This is the squad that could prevent a Pitt. repeat.


Every week throughout the season, myself and Derek Peiffer will be doing a run-down of the best and worst teams in the NFL in our power rankings. These are the official 2M2MG.com power rankings heading into Week 2 of the NFL season.


No. 1)

Derek: Pittsburgh Steelers (Last Week: 1)

They did just enough to pull out a win on opening night. Hines Ward nearly fumbled the game away in the 4th quarter, but unlike Leodis McKelvin, luck was on his side that night. They have the tough Bears this week, but Cutler looked awful and Urlacher is gone for the season. It might be an easier game than you think.


Bob: Pittsburgh Steelers (Last Week: 2)

The defending champs found a way to win when things looked bleak for them at the end. Hines Ward nearly fumbled away their first win of 2009, but they bounced back and won in overtime. It wasn't pretty, but they got the job done. It's tough to keep them out of the No. 1 spot when they find a way to win like that against a good team like Tennessee.


No. 2)

Derek: New England Patriots (Last Week: 2)

I just couldn't drop them. After all, they did pull out the win. As ugly as it was, they did what you always expect from the Patriots. They capitalized on a Leodis McKelvin fumble to set up the game winning touchdown. Tom Brady wasted no time as he threw 53 times in his first game since the season opener last season, and he looked fine. I'm sure the Patriots will take two touchdowns and a win every game.


Bob: Philadelphia Eagles (Last Week: 3)

The Eagles showed that they can score points on offense and defense during an absolute destruction of the Carolina Panthers. There's not much worry over Sean McDermott anymore, and the offense averaged 5.8 yards per rushing attempt. McNabb is hurt, sure, but I don't see him missing any time and with an easy next few games, they should keep rolling.


No. 3)

Derek: Philadelphia Eagles (Last Week: 6)

I could hear the collective groans as the Eagles defense shot themselves in the foot numerous times on the opening drive and the Panthers scored. It was going to be a long day as is the case almost every opening day the past few years. Until the defense was notified that this one actually counts. Seven turnovers and 3 quarterbacks later, the Eagles found themselves up 38-10. Oh, and don't worry Philadelphia, McNabb will play.


Bob: New England Patriots (Last Week: 1)
They did pull out the win, but anyone who thinks they did anything other than steal that game from the Bills is dead wrong. Leodis McKelvin fumbled that game away. Had he just held onto the ball, the Bills would have won and the Pats would have done a barrell-roll down this list.


No. 4)

Derek: Indianapolis Colts (Last Week: 3)

They didn't show me anything. Two turnovers down at the goal line and a near upset by the Jaguars. Not want you see from a Peyton Manning led offense. Could it be attributed to the loss of Marvin Harrison? The loss of offensive co-ordinator and head coach? The loss of Anthony Gonzalez in the first quarter? Only time will tell if the Colts will bounce back. They started off slow last year then ripped off nine straight.


Bob: Atlanta Falcons (Last Week: 6)

The Falcons had a good showing from Matt Ryan and Tony Gonzalez, and could see a wonderful connection beginning there. Michael Turner will have to pick it up, along with the entire running game, but their defense did a good job containing that Wildcat offense and good showing from Chad Pennington.


No. 5)

Derek: San Diego Chargers (Last Week: 4)

Another team that was hopped by the Eagles this week. They almost blew it last night at the hands of the Oakland Raiders. San Diego has the talent to get to the superbowl, but as far as I'm concerned, Norv Turner just cannot get a team prepared to play properly.


Bob: San Diego Chargers (Last Week: 4)

The Raiders looked good Monday night, but they still looked inferior to the Chargers when San Diego was actually on their game. It was a sloppy game for San Diego, and it took them a bit to get started, but once they did they showed that they can put a game away. This was more the Chargers not playing well than it was the Raiders outplaying them.


No. 6)

Derek: Baltimore Ravens (Last Week: 5)

Yes, you read the box score correctly. The Ravens offense accounted for over 400 yards of total offense. Joe Flacco will not be the victim of the legendary sophomore slump. At least he didn't show any signs of it on Sunday. The defense didn't look that good, which is the reason for the one spot drop. 24 points to the Brodie Croyle led Kansas City Chiefs without Tony Gonzalez. Yeah, it does sounds as bad as I thought.


Bob: New York Giants (Last Week: 5)

The Giants defense looked good -- especially Osi Umenyiora. However, the offense was only decent. While the numbers may say they were good, it was more about the Redskin defense not being able to tackle, well, anyone. Giants are a good team, but let's see that offense against a good defense before getting too carried away.


No. 7)

Derek: New York Giants (Last Week: 7)

The defense was stout as you would expect from the Giants. The thing that caught me off guard was that the running game struggled and the receivers actually performed quite well. Aside from 2 or 3 decent runs, Jacobs and Bradshaw were held in check by an upgraded Redskins defense. These receivers won't make that many plays every week, and they even lost Nicks for a few weeks.


