After 11 weeks, I’m thoroughly convinced that the NFC has not remotely gotten close to the AFC as far as talent. It’s like watching the Chicago Bears and a bunch of inconsistent umpaloopas.
Here is a look at the class and trash of the league with nothing in between:
1. Indianapolis Colts (9-1)
Previous Ranking: 1
Even the Colts and Peyton Manning are allowed to have a bad day. However, I’ve been saying for weeks that the Indy run defense would cost them a game and I think Dallas provided my theory. While the Cowboys didn’t run amuck on the Colts, when Dallas needed to gain a few first downs at the end of the game to run out the clock, it was able to do it with ease.
2. Chicago Bears (9-1)
Previous Ranking: 2
This is the only NFC team that should be feared if you are an AFC squad. It seems like with each passing week, however, the Bears are starting to revert back to years past: Great defense with an inconsistent offense that relies on the run. That’s certainly not a bad way to win, but will it get it done in the playoffs?
3. San Diego Chargers (8-2)
Previous Ranking: 3
I was overly impressed with the Chargers win in Denver on Sunday night. The Broncos have simply had San Diego’s number at Mile High for almost a decade. The Chargers have shown the past two weeks that they not only can win without defensive stalwart Shawne Merriman, but also come back from large deficits. LaDainian Tomlinson is the most exciting player in the NFL.
4. Denver Broncos (7-3)
Previous Ranking: 4
The Broncos without a doubt have a solid team. Denver would be more solid if it had a consistent quarterback that wasn’t always one play away from costing his team a victory.
5. New England Patriots (7-3)
Previous Ranking: Unranked
People might think I’m dogging the Ravens by keeping Baltimore out of the top five. Well, I am. I’ve watched for weeks how the Ravens get dominated by their opponents and fall behind only to pull it out in the end. While the Patriots have stunk at home, New England is dominating opponents on the road and that’s a great advantage come playoff time.
28. Washington Redskins (3-7)
Previous Rank: Unranked
Question: Why did it take Joe Gibbs this long to play Jason Campbell? I know it was only against Tampa Bay, but no turnovers and two touchdowns is a pretty good day regardless.
29. Houston Texans (3-7)
Previous Ranking: Unranked
I’ve been hammering J.P. Losman all year Houston and you go out there and give up 340 yards and three touchdowns to him? You made me look like a fool Texans! A fool!
30. Detroit Lions (2-8)
Previous Ranking: 29
Conspiracy theory time! Arizona has been rumored to want Mike Martz as its next head coach. Martz, however, apparently isn’t a big fan of quarterback Matt Leinart for his system. So, with Detroit traveling to Arizona this past weekend, Martz drew up a game plan so hideous that the big wigs in the Cardinals organization would stop wanting him. It all makes sense.
31. Arizona Cardinals (2-8)
Previous Ranking: 32
I should probably put the Cardinals ahead of the Lions, since Arizona beat Detroit last Sunday. However, I just can’t fathom moving Arizona up two spots just for beating the Lions.
32. Oakland Raiders (2-8)
Previous Ranking: 31
Forget about the Colts and the Bears at the top of heap. There is a serious battle brewing for the No. 32 spot between the Cardinals and Raiders with a potential wildcard in the Lions. Stay tuned!
