This is the Fifth Edition of the NFL Power Rankings and I am pretty excited to have a knowledgeable football analyst with me to help with the rankings. We have taken the average of the two analysts votes. Each analyst has ranked the teams as they choose 1-32 and we have added comments for each team. I am Sam Brief, of Sam’s Sports Brief, a 14 year old who created Sam’s Sports Brief to give you a refreshing new perspective on the wild world of sports. I hope to someday become a sports broadcaster or a sports writer and I am following my dreams, providing readers with a wealth of information and keen perspective.
Our second analyst today is Steve Hromin, of The Sportz Guru, based out of Nassau County in New York. He, too provides in-depth game breakdowns and predictions of every game and has coverage of all of the four major sports on his site!!! I highly recommend checking their sites out and brushing up on your sports knowledge through the eyes of these sports fanatics.
So without further ado, here are the NFL Week 11 Power Rankings. Comments and debates are highly recommended and encouraged on these websites!!! Hope You Enjoy!!!
You can view the individual rankings here:
POWERRANKINGS(Sam’s Sports Brief)
POWERRANKINGS(The Sportz Guru)
"Aaron Rodgers doesn't have a right arm. He has a right heat-seeking missile launcher."
TEAM
RECORD
COMMENTS
1. Packers
9-0
The Packers are 9-0. Aaron Rodgers is on pace to break at least 5 single-season records. They haven’t lost a game since Week 15 of last year. I mean, what else is there to say about the Pack? Even thought their defense is worse than last years’, Aaron Rodgers makes up for it with his arm AND his legs. I don’t see them losing anytime soon, but mark my words when I say they WILL NOT GO UNDEFEATED this year.
The Sportz Guru @TheSportzGuru
2. 49ers
8-1
The Niners grabbed their biggest statement win all year. A win over the Giants pushes them to 8-1, and with a Packers loss (if it is in the foreseeable future), the 49ers can start talking 1st seed.
Sam’s Sports Brief @SamsSportsBrief
3. Steelers
7-3
The Steelers went to Cincinnati and proved they can compete with them. This just opens up the gap wider as Baltimore AND Cincy lost. That division (AFC North) is really tight., but I think it will be the Bengals who will be the division champs by year’s end. Still, the Steelers, are certainly good enough for a Wild Card. But, they’ll have to do better than Baltimore, who swept them this year. The Sportz Guru @TheSportzGuru
4.Patriots
6-3
After a devastating 2 game losing streak, Tom Brady and the Patriots responded with a much needed 37-16 win over the Jets in New York. There was really no reason to doubt Tom Brady (America’s sweetheart) in the first place, was there?
Sam’s Sports Brief @SamsSportsBrief
5. Saints
7-3
The Saints won in OT last week, largely due to a stupid coaching decision by Mike Smith. Why go for it in your own territory IN OT? Like Tony Dungy said on the SNF pregame show, you need to think: “What will happen if we don’t get this 1st down?” Obviously, Smith wasn’t thinking this and it cost him. Nonetheless, the Saints won fair and square. They’re looking good with some ground over the Falcons, Bucs, and Panthers in the NFC South.
The Sportz Guru @TheSportzGuru
6.Ravens
6-3
The Ravens have now stamped in their legacy as the most inconsistent team in the NFL. Following a gargantuan win in Pittsburgh, the Ravens were duped by the lowly Seahawks. In the words of the legendary Vince Lombardi, “What the hell is goin’ on out here?” Sam’s Sports Brief
@SamsSportsBrief
7. Giants
6-3
The Giants are down in the rankings after last week’s loss to the 49ers. They looked a bit out of sync. While Victor Cruz can certainly make the big plays, he can also make some costly mistakes. Still, I see this team as being AT LEAST a Wild Card winner, and with next week’s game against the woeful Eagles, I think the Giants have a bright future.
