This Week in the NFL

No power rankings, just some observations:

The following NFL teams are undefeated:

Baltimore Ravens
Buffalo Bills
Dallas Cowboys
Denver Broncos
New York Giants
Tennessee Titans

However, of the seventeen wins represented there (the Ravens have already had their bye week) seven have been against teams that have yet to win. The Raven's opponents have gone 0-6, the Titan's foes have gone 1-8, and the Giants have faced off against teams that have a combined 2-7 record. The Cowboys are the only team that has handed each of their opponents their only loss of the season thus far. And if we compare the net points of the losing teams, only Dallas and Denver have beaten teams that have net points that aren't negative.

Those stats not impressive? How about this: If we compare the rankings of the teams average points, yards, rush yards and passing yards per game only 2 crack the top 5. Denver averaging a ranking of 3.75 and Dallas at 4.

All this is to say we have four illegitimate "undefeated" teams right now. Not only that, but the Giant's schedule is so soft that it would be a disappointment if they didn't go 6-0. And they should be 6-1 when they face off against the 7-0 Dallas Cowboys. This would be the first of four consecutive losses for New York, dropping them to a more earthly, more representative 6-4. Baltimore's average ranking is 16.75, The Titans are at an average of 14.75 and the Bills average 14.25. Remember, there are 32 teams in the NFL. These "undefeateds" are smack in the middle.

In Other News: (Ok, not news exactly, but in other aspects of the NFL:)

Running up the score: Last year the Patriots were slammed for what some saw as "running up the score." Up by two touchdowns they went for it on fourth and one against Dallas igniting the ire of the Lone Star fans. How interesting, then, this past week when Dallas goes for it on fourth and 1 late in the game deep into Green Bay territory and up by a lot. They failed to convert. But had they converted, shouldn't they be accused of running up the score? There was more time than they would have been able to kneel out. They would have had to get another first down and there wasn't much room to obtain it. So, for the record, the following fans cannot complain about anyone else "running up the score": Dallas (see above). San Diego 48-29 (38-14 at one point, yet they kept scoring). Miami 38-13. Atlanta 38-14. New York Giants 41-13 (wk2). Green Bay 48-25 (wk2). Denver 41-14 (wk1). Buffalo 34-10 (wk1). Philadelphia 38-3 (wk1). Unless, of course, it's true that you shouldn't be required to "stop yourself."

Ok, I can't resist, without explanation, here's a power ranking:

10) Atlanta Falcons
9) Indianapolis Colts
8) Carolina Panthers
7) Minnesota Vikings
6) San Diego Chargers
5) Philadelphia Eagles
4) Denver Broncos
3) Pittsburgh Steelers
2) Green Bay Packers
1) Dallas Cowboys

The AFC is totally up for grabs. Denver looks good but they give up too many points (84 thus far). Pittsburgh can't seem to protect Big Ben. The Titans and Patriots are playing with back up QBs. The Colts and Chargers are whole, but can't seem to close out the wins. It's gonna be a fun year.

There you go. My NFL post for the week.