Post by Falcons GM & Commish (Brian) on Oct 26, 2011 23:34:04 GMT -5
(prev ranking in parenthesis)
(1) 1. Packers (6-1, 1st Place NFC North) - big numbers continue through Rodgers and as they head into the bye week, this team is playing their best football. They probably don't want to stop. Next Matchup: BYE
(2) 2. Texans (5-2, 1st Place AFC South) - highest weekly total in the league as Demarco Murray introduced himself to the NFL and Arian Foster glided all over the field, and they still have weapons getting healthy. Next Matchup: TEN
(3) 3. Bears (6-1, 2nd Place NFC North) - the Brits were kind to the Chicago Bears Football Club for the little time spent on the grass at Wembly. As Matt Forte said 'what's jet lag? I just slept on the plane.' Next Matchup: BYE
(4) 4. Patriots (5-1, 1st Place AFC East) - can the Pats offense have gotten even better during the bye week? Next Matchup: DEN
(6) 5. Steelers (6-1, 1st Place AFC North) - the Steelers are awakening as Big Ben to Wallace cashed in the longest offensive play in team history while the defense finally started to play closer to expectations. A lot to play for this week in Baltimore Next Matchup: BAL
(5) 6. Panthers (6-1, 1st Place NFC South) - in a slop fest against Atlanta, they slopped it up a little better. In the very tight NFC South though, winning those games will prove to make a difference as they grew their lead to 2 games. Next Matchup: NOR
(10) 7. Ravens (5-1, 2nd Place AFC North) - they didn't need a lot vs. the Rams this week, and they didn't get a lot. But they got enough. They had to have been looking forward to their week 8 showdown with the Steelers. Next Matchup: PIT
(NR) 8. Chargers (4-2, 1st Place AFC West) - this team looks to be ready to go All Day if they can get consistency out of the QB position. They have a whole lot of playmakers around Hasselbeck or Jake Locker on offense, but it will remain to be seen how well either of those guys can get them the ball. Luckily they have a strong defense behind the deep offense. No surprise that they seem to be running away with their division. Next Matchup: KC
(7) 9. Bengals (4-2, 3rd Place AFC North) - this team is ready to go after their bye week, but a desperate Browns team could be looking at this as a nice trap game. They are due for a big week and I have a feeling this could be an unexpectedly high scoring battle. Next Matchup: CLE
(9) 10. Lions (5-2, 3rd Place NFC North) - they ran into a tough Packers team and didn't have a great week themselves. They will really be needing a win this week vs the Vikes who got a little boost this week in their rookie QB. Next Matchup: MIN
(NR) 11. Saints (4-3, 2nd Place NFC South) - Drew Brees is proving why he's elite while Darren Sproles is trying to do the same. If this team could get a TE and some stronger defensive play, they'd be one of the scariest teams in the league. Another big test this week after a tough one that they passed vs the Bucs last week. Next Matchup: CAR
(NR) 12. Buccaneers (4-3, 3rd Place NFC South) - even with a loss this week, this is a clearly a team with potential to wreak havoc down the stretch. They have as many points as a few of the highest ranked teams, and their superstars Rivers and CJ2K have largely underperformed so far. If they start to perform up to their potential, look out. Next Matchup: BYE
(NR) 13. Jaguars (5-2, 2nd Place AFC South) - Daryl Smith is a playing like a man possessed and inspiring a strong defensive performance so far this season. With the QB in flux but a relatively deep offense, this team isn't going anywhere in this tight division race. Next Matchup: IND
(8) 14. Falcons (4-3, 4th Place NFC South) - no Mike Vick and no Darren McFadden proved ugly as they laid an egg in the big divisional battle with the Panthers. Their injury prone players are appearing to potentially be more liabilities than assets. Their bye week comes at the right time to get healthy. Next Matchup: BYE
(NR) 15. Titans (4-2, 3rd Place AFC South) - here's a team that has quietly put itself into the hunt by grinding out victories. Getting a healthy LeGarrett Blount will be huge for helping Josh Freeman and the rest of the offense carry the team as their defense has been less than stellar so far. Without Blount this week, it will be tough vs. Houston but this team finds ways to win and will try yet again. Next Matchup: HOU
(NR) 16. Giants (3-3, T-1st in NFC East) - their running game puts them above the Cowboys in the rankings, but it will all be about this week when the two teams matchup for NFC East supremacy. But they'll have to do find a way to do it without Michael Turner. Next Matchup: DAL
(NR) 17. Cowboys (3-3, T-1st in NFC East) - the boys have a really strong passing game, but as we head into the colder months it will remain to be seen whether they can find the running game to grind out those close weeks. The battle between Romo and Manning will be a good one this week. Next Matchup: NYG
