NFL Week 4 Power Rankings

Videos

NY Giants vs Tampa Bay Bucs Highlights Week 3

see larger video

sourced by Joe Hachem

Photos

New York Giants # 92 Strahan White

see larger image

uploaded by Joe Hachem

1. New York Giants (3-0 SU, ATS)

The Giants gave us no reason to drop them out of their top spot by embarrassing the Bucs by a score of 24-0. New York ripped the heart and soul out of the Bucs, even adding a touch of salt to the wound by deploying David Carr in the fourth just to rub it in. Lopsided wins over craptastic teams like Tampa make it clear the Giants are out to prove a point this 2009 NFL betting season.

Next Week: NYG -9.5 vs. Kansas City

2. New York Jets (3-0 SU/ATS)

Somewhere in Jersey, a slew of Jets fans who attended the 2009 NFL Draft and booed the selection of Mark Sanchez are saying to themselves, “Man, we should really think about who we boo…I mean, this guy is really good. I drink too much. I had no right to boo this guy. What am I doing with my life?” The defense allowed 286-yards against the Titans, while the New York running-backs were held to just 73-yards. Dirty Sanchez took over and looked legit in the win. Hell, he even looked too legit to quit, and that’s hard to do. Trust me, I’ve tried.

Next Week: NYJ vs. New Orleans (-6.5)

3. Baltimore Ravens (3-0 SU/ATS)

If you wanted any more proof that the Ravens have finally found an offense, how does 342 yards by Joe Flacco, and 142 yards by the rushing attack sound? The defense finally showed up, allowing just 186 total yards against as Brady Quinn pouted his way to the sidelines, and Derek Anderson came in to throw three picks. If you want any more signs on how the good times are rolling in Baltimore, then look no further than Todd Heap. He’s lasted three straight games without getting injured!

Next Week: Baltimore vs. New England (-3)

4. Indianapolis Colts (3-0 SU, 2-1 ATS)

Peyton Manning is the league MVP. I don’t care what anyone says. He’s leading this team with a broken down Joseph Addai, a triple-teamed Reggie Wayne, a frenchie named Pierre Garcon and a bulky white guy named Dallas Clark as his tight-end. I always say the MVP goes to the guy who does the most with the least, and Peyton is doing such a masterful job on the field that I haven’t even bothered to learn the name of the Colts’ new head coach. Now let’s see how well they can do without Dwight Freeney, who will miss the next 2-3 weeks.

Next Week: Seattle vs. Indianapolis

5. New Orleans Saints (3-0 SU/ATS)

Was it me or did the Saints look flat in this game? Sure, Ralph Wilson is a tough place to play, but the Bills looked morbid. The aerial attack of Drew Brees was held out of the endzone, and Gentle Brees went for 16-of-29 and just 172 passing yards. I’m not saying he sucks, but he has to show up when a defense loses two starters in the secondary. By the way, the PT Cruiser is back on track. Now where’s that Reggie Bush fellow?

Next Week: NYJ vs. New Orleans (-6.5)

6. Minnesota Vikings (3-0 SU, 2-1ATS)

Somewhere in America, the best doctors in the land are trying to bring John Madden back to life after the former Monday Night Football announcer watched Brett Favre win a game on a last second, 32-yard score.

If you think Favre will have trouble hosting his former Green Bay Packers next Monday, then you’re doubting just how much he hates the Packers’ brass.

Next Week: OH MY GOD IT’S GREEN BAY VS. MINNESOTA (-3)!!! OMG! OMG!!!

7. Green Bay Packers (2-1 SU, ATS)

Aaron Rodgers proved exactly what he can do when his offensive line keeps him from picking turf out of his teeth. A road win over St. Louis was big after losing to the Bengals last week. The Packers defense gets extra points for putting Marc Bulger out of his misery, knocking him out of the game.

Next Week: Aaron Rodgers vs. Brett Favre (-3)

8. Philadelphia Eagles (2-1 SU/ATS)

The Eagles rampaged all over the visiting Chiefs…without McNabb or Westbrook in the lineup. The defense kept Cassel at 90-yards, and the Chiefs racked up a grand total of 99 yards rushing. Even if Westbrook sits out for the next couple weeks, LeSean McCoy can carry the load. He had 20 carries for 84 yards and the opening score. I was going to name my future twins JaMarcus and Demarcus, but now I’m leaning towards LeSean and DeSean. Gotta stay current.

