FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Another week is in the books and there are still five undefeated teams in the NFL (Saints, Giants, Colts, Vikings, and Broncos). Not only that, all five teams has looked impressive so far this season. Then there are several teams that look like they have no business in professional football, but that's another story. On to the rankings.

High Riser: Broncos (9)

Low Faller: Cowboys and Packers (7)

1. New Orleans Saints- record: 4-0 (rank last week (1): defeated Jets, 24-10)

Second straight game without a touchdown from Brees??? There has to be some ticked off fantasy football owners out there (I'm NOT one of them lol).

2. New York Giants- record: 4-0 (rank last week (2): defeated Chiefs, 27-16)

Another solid all-around game by what some believe is the best pure team in the NFL.

3. Indianapolis Colts- record: 4-0 (rank last week (3): defeated Seahawks, 34-17)

The way the Colts' defense was flying around, it wouldn't have mattered who was quarterbacking for the Seahawks.

4. Minnesota Vikings- record: 4-0 (rank last week (5): defeated Packers, 30-23)

The front four of this defense had a field day. That Favre guy played ok, too.

5. Denver Broncos- record: 4-0 (rank last week (14): defeated Cowboys, 17-10)

O.k., Broncos' fans, your team finally has my respect. Happy now?

6. New England Patriots- record: 3-1 (rank last week (8): defeated Ravens, 27-21)

I would say the same about this team, but then I would be violating Indiana law.

7. Chicago Bears- record: 3-1 (rank last week (9): defeated Lions, 48-24)

As impressive as it is for a Bears' team to put up 48 points against anyone, giving up nearly 400 yards to the Lions has to be a concern considering they have the Falcons to deal with after their bye week.

8. Baltimore Ravens- record: 3-1 (rank last week (4): lost to Patriots, 21-27)

Do not worry, Ravens' fans. Being in Indy, I can sympathize with the issue of ???Patriots' and ???bad refereeing'.

9. Atlanta Falcons- record: 2-1 (rank last week (10): Bye Week)

Their offense better be ready for when Patrick Willis and Co come to town.

10. New York Jets- record: 3-1 (rank last week (6): lost to Saints. 10-24)

The Jets are still good, but definitely not elite...yet.

11. Philadelphia Eagles- record: 2-1(rank last week (12): Bye Week)

FANTASY FOOTBALL ALERT: Their next opponent is the Bucs. I repeat; their next opponent is the Bucs. Start any and ALL Eagles' players! This is NOT a drill!

12. San Francisco 49ers- record: 3-1 (rank last week (15): defeated Rams, 0-35)

This could have easily been a let-down game for the 49ers. Good to see them dominate a team they should.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers- record: 2-2 (rank last week (17): defeated Chargers, 38-28)

The Steelers came through on their first ???must win' game.   

14. Dallas Cowboys- record: 2-2 (rank last week (7): lost to Broncos, 10-17)

Will someone please explain why, with Andre Goodman (or whomever) on the other side of the field, did Tony Romo insist on picking on Champ Bailey???

15. Cincinnati Bengals- record: 3-1 (rank last week (16): defeated Browns, 23-20 OT)

I'm starting to wonder about this team. Technically they won, but with :04 seconds left in overtime??? Really???

16. San Diego Chargers- record: 2-2 (rank last week (11): lost to Steelers, 28-38)

If there ever was a team in need of a bye week, it is this team.  

17. Arizona Cardinals- record: 1-2 (rank last week (18): Bye Week)

We will see if they have found their offense during the bye week...

18. Jacksonville Jaguars- record: 2-2 (rank last week (19): defeated Titans, 37-17)

...meanwhile, the Jaguars discovered offense against the Titans they did not even know they had.

19. Houston Texans- record: 2-2 (rank last week (20): defeated Raiders, 29-6)

Nothing like a game against the Raiders to make an average team feel better about themselves.

