NFL Power Rankings-Top 15....Week 6

The New Orleans Saints made a strong statement to the rest of the NFC with their crushing victory over the New York Giants, who many believed to be the team to beat. The Colts look to continue where they left off after having a bye week to heal. The Vikings remain undefeated, but have been fortunate to win 2 of the last 3 games. A last second touchdown heave and a missed field goal have them feeling like a team of destiny. The Denver Broncos continue to exceed expectations by running their record to 6-0, making Josh McDaniels look like a genius.

The Patriots love to kick teams when they are down, especially in the snow. A 59-0 drubbing of the Titans has people convinced Tom Brady is officially back from knee surgery. A fortuitous schedule has the Steelers keeping pace, but they will be severely tested by the Vikings this week. Matt Ryan, Michael Turner and company might not win division, but will be strong playoff contenders. The Pack may be back, and must avoid looking past the Browns to their home rematch against Favre.

1. Saints (5-0)-Emphatic win over Giants makes statement to NFC
2. Colts (5-0)-Healed over bye week, look to crush Rams
3. Vikings (6-0)-Runaway win turns into a nail biter as Ravens FG misses
4. Broncos (6-0)- What is their magic number in the AFC West?
5. Giants (5-1)-Saints prove to me a far cry from previous opponents
6. Patriots (4-2)-Snow in NE perfect for running up the score
7. Falcons (4-1)- Well rounded offense, good defense = playoff contender
8. Bengals (4-2)- Set back by surprising loss to Texans at home
9. Steelers (4-2)-Beating weak teams, need to step up against Vikings
10. Eagles (3-2)-Guilty of taking Raiders too lightly
11. Ravens (3-3)-Battled back against Vikings and lose a heartbreaker
12. Packers (3-2)-Offense clicking, one Favre prayer from 4-1
13. 49ers (3-2)- Tough game in Houston with confidence down
14. Bears (3-2)-Nothing to be ashamed of loss in Atlanta
15. Cowboys(3-2)-Want to prove themselves with win vs good Falcons team

NFL Power Rankings- Top 15 Week 4

Five teams remain undefeated heading into week 5 of the NFL season. The Saints relied on their own defense to win the showdown between the Saints top rated offense and the Jets tough defense. The Colts seem to be getting better each week. After coming away with an unlikely win against the 49ers a week earlier, the Jared Allen led Vikings defense terrorized the Packers to win the Brett Favre Revenge Bowl. The Broncos victory over the Cowboys is starting to convince people they are for real. The Patriots and Steelers are looking more like previous year's teams after spotty play at the outset.

The Eagles have dominated in weeks 1 and 3, which seems more indicative of their capabilities. They trail the Giants, who have gotten off to strong start, but the injury to Eli Manning bears watching. He has the type of injury that can be persistent and David Carr's past performance suggests that they can not afford to lose Manning for any stretch of time. At this point, it is hard to judge he Cowboys as they are up and down. They will continue to waiver as long as Romo remains in his funk, which may be difficult to shake since a large part of it traces to confidence.

Teams that I expect to rise in the rankings include the Eagles, Steelers, Patriots and Chargers. Teams that may fall a little in the rankings are the Vikings, 49ers, Bears and Bengals. Here is where they are after Week 4:

1. Saints (4-0)-Defense getting better each week, more than enough for Brees
2. Giants (4-0)-Cruising against weaker teams, but Eli injury worrisome
3. Colts (4-0)-Team has made transition with new coaching staff
4. Vikings (4-0)-Dominated on defense, but still had to hang on to win
5. Eagles (2-1)-Top team with return of McNabb and Westbrook
6. Jets (3-1)-No disgrace in losing to Saints, but Sanchez looked like a rookie
7. Broncos (4-0)- Suffocating defense has doubters believing
8. Patriots (3-1)-Big win against Ravens, but not dominant like 2007
9. Ravens (3-1)-Should rebound after near miss against Pats
10. Steelers (2-2)-Trouble closing after strong starts is becoming pattern
11. 49ers (3-1)- Demolition of Rams shows team's balance
12. Bengals (3-1)- Had to rally to beat lowly Browns
13. Falcons (2-1)-Pushed down by other teams moving up
14. Bears (3-1)-Better than expected, though pass defense could be trouble
15. Chargers (2-2)-Strong finish couldn't overcome poor first 3 quarters

NFL Power Rankings- Top 15 Week 3

Several teams remained undefeated and looked good in so doing. Our top two ranked teams face off against each other this week, after turning in strong performances again last week. The Giants defense totally dominated the Bucs and may have a similar performance this week in KC. The Ravens and Colts are winning backwards from past practices, with offense and defense, respectively, taking the lead. The Eagles rebounded from their horrible home opener against the Saints and look poised to be a force after their break. The 49ers should have beaten the Vikings, but fell short on Brett Favre's unlikely last second touchdown pass. It looks like Brian Dawkins has helped instill a winning attitude in Denver. Overall, many teams have the ability to emerge as the season rolls on, but the balance of power may be shifting to the NFC. Future weeks should feature more NFC teams in the top 15 and at the top of the rankings. Here are the rankings after week 3:

1. Saints (3-0)-Defense exceeding expectations, offense to be tested by Jets
2. Jets (3-0)-Big test for defense against NFL's top offense this week
3. Giants (3-0)-Defense trying to keep up with the other NY team
4. Ravens (3-0)-Running trio and Flacco making offense worthy of defense
5. Colts (3-0)-Manning heating up with new mates, defense playing well
6. Vikings (3-0)-Undefeated on a wing and a prayer, but upset in waiting?
7. Eagles (2-1)-Dominated lowly Chiefs, regrouping for run after bye
8. 49ers (2-1)- Lost a heartbreaker in Minnesota, but looking legit
9. Broncos (3-0)- Surprising defense has them atop AFC West
10. Cowboys (2-1)-Rounding into shape for a 3 team NFC East race
11. Chargers (2-1)-Solid team, but still not firing on all cylinders
12. Patriots (2-1)-Looked better against Falcons, but not a powerhouse
13. Falcons (2-1)-Disappointing game against Pats, but extra week to rebound
14. Bengals (2-1)- Win over Steelers may have proven them to be for real
15. Steelers (1-2)-Missing Pal, Super Bowl hangover could continue Sunday

NFL Power Rankings- Top 15 Week 2

Either we provided the jinx or had some teams over-rated as our top three and six of our top eight teams all lost in week 2. Additionally, a few other teams made a case to move into the top 15 spots. The Colts, Broncos and 49ers all ran their records to 2-0, while the Cardinals and Bills got untracked after disappointing week 1 losses. The Saints continue to demonstrate that they have the most dynamic offense in football rolling up 93 points in the first two games. After a strong season opening effort, our home town Eagles team took a hard fall. Big wins last Sunday included the Rex Ryan led Jets taking down the arch rival Pats, the Ravens outlasting the Chargers and the Giants spoiling Jerry Jones' attendance record setting, stadium unveiling Cowboys team.

Here are the greatly jumbled up rankings:

1. Saints (2-0)-Unstoppable offense + improving defense = contender
2. Jets (2-0)-Big win against Pats has their confidence soaring
3. Vikings (2-0)-Same story-have ingredients if Favre can stay healthy
4. Giants (2-0)-Pulled out see saw battle at Dallas, Eli looked good
5. Ravens (2-0)-Winning with offense rather than trademark defense
6. Colts (2-0)-Manning gives them a chance to win any week
7. Falcons (2-0)-Led by rising star Ryan, but won't sneak up on anybody in '09
8. Steelers (1-1)-Anemic offense
9. Patriots (1-1)-Chinks in the armor? Lucky to have one win
10. Eagles (1-1)-Outplayed in every phase by Saints
11. Chargers (1-1)-Tomlinson injured again and defense struggling
12. Cowboys (1-1)-Jones coming out party with Barber out, Romo ?'s
13. 49ers (2-0)- Could they be for real?
14. Broncos (2-0)- Flukey win followed by strong outing against Browns
15. Cardinals (1-1)-Offense came alive versus Jacksonville

He's Baaacck! Hamels, Phils Win 1-0

Cole Hamels followed a strong outing in his last start with his best performance of the season. The scenario last week was surprisingly similar as the Phillies hitters also provided little cushion, only staking him the same 1-0 lead while he posted zeroes on the scoreboard for 8 innings.

Last week, due to a high pitch count, Hamels was lifted in favor of Brad Lidge for the 9th inning. Unfortunately, Lidge, pitching on the 4th consecutive day, surrendered 3 runs, including a game ending home run by Pirate rookie Andrew McCutchen. Tonight it played out differently as Hamels was allowed to finish what he started.

Over the first 8 innings tonight, he dominated the Giants, allowing only a Ryan Garko ground ball double down the left field line to start the 2nd inning. After Garko's hit, Hamels proceeded to retire 21 consecutive batters heading into the ninth.

Holding true to the team's form this season, he had to battle to hold onto the small lead in the 9th. Pinch hitter Rich Aurelio singled to left, but speedy pinch runner Andres Torres was picked off. After yielding his only walk of the game to Pablo Sandoval, Hamels recorded his ninth strikeout and a foul pop to end the game.

All in all, Hamels recorded his second shutout of the season and extended his scoreless inning streak to 19. His last start elicited some cautious optimism, but tonight's performance makes a strong case that he has gotten his groove back. He was calm, poised and appeared in control all night long. His fastball did not quite have the velocity of his previous two starts, but his devestating change-up had hitters missing all night while he worked his 89-92 mph fastball on the edges.

Facing tough left-hander Jonathan Sanchez (who you might recall tossed a no-hitter earlier this season), Phillies hitters could only scratch out one run when Ryan Howard doubled to score Shane Victorino in the 4th inning. Overall, they were held to 5 hits, but that was all they needed with Hamels greatly resembling the 2008 post season MVP version of himself.