Next Week: BYE

9. Cincinnati Bengals (2-1 SU, 3-0 ATS)

If it wasn’t for a disastrous miracle play by Brandon Stokley, the Bengals would be undefeated. With a win at Lambeau, and a rousing last-minute victory over Pittsburgh, the Bengals might finally be out of the cellar. This team has alligator blood in its veins.

Next Week: Cincinnati (-4) vs. Cleveland

10. New England Patriots (2-1 SU, 1-2 ATS)

The Pats finally beat the spread by wearing down Atlanta’s defense down to open things up in the fourth. Tom Brady went 25-for-42, amassing 277 yards and a touchdown, proving that he’s still not in sync with his receivers. However, if there’s a team that is on track to peak at the right time, it’s going to be the Patriots.

Next Week: Baltimore vs. New England (-3)

11. San Francisco 49ers (2-1 SU, 3-0 ATS)

The Niners beat the spread against the Vikings, and held Adrian Peterson in check. That gets serious respect from us, as does the fact that they’re easily the most well rounded team in the NFC West. Losing Frank Gore is a massive blow, so seeing how Shaun Hill reacts to the test will give you a better idea of how to play the Niners heading in to the meat of the season. One thing I will say about Hill is that he’s done something nobody in San Francisco has ever done before: turn Vernon Davis in to a legitimate receiving threat. For his next trick, he’s going to alleviate the traffic in the Bay area!

Next Week: St. Louis vs. San Francisco (-10)

12. San Diego Chargers (2-1 SU, 1-2 ATS)

Did anyone else notice that the Chargers had just one offensive score against Miami? They had a pick-6 and three field goals to pad Philip Rivers 5-yard rushing touchdown. I’m sorry, but if you can’t man handle the Dolphins led by Chad Henne, then you’re not a top team.

Next Week: San Diego vs. Pittsburgh (-5)

13. Denver Broncos (3-0 SU, ATS)

Is there any team you’re less scared of if the playoffs started today?

Next Week; Dallas vs. Denver

14. Dallas Cowboys (2-1 SU, ATS)

Geez, Terrance Newman sure bailed Romo out of that one! Romo used about 152 missed tackles by Carolina to accumulate 255-yards on 22-of-33 passing attempts. Now he’s being called a game manager. The Romosexuals in Dallas may be glad Romo didn’t throw any picks, but he didn’t win the game either, which I gather would be a pretty important element in the playoffs.

Next Week; Dallas vs. Denver

15. Atlanta Falcons (2-1 SU, ATS)

Tom Brady gassed the Falcons’ defense, and Matt Ryan looked like a pedestrian in this one. This game made Atlanta look like what they actually are – nothing more than a wildcard threat in the NFC.

Next Week: BYE

16. Chicago Bears (2-1 SU, ATS)

If Jeff Reed hits his kicks, they Bears are 0-2 SU. If the Seahawks hadn’t had three injured secondary starters, and Matt Hasselbeck holding a friggin’ clipboard, the Bears might be 1-2 SU. Instead they’re riding Lady Luck’s britches. This was the most painful ranking of them all. I think the Bears stink.

Next Week: Detroit vs. Chicago (-11.5)

17. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2 SU, 0-3 ATS)

Speaking of luck, has the cruel mistress been any fiercer to any other team? The Steelers have been in a position to win the game for the past two weeks, but have blown fourth-quarter drives defensively. That wouldn’t happen of Troy Polamalu was in the game. Maybe Big Ben should be concentrating on winning games and covering the spread, instead of hosting WWE Monday Night Raw next week.

Next Week: San Diego vs. Pittsburgh (-5)

18. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2 SU, 2-1 ATS)

MoJo ran over, under and through the Texans for 119-yards and three touchdowns, including a 61-yard barn burner. Does that overshadow the fact that David Garrard did virtually nothing in this game, and the defense allowed 397 total yards against? Nope. Not in the slightest.

Next Week: Tennessee (-1) vs. Jacksonville

19. Houston Texans (1-2 SU, 1-2 ATS)

Are you ever going to bet against the UNDER in  a Houston game ever again? Matt Schaub is emerging as a solid quarterback, but that defense has been demolished on the ground for three straight weeks, giving up 204.7 rush yards per game. I mean, if they let Run DMC teabag them like MoJo did, then God help the Texans.

