Best of the best
After looking mighty through the early part of the season, as we approach the midway point, the NFC East is looking mighty shaky. So what does this mean for this week's rankings? It means there's a new king of the castle and that team is...
The Tennessee Titans (Last week: No. 2)
Tennessee is doing exactly what they're supposed to - they blow out the teams they're supposed to blow out and they find a way to win against the teams that challenge them. LenDale White surely isn't going have the same kind of output he had last week on a regular basis, but when your defense is giving up a mere 11 points per game and you can get big contributions from your running game, you don't need a marquis quarterback. With a Week 8 win over Indianapolis, the Titans would pretty much be able to pencil themselves in for a division title.
New York Giants (Last week: No. 1)
The Giants stayed in first last week after a stunning loss simply because it didn't seem right to promote a team to first place that didn't play a game. This week, however, the Giants did little to improve their stock. Defensively, they dominated San Francisco with three turnovers and six sacks, but New York really didn't do anything to pull way until the fourth quarter. After being terrific for the first five weeks of the season, Eli Manning had his second-straight mediocre outing against a lackluster defense. If that's the case, how will he fare against a defense like Pittsburgh's?
Pittsburgh Steelers (Last week: NR)
Their Week 7 victory over Cincinnati didn't even seem fair to Ryan Fitzpatrick, who was sacked seven times. Any worries about Pittsburgh not being able to move the ball without Willie Parker have been put to rest. Mewelde Moore had a career game against a pretty terrible defense, but what was more encouraging was the way Ben Roethlisberger was finally able to get Santonio Holmes involved in the offense.
Washington Redskins (Last week: No. 3)
After getting beaten by the suddenly surprising St. Louis team, the Redskins just barely pulled one out against the Browns, who have also shown some improvement since their bye week, especially on defense. Most important for the Redskins is the fact that Clinton Portis appears to be running better than he has his entire career. With Detroit next on the schedule, another big day for Portis and a 6-2 record are to be expected.
Buffalo Bills (Last week: NR)
It's official. The win over San Diego has legitimized the Bills' early-season success. Having gotten beaten badly by the only half-way decent team they played prior to Week 7, a big win like this was needed. Even with a banged-up secondary, the Bills were able to neutralize Philip Rivers. Trent Edwards appears fully recovered from his concussion and Lee Evans is doing everything he can to convince people he's worth that contract extension.
Worst of the worst.
San Francisco 49ers (Last week: NR)
Four straight losses cost Mike Nolan his job and while change is good in these situations, the fact that Mike Martz still has a love affair with J.T. O'Sullivan, this team will continue to go nowhere.
Kansas City (Last week: No. 4 worst)
Wow. Brodie Croyle threw a whole 10 passes before hurting his knee for the season in his return from injury. Now the Chiefs are considering Daunte Culpepper. Desperate times in KC.
Seattle Seahawks (Last week: NR)
Mike Holmgren still doesn't know if he'll have his quarterback back this week and must be wondering why he didn't retire last season.
Cincinnati Bengals (Last week: No. 2 worst)
You almost feel bad for Ryan Fitzpatrick. He'll continue to take beatings as long as Carson Palmer continues to take time off. The defense will take beatings, regardless.
Detroit Lions (Last week: No. 1 worst)
Only the Lions defense could make Matt Schaub look like a Pro-Bowler. Mike Furrey is now the Lions' most reliable receiver. Ouch.