Bob: Tennessee Titans (Last Week: 7)

The Titans lost a tough game to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday. It's a game they could have won, but a lackluster offensive performance doomed them. Kerry Collins was good last year, but I don't have much faith that he can duplicate his 2008 season this year.


No. 8)

Derek: Atlanta Falcons (Last Week: 9)

Tony Gonzalez looked good in his Falcons debut. He shredded the Dolphins defense, but aside from Tony G, the Falcons were flat on offense. Turner struggled and Jerious Norwood was your second leading receiver behind Gonzalez. Defense kept them in the lead by shutting out the Dolphins until late.


Bob: Baltimore Ravens (Last Week: 12)

For those not paying attention, I have a newsflash: Joe Flacco is the real deal. The kid had his first 300-yard game, and did everything he needed to do in order to overcome a letdown by the defense and pull out the win. Many would be worried that the defense allowed 24 points, but until it happens again, I'm calling it an abberation.


No. 9)

Derek: Minnesota Vikings (Last Week: 16)

I was shocked when I saw that Adrian Peterson had only 40 yards at the half. The Browns were shutting him down! That didn't last too long as Peterson hit his groove in the second half. If Peterson can put up 180 yards every game, Favre might get a 5-year extension. he can hand-off until he's at least 46, right?


Bob: Minnesota Vikings (Last Week: 11)
Brett Favre wins his first game as a Minnesota Vikings by managing the game. That's right, he managed them to a win and even managed to toss a touchdown to rookie Percy Harvin. Adrian Peterson went nuts on the Browns and carried the Vikings to a win, which he could do all year long.


No. 10)

Derek: Dallas Cowboys (Last Week: 14)

The 3rd NFC East team in the top 10, and rightfully so. The most competetive division in football every year. Dallas looked good hitting three long pass plays without Terrell Owens who was cut this off-season. I mean, were still in September so Tony Romo has about 10 weeks of good football in him


Bob: Indianapolis Colts (Last Week: 10)

The Colts didn't do enough to move up, but they certainly were not very impressive. They played a sloppy game and nearly let a division rival knock them off in the first week. However, the still have Peyton Manning, which is enough.


No. 11)

Derek: Tennesee Titans (Last Week: 10)

They almost pulled it off on opening night, but the defending champs were too much. Look for Tennessee to bounce back and play well this year.


Bob: Green Bay Packers (Last Week: 15)

Their offense was disappointing for the first three quarters of the game, but the defense was phenomenal throughout. They forced Jay Cutler into four interceptions and did a good job containing Matt Forte. Aaron Rodgers did a good job of leading them back and getting the win over a division rival, which should give them momentum for the rest of the season.


No. 12)

Derek: New Orleans Saints (Last Week: 12)

Drew Brees threw for 6 touchdowns. Bad news? He was playing against the Lions and they put up 27. No defense kills the Saints all year.


Bob: New Orleans Saints (Last Week: 16)

Drew Brees is an absolutely phenomenal quarterback, and there's really to argument to the contrary. If that defense can find its stride, this will be a dangerous team. If not, they're destined for .500 yet again. However, for now, they deserve this spot.


No. 13)

Derek: Green Bay Packers (Last Week: 15)

Four turnovers for this defense, but it still took late game heroics by Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings to pull it off.


Bob: Houston Texans (Last Week: 8)

Last week I had the Texans in the top 10, but a poor offensive performance and a defense that got burnt by a rookie has me thinking twice about the Texans. I still think they could challenge for the playoffs, but that game against the Jets was just bad.


No. 14)

Derek: Buffalo Bills (Last Week: 20)

The game was given away by special teams. They almost pulled it off with T.O. only getting two catches. When he heats up, look for the Bills to be a force.


Bob: Dallas Cowboys (Last Week: 14)

Tony Romo had a good game, but let's not get carried away. He was playing against a poor pass defense in Tampa Bay, and most of his yardage came from the receivers running after the catch. They won't be able to do that against good teams, so for now they don't move one way or the other.


No. 15)

Derek: New York Jets (Last Week: 23)

Mark Sanchez looked like he settled into his starting role quite comfortably, against a good Texan defense too. The Jets could be the real deal this year with Thomas Jones and Leon Washington.


Bob: New York Jets (Last Week: 20)

I have the Jets ranked below the team they beat simply because it's Week One, and I want to see Sanchez do it again before we get carried away. He looked good, but it's only one game. I mean, the Texans beat the Cowboys in their first game, so anything can happen opening day.


No. 16)

Derek: San Francisco 49ers (Last Week: 25)

"I want winners!" Well you got 'em Coach. Mike Singletary expressed a team effort and got just that as the 49ers shut down Fitzgerald, Boldin and the defending NFC Champions.


