It’s already been an interesting year in the NFL, as no team has emerged as a clear-cut favorite.  So what do you do when you have no dominant team and last years Super Bowl champs are still undefeated? — you rank them #1 of course

#1 - New York Giants (3-0)

Something feels very wrong about having a bye week and getting moved to #1.  Of course, something feels wrong about the fact that they haven’t been ranked #1 all along — it’s not like they’ve lost since winning the Super Bowl.  Plaxico served up a nice distraction for the bye week, but they’re loaded at receiver so it shouldn’t be too big of an issue.  I expect them to stay strong against Seattle next week.

#2 - Tennessee Titans (4-0)

Last week I said no team with Kerry Collins at QB is allowed in the top 5, man law.  I lied.  Defense looks tough, and I like the power/speed combination they have at running back with Lendale White and rookie Chris Johnson.  Let’s see how they are able to run the ball next week agains the Ravens.

#3 - Washington Redskins (3-1)

Impressive win against the Cowboys, Clinton Portis earned himself a Sunday Stud award by keeping the Cowboys offense off the field.  Jason Campbell should continue to improve as the season moves on.

#4 - Dallas Cowboys (3-1)

The NFC East is unquestionably the best division in football, and they’ll be beating up on each other all year.  Great gameplan by the Redskins, but I have to question the playcalling by the Cowboys.  When you have a guy like Marion Barber, why do you only give him the ball 8 times?

#5 - Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)

The Steelers offense looks lost without Willie Parker.  Somehow Big Ben and the defense continue to make enough plays for them to win.  They need to target Santonio Holmes more.

#6 - Buffalo Bills (4-0)

I’m sorry but beating the Rams isn’t going to convince me to move them up in the rankings.  They have one of the softest schedules in the league though, and Trent Edwards has them looking like a playoff team.

#7 - San Diego Chargers (2-2)

Philip Rivers struggled, but LT busted out in the 4th quarter.  I’ll Joey Porter this one and guarantee a win over the Dolphins next week.

#8 - Denver Broncos (3-1)

Their Achilles heel (their defense) let Larry Johnson run all over them in a surprise upset.  On the plus side, Eddie Royal had another solid game (9 catches, 104 yards) and is definitely in the running for Rookie of the Year.  Denver faces a tough Tampa defense next week.

#9 - Carolina Panthers (3-1)

Carolina’s defense held Michael Turner in check (18 carries, 56 yards) in a 24-9 victory over the Falcons.  Steve Smith exploded for a 56 yard TD and their passing game is clicking right now.  They face a surprisignly tough Kansas City defense next week.

#10 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1)

A gutsy performance from Matt Bryant sealed the deal in another tight victory for the Bucs.  Their offense was aided again this week with another defensive touchdown.  It was good to see them get the ground game going with Earnest Graham.

#11 - Chicago Bears (2-2)

Great goalline stand in the 4th quarter.  I felt like I was having deja vu watching their offense struggle in the 2nd half again, but their defense somehow pulled through.  If Orton and the Bears offense can put together a full game, they could be scary.  This team should be 4-0 at this point in the season.

#12 - Green Bay Packers (2-2)

Packer nation had to be worried watching rookie Matt Flynn take snaps in the 4th quarter.  I said last week that they wouldn’t be out of the top 10 all year, but Aaron Rodgers injury has me concerned.  Brett Favre added salt to the wound by throwing 6 TD’s Sunday.

#13 - Indianapolis Colts (1-2)

The bye week should be good for them, giving Manning and the rest of that offense some time to rest and recover.  The game with the Texans next week could be a shootout.

#14 - Baltimore Ravens (2-1)

Ray Lewis isn’t playing like he’s 33, he was all over the field on Monday night.  Joe Flacco shows flashes of brilliance, and flashes of rookie stupidity.  Their offense will be inconsistent, but their defense will continue to keep them in games.

#15 - New Orleans Saints (2-2)

Deuce McAllister played well in his role as the Saints primary ballcarrier, and that Brees guy sure can throw the ball.  When Marques Colston returns, this offense could be scary good.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR LEADERBOARD

1. Chris Johnson - Tennesee

2. Eddie Royal - Denver

3. Matt Forte - Chicago

4. Desean Jackson - Philadelphia

5. Jonathan Stewart - Carolina

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Brett Favre

Favre threw a career high 6 touchdowns in the Jets 56-35 victory over the Cardinals.  After getting blown out by the Chargers last week, Favre shutup his critics with a ridiculous performance against a Cardinals defense that had been gaining respect around the league.  The Jets 38-year-old quarterback (39 on October 10) showed that he’s still got a cannon, particularly on his 12 yard TD pass to Laveranues Coles.

Larry Johnson

Johnson led the Chiefs in their surprising 33-19 upset over the previously undefeated Broncos.  Carrying the ball 28 times, Johnson racked up 198 yards rushing and 2 scores.  Johnson went over 100 yards for the second time in 2 weeks after starting off the season slow (1st 2 games - 34 carries, 96).  Generally your team will do pretty well when your running back can get 7.1 yards per carry.

Drew Brees

Just another 300+ yard performance for Saints’ QB Drew Brees (23-35, 363 yds, 3 TD’s).  Brees is currently on pace for 428 completions, 5,372 yards, and 32 TD’s.  If he keeps up his 72.3% completion percentage, there’s a good chance that could happen.

Clinton Portis

Despite failing to reach pay dirt, Portis was the driving force behind the Redskins’ impressive 26-24 road win over the Cowboys.  Portis carried the ball 21 times for 121 yards for 5.8 YPC.  Why was this important?  Portis kept the Dallas offense off the field, keeping control of possession (Washington -38:09/Dallas - 21:51).

Matt Bryant

1 Day after burying his newborn child, Bryant stepped out onto the field and kicked 3 fields goals and 3 extra points in the Bucs’ win over the Packers.  I’m glad Bryant was able to perform well in a game that must have been difficult for him to control his emotions - so I have to give props to the kicker.

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