle. (Of course, I had you ranked above MN and should have listened to myself.) You won when the power ranks said you should. Hence you keep your spot. Next game should be an easy win compared to this one: At Detroit.

6) Indianapolis (Previous Ranking: 4)
Last Week's result: L vs Chicago

It's one thing to have a great defense stymie your offense. It's another to not be able to stop Kyle Orton. Things better change if you want to prevent another free-fall on the list. Next game at MN. If you can stop their run (which I think you can) you should win this game. Though right now I see it as 50/50.

5) New England (Previous Ranking: 1)
Last Week's result: W vs Kansas City

You won the battle of the back up QB's. Brady is out for the season. Moss is still Moss. Vrabel still Vrabel. Belichick is still Belichick. If anyone can find a way to win with Matt Cassel it's Bill. Besides, Cassel hasn't started a game since 1999 when he was in high school. He has something to prove. They can run the Indy passing offense: dink dunk 4 yard here 6 yards there try a huge play every now and then. This takes 2 wins from them, tops. Next game: The Old-timer vs the new comer. Favre vs Cassel. At the Jets. I think New England can pull this one out.

4) San Diego (Previous Ranking: 3)
Last Week's result: L vs Carolina

Your loss was not as egregious as some others (*cough* Indy *cough*) But you didn't look like a playoff bound team. Tighten it up. We don't want the only Bolt we're talking about to be a sprinter from Jamaica! Next game at Denver. Denver showed themselves to be formidable and the new Mile High isn't very forgiving. With reservations I pick you to win.

3) Philadelphia (Previous Ranking: 9)
Last Week's result: W vs St Louis

The New England of 07. Running up the score. Blowing out the other team. I'm not complaining. I think this should only be prevented if the participants are under 14. It's not your job to prevent yourself from scoring. Too bad you next game is at Dallas. But starting the season at .500 isn't terrible.

2) Pittsburgh (Previous Ranking: 6)
Last Week's result: W vs Houston

See notes for the Eagles. Basically the same situation. Exact same point total. But you did it against a slightly better team. Next game another blowout as you march into Cleveland.

1) Dallas (Previous Ranking: 2)
Last Week's result: W vs Cleveland

Sleeping to a 28-10 victory over a team I had high hopes for. With Indy faltering, San Diego fizzling, and New England limping, you are the default #1. Keep Jessica out of the stadium and you might stay there. You face the first test of the season next week when you host Philly. You'll come away with the win, though.

Off) Cleveland, Jacksonville, Minnesota.

Seriously, I don't expect this to be a regular thing (barring enough interest and requests for it to continue), but this week one was so volatile that I had to reorder the teams.

Can't wait till next Sunday!