(NR) 18. Colts (4-3, 4th Place AFC South) - without Peyton, this team was expected to roll over. But they have quietly kept it all together behind some great LB play and Garcon/Wayne providing targets downfield. If Manning can somehow get back by the end of the season and the Colts can somehow stick around, the season might end up pretty good all things considered. Next Matchup: JAC
(NR) 19. Eagles (2-4, 3rd Place NFC East) - here's a bad luck team to start the season - they can't seem to play fantasy defense because everyone seems to be having big weeks against them even with them scoring a good amount of points themselves. If the ball starts bouncing their way, freaky quick Shady McCoy and Maclin can spearhead a solid lineup all the way through and make a playoff push. They're only 1 game out of first. Next Matchup: WAS
(NR) 20. Cardinals (2-4, 2nd Place NFC West) - in a weak division, this team appears to have the most pieces now to win. Although they no longer have Larry Fitzgerald, they have shoe in rookie of the year in Cam Newton and comeback player of the year in Steve Smith along with some other nice offensive pieces. The defense is strong on the line but with holes in their LB core and secondary. Next Matchup: SF
(NR) 21. Jets (2-4, 3rd Place AFC East) - this team has had a good season so far despite their record. They have a lot of points and scored a great player in Larry Fitz to go with a deep team. The defense and offense have both underperformed so far and they have still scored a lot of points. They are due for a few breaks and could show up in the playoff hunt. Next Matchup: BYE
(NR) 22. Vikings (1-6, 4th Place NFC North) - you wouldn't know it, but this team has scored as many points as some teams in the top 10. Of course when you're having to go up those other NFC North opponents of Packers, Lions, and Bears, you need some breaks. So far they haven't gotten them, but Ponder looks to be a good long term solution at QB and Jared Allen has been crazy good so far. A win vs. Detroit this week would go a long way. Next Matchup: DET
(NR) 23. Rams (2-4, 1st Place NFC West) - this team is more suited for the (very bright looking) future then this season, but if their young players start breaking out towards the end of the season, they could definitely stay atop the division and in the playoff race. Next Matchup: SEA
(NR) 24. Dolphins (2-4, 2nd Place AFC East) - it's too bad that Chad Henne went down, because this team had enough offense with him to stay in at least the wild card hunt even with the Patriots running away with the division. Moore might struggle, but if not, they could be a defensive player or two away from being able to string together some victories down the stretch. Next Matchup: BUF
(NR) 25. Browns (2-4, 4th Place AFC North) - if they had an easier division, they would probably still be more in the race. This team has some good depth throughout their lineup and will be able to piece together some victories. They're still looking for their superstar and waiting for McCoy to better develop at QB in the next year or two, but they have some pieces to start. Next Matchup: CIN
(NR) 26. 49ers (1-5, 4th place AFC West) - As low as they are ranked overall, I could see them winning their division with some consistent play. They won't be flashy, but will put up decent points. They could use another big point scorer to go with Vernon Davis on offense, and Alex Smith's QB rating hasn't translated well fantasy-wise. But Patrick Willis and a solid defense will provide them with good points and the offense seems to always get something if not alot. Next Matchup: ARZ
(NR) 27. Redskins (1-5, 4th place NFC East) - league run teams are never a good sign. Team has some holes to fill and may be looking to make trades to improve. Next Matchup: PHI
(NR) 28. Seahawks (2-5, 3rd place NFC West) - see, above. Next Matchup: STL
(NR) 29. Chiefs (1-5, 2rd place AFC West) - the Chiefs fell into a potential good player in Gabbert as they are probably best positioned to score in the next 2 years' drafts. And their defense is solid already. They need to fill their offense with some scorers, but this team could be a quick contender in the next year or two. Next Matchup: SD
(NR) 30. Bills (0-6, 4th place AFC East) - this team's strategy is clear and looks promising. They have their franchise QB and are now going to build around it. Next year's draft will be a big step in that move with the amount of rookies who will start next year. Next matchup: MIA
(NR) 31. Broncos (1-5, 3th place AFC West) - Can Tim Tebow fever ignite _____-nation? This team will have to trade a QB soon as they approach the 4-week mark for 2 starting QBs. There are definitely a few contenders who would love to upgrade at QB and make some moves. They have some good picks built up for next year's draft. Next Matchup: NE
(NR) 32. Raiders (1-6, 4th Place AFC West) - with some good picks built up and QB play in flux along with some holes on defense, they look to be putting themselves in the Andrew Luck lottery and can put together some solid players in next year's draft. Next Matchup: BYE
