It might seem like the NFL season is already over. Really, is anyone going to stop the Patriots? We find out next week when the best chance at taking the wind out of New England’s sails comes to Foxborough. For now, we wait and see and take a look at this week’s results.
Week 8:
1. New England Patriots (8-0) (Previous rank: 1): This is starting to get a little ridiculous. Forget beating this team, can anyone even make it a close game? This week’s match up against Indy will be the Patriots biggest test yet.
2. Indianapolis Colts (7-0) (Previous rank: 2): They put Carolina away easily, now onto New England. With a victory this week, the Colts can emerge out of the Pat’s shadow and become the team to beat. But, of course, that’s easier said than done.
3. Dallas Cowboys (6-1) (Previous rank: 3): No Change: Bye week.
4. Green Bay Packers (6-1) (Previous rank: 5): They weren’t outplayed by Denver, but they won when they had to. Brett Favre proved his wonderful career isn’t over yet. This was a huge road win for this team. Who would have thought they’d be 6 and 1?
5. New York Giants (6-2) (Previous rank: 4): They are better in the states than they are in Merry Old England, but a win is a win. Despite the strong game from Brandon Jacobs, the offense didn’t score many points. They might have lost this one if they were playing anyone besides Miami.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) (Previous rank: 6): The Bengals might not be the team they used to be, but give the Steelers some credit: this was a big road win. They played solid on both sides of the ball. They’re not quite in the class of the Pats and Colts, but they aren’t far behind.
7. Tennessee Titans (5-2) (Previous rank: 7): Last week they didn’t have Vince Young, this week, even though he was in the game, that was still roughly the case. Nonetheless, their defense cranked out a sloppy win. It was a victory, but Vince needs to get back on track in order for this team to make the playoffs.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2) (Previous rank: 8): Their defense gave up big yardage, but they also got big turnovers. Quarterback Quinn Gray did just enough to get the job done. Their running game was solid.
9. San Diego (4-3) (Previous rank: 12): And here come the Chargers. After a horrible start, San Diego has come to life. They just flat out played better than the Texans. Phillip Rivers was great, but the Chargers defense was even better.
Article comments
1 - RJ
"27. Oakland Raiders (2-5) (Previous rank: 27): They continue to do well on defense and poor on offense. They kept it close against the Titans, but in the end, they got no cigar. They’re not giving their quarterback enough protection."
That, and the OL is being called for too many holding penalties and false starts...
2 - Chris McVetta
The Brownies are #12? I'll take it!
I'd still put the Browns (based solely on their offense) ahead of the Titans, Jags and Lions (a tie) but ...your analysis is, unilike FOX News, still "fair and balanced."
Nice work, Jordan! Good stuff.