Bob: San Francisco 49ers (Last Week: 23)

Coach Singletary apparently can play, coach, and win with this team. He wants winners, and it looks like that's what he's gotten. He's instilled a discipline in this team and has presented a gameplan for how to win games. The team has bought into his plan, and don't be surprised if this team is contending for the NFC West at the end of the year.


No. 17)

Derek: Arizona Cardinals (Last Week: 8)

Shut down completely by the 49ers. Starting to look more and more like a fluke as we go on. Maybe it is time for Kurt to step away from football.


Bob: Seattle Seahawks (Last Week: 17)

They beat the St. Louis Rams, possibly the very worst team in the league. For that, you don't move up. However, 28 points is convincing enough that they also won't be moving down.


No. 18)

Derek: Houston Texans (Last Week: 17)

This team has a good defense, but still couldn't slow down Thomas Jones, Leon Washington or Mark Sanchez. I was high on Houston going into the season. Maybe they can bounce back.


Bob: Jacksonville Jaguars (Last Week: 21)

They were able to stick with the Indianapolis Colts, but fell short by two points. They deserve to get some love, as it appears they're heading in the right direction. Right now their offense is the problem, and I'm not sure they can overcome their lack of explosiveness.


No. 19)

Derek: Seattle Seahawks (Last Week: 18)

They almost went into halftime wiht the worst team in the NFL tied at 7. Of course the Rams screwed that up, and Hasselbeck showed up in the second half. Still not convinced.


Bob: Arizona Cardinals (Last Week: 9)

The Cardinals take the most significant dive after looking completely incompetent in all phases of the game. It could be the Super Bowl hangover, or it could just be an off day against a division opponent but whatever it is they need to fix it and quickly.


No. 20)

Derek: Chicago Bears (Last Week: 11)

18 interceptions while throwing to Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal. 4 in one game while throwing to next to nobody sounds right. Should've stuck with Orton, Chicago.

Bob: Miami Dolphins (Last Week: 19)

As I said, the Wildcat is showing itself to only be a gimmick offense. If they try to rely on it as their primary source of offense, they will continue to lose. They need to find more conventional ways to win, or they're going to be at the bottom of the AFC East.


No. 21)

Derek: Denver Broncos (Last Week: 26)

They won, but didn't really deserve it. The "Immaculate Deflection" as it is now known was one of the craziest plays I've ever seen. Luck running wild in Denver.

Bob: Chicago Bears (Last Week: 18)

Jay Cutler did not play well, at all, and now the face of that franchise is out for the remainder of the season. If Cutler continues to miss his mark, the defense is going to be on the field a whole lot, getting beat a whole lot.


No. 22)

Derek: Jacksonville Jaguars (Last Week: 24)

Looked real good against the Colts, but couldn't pull it out late. Failed a 2-point conversion to tie it, and then failed to move into field goal range.


Bob: Buffalo Bills (Last Week: 25)

They played a good game against the Patriots for about 3 1/2 quarters, but last I checked a game takes four quarters. If they can't close out games and win the close ones, they'll be right back to 7-9 for the fourth straight year. Slightly less impressive consistency than the Bills of old.


No. 23)

Derek: Carolina Panthers (Last Week: 13)

I have nothing to say here. 7 turnovers, and you're lucky to be at 23. A.J. Feeley will start for this team come season end.


Bob: Washington Redskins (Last Week: 22)

They stuck with the Giants fairly well, but when it comes down to it they just don't have anyone who can step up and make a play. On paper, they're a fairly decent team, however they're a team without a leader and that leads to losses.


No. 24)

Derek: Oakland Raiders (Last Week: 30)

Oakland should be glad Richard Seymour showed up. He looked good, and the whol Raider defense looked good. Jamarcus Russell is still all over the place, but looks to have two good rookie targets.


Bob: Carolina Panthers (Last Week: 13)

A team that was thought to be a contender had a rude awakening against the Philadelphia Eagles this past Sunday. They got abused in every aspect of the game and looked like a team looking for answers. Jake Delhomme will soon lose his starting spot, but even the running game couldn't get going. The Eagles are a good team, so this could be a bit of an overreaction.


No. 25)

Derek: Washington Redskins (Last Week: 19)

Maybe there was method to the madness of trading Jason Campbell this off-season. He didn't make many good reads and just looked out of sync completely.


Bob: Oakland Raiders (Last Week: 28)

They gave a valient effort against the Chargers, but their defense let them down when it mattered most. On top of that, JaMarcus Russel is still unbelievably inaccurate. If he can turn into a real quarterback, I think this team could be playoff caliber (seriously). However, until then, they stay in the cellar.


No. 26)

Derek: Cincinnati Bengals (Last Week: 22)

Ochocinco showed up. Cedric Benson showed up. Problem: Football is played with 22 people. They were short 20 for this game.


Bob: Cincinnati Bengals (Last Week: 26)

They were clearly the better team this past Sunday, but dumb luck got them the loss with Brandon Stokely's outstanding play. Some will say dumb luck, but others will say that a team creates their own luck. That's a bit hard to argue, especially with the team lovingly referred to as the "Bungals."