20. Green Bay Packers- record: 2-2 (rank last week (13): lost to Vikings, 23-30)

Good News: Aaron Rodgers gained 384 yards through the air. Bad News: He nearly lost that much in sack yardage.

21. Miami Dolphins- record: 1-3 (rank last week (26): defeated Bills, 38-10)

They actually found a way to gain over 200 yards rushing and WIN the game.

22. Washington Redskins- record: 2-2 (rank last week (28): defeated Bucs, 16-13)

If they had lost to a Josh Johnson (who?)-led team, I would have started a petition to have the Redskins exiled far away from the NFL. IMMEDIATELY.

23. Buffalo Bills- record: 1-3 (rank last week (21): lost to Dolphins, 10-38)

If these Bills played the Buffalo Bulls, who do you suppose would win?

24. Tennessee Titans- record: 0-4 (rank last week (24): lost to Jags, 17-37)

NOW do you believe me when I said during the off-season that the Titans are just not that good???

25. Seattle Seahawks- record: 1-3 (rank last week (24): lost to Colts, 34-17)

At least they cannot go winless. Not even in their division (thanks, Rams).

26. Carolina Panthers- record: 0-3 (rank last week (27): Bye Week)

The Panthers will get their first win this Sunday against the Redskins. Not even Delhomme can screw this up (can he?).

27. Detroit Lions- record: 1-3 (rank last week (23): lost to Bears, 24-48)

Matt Stafford is playing more efficient. About as efficient as the Lions are at losing.

28. Oakland Raiders- record: 1-3 (rank last week (25): lost to Texans, 6-29)

JUST LOSE, BABY!!!

29. Kansas City Chiefs- record: 0-4 (rank last week (29): lost to Giants, 16-27)

Don't ask why they did not move down after a loss. Does it really matter down here???

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- record: 0-4 (rank last week (31): lost to Redskins, 13-16)

This team has officially returned to the pre-Dungy Yuccaneers.

31. St. Louis Rams- record: 0-4 (rank last week (30): lost to 49ers, 0-35)

What is the record for a team being shutout in a 16-game season?

32. Cleveland Browns- record: 0-4 (rank last week (32): lost to Bengals, 20-23 OT)

They came within :04 seconds of not losing a game. Sad.

 

Five Notes From Week Four:

1. I know the Packers made a game of it, but that offensive line is a serious mess! They currently lead the NFL in sacks allowed with 20. That's 5 sacks a game!!! The line is on pace to allow 80 sacks this year! Even David Carr is staring to feel sorry for Aaron Rodgers. And Rodgers STILL managed to throw for nearly 400 yards. That kid needs protection now!

2. It is pretty obvious Eli Manning is not missing former receiver turned inmate, Plaxico Burress, as much as many of us thought he would. A new Steve Smith has emerged in the NFL, and while he isn't nearly as fast as the original version in Carolina, he has impressed thus far. Interesting enough, he was the least heralded USC receiver to enter the NFL lately and the only one who is not a bust.

3. With Tom Brady still shaking off the rust (and waiting for his favorite receiver is heal), and Drew Brees going two consecutive games without a passing touchdown, Peyton Manning has reclaimed the throne as the NFL passing leader. ???Experts' say he is having his best start of the season ever, which is odd because he rarely have bad starts early in the regular season.

4. Speaking of the Colts', it is worth noting the annual quarterback sack contest between Pro Bowl defensive ends Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney. Mathis won the team sack title last season, 11.5 to 10.5. Currently they are tied with 5 sacks apiece. With new defensive coordinator Larry Coyer rotating both ends far more often than the previous coach, both guys should stay fresh deep into the regular season, making the likelihood of both guys exceeding last season's sack totals a near guarantee.

5. BREAKING NEWS: Michael Crabtree had finally signed with the 49ers. I guess with a previously awful team winning without him, his leverage disappeared. Now he gets to spend the rest of the season in Mike Singletary's doghouse. Or an afterthought.