The Sportz Guru @TheSportzGuru
8.Bears
6-3
The Bears are now on a magical 4-game winning streak and in second place in the NFC North, and have moved up 6 spots in our rankings. It really is hard to believe just how much this team has turned around, but they really are firing on all cylinders. This year, in every game that Matt Forte has scored a touchdown, the Bears have won. Sam’s Sports Brief
@SamsSportsBrief
9. Texans
7-3
The Texans have lost Matt Schaub for the season, so they have to rely on Matt Leinart to get them into the playoffs. So far in the season they’ve looked impressive on the ground and through the air, but I’m skeptical about Leinart. Either way, I still think this Texans team is a playoff team.
The Sportz Guru @TheSportzGuru
10.Lions
6-3
The Lions are coming off of a crushing 37-13 loss in Chicago. Since the Lions huge Monday Night win to escalate them to 5-0, they have lost 3 of their last 4. Do I hear a collapse? Sam’s Sports Brief
@SamsSportsBrief
11. Bengals
6-3
The Bengals took the loss last week from Big Ben and the Steelers. Through 10 weeks, they’ve looked very impressive considering they have a rookie at QB and WR. Their defense has kept them in games and the offense has been able to finish and put enough points on the board to win. They are my pick to win the AFC North.
The Sportz Guru @TheSportzGuru
12.Falcons
5-4
Mike Smith faced criticism after going for it (and failing) on a 4th and inches in overtime. The Falcons went on to lose to the Saints, 26-23. This puts the Falcons’ playoff chances in jeopardy. Sam’s Sports Brief
@SamsSportsBrief
13. Bills
5-4
The Bills got destroyed by the Cowboys on the road last week. Although they’ve hit a bump in the road, they will get out of it soon enough. The Patriots won their game against the Jets, taking charge in the AFC East. The Bills still have a chance to sneak into the playoffs, but if they really want it, it’s gotta start now.
The Sportz Guru @TheSportzGuru
14.Jets
5-4
After an emotional high following a 3-game winning streak, the Jets were handed their first home loss at the hands of the rival Patriots. I think there is serious question about their defense, as they have given up an average of 30.2 points per game. Sam’s Sports Brief
@SamsSportsBrief
15.Raiders
5-4
The Raiders beat the Chiefs last week to move to 5-4. They are 1st in the AFC West, but that can change very quickly. In order to keep this lead, they’ll have to keep playing at a high level and “Just win, baby!”
The Sportz Guru @TheSportzGuru
16.Cowboys
5-4
The Cowboys are now on a season-high 2-game winning streak! The ‘Boys beat up on the Bills this week, 44-7. Tony Romo played a near-perfect game (148.4 passer rating) for the first time all season. I think we have come to a conclusion that it Romo plays well, the Cowboys will win. Sam’s Sports Brief
@SamsSportsBrief
17.Buccaneers
4-5
The Bucs took a brutal loss to the Texans last week. They are in 2nd place in their division, behind the high-powered Saints. Unless the Bucs pick it up soon, it looks like the Saints will win the division. Also, it looks like there are better Wild Card candidates out there than the Bucs.
The Sportz Guru @TheSportzGuru
18.Chargers
4-5
Do you remember when the Chargers were 4-1? Because following a Thursday Night loss to the Raiders, the dismal Chargers are now on a 4-game losing streak. This is an unfortunate collapse, as Phillip Rivers has been well under-par, the Chargers now face a Bears team on a 4-game winning streak. At least one streak will end. Sam’s Sports Brief
@SamsSportsBrief
19. Titans
5-4
The Titans looked sharp last week vs. the Panthers. Chris Johnson had his first 100-yard game since the NFL Lockout, the defense sacked Killer Cam 5 times, and Hasselbeck looks like the vet he always has been! Seriously though, I don’t think the Titans can keep this up for long. If Johnson somehow surpasses 1,000 yards on the season, I’ll be amazed.
The Sportz Guru @TheSportzGuru
20.Chiefs
4-5
After a surprising 3-game winning streak for the Chiefs, they have now lost 2 games in a row to teams with a combined record of 6-12. The Chiefs are like a mountain; they’re up and down, and up and down, and eventually, down to last place in the AFC West. Sam’s Sports Brief
@SamsSportsBrief
21. Eagles
3-6
The Eagles…where to start? They benched DeSean Jackson (rightfully so), can’t get in the endzone, and can’t stop the pass! Why can’t they stop the pass? Didn’t they go out and get DRC and Nnamdi? I can’t figure this team out, I swear this is harder than my math homework.