No. 27)

Derek: Miami Dolphins (Last Week: 21)

Last year's feel good story and AFC East Champions looked completely flat on offense. It took them until the 4th quarter in garbage time to score.


Bob: Denver Broncos (Last Week: 27)

Yes, they won. No, they didn't look good doing it and no, they didn't deserve the win. They caught a break this week, but odds are it won't happen more than two or three times after this.


No. 28)

Derek: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Last Week: 27)

They looked real good until the second half. Cadillac was cruising and they looked poised to pull off and upset. I still beleive in Byron Leftwich, but I'm sure we'll see Freeman by season end.


Bob: Kansas City Chiefs (Last Week: 29)

They put up 24 points against a good Ravens defense with a backup quarterback, but top to bottom this is still a very bad team. Todd Haley and Scott Pioli have a lot of work to do before this team can even "back in" to the playoffs.


No. 29)

Derek: Kansas City Chiefs (Last Week: 28)

I don't care who you are, but if you give up over 400 yards to the Ravens, you're a bad defense. We'll see what this team is made of when starter Matt Cassel comes back.


Bob: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Last Week: 24)

They are not officially back to the "Yucs." As I've said, I'm a fan of Byron Leftwich and he played well, but the defense, particularly the pass defense, was absolutely pathetic. They could not stop anyone and won't be able to all year.


No. 30)

Derek: Cleveland Browns (Last Week: 29)

They almost looked good on Sunday. Too bad they forgot we play four quarters in football, not two.


Bob: Cleveland Browns (Last Week: 30)

Is Brady Quinn the answer for this team? Well, I'm not sure, but it sure doesn't look like it at this point. In his defense, this team has a lot of holes and have a good two or three years before they're even respectable. It's time to trade one of the quarterbacks and Braylon Edwards for some picks to start this rebuilding process properly.


No. 31)

Derek: Detroit Lions (Last Week: 32)

Only the Detroit Lions could give up 6 touchdown passes and move up a spot. Sorry Detroit, it's nothing you did right...


Bob: Detroit Lions (Last Week: 31)

They played a pretty decent game against the Saints, but Detroit's defense is still awful. The offense was able to put up 27 points, but that was against a Saints defense nearly as bad as their own. Stafford might be a good quarterback, but it will take a while before it pays off.


No. 32)

Derek: St. Louis Rams (Last Week: 31)

...It's what the Rams did wrong, which was everything. They had a blocked field goal and tied the game at 7. Good right? Well not if you need 12 people on the field to do it. Simple mistakes.


Bob: St. Louis Rams (Last Week: 32)

The Rams are the worst team in the league. They can't play offense, they can't play defense, and usually that leads to being a bad team. I'd be surprised if this team wins two games this year.
Continue Reading...

Brady and Roethlisberger lead the league's two best teams.


Every week throughout the season, myself and Derek Peiffer will be doing a run-down of the best and worst teams in the NFL in our power rankings. These are the official 2M2MG.com power rankings heading into Week 1 of the NFL season.


No. 1)

Derek: Pittsburgh Steelers (Last Week: N/A)

Bob: New England Patriots (Last Week: N/A)

Derek's take: The defending Superbowl champions. There's really no one else who deserves the number one spot in the following seasons opening power rankings. They bring back almost the exact same team as 2008. Look for the Steelers to fight hard to defend their title.

Bob's take: The Steelers may be the defending champs, but rankings shouldn't be given by default. If that were the case, everyone would be ranked in exactly the same order in which they finished last year, wouldn't they? The Patriots, with Tom Brady, are the most complete team in the entire league.


No. 2)

Derek: New England Patriots (Last Week: N/A)

Bob: Pittsburgh Steelers (Last Week: N/A)

Derek's take: The Matt Cassell-led Patriots missed the playoffs, but that is a misleading statement. The Pats finished the season at 11-5, but still lost out on the playoffs. Tom Brady returns and the team brought in Fred Taylor and Joey Galloway to an already fantastic offense. Look for the Patriots to be back in the playoffs in 2009.

Bob's take: This is a difficult spot to peg because really after the Patriots there's not much separation between the second-best team all the way down to around the eighth-ranked team. The Steelers are a solid team, no doubt, and if they get that offensive line in order they'll be scary again in 2009.


No. 3)

Derek: Indianapolis Colts (Last Week: N/A)

Bob: Philadelphia Eagles (Last Week: N/A)

Derek's take: If you have Peyton Manning on your roster, you're in good shape. Even after a slow start to last season after missing majority of the off-season with a knee injury, Manning led the Colts on and 8 game win streak to end the season, and a trip to the playoffs. They would fall short to San Diego, but look for a full-season of Peyton to make it back.