Next Week: Oakland vs. Houston -9.5

20. Arizona Cardinals (1-2 SU, ATS)

Is it time to see what Matt Leinart’s got? Three more losses? Ok, see you then.

Next Game: BYE

21. Tennessee Titans (0-3 SU, ATS)

Will somebody get LenDale White a bottle of Patron?! Besides losing Albert Haynesworth, and adding Dirty Nate Washington, the only discernable difference with the Titans is that LenDale has lost weight. Get this guy to the nearest Cracker Barrel immediately and spike his sweet tea. Somebody in Nashville is driving down to Mexico to learn the secrets of the agave plant. It may be the only way to cure the Titans’ woes.

Next Week: Tennessee (-1) vs. Jacksonville

***spoiler alert! This is where rankings get ugly than Dirk Nowitzki’s ex-fiancee***

22. Buffalo Bills (0-3 SU, 2-1 ATS)

The only reason Trent Edwards and the Bills are this high is because they’ve beaten the spread twice this year. If Donte Whitner and McKelvin weren’t having bad enough years, how do season ending injuries sound? The 2009 NFL betting season is about par so far for the Bills.

Next Game: Buffalo (-1) vs. Miami

23. Detroit Lions (1-2 SU, ATS)

The Lions win! The Lion s win! The Lions win! Oh, it was just one game? Really? That much excitement, eh? Really.

Next Week: Detroit vs. Chicago (-11.5)

24. Washington Redskins (1-2 SU, ATS)

What do the Redskins have in common with most third world countries? You could buy either for about $1.5 billion, they’re run by idiots and they don’t produce anything of value, unless you count diamonds and child pornography, which you shouldn’t. Seriously, you shouldn’t. Did you even see “Blood Diamond? Have you learned nothing from Leonardo DiCaprio!?

Next Week: Tampa Bay vs. Washington (-7.5)

25. Carolina Panthers (0-3 SU, ATS)

The Panthers threw the ball 33 times, and ran it 16 times in a narrow loss to the Cowboys that the 21-7 score doesn’t reflect appropriately. So that’s what panic looks like.

By the way, how come Steve Smith can lose his mind on the sidelines and isn’t given the “cancer” tag like Terrell Owens? Can’t Owens look pissed on the sidelines if his team is getting blown out?

Next Week: BYE

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-3 SU, 0-3 ATS)

The Bucs found out the hard way why nobody else wanted Byron Leftwich. Now it’s down to measuring which Josh sucks less: Freeman or Johnson.

Next Week: Tampa Bay vs. Washington (-7.5)

27. Seattle Seahawks (1-2 SU, ATS)

The only thing the Seahawks are piling up faster than losses to the spread and NFL opponents are injuries. Five defensive starters, and two offensive stalwarts, are in the healing house with no schedule for return. That includes three injured secondary players, Walter Jones and Matt Hasselbeck.

Next Week: Seattle vs. Indianapolis

28. Miami Dolphins (0-3 SU, ATS)

Lose one Chad, gain another Chad. Mr. Chad Henne is now the starting quarterback of the Dolphins after Pennington injured his shoulder for the rest of the season. If you think that’s weird, how about Ricky Williams being their most productive player?

Next Game: Buffalo (-1) vs. Miami

29. Kansas City Chiefs (0-3 SU, ATS)

Ownership threw down the gauntlet with Matt Cassel, their $63 million franchise quarterback. He responded with 90 yards and two touchdowns, and lost to Kevin Kolb, who threw for 327-yards and two touchdowns.

Next Week: NYG -9.5 vs. Kansas City

30. Oakland Raiders (0-3 SU, 1-2 ATS)

JaMarcus Russell is the worst thing to happen to the Raiders since Art Shell.

Next Week: Oakland vs. Houston -9.5

31. St. Louis Rams (0-3 SU, 1-2ATS)

If you think things couldn’t get worse for St. Louis, then you have forgotten the terrifying horror of Kyle Boller as a starting quarterback. Trading Steven Jackson yet, St. Louis?

Next Week: St. Louis vs. San Francisco (-10)

32. Cleveland Browns (0-3 SU, ATS)

Brady Quinn vs. Derek Anderson continues. And still, nobody cares.

Next Week: Cincinnati (-4) vs. Cleveland