Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful, and I am very thankful for the slate of games the NFL gave us a week ago. This literally never happens when every single game on Thanksgiving is a close contest, especially in Detroit.
The Ravens showed their dominance over the 49ers,and won with Joe Flacco’s consistency and their swarming, aggressive D. Terrell Suggs had a great night, and this team continues to prove that they deserve to be in the conversation to win the AFC. With a home playoff game, I don’t think many teams could come in to Baltimore and beat the Ravens. Many opponents would be intimidated to come in and play a team and a defense that feeds off its home atmosphere. One thing is certain; the AFC Playoffs will yet again be interesting to watch. Now for the Power Rankings:
- Packers– The Packers literally carved up the Lions secondary on Turkey Day.
- Ravens– The physical Ravens won a defensive game in the inaugural “Har-Bowl.”
- 49ers- Tough loss in Baltimore, but all is not lost. The 49ers can clinch their division this weekend, and look like a lock to earn the #2 seed in the NFC.
- Steelers- Couldn’t manufacture offense against a Chiefs defense that has been mediocre all year. Face the Bengals in an important division game Sunday.
- Saints– Routed the Giants in front of the whole country, and showed how efficient they can be on offense. Darren Sproles has brought a new dimension to their offense.
- Patriots- Brady was a surgeon on Sunday, and looked as dominant as ever against the “Dream Team’s” Secondary. Have a favorable schedule the rest of the way.
- Texans- Won against the Jags, but lost Matt Leniart for the season. They will make the playoffs, but I don’t expect them to advance after that.
- Falcons– The Falcons keep winning and getting better every week. Yet another winnable game comes in Houston.
- Bears- Have one of the NFL’s easiest schedules remaining, including facing two more AFC West teams. Hopefully, Jay Cutler can be ready for the playoffs.
10. Lions- Very tough game on Sunday Night in New Orleans. If Stafford brings his A game, and the Lions can run the ball, they have a chance.
11. Cowboys- Now in first place, the Cowboys pretty much control their destiny in the NFC East, with two games remaining with the sinking G-men.
12. Raiders- Carson Palmer continues to look better and better each week. Meanwhile, the Raiders won the game with the help of the NFL’s best Kicker and Punter in Sebastian Janikowski and Shane Lechler.
13. Bengals- AJ Green is back, and so is the Bengals dynamic offense. If they beat the Steelers on Sunday, they will show many that they are for real.
14. Broncos- The Tim Tebow magic continues, and the Broncos defense continues to intimidate its opponents with physicality, led by Von Miller and Brian Dawkins.
15. Giants- Had no answer for the Saints offense on Monday Night. Another giant collapse is inevitable with a rough road ahead that includes the Packers coming to town this week.
16. Jets- Yes, the Jets won, but this doesn’t mean all of their problems are fixed. Mark Sanchez was very inconsistent throughout the game, and I believe the defense lacks the toughness that it had during their last two-playoff runs.
17. Titans- Chris Johnson is back, after his 190 yard performance on Sunday. They may have a glimmer of hope in the AFC South after the Texans lost yet another QB.
18. Bills- Their offense played better, but couldn’t score in the end. It seems that the Bills got it wrong on CJ Spiller, who has yet to make a big impact.
19. Chargers-Dropped yet another game, this time against the Broncos at home. Norv Turner is certainty on the hot seat. I expect him to be let go. I’m not sure about GM AJ Smith.
20. Seahawks- Lost a tough game to the Redskins on Sunday, and welcome in the fading Eagles for a Thursday Night Showdown.
21. Eagles- What a difference a week makes. That sums up the season for the Eagles, who have been one of the most inconsistent teams in the NFL. Tom Brady just was able to do whatever he wanted, and Juan Castillo had no answer. Expect him to be looking for a job in January.
22. Bucs- Yet another loss for the Bucs, who continue to give lackluster efforts in games. In a positive note, LeGarrette Blount is a beast.
23. Chiefs- Fought hard against the Steelers, and should have won without Tyler Palko’s inconsistent play. Expect to see Kyle Orton very soon.
24. Redskins- Rex Grossman actually showed some poise in a win on the road in Seattle, which is one of the toughest places to win the league. Give them credit.
25. Browns- The return of Peyton Hillis sparked the Browns offense, who almost beat a good Bengals team Sunday.
26. Cardinals- John Skelton rebounded this week, and the Cardinals won. Even better, Bennie Wells finally had the breakout game I’ve been waiting for him to have since he was drafted.
27. Dolphins- The Dolphins winning streak came to an end in Dallas. However, they will continue to battle hard for the rest of the season and play the role of spoiler.
28. Panthers- The Cam train continued to roll in Indianapolis, giving the Panthers their first win since September.
29. Jaguars- Jack Del-Rio was fired this week, after having multiple mediocre seasons. I expect him to be a candidate for DC jobs this offseason. He would be a fit in Philadelphia.
30. Vikings- The Vikings have some tools on offense, but must rebuild their defense and their porous and old OL to contend in the future in the NFC North.
31. Rams-Under new ownership and a pitiful record over his three years may could make Steve Spagnuolo lose his job. He would be a great fit to replace Juan Castilo. It would be a natural fit that would bring back some parts of Jim Johnson’s old defense to Philly.
32. Colts- Still don’t think the Colts will trade Peyton Manning, who they will need to mentor a young Andrew Luck.
Maybe the Eagles can get to 32 by the end of the season. is Howie excited ? Is Joe all In? Is Juan the great DC that Andy thought he would be?