It was a bit ugly around the league this week. Lots of teams that people think are "good" or maybe even "great" struggled mightily. In fact, New England was one of the only teams to put together a consistent effort. They also put up four TD's in the 4th quarter, which makes them look a lot better by default. Denver was on a bye. That helped them look good too, since they didn't shit the bed like some teams.
I'm not sure we actually know anything about any of these teams. One week they could be world-beaters (i.e. the Pats) and the next week they could be losing in OT on a fluke safety (i.e. the Bengals, who will not be returning to the Rankings in 2013; I've had enough of them). There's not a lot of consistency other than in KC and to be honest, KC has been lucky the last couple of weeks to escape with wins.
We'll have to wait and see how Aaron Rodgers' injury affects Green Bay. My guess is that they'll fall off until he returns. Their backup QB situation is not good; Seneca Wallace couldn't complete a pass that wasn't a slant last night, and he had trouble with those, even.
Here are the Rankings for Week 9:
I'm not sure we actually know anything about any of these teams. One week they could be world-beaters (i.e. the Pats) and the next week they could be losing in OT on a fluke safety (i.e. the Bengals, who will not be returning to the Rankings in 2013; I've had enough of them). There's not a lot of consistency other than in KC and to be honest, KC has been lucky the last couple of weeks to escape with wins.
We'll have to wait and see how Aaron Rodgers' injury affects Green Bay. My guess is that they'll fall off until he returns. Their backup QB situation is not good; Seneca Wallace couldn't complete a pass that wasn't a slant last night, and he had trouble with those, even.
Here are the Rankings for Week 9:
1.) Kansas City (9-0) [no change]
The defense did their part, scoring two TD's. The offense could be considered a work-in-progress if there was any sign that it's going to get better at some point this season. Alex Smith is a bad QB who is propped up by his winning percentage and defenders in the national sports media who refuse to rely on what they see as opposed to the numbers.
The defense did their part, scoring two TD's. The offense could be considered a work-in-progress if there was any sign that it's going to get better at some point this season. Alex Smith is a bad QB who is propped up by his winning percentage and defenders in the national sports media who refuse to rely on what they see as opposed to the numbers.
2.) Denver (7-1) [no change]
On a bye, the Broncos don't move up or down, as usual. They head to San Diego in Week 10. It should be a good one if both teams show up and play to their capabilities.
On a bye, the Broncos don't move up or down, as usual. They head to San Diego in Week 10. It should be a good one if both teams show up and play to their capabilities.
3.) Seattle (8-1) [no change]
Inexcusable first-half effort from the Seahawks against a winless team. What makes it worse is that they were at home, where they are usually unbeatable. Not only that, most teams that go into Seattle barely have a chance of keeping up with the Seahawks. Not Tampa Bay, apparently. I get that losing both tackles on the O-line is problematic for the offense in general. I also get that Russell Wilson is probably still growing into his game as a second-year player. But that offense looks bad and the second-half comeback doesn't really change that perception.
Inexcusable first-half effort from the Seahawks against a winless team. What makes it worse is that they were at home, where they are usually unbeatable. Not only that, most teams that go into Seattle barely have a chance of keeping up with the Seahawks. Not Tampa Bay, apparently. I get that losing both tackles on the O-line is problematic for the offense in general. I also get that Russell Wilson is probably still growing into his game as a second-year player. But that offense looks bad and the second-half comeback doesn't really change that perception.
4.) New England (7-2) [+3]
Yes, the Steelers are not good this season. But the Pats just put up 55 points, the most scored in the league so far. Is this team dangerous with Gronk and Amendola back and healthy (for the moment)? You bet your ass. Tom Brady hadn't played so well prior to this game, but he came out slinging and the running game worked well enough to take pressure off him too. Dominant effort and one of the few that we saw.
Yes, the Steelers are not good this season. But the Pats just put up 55 points, the most scored in the league so far. Is this team dangerous with Gronk and Amendola back and healthy (for the moment)? You bet your ass. Tom Brady hadn't played so well prior to this game, but he came out slinging and the running game worked well enough to take pressure off him too. Dominant effort and one of the few that we saw.
5.) San Francisco (6-2) [no change]
On a bye, the 49ers don't move up or down, as usual. They face Carolina at home in Week 10. Somehow, I bet they end up flustering Cam Newton and forcing him into errors like the ones we saw against Atlanta.
On a bye, the 49ers don't move up or down, as usual. They face Carolina at home in Week 10. Somehow, I bet they end up flustering Cam Newton and forcing him into errors like the ones we saw against Atlanta.
6.) Indianapolis (6-2) [+2]
Despite taking the first-half off, Indy rallied for yet another 4th quarter comeback and victory. Andrew Luck was missing Reggie Wayne, obviously. But that didn't seem to affect him in the second-half as he was bombing away to T.Y. Hilton or tossing fades to Coby Fleener. Impressive effort to come back, but there's no way they should have been down 21-3 in the first place.
Despite taking the first-half off, Indy rallied for yet another 4th quarter comeback and victory. Andrew Luck was missing Reggie Wayne, obviously. But that didn't seem to affect him in the second-half as he was bombing away to T.Y. Hilton or tossing fades to Coby Fleener. Impressive effort to come back, but there's no way they should have been down 21-3 in the first place.
7.) New Orleans (6-2) [-3]
One of the worst efforts I saw this week was without a doubt put forth by the Saints. I've been saying since the start of the season that they look like a 12-13 win team. I'm not moving off of that by any means (just look at their division, blegh), but I think I have to doubt them on the road just a bit after their latest gaffe-fest.
One of the worst efforts I saw this week was without a doubt put forth by the Saints. I've been saying since the start of the season that they look like a 12-13 win team. I'm not moving off of that by any means (just look at their division, blegh), but I think I have to doubt them on the road just a bit after their latest gaffe-fest.
8.) Carolina (5-3) [-]
No, I do not take the Panthers seriously. If they beat the 49ers, then I'll re-evaluate.
No, I do not take the Panthers seriously. If they beat the 49ers, then I'll re-evaluate.
9.) Green Bay (5-3) [no change]
The Packers might be going down for a while if Rodgers is out for any length of time.
The Packers might be going down for a while if Rodgers is out for any length of time.
10.) Detroit (5-3) [no change]
On a bye, the Lions don't move up. They go to Chicago in Week 10. Unless Stafford gets injured on a fluke play like Rodgers, I expect the Lions to win pretty handily.
On a bye, the Lions don't move up. They go to Chicago in Week 10. Unless Stafford gets injured on a fluke play like Rodgers, I expect the Lions to win pretty handily.
Three Games to Watch (Week 10):
Carolina @ San Francisco (FOX)
Denver @ San Diego (CBS)
Dallas @ New Orleans (NBC)
Carolina @ San Francisco (FOX)
Denver @ San Diego (CBS)
Dallas @ New Orleans (NBC)
That's all for this week. See you next week.
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