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It is now the halfway point of the season and with it comes a new addition to these power rankings. In addition to each team's records and game results, I have added each team's opponents' winning percentage. I have also re-adjusted the order of the teams not only by this past weekend's game results, but also took in account their schedule strength thus far. This should give these power rankings a more accurate feel.

1. Tennessee Titans- record: 7-0 (rank last week (1) opponents' winning % .450: defeated Colts, 31-21)

Well what can you say, the power has official shifted in the AFC South. Last night signaled an end to the Colts' dominance and the emergence of the Titans. On the other hand, it still may not quiet those who point to their somewhat soft schedule.

2. New York Giants- record: 6-1 (rank last week (5) opponents' winning % .385: defeated Steelers, 21-14)

Talk about snatching victory out of the mouth of defeat. They could not score a touchdown in the red-zone for most of the game. It took a snapped punt sailing over the punter's head and out of the end-zone to give the Giants the momentum to score the final touchdown to win. Who says special team is not important?

3. Washington Redskins- record: 6-2 (rank last week (6) opponents' winning % .483: defeated Lions, 25-17)

Their game was a little close for comfort, but don't forget that the Lions' players are paid professionals, too. Well, they ARE paid, anyways.

4. Carolina Panthers- record: 6-2 (rank last week (7) opponents' winning % .475: defeated Cardinals, 27-23)

Jake Delhomme won the match up of two NFL Europe castoffs. Delhomme is also one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL right now, which makes one wonder whether drafting a quarterback in the top ten of a draft is a wise investment.

5. Dallas Cowboys- record: 5-3 (rank last week (21) opponents' winning % .475: defeated Bucs, 13-9)

Ok, Cowboys, your punishment is over. You may leave the land of the lowly and rejoin the "A" team.

6. Philadelphia Eagles- record: 4-3 (rank last week (9) opponents' winning % .538: defeated Falcons, 27-14)

It's a shame that Brian Westbrook is so fragile, because he is such a great player.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- record: 5-3 (rank last week (3) opponents' winning % .559: lost to Cowboys, 9-13)

Jeff Garcia's performance was nearly as ugly as this game. Good thing there was another game to watch where I was at!

8. Pittsburgh Steelers- record: 5-2 (rank last week (7) opponents' winning % .460: lost to Giants, 14-17)

There is no shame in losing to the Giants. It is the way they lost that is the problem. The defense was stout most of the game, but asking them to keep ANY team (let alone the Giants) out of the end-zone that many times is asking too much.

9. New England Patriots- record: 5-2 (rank last week (8) opponents' winning % .373: defeated Rams, 23-16)

If anyone is immune to the ‘trap game', it has to be Bill Belichick. It's interesting that as the sports world is buzzing over Tom Brady's knee, the Patriots seem to be doing well without him.

10. Buffalo Bills- record: 5-2 (rank last week (4) opponents' winning % .380: lost to Dolphins, 16-25)

This is a common issue with talented, young teams: finishing. The game is won or lost in the fourth quarter. This team will figure this out. 

11. Arizona Cardinals- record: 4-3 (rank last week (11) opponents' winning % .585: lost to Panthers, 23-27)

The Cardinals squandered a great opportunity to create seperation between themselves and the rest of the division. Of course, in their, this probably have all the seperation that they will need.

12. Chicago Bears- record: 4-3 (rank last week (16) opponents' winning % .490: bye)

What do you suppose will end up happening to Rex Grossman?

13. New Orleans Saints- record: 4-4 (rank last week (17) opponents' winning % .508: defeated Chargers, 37-32)

Drew Brees and the Saints' offense put on a jolly good show in London. Their reward is a bye week to recover from the time-zone changes.

14. Baltimore Ravens- record: 4-3 (rank last week (19) opponents' winning % .460: defeated Raiders, 29-10)

The NFL is truly a copy-cat league. Now the Ravens are experimenting with the ‘wing' formation, with quarterback quarterback Joe Flacco streaking down the field for deep passes.

15. Atlanta Falcons- record 4-3 (rank last week (12) opponents' winning % .471: lost to Eagles, 14-27)

No shame losing to a much more experience team. The fact that they are still a factor in one of the most competitive divisions in the league is something special. And the Matt Ryan to Roddy White tandem is quickly becoming one of the best.

16. Denver Broncos- record: 4-3 (rank last week (15) opponents' winning % .442: bye)

Their previous game is still a disappointment, but there are now teams above them that are more recently disappointing.

17. Green Bay Packers- record: 4-3 (rank last week (13) opponents' winning % .431: bye)

Next week will be a great test for them against the Titans.

18. New York Jets- record: 4-3 (rank last week (22) opponents' winning % .353: defeated Chiefs, 28-24)

What was that sound in the Meadowlands? Booing??? Do they not know who their quarterback is??? How dare those arrogant fans boo a legend!!! That is what I imagined the non-New Yorker Brett Farve fans screaming.

