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NFL Power Rankings – Week 15

Team of the Week – Dallas Cowboys
Player of Week – RB Jerome Harrison - Browns
Rookie of Week - DeSean Jackson - Eagles

Photo - WR DeSean Jackson - Eagles

The Eagles’ rookie receiver DeSean Jackson had another strong performance this past Sunday that was instrumental in the Philadelphia win over the 49ers. Jackson has been a difference maker for the Eagles as both a receiver and return specialist that helped them clinch a playoff berth Sunday and has them in position to win the NFC East title. Against the 49ers, Jackson caught 6 passes for 140 yards and a first quarter TD that set the pace for the victory. Jackson went over the 1000 yard mark as a receiver during the game. For his rookie season, he has caught 56 passes for 1087 yards and 8 TDs for a league leading 19.4 yard average per catch. Of his total receptions, 36 catches have produced first downs with 10 receptions of over 40 yards, the highest total in the entire league. He ranks among the NFL’s top ten in virtually all receiving categories and is the leading rookie receiver in every area. He is a leading candidate for the Rookie of the Year award with only two weeks left in the regular season.

Rank / Team / Record

1. Indianapolis Colts (14-0)
Colts have only the Jets and Bills left for a perfect season record.

2. New Orleans Saints (13-1)
The Saints fell to a fired up Cowboys club that ended their dreams of an undefeated season.

3. San Diego Chargers (11-3)
Chargers have won nine games in a row and are probably the most dangerous team in the league right now.

4. Minnesota Vikings (11-3)
Viking’s HC Brad Childress and QB Brett Farve have to work out some differences after their poor performance vs the Panthers.

5. Philadelphia Eagles (10-4)
Eagles clinched a playoff spot and now hope to claim the NFC East title with the Broncos coming to town.

6. New England Patriots (9-5)
Patriots look to clinch AFC East title with Jaguars visiting NE this week.

7. Arizona Cardinals (9-5)
Cards won NFC West title and may look to rest some veterans over final weeks.

8. Green Bay Packers (9-5)
Packers lost to the Steelers ending their five game streak that forces them to clinch playoff spot over final weeks.

9. Dallas Cowboys (9-5)
Cowboys won a huge game in New Orleans that puts them in the drivers seat for one of the final NFC playoff berths.

10. Cincinnati Bengals (9-5)
The Bengals lost a heartbreaker vs the Chargers in their first game since their tragic loss of veteran receiver Chris Henry.

11. Baltimore Ravens (8-6)
The Ravens are taking care of business and a definite playoff sleeper going forward over next month.

12. Tennessee Titans (7-7)
The streaking Titans have won seven of their last eight games, but face the red hot Chargers in one of the pivotal games of the entire season on Christmas day.

13. New York Giants (8-6)
The Giants bombed the Redskins, but it may have come too late to claim a playoff berth.

14. Denver Broncos (8-6)
The Broncos lost a horrible game to the Raiders that have them fading form the playoff picture.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7)
Steelers win a thriller vs the Packers and face their divisional nemesis the Ravens this week that may decide AFC playoff picture.

16. Atlanta Falcons (7-7)
Falcons may have ended the Jets playoff hopes last week with 4th quarter victory.

17. New York Jets (7-7)
Jets let it all get away from them by losing to the Falcons at home in December.

18. Miami Dolphins (7-7)
The Dolphins lost a wild game vs the Titans that virtually ends their playoff hopes.

19. Houston Texans (7-7)
Texans still can’t get over the .500 level and claim a playoff berth.

20 .Jacksonville Jaguars (7-7)
The Jaguars pushed the Colts to the limit, but came up short and are only a miracle to land a playoff spot.

21. San Francisco 49ers (6-8)
The 49ers lost to Eagles that ends their playoff hopes, but this club is dangerous in the coming seasons.

22. Carolina Panthers (6-8)
Panthers jumped on the Vikings in their best ’09 performance of a very disappointing season.

23. Buffalo Bills (5-9)
The Bills find a way to lose games and face some key changes this offseason.

24. Chicago Bears (5-9)
The Bears have lost eight of their last ten games that may lead to wholesale changes in front office and coaching staffs.

25. Oakland Raiders (5-9)
The Raiders have actually won three of their last five games that gives hope for next season.

26. Seattle Seahawks (5-9)
The Seahawks lost to the Bucs last week. The BUCS.

27. Washington Redskins (4-10)
The only thing that Washington can salvage from this horrible season is if they can beat the Cowboys this week.

28. Cleveland Browns (3-11)
The Browns have won two in a row for the first time in over a year.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (3-11)
The Chiefs lost to the Browns. The BROWNS.

30. Tampa Bay Bucs (2-12)
The Bucs shocked the Seahawks for their second win of the season.

31. Detroit Lions (2-12)
Lions are one of the worst organizations in sports.

32. St. Louis Rams (1-13)
The Rams are simply terrible and a few drafts away from being competitive.

Draft Insiders’ FCS All-American Teams

Photo – DE James Ruffin – Northern Iowa

First Team
Offense
QB Armanti Edwards - Appalachian St
RB Deji Karim - Southern Illinois
RB Pat Paschall - North Dakota St
WR Terrell Hudgins - Elon
WR Marc Mariani - Montana
TE Clay Harbor - Missouri St.

