2010 NFL Power Rankings

Looks like the Eagles are doing just fine without McNabb, aren't they?

When you take a look at the NFL standings through the first six weeks of the 2010 NFL season, it makes for interesting reading.

While it’s not a surprise to see the likes of the Steelers, Giants, and Jets at the top of their respective divisions, what to make of the struggles that the Cowboys (1-4), Chargers (2-4), and Vikings (2-3) have had thus far?

There’s time left for those teams to work the kinks out, but the sooner they do it, the better it is for their hopes to live up to their billing as contenders.

I know that right now, if you’re into NFL betting, those teams are the last ones that you should trust, but if there’s ever a time to hop on their futures odds, it’s right now, before they do get hot.

But who should you trust right now? Look no further than the top slots of this week’s NFL Power Rankings.

2010 NFL Power Rankings

(Updated: Oct. 22 - Week 6)

1. New York Jets (5-1)

Not only is the record impressive, but it hasn’t come against shabby competition, outside of their blowout of the Bills. New England and Miami both have winning records, and Minnesota and Denver are both better than their records indicate.

2. New England Patriots (4-1)

The Patriots showed some real fight against the talented Ravens, coming back from a 20-10 deficit in the fourth quarter to force overtime and then win 23-20 on Stephen Gostkowski’s 35-yard field goal. Tom Brady didn’t have his best day, but the return of Deion Branch was an instant boost.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1)

It was just the Browns, sure, but after an interception on his first drive, Big Ben played like he’d not missed a single snap this season, going 16 of 27 for 257 yards and three touchdowns. If this is a sign of things to come, it’s good news for the Steelers, bad news for the rest of the NFL.

4. Indianapolis Colts (4-2)

Three lost fumbles and two blocked field goals kept Washington in the game until the end, but the Colts had a fantastic offensive performance on the whole, with Peyton Manning having another big game and the running game piling up 170 yards. Hopefully Joseph Addai ‘s shoulder injury isn’t too serious though.

5. New York Giants (4-2)

Are the Giants the best team in the NFC? We’ll see, but they are the hottest right now, with three wins in a row.

6. Baltimore Ravens (4-2)

Talk about letting one get away. The Ravens had the Patriots right where they wanted, but they couldn’t close it out. Will they come to rue that missed opportunity?

7. New Orleans Saints (4-2)

The bounce-back rout at Tampa Bay was impressive, but even more impressive was the fact that it included a huge rushing day, with Chris Ivory going for 158 yards on only 15 carries.

8. Tennessee Titans (4-2)

Even if Vince Young isn’t able to go against the Eagles on Sunday, Kerry Collins showed enough in Monday’s rout of the Jaguars for Jeff Fisher to be confident that he can get it done against Philly.

9. Philadelphia Eagles (4-2)

Kevin Kolb continued to state his claim to retain the starting QB job by throwing for 326 yards and three touchdowns in a fantastic performance in Sunday’s 31-17 win over Atlanta. It remains to be seen what Andy Reid will do when Michael Vick is 100% (which looks to be soon), but it’s a luxury to have not one, but two quarterbacks who are equally as capable of leading you to a division title.

10. Atlanta Falcons (4-2)

It was a poor, poor day defensively for the Falcons at Philadelphia, as they allowed 474 yards in a 31-17 loss. Up next for Atlanta is a three-game homestand, with the Bengals, Bucs, and Ravens coming to town. No reason for them not to be at least 6-3 after Week 10.

11. Houston Texans (4-2)

The Texans scored three fourth-quarter touchdowns, including two in the final 3:30, to overcome a ten-point deficit and beat the Chiefs 35-31. Those are the kinds of games that they need to win to finally get over that playoff hump this season. Well done.

12. Chicago Bears (4-2)

In no way, shape, or form is Sunday’s home loss to Seattle excusable. Considering what Jay Cutler managed to do with only 17 completions (290 yards), just think what he could have done had he, you know, completed at least 60% of his passes.

13. Miami Dolphins (3-2)

The Dolphins scored a big road win at Green Bay last Sunday, but there’s no letup this season, with the Steelers coming to town.

14. Washington Redskins (3-3)

The final score against Indianapolis might have been 27-24, but truth be told, the Redskins should have lost by much more.

15. Green Bay Packers (3-3)

Consecutive overtime losses in winnable games could prove to haunt Green Bay if things end up being tight in the NFC North or wild card races.

16. Arizona Cardinals (3-2)

Being the best team in a mediocre division doesn’t really count for much, really, but they get the edge over the Chiefs in this spot.

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