Bob's take: If it all comes together for the Eagles, they can be one of the most explosive teams in the entire league. They're stacked on both sides of the ball and should certainly contend with the NFL's elite. Bringing in Vick gives them an extra weapon to add to an already impressive arsenal. Grab your coffee, defensive coordinators, it's going to be a long night.


No. 4)

Derek: San Diego Chargers (Last Week: N/A)

Bob: San Diego Chargers (Last Week: N/A)

Derek's take: After a disappointing 8-8 season had the Chargers on the verge of missing the playoffs, the team was one game away from the AFC championship. Injuries being the story of the Charger's 2008, they will look to stay healthy in 2009. Phillip Rivers got a new deal, and if they can stay healthy, the Chargers should be a top contender in the NFL.

Bob's take: Top to bottom, the Chargers might have the best stockpile of talent in the entire league. That being said, I'm not a believer in Norv Turner. He hasn't shown the capability to get a team where they need to be. His teams will never overachieve, but instead will win one or two games less than what they should.


No. 5)

Derek: Baltimore Ravens (Last Week: N/A)

Bob: New York Giants (Last Week: N/A)

Derek's take: The team that seemingly never ages. Ray Lewis and Ed Reed have been the staples of this team forever it seems. Bart Scott and defensive coordinator Rex Ryan are now in New York, but I think they can hold up just fine.

Young DT Haloti Ngata will anchor the defensive line while second-year quarterback Joe Flacco looks to repeat his rookie season and lead the Ravens back to the playoffs.

Bob's take: While I'm not a fan of this offense, the depth and talent of the defense is just too much to overlook. They're not only good at every position on defense, but they're deep as well, which is what a contending team needs. If Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs can allow Manning to only throw 20-25 times a game, they're still scary for the rest of the league.


No. 6)

Derek: Philadelphia Eagles (Last Week: N/A)

Bob: Atlanta Falcons (Last Week: N/A)

Derek's take: The loss of Stewart Bradley will certainly hurt this defense a lot. Add in the loss of defensive leader Brian Dawkins and you would think the Eagles were doomed. Not so fast. Second year linebacker Joe Mays should step in and help sure up the middle while young safety Quentin Demps will provide some better coverage skills than our beloved Dawk.

Donovan McNabb will continue to be one of the better quarterbacks in this league and finally has some weapons in Desean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. Look for Westbrook to stay healthy with the opportunity to rest up and give way to rookie LeSean McCoy.

Bob's take: The Atlanta Falcons, though getting some respect, are extremely overlooked when it comes to talking about elite teams in not only the NFC, but the NFL.

Second-year quarterback Matt Ryan will be even better than last year, which is a scary prospect in itself. Give him an emerging Roddy White and the best tight end to ever play in Tony Gonzalez and you've got the makings of a championship team.


No. 7)

Derek: New York Giants (Last Week: N/A)

Bob: Tennessee Titans (Last Week: N/A)

Derek's take: The Giants may have the best defense in the NFC East, and the defending NFC East champs will need that defense to carry them. The loss of Plaxico Burress is a huge one. There aren't many 6'6" wide receivers with that kind of talent running around.

Brandon Jacobs is still a force at running back, and is always tough to bring down. Hakeem Nicks, Domenik Hixon and Steve Smith will all need to pick up the slack left behind by Plax. Combing all three, they might come close. Still look for the Giants to compete with the elite of the NFL.
Bob's take: Personally, I don't think that the Titans will miss Albert Haynesworth as much as others may think. Let's not forget the thing that really carried this team was their running game. Chris Johnson was phenomenal, and should only be better in his second year. LenDale White has trimmed down and will help Johnson create the best 1-2 punch in the NFL.


No. 8)

Derek: Arizona Cardinals (Last Week: N/A)

Bob: Houston Texans (Last Week: N/A)

Derek's take: They fell just a few plays short of a Superbowl trophy. The first 9-7 team to ever make the big game returns it's starting quarterback, three 1,000 yard receivers and drafted stud running back out of Ohio State, Beanie Wells.

Larry Fitzgerald will be huge once again for the Cardinals and even after the debacle that was Anquan Boldin this off-season, he's still in Arizona. If the defense can play as well as they did last season, the offense will surely be better.

Bob's take: No seriously, I'm not crazy. Hear me out. The Texans offense has been one of the best in the league for the past two seasons, and the only thing that's kept them from being the best has been inopportune injuries to quarterback Matt Schaub. If he can finally stay healthy, they are the best offense in the league.

Defensively they're nothing to scoff at, either. With star players such as Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans, and Dunta Robinson, as well as an emerging star in Amobi Okoye, this Texans defense will surprise a lot of people. Even though I believe the Titans win the South, I think the Texans are a Wild Card team that could surprise in the playoffs. Think 2008 Cardinals.


