It was an unpredictable week in the NFL. Four of the top teams from last week fell, one had a less-than-inspiring win, and one had a bye. So what does this mean for the rankings?
Best of the best
Nothing much has been proven after four weeks, other than the fact that the NFC East is by far the deepest division in either conference. Even despite a loss to a divisional foe this week, the No. 1 team remains...
The Dallas CowboysOne loss to a divisional foe in the toughest division in football does not merit a drop from the top spot, especially when the next two teams in line also suffered losses to teams far worse. Tony Romo certainly has not been a problem, nor was he last week. This season, he has passed for 300 yards or more in three of Dallas' four games and the line has been very good, giving up just three sacks. The defense has been very unpredictable this season and needs to settle down if the Cowboys wish to stay on top. Next up are...
The New York Giants
The Giants were idle last week and that was possibly the best way to be in the NFC East this week as they come out the lone undefeated team in the division. The offense has not been anything special, but the defense has been incredible this season and if you don't remember, it was the defense that got them a Super Bowl victory last season. They take on a Seattle team this week that is supposed to get some players back from injury, but outside of a win to a very sad St. Louis team, they have looked extremely mediocre. There's no reason the Giants can't continue their undefeated stretch. Joining the poll this week are...
The Washington RedskinsWashington had quietly put up a pair of decent wins before making a statement against the Cowboys this week. Jason Campbell and his 102.2 passer rating may be one of the more underrated quarterbacks in the league. He's not spectacular, but he manages the offense very well. It also helps that Clinton Portis is on pace to have his best season since 2005. Also joining the ranks are...
The Tennessee Titans
There was much skepicism about the Titans, especially after the loss of Vince Young. But, no offense to young an his off-the-field problems, but the Titans have been a much better team without him, going 4-0 for the first time in their history. The offense has been good, putting up at least 30 points the last two weeks, but the defense has really been the story. Statistically, they are the hardest team to score against in the NFL and their ability to create turnovers sparks the offense. Dropping off a bit this week are...
The Philadelphia Eagles
Losing to Dallas was not enough to put any doubt in the Eagles' abilities, but last week's loss to the Chicago Bears demonstrates just how big a cog Brian Westbrook is in that offense. With him not involved, it's just not the same team. A loss to Washington in Week 5 would be a devastating blow to the only 2-2 team in the NFC East.
The worst of the worst
Some teams made some changes, but it might be too late for them to get off this list. Leading off the list are...
The Houston TexansThe Texans at least gave Jacksonville a fight this week before falling in overtime. Matt Schaub looked the best he has in a while, but as long as the defense continues to give up an average of 33 points per game, they will not win much. Also, the fact that they are in the midst of a 15-game stretch without a bye week, thanks to Hurricane Ike. Next down the list are...
The Cleveland Browns
Derek Anderson saved his job for a week with a game-winning touchdown in a battle of AFC North dunces, but he still looked awful. The Brady Quinn era is coming. It's just delayed. Even worse are...
The Cincinnati BengalsAs if things couldn't get any worse for the Bengals, Carson Palmer's elbow has swelled up to the size of a hot air balloon. He says he's playing next week, but even a fully healthy Carson Palmer may have trouble out-shooting the Cowboys' offense and the team may decide to protect the face of their fanchise and rest him for another week. Still worse are...
The Detroit Lions
It was a good week for Lions fans. Matt Millen was fired and they weren't subjected to more horrible play, as their team was on the bye. Chicago has proven it can beat quality opponents, so it's pretty likely the Lions will fall to 4-0 this week. Still the worst are...
The St. Louis RamsThe Rams ditched Scott Linehan and his replacement Jim Haslett re-inserted Marc Bulger as the starting quarterback, but it's been evident all along that the problems in St. Louis go well beyond the quarterback position.