19. Cleveland Browns- record: 3-4 (rank last week (24) opponents' winning % .558: defeated Jaguars, 23-17)

This team has won three of their last four games, two of those wins on the road. So, what does this mean? To be continued...

20. Jacksonville Jaguars- record: 3-4 (rank last week (10) opponents' winning % .612: lost to Browns, 17-23)

Every game this team has played has been decided by a touchdown or less. Finishing is not their strong point this season.

21. Indianapolis Colts- record: 3-4 (rank last week (15) opponents' winning % .571: lost to Titans, 21-31)

The defense played the running much better than expected. The offensive line blocked much better than expected. So when will Peyton start throwing as well as expected???

22. Miami Dolphins- record 3-4 (rank last week (26) opponents' winning % .560: defeated Bills, 25-16)

Do not fret about the Fin's ranking, look on the bright side. Your washed-up linebacker (Joey Porter) is not so washed-up and you first round bust receiver (Ted Ginn, Jr) is not such a bust. And if that is not enough, your next opponent (Denver) as dropped three of their last four games.

23. San Diego Chargers- record: 3-5 (rank last week (14) opponents' winning % .569: lost to Saints, 32-37)

They are in trouble. Their only saving grace is that Denver is their only divisional threat, and they are not that impressive either.

24. Minnesota Vikings- record: 3-4 (rank last week (25) opponents' winning % .549: bye)

This team better be well prepared for the streaking Texans next week.

25. Houston Texans- record 3-4 (rank last week (23) opponents' winning % .420: defeated Bengals, 35-6)

Wow, Matt Schaub made it through his third consecutive game!!! If he makes it through the next game (against the Vikings) it will be a career long non-injury streak!!!

26. Seattle Seahawks- record: 2-5 (rank last week (29) opponents' winning % .500: defeated 49ers, 34-13)

Look like they have their ‘confidence' back. At least for this game, anyways. 

27. St. Louis Rams- record 2-5 (rank last week (20) opponents' winning % .647: lost to Patriots, 16-23)

So, the Patriots crushed their feel-good rally. At least this team is competitive again. That makes for a good ‘spoiler' role the rest of this season.

28. Oakland Raiders- record: 2-5 (rank last week (28) opponents' winning % .490: lost to Ravens, 10-29)

Whoever is next in line to take this coaching job is in for a BIG headache.

29. San Francisco 49ers- record 2-5 (rank last week (25) opponents' winning % .474: lost to Giants, 17-29)

"There are some people in this room that don't need to be here," Singletary said pointedly. "We've got guys in here that are cancers. The thing about cancer cells is, they multiply. We've got to cut them out." <STANDING OVATION>

30. Kansas City Chiefs- record 1-6 (rank last week (30) opponents' winning % .640: lost to Jets, 24-28)

I'm not sure who this Tyler Thigpen is, but the Chiefs may have something to work with. I said ‘MAY'.

31. Cincinnati Bengals- record 0-8 (rank last week (31) opponents' winning % .649: lost to Texans, 6-35)

If the 49ers' have ‘cancers' in their locker room, then this team has to be terminally ill!!!

32. Detroit Lions- record 0-7 (rank last week (32) opponents' winning % .510: lost to Redskins, 17-25)

They have been competitive these last two weeks. That sounded awkward.

Five notes from week eight:

1. During the 49ers' and Seahawks' game, tight end Vernon Davis (yes, THAT Vernon Davis) committed a senseless personal foul for retaliating to typical ‘after the play' trash talk. Coach Singletary let Davis know about what he felt about that kind of penalty, and Davis reportedly told the coach he ‘didn't want to hear it'. WHAT A BRAT!!! A first-round BUST has the nerve to tell a HALL OF FAME ex-player some crap like that. If Singletary remains their coach past this season, expect an old-fashion ‘house cleaning'. Starting with Vernon Davis.

2. Unlike that mess that the NFL tried to pass as football last season, this past weekend's game was worth the price of admission. It was a high scoring game that was not decided until late. Great game!!!

3. Don't look now, but after starting off 0-4 the Texans have ripped off three straight games. And if not for Sage Rosenfels' ill-advised late game heroics, this team would have a winning record leading up to their game against the Minnesota Viking. And I believe the Texans will be at .500 this time next week.

4. I asked last week if the Cowboys overpaid for Roy Williams and how long would they have to wait until he made an impact. We all found out this past Sunday when Williams caught the only touchdown of the game over a much shorter cornerback. The only question now is how long before T.O.'s jealousy causes him and Roy Williams to be at each other's throat?

5. He has been blaming the defense (the defense played well until the fourth quarter), he has been blaming the offensive line (he wasn't touched ALL NIGHT), He has even talked about lack of timing due to missing preseason (the NFL season is nearly half over). It was evident what the issue REALLY is: Manning is regressing!!! He under threw Harrison one a couple of deep balls (you really didn't believe Nick Harper could keep up with Harrison, did you?) and threw late to Wayne on more than a few occasions. He needs to get his **** together before we miss the playoffs!!!