No. 9)

Derek: Atlanta Falcons (Last Week: N/A)

Bob: Arizona Cardinals (Last Week: N/A)

Derek's take: A team that came from out of nowhere last season. Rookie Matt Ryan threw a touchdown on his first NFL pass, and you knew it was meant to be from then on. First year starter Michael Turner proved that he is indeed worthy to return to that starting status, and Roddy White seemed to finally mature at WR and posted a break-out season.

John Abraham still anchors the defense and the Falcons are a very well rounded team that could very well find themselves atop the entire NFC come January.

Bob's take: While expectations in Arizona, and around the country, for the Cardinals may be a bit high, that offense is far too good to ignore. Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Steve Breaston make up the very best wide receiver corps in the entire league. Let's also not count out former third-round pick Early Doucet who's looking to get in on the fun.

If Beanie Wells can supply the running game that they were missing last year, and if that defense can take another step forward, the Cardinals will be a very scary team. They're going to score a lot of points and if that defense can hold teams under 30 points, that should be all it takes for them to win a lot of games.


No. 10)

Derek: Tennessee Titans (Last Week: N/A)

Bob: Indianapolis Colts (Last Week: N/A)

Derek's take: A gaping hole is present in the Titans defensive line, but throughout the preseason, they seemed fine. Keith Bulluck returns to a very stout defense along with the likes of Cortland Finnegan.

Speedster Chris Johnson will look to follow up a stellar rookie season while LenDale White looks to follow up on a stellar weight loss and turn that into something positive. Kerry Collins is still the starter at quarterback and can still get it done. The Titans may be under the radar after the loss of Haynesworth, and the heavy media exposure of the Texans inside the division.

Bob's take: While having Peyton Manning still makes them a good team, I don't have any faith in the Colts defense. Bob Sanders can't stay healthy, and the rest of the defense is very undersized and outside of Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, aren't really anything special.

If the defense can prove me wrong and play well, the Colts may just reclaim their spot on top of the AFC South. At this point, however, I see the Colts as the AFC version of the New Orleans Saints. A lot of offense, but little defensive help makes them a 9-7 team, and third in the South.


No. 11)

Derek: Chicago Bears (Last Week: N/A) - Jay Cutler gives the Bears a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback. Pair that with a strong defense and you've gotta take a second look at Chicago this season.

Bob: Minnesota Vikings (Last Week: N/A) - Brett Favre will open it up for AP, and vice versa. That defense is still scary, but they may lack the firepower to contend with the elite teams.


No. 12)

Derek: New Orleans Saints (Last Week: N/A) - Over 5,000 yards last season for Drew Brees, and that high-powered offense should be back in 2009. A little shaky on the defensive side, but the offense should be able to handle.

Bob: Baltimore Ravens (Last Week: N/A) - Losing Ryan and Scott will hurt more than they think, but they're still a playoff team as long as Ray Lewis anchors that defense.


No. 13)

Derek: Carolina Panthers (Last Week: N/A) - They have one of, if not the best running back tandem in the NFL. Delhomme is shaky, and they lost Ma'Ake Kemoeatu for the year.

Bob: Carolina Panthers (Last Week: N/A) - The Panthers would be ranked higher than this, but I'm not a fan of Jake Delhomme as a quarterback. I think defenses adjust to him, but he won't adjust to them.


No. 14)

Derek: Dallas Cowboys (Last Week: N/A) - The cut of T.O. is what will hurt this team the most. Romo already couldn't win in December, now it becomes that much tougher.

Bob: Dallas Cowboys (Last Week: N/A) - Trio of running backs should make for an explosive running game, but until Romo can win when it matters, it's tough to rank them any higher than this.


No. 15)

Derek: Green Bay Packers (Last Week: N/A) - I'm very high on Aaron Rodgers and his ability to lead this team. The transition to the 3-4 is going quite smoothly. Look out for B.J. Raji.

Bob: Green Bay Packers (Last Week: N/A) - Aaron Rodgers isn't taking strides, he's taking leaps. He's quickly entering the "top 10 quarterbacks" discussion and with those receivers, they'll be tough.


No. 16)

Derek: Minnesota Vikings (Last Week: N/A) - They still got the Williams Wall. They still got the best running back in the NFL, Adrian Peterson. Add in sure Hall of Famer, Brett Favre and you got a heck of a football team.

Bob: New Orleans Saints (Last Week: N/A) - 16 makes sense for the a team with one of the best offenses, one of the worst defenses, and an 8-8 record that reflects just that.


No. 17)

Derek: Houston Texans (Last Week: N/A) - Until Matt Schaub can stay healthy, they can't really get any better.

Bob: Seattle Seahawks (Last Week: N/A) - A lot of people have forgotten the Seahawks after one bad season, but they were ravaged by injuries last year. Hasselbeck to Houshmanzadeh could be impressive.


No. 18)

Derek: Seattle Seahawks (Last Week: N/A) - An injury plagued season doomed the Seahawks last year. They have the firepower to challenge for the NFC West this year.

