THE POINT AFTER - RANKING THE TOP 10:

NFL 2012 - WEEK I

 1. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS - It was another day at the office for the AFC champions, blowing out a Titans team that was lead by a 2nd year QB (maybe it was to premature to let Jake Locker start). The Pats offense didn't need Tom Terrific to bring his [ A ] game but they still were able to score from the air against a stout defense and Stevan Ridley ran past the century mark for extra measure.

The defense looks even better than last year, infact the Titans couldn't ram a Johnson in the middle if they wanted to. Humor aside, this years Belichick defense could be his best yet.

The road for the Patrots is a cakewalk, I expect them to remain number one going into the Post Season barring any injuries of course.

2. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS - They played a Packers team that was 15-1 and undefeated at home who were lead by last years MVP and the Niners came out smelling like roses. I have to admit, the 49ers offense will only get better. Alex Smith missed a few open shots down deep, and if he can't get it done IMO the 49ers will give their own version of RGIII in Colin Kaepernick a try.

The defense played exceptionally well against a talented Packers offense. The score was a bad indicator of just how good the 49ers defense played. If not for a few bad call, the Packers should have lost by 2 touchdowns.

Although the schedule will be tough on the 49ers, I feel this can only prepare them better for the post season.

(Random momment)

3. BALTIMORE RAVENS - Keep this short.... I guest the defense is still great after thrashing the Bengals like little kittens and now the added no huddle offense, what a nice touch for Joe Flacco and the offense.The new wrinkles will keep this team near the top all season long.

(My Babi was at the game visiting fron DC for a convention, left taking care of the kids - she bought me a 52 jersey (since I'm not a Ravens fan maybe I'll make that a prize for a future TD Tourney, LOL))

4. HOUSTON TEXANS - This team has enough weapons on both sides of the field to compete against the Patriots and perhaps finally break through to the SB. Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson are heathly again and Arian Foster is a reliable RB. They can match any offense if it comes down to a shoot out.

Defense wins championships and the Texans have built a pretty good one. They can stop the run and defend the pass, a very well balanced unit.

5. DALLAS COWBOYS - The Cowboys have always had the talent but for some reason Tony Romo has always given me a shaky confidence about his leadership and devotion to the team's main objective, to win a SB. It's only one game, but there is something different about his demeanor and it's showing up on the field. If DeMarco Murray stays healthy, his steady play and yardage combined with flashes of Felix Jones in the mix would be give Romo a break from carrying the burden on offense.

This is Ryan's 2nd year with this talented defense and with the additions at the corners, the cowboys were able to contain the Eli-Cruz connection. Fans from Texas will enjoy cheering on both the Cowboys and Texans this year. And who knows, it could a SB party involving both teams from the same state.

6. CHICAGO BEARS - I think last year the Bears could have made the Playoffs if Jay Cutler was healthy. I like the addition of Michael Bush, a good 1-2 combination with the versatile Matt Forte. Also Cutler is reunited with his favorite target, Brandon Marshall a true number WR and a big threat in Alshon Jeffery.

The defense is the same, lead by Brian Urlacher and Peppers they can wreak havoc on any NFL tream.

7.  GREEN BAY PACKERS - They were 15-1 last year and if you were to catch the Packers in any game it would be the first game of the season. Not all 32 teams have a defense like the 49ers but the Chicago Bears will have something that resembles SF's with just 3 days notice.

The Packers should be able to rebound from the potential early loses.

8. ATLANTA FALCONS - The Falcons on paper are scary on offense and they can put up some good numbers Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez. I do feel that Michael Turner could be on that slope, the one where his numbers start plummeting. They are lucky to faced a banged up Kansas City Chiefs team.

The Falcons defense is still just ok, nothing to really write about.

9. WASHINGTON REDSKINS - IMO RGIII is the real deal. I don't care if he can run, all I care about a QB are 3 things, a good football IQ, an accurate arm and finally the confidence to be a leader. RGIII showed all that and than some against a decent New Orleans Saints defense. I think the Redskins have enough on offense to help RGIII score points.

Last year the Redskins had a very good defense and it looks like they were able to carry it over to this season. If you can give Drew Brees fits throughout the game your defense must be doing something crazy right.

10. DENVER BRONCOS -Good defense and now a future HOF QB. The Broncos have their "John Elway" in Peyton Manning. The AFC West is a lock for Denver, I don't see any defense besides Kansas City (but terrible offense) that can prevent a Manning lead offense from scoring when they need too.