Consider this the first installment of the best of the best in the NFL.
I will rank the 10 teams I feel are the best. This will be a tad different from most “Power Rankings” because it won’t be so jumpy based on one win or one loss, heck or even two wins and two losses. I’m not saying the record isn’t important, I’m just not going to over-react or under-react (is that a word) to one win or loss.
Basically, these are the 10 best teams, period.
1. San Diego (2-2).
They are the best team and they know it. Everything doesn’t revolve around LaDanian Tomlinson like it always has. They will be out for blood when the Patriots come to town a week from Sunday.
2. Dallas (3-1).
In any other era or year during this decade, they would be fifth or sixth at best. But in this level playing field we call the NFL, the Cowboys are one of the best teams. This is the most talented team in the league. But I will predict implosion with so-so coaching and so-so discipline. I still have them ahead of the Giants, but that could change.
3. New England (2-1).
I am wavering on this one. I realize there are too many question marks (Matt Cassel, linebacking corps and cornerbacks), but I’m giving this team the benefit of the doubt in the Miami loss. In another year, that couldn’t happen. But now, anything is possible.
4. N.Y. Giants (3-0).
I like this team. I just don’t love them yet. The fact that they know who they are, which is a grind-it-out team impresses me. They only care about winning. They’ve had the luck of the draw in scheduling. Other than the Rams game, they haven’t looked great. But I like them.
5. Philadelphia (2-2).
I like this team, too. They are tough. Heck, everybody in that division is tough. With Brian Westbrook returning, the Eagles will win, probably of the ugly variety. What I love most about this team is its aggressive nature on defense and their devotion to pressuring opposing quarterbacks.
6. Jacksonville (2-2).
I am not giving up on this team. They might be at No. 3 before long and the Patriots might be out of the top 10 if they lose on Sunday. The Jags are tough. They might be the only team that could beat the Chargers physically.
7. Denver (3-1).
I had the Broncos about three spots higher, but their defense is a major concern. They’ve allowed 35 points per tilt over its last three games. You can’t win in this league, especially in January, with those kinds of numbers. They must beat Tampa this week at home.
8. Chicago (2-2).
The Bears might be a sleeper in the NFC, while everybody is focused on the NFC East brutes. They beat Philadelphia the old-fashioned way, with a goal line stand at the end of the game. Their QB issues haven’t disappeared altogether, which is why I don’t have them higher, but Kyle Orton is better than the alternative (Rex Grossman).
9. Pittsburgh (3-1).
The Steelers offense has been exposed. At the beginning of the season, I had them near the top three. But like the Broncos defense can’t stop anybody, the Steelers offensive line can’t protect Big Ben. This is catch up with them very soon in the loss column. They absolutely need a healthy Tony Parker, too.
10. Buffalo (4-0).
Should they be higher? Probably. But I’m not yet a believer. They are a good team in a mediocre lot here in the AFC. I like their passion. And we must admit that they have been getting better, bit by bit, over the last three seasons. They play at Arizona this weekend and then go to San Diego after the bye week. Basically, this is where they belong.
Omissions:
Carolina (3-1) … Probably my biggest omission.
Tennessee (4-0) … They are a 10-6 team.
Washington (3-1) … Maybe I’m wrong, but not a fan of QB