Bob: Chicago Bears (Last Week: N/A) - Jay Cutler makes every receiver on that team better the first time he steps onto the field. Watch out for Earl Bennett, he could have a Roddy White-like breakout year.


No. 19)

Derek: Washington Redskins (Last Week: N/A) - After hearing his name in Trade talks all off-season, Jason Campbell looks like a man possessed. Too bad their tight end is the best receiver.

Bob: Miami Dolphins (Last Week: N/A) - The Wildcat, the Dolphins' key source of offense, is a gimmick that may have reached its end. Dolphins will have to rely on the running game for any real shot in '09.


No. 20)

Derek: Buffalo Bills (Last Week: N/A) - Cowboys loss is the Bills gain, and a big gain at that. T.O. will provide Trent Edwards with a second #1. Impressive. Marshawn lynch misses the first four games though.

Bob: New York Jets (Last Week: N/A) - Mark Sanchez appears to have what it takes to be an NFL quarterback, and the defense should be good. Might be a playoff contender in a couple years.


No. 21)

Derek: Miami Dolphins (Last Week: N/A) - They tricked their way to win the AFC East. Look for teams to be more aware this year.

Bob: Jacksonville Jaguars (Last Week: N/A) - An injury-ravaged offensive line should be healthy and will significantly improve what was a sub-par offense in 2008.


No. 22)

Derek: Cincinnati Bengals (Last Week: N/A) - Could very well move up this list easily. Chad Ochocinco should be back, Carson Palmer is back. Hopefully Chris Henry can make a name for himself ON the field this year. Don't forget about Lavernues Coles. An under the radar acquisition.

Bob: Washington Redskins (Last Week: N/A) - Jason Campbell is playing with a chip on his shoulder, but the offensive line still isn't where it should be to make them legitimate contenders.


No. 23)

Derek: New York Jets (Last Week: N/A) - May be a little low, but I won't give credit until it's earned. Sanchez cna be fantastic this year, but I won't place them higher until he proves it.

Bob: San Francisco 49ers (Last Week: N/A) - "Cannot play with 'em, cannot win with 'em, cannot coach with 'em, can't do it. I want winners!" Give the man a few years, this team will be back in the playoffs.


No. 24)

Derek: Jacksonville Jaguars (Last Week: N/A) - There's just something I don't like about this team. The offense just doesn't seem to go without Fred Taylor.

Bob: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Last Week: N/A) - I'm a big believer in Byron Leftwich and think that he will win them a few games this season on his own. Still, only a five or six-win team.


No. 25)

Derek: San Francisco 49ers (Last Week: N/A) -They have a decent offense, but they might as well not even suit up a quarterback and let Frank Gore take the snaps. Wildcat all day.

Bob: Buffalo Bills (Last Week: N/A) - The Bills have some talent in Trent Edwards, T.O., Marshawn Lynch, and the rookie Aaron Maybin. However, Dick Jauron is not a winning coach. Until he goes, they'll lose.


No. 26)

Derek: Denver Broncos (Last Week: N/A) - This is a trainwreck of an off-season for Denver. Cutler gone, Marshall gone (At least in his own little mind). Tough to see them win more than 5 games.

Bob: Cincinnati Bengals (Last Week: N/A) - Carson Palmer returning automatically makes them better than what they were last year, but the defense is still a mess and outside of 85, the offense has no weapons.


No. 27)

Derek: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Last Week: N/A) - Byron Leftwich is a good quarterback, and they have a fantastic backfield again this year, but I can't see them winning more than 4 games.

Bob: Denver Broncos (Last Week: N/A) - As far as I'm concerned, Josh McDaniels has proven that he doesn't know how to lead a group of men. His seat is rather hot, and his era in Denver could end quickly.


No. 28)

Derek: Kansas City Chiefs (Last Week: N/A) - They got the hot free agent this season in Matt Cassel, but is he really that good, or a product of the Belichek system?

Bob: Oakland Raiders (Last Week: N/A) - The Raiders rushing attack is scary, but until JaMarcus Russel progresses the way he should, the Raiders will always find themselves down here.


No. 29)

Derek: Cleveland Browns (Last Week: N/A) - When you have 2 quarterbacks, you have none. That's the old saying, and that's what you have in Cleveland.

Bob: Kansas City Chiefs (Last Week: N/A) - Matt Cassel must replicate his '08 season to prove he's much of an improvement over Tyler Thigpen. Moving to the 3-4 takes at least a year before it finds success.


No. 30)

Derek: Oakland Raiders (Last Week: N/A) - The running game should be a bright spot, but when 39 year-old Jeff Garcia might be your best option at quarterback, you have some problems.

Bob: Cleveland Browns (Last Week: N/A) - Derek Anderson is the right choice at quarterback, but it appears as though it will be Brady Quinn leading the Browns to the cellar this year.