The Sportz Guru @TheSportzGuru
22.Broncos
4-5
The Broncos are simply a different team with Tim Tebow leading the charge, as they are 3-1 with him as the starter. Tebow was 2-for-8, with a touchdown on Sunday, but it was enough to win, and that’s what matters. For those Tebow non-believers, here’s a stat: Tim Tebow had the highest completion-to-touchdown ratio this week: 2 to 1! Keep Tebowing, keep Tebowing. Sam’s Sports Brief
@SamsSportsBrief
23. Redskins
3-6
The ‘Skins surprisingly have the same record as the Eagles (3-6). They are on a 5-game losing streak. While I would say this team is ready to win one, I’m not confident enough to say that. Grossman first, then Beck, now Grossman again? Never a good idea to switch QB’s halfway through the season.
The Sportz Guru @TheSportzGuru
24.Cardinals
3-6
Grizzled veteran John Skelton had a career day in Philly this week, finishing with 315 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Cardinals are 2-0 this year with the All-Pro Skelton taking snaps. Sam’s Sports Brief
@SamsSportsBrief
25. Browns
3-6
The Browns lost last week to the Rams. If you lost to the Rams this season, either you SUCK, or you had a bad game (Saints). In this case, it’s the first one that is true. No way the Browns are making playoffs, especially with the Ravens, Steelers, and Bengals in the same division.
The Sportz Guru @TheSportzGuru
26.Panthers
2-7
The 2-7 Panthers were held to only 3 points this week in a 30-3 loss to the Titans. After the game, when Cam Newton was asked if he had ever been a part of a game where his team didn’t score a touchdown, he simply replied, “No.” Sam’s Sports Brief
@SamsSportsBrief
27. Jaguars
3-6
The Jaguars beat the Colts last week. Is that even worth mentioning? Jags should keep fighting hard and do the best they can. I think they’re good enough to upset a few teams.
The Sportz Guru @TheSportzGuru
28.Dolphins
2-7
The surging fins are now on a season-high 2-game winning streak (oh wait, they have only won 2 games all year). If the Dolphins win each and every one of their last 7 games, then they won’t make the playoffs. What an inspiring and riveting situation down in South Beach. Sam’s Sports Brief
@SamsSportsBrief
29.Seahawks
3-6
The Seahawks beat the Ravens last week. Fluke? I think so. The Ravens showed the week before that they can beat the Steelers. So if they can beat the Steelers, they can beat most teams in the NFL.
The Sportz Guru @TheSportzGuru
30.Rams
2-7
In a game-of-the-year candidate, the lowly Rams defeated the lowly Browns in a 13-12 shootout. Listen, the Rams are going nowhere, as they have been outscored this year, 223-113. Sam’s Sports Brief
@SamsSportsBrief
31.Vikings
2-7
The Vikings lost to the Packers last week, but I give them some credit. Even thought they haven’t been on track this season, they do have a rookie QB at the helm this year.
The Sportz Guru @TheSportzGuru
32.Colts
0-9
The Colts are bad. Yeah. Sam’s Sports Brief
@SamsSportsBrief
Once again, the individual rankings had a lot of contrast this week. Steve had the riveting Ravens at #4, while Sam put them down at #8. Sam ranked the surging Bears at #6, while Steve put them at all the way at #12. Sam kicked the Bengals out of the top ten (#11) after their loss to the Steelers, while Steve had them in at #9. Sam put the Raiders at #16, while Steve ranked them at #20 (just lose,baby). Sam loved the Broncos this week at #21, while Steve had them down in the dumps at #27. Sam had the captivating Dolphins ranked at #28, while Steve put them at #31. Steve was obviously convinced by the Seahawks win, and had them at #25, and Sam had them at #29. As always, we both had the 9-0 Packers at #1 and the 0-10 Colts at #32.
Attention Colts fans: The Colts are bad.
By Sam Brief Sam’s Sports BriefBy Steven Hromin The Sportz Guru
