National Football Post's Joe Fortenbaugh Reacts to Week 7 Power Rankings
Week 7 was the week of blowouts. Once again our bloggers racked their brains stacking up the teams from top to bottom.
The NFC East had a horrible day while the Jets and Eagles found themselves with suprising losses at the hands of some of the bottom feeders of last week's rankings.
We Wanted to revisit with an expert in Joe Fortenbaugh from the National Football Post to see what he thought of our rankings in week 56 Previous to National Football Post, Joe worked at JB Sports, a leading agency for NFL players, so basically he has major blogger street cred. Below is his take:
Looking at the top 7 teams, only one of them advanced past the first week of the playoffs last year and over half of them didn't make the playoffs last year. Are these teams really that good? Who's a pretender and for those who are legitimate contenders, what was their off season key to righting the ship?
A: Yes, these seven teams are really that good. They have all faced serious tests this year and have passed at some point with flying colors. The only pretender in the group in my opinion is the Cincinnati Bengals. Their home loss to Houston two weeks ago really concerns me, as does their division.
The key offseason move for New Orleans was bringing in defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and free agent safety Darren Sharper. Both have done wonders with that unit this year. The addition of Favre to the Vikings is clearly why they have only one loss, rather than three at this point in the season, had Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels been under center. In Indianapolis it's all about Manning and in Pittsburgh it's all about defense. As for the Broncos, Josh McDaniels has clearly exceeded expectations as a head coach, but the addition of defensive coordinator Mike Nolan was perhaps the move with the biggest impact for this team.
You know those asterisks and signs that denote a team clinching a division championship or playoff berth? If you could start giving those away as the Joe Fortenbaugh seal of certainty, what team's would receive them before the half way point of the season?
A: Indianapolis and New Orleans have already won their divisions as far as I am concerned. Once the Saints take down the Falcons on Monday night, they'll have a three game lead with nine to play. No chance Atlanta overtakes them.
It's also very unlikely that Denver gets caught or that Pittsburgh doesn't win the AFC North. I know the North is tough right now, but Pittsburgh is still the best team. Some people may not agree with this, but I'm already giving the AFC East to the Pats. I don't care if they lost to the Jets a few weeks ago, they are still a lethal team that is very tough to beat.
The AFC has been represented by the same 3 teams over the past 6 years in the Super Bowl. Currently the Colts, Patriots, and Steelers all sit in the top 6 and seem to be hitting their stride. Will one of these teams again represent the AFC and if so who do you like?
A: Yes. I picked the Patriots to lose to the Saints in the Super Bowl before the season started and I'm sticking with it. The biggest games to watch down the stretch are right around the corner. The Patriots visit the Colts on November 15th and the Steelers visit the Broncos on November 9th. Both games will have major implications in the race for the AFC crown.
What team is most overvalued and undervalued in this week's power rankings?
A: My pick for most overvalued team would be Green Bay at No. 11. They are going to lose to the Vikings again this weekend. Their offensive line will be the death of them in 2009.
The most underrated team would be the Houston Texans at No. 16. They got no love from the media after knocking off the Bengals IN CINCINNATI two weeks ago and after a really slow start, have rallied to a 4-3 record. Had they not made a bad play call at the end of the Arizona game, they would be 5-2 with two quality road wins.
The Texans, Chargers, and Jets all won and moved up a combined 10 spots in the power rankings. They're stuck together ranked 15-17 but are behind in their divisions. Which team has the best shot of making the playoffs and do you think any of them will?
A: I don't think the Jets are going to make it. They started hot, but clearly rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez still has a lot to learn. It's interesting you mention both the Texans and Chargers, because those two will be dueling for a wild card spot in November and December. Don't be surprised if Houston gets in and San Diego stays home.
They're seems to be 4 marquee games this week. Who do you see winning Denver vs. Baltimore, Minnesota vs. Green Bay, New Orleans vs. Atlanta, and Giants vs. Eagles?
A: Both Denver and Baltimore are coming off the bye week, so that should be an excellent matchup. I love the Ravens this year, but can't bring myself to pick against the Broncos. They deserve better than some slappy like me continuing to pick against them.
I'll take a good defensive line vs. a bad offensive line any day of the week. That's why I'm going with the Vikings at Green Bay. I'll take Drew Brees and a nasty Saints offense vs. Atlanta's beat up secondary on Monday night.
The closest battle should take place in Philly this Sunday. I'm going with the Eagles. Not just because I cover the team, but because I think they have a few tricks up their sleeve for this game. Pay close attention. Especially to Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson.
There is a lot of quarterback shuffling going on in the back half of our power rankings. Is there any QB who you think will actually become an entrenched starter or is just all a lot of riff raff?
A: Man, those teams are bad! I hate to say it, but there isn't a single viable quarterback among all of them.
Calling all draft eligible quarterbacks. Several teams need your help. Now is the time to come out and get paid.
Urlacher is out and Tommy Harris was benched last week for poor play. Is the Bears run as a top tier defense over after getting beat up by the Bengals?
A: It doesn't get more embarrassing than what you saw in Week 7 from the Bears. One of the big losses that nobody is mentioning is outside linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa. That guy can play.
The Bears will win some here and lose some there. I don't see them making a serious run.
Always a pleasure getting Joe's take. Until next week.