No. 31)

Derek: St. Louis Rams (Last Week: N/A) - Outside of Steven Jackson, they have nothing. Bulger hasn't thrown 6 more picks than touchdowns the past 2 years, and now he lost Torry Holt. Things just keep getting worse in The Lou.

Bob: Detroit Lions (Last Week: N/A) - At this point, the bottom two teams really are interchangeable. That being said, I give the edge to the Lions because they've improved in some key areas this offseason.


No. 32)

Derek: Detroit Lions (Last Week: N/A) - 0-16 last year, so they gotta stay here. They did improve in a few key areas this season, so look for them to move up a little bit.

Bob: St. Louis Rams (Last Week: N/A) - Unlike the Lions, the Rams have not improved anywhere, really. Jason Smith may help, but overall they're bad from top to bottom. Excluding Steven Jackson.
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"Get closer and I'll bust your freakin' nose, tough guy."


In the most recent Top Five segment done by NFL Network, Jamie Dukes was given the task of counting down the top five fanbases.

He says that the teams were chosen based on home-field advantage, memorabilia sales, how well they travel, and a couple other factors.

His top five went like this:

5. New England Patriots
4. New York Giants
3. Dallas Cowboys
2. Green Bay Packers
1. Pittsburgh Steelers

Now, while I don't have a problem with the Giants, Packers, or Steelers being on here, the fact that the Patriots and Cowboys are on here is insane.

How in the world can you put two franchises on this list with perhaps the most front-running fanbases in not only the league, but in all of sports.

How many Patriots fans, outside of New England, were there up until around 2001? Four, five, six at the very most, and that's being generous.

The New England Patriots were an afterthought on the national level. No one cared about the Patriots, again outside of New England, until they started winning Super Bowl.

Teams like the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs have been more loyal while their teams were losing than Patriots and Cowboys fans were when they were winning.

So right away, those two teams get knocked off because they're nothing but a pack of front-runners and closet fans while the team is losing.

So who does deserve to get on this list? Well, it's pretty hard to leave out you, the wonderful fans of Philadelphia.

How can they leave out the only city that threw snowball at Santa Clause? Not only that, we threw batteries at J.D. Drew.

We're the most knowledgeable, meanest, and most loyal fanbase in the country. Hands down, no questions asked it's the fans of the Philadelphia Eagles. Not even an argument.

Want the proof?

Had Jamie Dukes given that top five in the Linc, I'd bet my last dollar that he's be at the bottom of the steps.

You know, after some "accidentally" tripped him.

Then someone "accidentally" threw beer on him, threw out a few choice words not suitable for this website (we're child-friendly), and "accidentally" kicked him once or twice or 19 times.

Want the real top five fanbases? Well here we go. Sit back because you're in for a treat.

5. Oakland Raiders

No one has stuck by their team through more nonsense and losing over the past 10 years (that is, barring any Lions fans that are left).

No matter how the season is going, you can bet that there will be a sea of black when Oakland is in town. 2-14? No problem, let's put on spikey shoulder pads and scare the bejesus out of some Broncos fans.

4. New York Giants

Dukes got this one right. We may hate them almost as much as the Cowboys, but their fans are loyal and are always there to cheer their team on while the Eagles whip them in the playoffs year after year.

Plus, they're starting to come around to Eli and may actually be in favor of keeping him around for the next 10 years. Go for it, we'd love to continue to whoop him.

3. Chicago Bears

One of the original NFL franchises, they've been selling out and selling jerseys before it was cool to own one and wear it backwards like Nelly.

Bears fans are a crazy bunch and even through the years of mediocrity after losing in the Super Bowl they've stuck by their team and never shy away from a good debate. Team isn't all that good, but ask a Bears fan and they'll have you convinced that they'll win the Super Bowl for the next five years.

2. Green Bay Packers

The Packers may have the smallest media market in the league (I'm not sure, I don't have access to the dollar figure or a census, so what, sue me) but still have one of the biggest fanbases.

Not only that, but they also have some of the best names in football. Brett Favre, Vince Lombardi, Bart Starr, and the like. Notice I left out Reggie White, that's because he's ours, dammit. Anyway, perhaps it's because they have a stake in the team, I'm not exactly sure. All I know is these people are everywhere.

1. Philadelphia Eagles

This is an absolute no-brainer. Even for fans of other teams, this is obvious. Along with the reasons I stated before, the Eagles also have one of the longest waiting lists for season tickets (over 100,000), are consistently in the top 5-10 in merchandise sales, and have a following all over the country.

Most Eagles fans are spoiled now, but I remember the 3-13 years and even then there wasn't a single Eagles fan hiding that he/she was in fact a fan. They'll show you their tattoo and the Bobby Hoying jersey still hanging in their closet.

Oh, and the finger that fell off when they went to the Vet in December in -9 degree whether just to see Hoying throw 35 interceptions and lose 216-7 to the Cowboys.

Steelers? Patriots? Cowboys? Please. Nothing compared to Philly.
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