NFL Power Report, Week 10

This was such a strange week in the NFL. We learned almost nothing about any team. The bookend games (Bears/Niners, Ravens/Browns) were some of the worst games you'll see all year. The playoff picture only got muddier.

The Contenders
1. Saints. They had a chance to lose this game to the Rams; their last two drives were three-and-out, preceeded by a failed 4th down. An even bigger concern: Saints were OUTGAINED by the Rams!
2. Bengals. Respect is finally theirs as they sweep Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Let's see if Larry Johnson can maintain it.
3. Vikings. Almost 500 yards of offense, could have scored like 60 had it not been for two fumbles in the red zone and a failed 4th down attempt in the red zone.
4. Colts. Really banged up and a tough upcoming schedule spells several losses in the future. Peyton wasn't great; he threw that INT late in the 4th quarter that should have lost the game.
5. Patriots. They really outplayed the Colts in almost every way, that makes the loss all the more heartbreaking.
6. Cardinals. When Kurt Warner doesn't throw an interception they are 4-0. In the Cards' 3 losses, he threw nine. Beanie Wells did a good job running the ball.
7. Steelers. Poor special teams again, Troy Polomalu Big Ben the Statue didn't do anything.
8. Chargers. LT running wild is a welcome sign for a Chargers team that is last in rushing.
9. Cowboys. Almost got shut out against a team that gave up 38 to Tampa Bay last week? Roy Williams is a terrible receiver and teammate.

The Pretenders
10. Giants. Late-game meltdown of their own is a distant memory. With the Falcons and Eagles losing, the Giants actually gained some momentum in a bye week.
11. Eagles. Another concussion for Westbrook is bad, bad news.
12. Texans. Titans vs. Texans will be a little more entertaining Monday Night Football game.
13. Ravens. A win is a win, but they played awful against the Browns. 4/14 converting 3rd downs.
14. Falcons. Matt Ryan has not thrown more touchdowns than interceptions in his last 5 games.
15. Dolphins. Nearly 200 more yards on the ground, makes me wonder why Chad Henne threw the ball in the last two minutes leading by 6 (intercepted).
16. Panthers. Delhomme: 13 INTs the first six games, none the last three games.
17. Titans. Chris Johnson is a monster. VY is the right guy at quarterback right now. And the defense played big when it mattered most.
18. Jaguars. You DO NOT take a knee when you are losing the game! Imagine what would happen if the field goal attempt was blocked? Or if Tony Romo bobbles the hold?
19. Broncos. Two blowouts to good teams and then losing to the Redskins, one of the worst teams in the NFL drops you very far. I originally put them at 22. If they lose to the Chargers next week their season is over.
20. Packers. My favorite Joe Buck comment of the week: "Green Bay's offensive line is doing well; Rodgers has only been sacked twice so far." Two plays later came #3 (another later on).
21. 49ers. Forced four turnovers but only scored 10 points against a soft Bears d.
22. Bears. First and last game Cutler has 9 INTs but the Bears lost by a combined 10 points. Let's be honest: Cutler has no weapons around him. Forte has been awful, Hester is not a wide receiver, and there is no one else.

Start Planning for the Draft
23. Jets. This team looked really good after three games.
24. Seahawks. The Cardinals' offene was just too much for them. Not much relief in store with Adrian Peterson and Favre next.
25. Redskins. I'm very, very surprised they won. They really have no playmakers on offense.
26. Bills. Their best passer is Fred Jackson.
27. Bucs. Had the lead with ten seconds left for the second week in a row.
28. Chiefs. One game without Larry Johnson as a Chief and they are 1-0.
29. Rams. You can't deny that they are improving each week.
30. Raiders. Is it true that when they FINALLY benched JaMarcus Russell, his backup played even worse? (Where's Jeff Garcia when you need him?)
31. Lions. This game looked a schoolyard game where defenses get one blitz per set of downs. Matthew Stafford had no blockers the entire game. And when he did throw the ball well, the receivers dropped it.
32. Clowns. Colts had 5 offensive touchdowns Sunday night. Browns five offensive touchdowns in the last 15 games. I've never seen an offense this bad.