(1) 1. Packers (6-1, 1st Place NFC North) - big numbers continue through Rodgers and as they head into the bye week, this team is playing their best football. They probably don't want to stop. Next Matchup: BYE
(2) 2. Texans (5-2, 1st Place AFC South) - highest weekly total in the league as Demarco Murray introduced himself to the NFL and Arian Foster glided all over the field, and they still have weapons getting healthy. Next Matchup: TEN
(3) 3. Bears (6-1, 2nd Place NFC North) - the Brits were kind to the Chicago Bears Football Club for the little time spent on the grass at Wembly. As Matt Forte said 'what's jet lag? I just slept on the plane.' Next Matchup: BYE
(4) 4. Patriots (5-1, 1st Place AFC East) - can the Pats offense have gotten even better during the bye week? Next Matchup: DEN
(6) 5. Steelers (6-1, 1st Place AFC North) - the Steelers are awakening as Big Ben to Wallace cashed in the longest offensive play in team history while the defense finally started to play closer to expectations. A lot to play for this week in Baltimore Next Matchup: BAL
(5) 6. Panthers (6-1, 1st Place NFC South) - in a slop fest against Atlanta, they slopped it up a little better. In the very tight NFC South though, winning those games will prove to make a difference as they grew their lead to 2 games. Next Matchup: NOR
(10) 7. Ravens (5-1, 2nd Place AFC North) - they didn't need a lot vs. the Rams this week, and they didn't get a lot. But they got enough. They had to have been looking forward to their week 8 showdown with the Steelers. Next Matchup: PIT
(NR) 8. Chargers (4-2, 1st Place AFC West) - this team looks to be ready to go All Day if they can get consistency out of the QB position. They have a whole lot of playmakers around Hasselbeck or Jake Locker on offense, but it will remain to be seen how well either of those guys can get them the ball. Luckily they have a strong defense behind the deep offense. No surprise that they seem to be running away with their division. Next Matchup: KC
(7) 9. Bengals (4-2, 3rd Place AFC North) - this team is ready to go after their bye week, but a desperate Browns team could be looking at this as a nice trap game. They are due for a big week and I have a feeling this could be an unexpectedly high scoring battle. Next Matchup: CLE
(9) 10. Lions (5-2, 3rd Place NFC North) - they ran into a tough Packers team and didn't have a great week themselves. They will really be needing a win this week vs the Vikes who got a little boost this week in their rookie QB. Next Matchup: MIN
(NR) 11. Saints (4-3, 2nd Place NFC South) - Drew Brees is proving why he's elite while Darren Sproles is trying to do the same. If this team could get a TE and some stronger defensive play, they'd be one of the scariest teams in the league. Another big test this week after a tough one that they passed vs the Bucs last week. Next Matchup: CAR
(NR) 12. Buccaneers (4-3, 3rd Place NFC South) - even with a loss this week, this is a clearly a team with potential to wreak havoc down the stretch. They have as many points as a few of the highest ranked teams, and their superstars Rivers and CJ2K have largely underperformed so far. If they start to perform up to their potential, look out. Next Matchup: BYE
(NR) 13. Jaguars (5-2, 2nd Place AFC South) - Daryl Smith is a playing like a man possessed and inspiring a strong defensive performance so far this season. With the QB in flux but a relatively deep offense, this team isn't going anywhere in this tight division race. Next Matchup: IND
(8) 14. Falcons (4-3, 4th Place NFC South) - no Mike Vick and no Darren McFadden proved ugly as they laid an egg in the big divisional battle with the Panthers. Their injury prone players are appearing to potentially be more liabilities than assets. Their bye week comes at the right time to get healthy. Next Matchup: BYE
(NR) 15. Titans (4-2, 3rd Place AFC South) - here's a team that has quietly put itself into the hunt by grinding out victories. Getting a healthy LeGarrett Blount will be huge for helping Josh Freeman and the rest of the offense carry the team as their defense has been less than stellar so far. Without Blount this week, it will be tough vs. Houston but this team finds ways to win and will try yet again. Next Matchup: HOU
(NR) 16. Giants (3-3, T-1st in NFC East) - their running game puts them above the Cowboys in the rankings, but it will all be about this week when the two teams matchup for NFC East supremacy. But they'll have to do find a way to do it without Michael Turner. Next Matchup: DAL
(NR) 17. Cowboys (3-3, T-1st in NFC East) - the boys have a really strong passing game, but as we head into the colder months it will remain to be seen whether they can find the running game to grind out those close weeks. The battle between Romo and Manning will be a good one this week. Next Matchup: NYG
