Here’s a weekly look at the top and bottom five in the NFL:
1. New England Patriots (6-0)
Previous Rank: 1
Can everyone stop talking about the Patriots going 16-0 please? Yeah, they’re an unbelievable juggernaut, but 6-0 is a long ways away from 16-0. Watch as the season wears on, because some team with nothing to play for just might trip these guys up.
2. Indianapolis Colts (5-0)
Previous Rank: 2
A healthy Marvin Harrison and Joseph Addai + a red-hot Jacksonville team + Monday night football = best game on Week 7 schedule. The only variable worth mentioning, however, is that Tony Kornheiser will still be part of the MNF broadcast team.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1)
Previous Rank: 4
The Broncos haven’t played up to their potential this season, but playing at Mile High is still a legitimate test I can’t wait to see if Pittsburgh can pass.
4. Dallas Cowboys (5-1)
Previous Rank: 3
The Cowboys fought hard in the first half against the Pats, but eventually the secondary couldn’t hang with Brady to Moss for four quarters. Unfortunately for Dallas, the secondary looks like it could be a huge issue all season.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-1)
Previous Rank: 5
This is a nasty team to face when they can run the ball and put up points. Can the Jags prove they’re a legit contender with a win at home against Indy? I’m willing to bet they give the Colts a run for their money.
28. New York Jets (1-4)
Previous Rank: 26
The Jets have stated that they have no intention to trade or bench QB Chad Pennington. So let me take a stab at what happens this week when Gang Green plays at Cincinnati: Pennington completes a high number of passes, but for a small amount of yards. He doesn’t throw any touchdowns and is eventually picked off in the final moments of the game while trying to move the ball quickly downfield. Bengals 20, Jets 13. That sound about right Jets fans?
29. Buffalo Bills (1-4)
Previous Rank: 30
We’ll see this week if the Bills’ Week 5 effort against Dallas was just a mirage or an indication that this team is moving in the right direction. The Ravens are clearly the better team, but they’re flawed and definitely beatable, especially with the game being played in Buffalo.
30. Atlanta Falcons (1-5)
Previous Rank: 28
It’s clear that the Falcons need to clean house and allow Bobby Petrino to get the personnel that fit his offense. He needs a big bruiser in the backfield and a quarterback that doesn’t play not to lose. As always, Joey Harrington isn’t the only reason why this team is struggling. But it’s clear as day that he just doesn’t have what it takes to be a consistent starter in this league. He always plays not to lose.
31. Miami Dolphins (0-6)
Previous Rank: 32
What happened to this once proud defense? The Browns offense has drastically improved, but they shouldn’t be scoring 41 points against a defense that features Jason Taylor, Zach Thomas, Joey Porter, Channing Crowder and Donovan Darius.
32. St. Louis Rams (0-6)
Previous Rank: 31
Marc Bulger has been cleared to start again, but does it really matter? With Steven Jackson still out and the defense giving up 30-plus points a game, Bulger at less than 100% isn’t going to make much of a difference.
Who’s your top and bottom five?