(NR) 18. Colts (4-3, 4th Place AFC South) - without Peyton, this team was expected to roll over. But they have quietly kept it all together behind some great LB play and Garcon/Wayne providing targets downfield. If Manning can somehow get back by the end of the season and the Colts can somehow stick around, the season might end up pretty good all things considered. Next Matchup: JAC
(NR) 19. Eagles (2-4, 3rd Place NFC East) - here's a bad luck team to start the season - they can't seem to play fantasy defense because everyone seems to be having big weeks against them even with them scoring a good amount of points themselves. If the ball starts bouncing their way, freaky quick Shady McCoy and Maclin can spearhead a solid lineup all the way through and make a playoff push. They're only 1 game out of first. Next Matchup: WAS
(NR) 20. Cardinals (2-4, 2nd Place NFC West) - in a weak division, this team appears to have the most pieces now to win. Although they no longer have Larry Fitzgerald, they have shoe in rookie of the year in Cam Newton and comeback player of the year in Steve Smith along with some other nice offensive pieces. The defense is strong on the line but with holes in their LB core and secondary. Next Matchup: SF
(NR) 21. Jets (2-4, 3rd Place AFC East) - this team has had a good season so far despite their record. They have a lot of points and scored a great player in Larry Fitz to go with a deep team. The defense and offense have both underperformed so far and they have still scored a lot of points. They are due for a few breaks and could show up in the playoff hunt. Next Matchup: BYE
(NR) 22. Vikings (1-6, 4th Place NFC North) - you wouldn't know it, but this team has scored as many points as some teams in the top 10. Of course when you're having to go up those other NFC North opponents of Packers, Lions, and Bears, you need some breaks. So far they haven't gotten them, but Ponder looks to be a good long term solution at QB and Jared Allen has been crazy good so far. A win vs. Detroit this week would go a long way. Next Matchup: DET
(NR) 23. Rams (2-4, 1st Place NFC West) - this team is more suited for the (very bright looking) future then this season, but if their young players start breaking out towards the end of the season, they could definitely stay atop the division and in the playoff race. Next Matchup: SEA
(NR) 24. Dolphins (2-4, 2nd Place AFC East) - it's too bad that Chad Henne went down, because this team had enough offense with him to stay in at least the wild card hunt even with the Patriots running away with the division. Moore might struggle, but if not, they could be a defensive player or two away from being able to string together some victories down the stretch. Next Matchup: BUF
(NR) 25. Browns (2-4, 4th Place AFC North) - if they had an easier division, they would probably still be more in the race. This team has some good depth throughout their lineup and will be able to piece together some victories. They're still looking for their superstar and waiting for McCoy to better develop at QB in the next year or two, but they have some pieces to start. Next Matchup: CIN
(NR) 26. 49ers (1-5, 4th place AFC West) - As low as they are ranked overall, I could see them winning their division with some consistent play. They won't be flashy, but will put up decent points. They could use another big point scorer to go with Vernon Davis on offense, and Alex Smith's QB rating hasn't translated well fantasy-wise. But Patrick Willis and a solid defense will provide them with good points and the offense seems to always get something if not alot. Next Matchup: ARZ
(NR) 27. Redskins (1-5, 4th place NFC East) - league run teams are never a good sign. Team has some holes to fill and may be looking to make trades to improve. Next Matchup: PHI
(NR) 28. Seahawks (2-5, 3rd place NFC West) - see, above. Next Matchup: STL
(NR) 29. Chiefs (1-5, 2rd place AFC West) - the Chiefs fell into a potential good player in Gabbert as they are probably best positioned to score in the next 2 years' drafts. And their defense is solid already. They need to fill their offense with some scorers, but this team could be a quick contender in the next year or two. Next Matchup: SD
(NR) 30. Bills (0-6, 4th place AFC East) - this team's strategy is clear and looks promising. They have their franchise QB and are now going to build around it. Next year's draft will be a big step in that move with the amount of rookies who will start next year. Next matchup: MIA
(NR) 31. Broncos (1-5, 3th place AFC West) - Can Tim Tebow fever ignite _____-nation? This team will have to trade a QB soon as they approach the 4-week mark for 2 starting QBs. There are definitely a few contenders who would love to upgrade at QB and make some moves. They have some good picks built up for next year's draft. Next Matchup: NE
(NR) 32. Raiders (1-6, 4th Place AFC West) - with some good picks built up and QB play in flux along with some holes on defense, they look to be putting themselves in the Andrew Luck lottery and can put together some solid players in next year's draft. Next Matchup: BYE