Linemen
Benjamin Ijalana - Villanova
Vladimir Ducasse - Massachusetts
Derek Hardman - Eastern Kentucky
Matt McCraken - Richmond
Kyle Mutcher - Weber St.

All-purpose player - Matt Szczur - Villanova.
Kicker - Matt Bevins - Liberty

First Team Defense
Linemen
James Ruffin - Northern Iowa
Arthur Moats - James Madison
Austen Lane - Murray St.
Dane Fletcher - Montana St.

Linebackers
Brandin Jordan - Southern Illinois
Mike Morales - UC Davis
George Howard - Morgan St.

Defensive Backs
Terrell Whitehead - Norfolk St
Mark Legree - Appalachian St
Jeromy Miles - Massachusetts
Anthony Beck - Prairie View A&M

Punter - Jon Vanderwielen - Idaho St.

2nd Team FCS - Click on Next Page

NFL Power Rankings – Week 14

Photo - Adrian Peterson - Vikings

The Vikings Adrian Peterson and the Titans’ Chris Johnson had strong performances this past Sunday that was instrumental in their clubs key victories. Peterson scored 2 TDs on 97 yards rushing along with 40 yards receiving as the Vikings beat the playoff bound Bengals. Johnson scored two first quarter TDs that crushed the Rams 47-7 and kept the red hot Titans playoff hopes alive. Johnson finished with 186 yards and 3 TDs on 117 yards rushing which was his 8th consecutive 100 yard performance as a runner. He continues to lead the NFL in rushing with over 1600 yards on the ground and less than 500 yards from Eric Dickerson’s all-time NFL record for single season rushing yardage with three games remaining.

Team of the Week – San Diego Chargers
Player of the Week – RB Adrian Peterson - Vikings
Rookie of the Week – LB Brian Cushing - Texans

Rank / Team / Record

1. Indianapolis Colts (13-0)
Colts continue to roll with perfect record and face only 500 clubs the rest of the way.

2. New Orleans Saints (13-0)
The Saints remain undefeated and face just one playoff caliber team the Cowboys on schedule.

3. Minnesota Vikings (11-2)
The Vikings’ and Brett Farve believe in themselves and that goes a long ways in January postseason play.

4. San Diego Chargers (10-3)
Chargers won another key game vs the Cowboys and are probably the most dangerous team in the league.

5. Philadelphia Eagles (9-4)
Eagles bombed the Giants but their defense looks terrible for tough postseason contests.

6. Green Bay Packers (9-4)
Packers have won five straight games, but must prove capable on beating top clubs on the road.

7. Cincinnati Bengals (9-4)
The Bengals missed a chance to clinch AFC North last week and now must travel to SD this Sunday.

8. New England Patriots (8-5)
Patriots and QB Tom Brady are capable of lighting up any defense, though the NE is not up to recent standards.

9. Arizona Cardinals (8-5)
Cards were bombed in San Fran, but get the soft Lions in Detroit this week.

10. Denver Broncos (8-5)
The Broncos continue to move towards mediocrity. They are capable of missing the playoffs.

11. Baltimore Ravens (7-6)
The Ravens are a tough group and capable of running the table and earn a playoff berth.

12. Tennessee Titans (6-7)
The hot Titans must run the table to make the playoffs but are capable of winning despite tough road with Dolphins and Chargers up next.

13. New York Giants (7-6)
The Giants were crushed in key matchup with Eagles with their horrible defense the main problem.

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-5)
Cowboys are losing again in December with a very difficult trip to New Orleans up next.

15. New York Jets (7-6)
Jets are winning vs soft schedule with Falcons coming to town Sunday for critical contest.

16. Miami Dolphins (7-6)
The Dolphins won a key game vs Jaguars, but must go and win in Tennessee to keep their hopes alive.

17. Houston Texans (6-7)
Texans are actually better than their record and capable of surprising with a late streak.

18 .Jacksonville Jaguars (7-6)
Jags are in a four way tie for #6 playoff spot with Colts coming to town, but their inconsistent play makes them a longshot for postseason.

19. San Francisco 49ers (6-7)
The 49ers won another big game vs Cardinals that puts them in a position to make a playoff run with soft schedule ahead.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-7)
Steelers are caving in after losing to both the Raiders and Browns in back to back games.

21. Atlanta Falcons (6-7)
Falcons are just a mediocre club without veterans Matt Ryan and Michael Turner.

22. Washington Redskins (4-9)
Skins continue to play hard weekly and finally put a team away in the 4th quarter.

23. Seattle Seahawks (5-8)
Seahawks are playing out the string and face big overhaul this postseason.

24. Carolina Panthers (5-8)
Panthers are struggling and probably face wholesale changes this offseason.

25. Buffalo Bills (5-8)
The Bills finally won a game late with their defense rising to the occasion.

26. Chicago Bears (5-8)
Bears have lost seven of their last nine games in a total collapse.

27. Oakland Raiders (4-9)
The Raiders will complete another horrible season and probable housecleaning this postseason.

28. Kansas City Chiefs (3-10)
Chiefs are just a bad club currently.

29. Detroit Lions (2-11)
Lions lost their 19th straight road game in Baltimore in another terrible performance.

30. Cleveland Browns (2-11)
Browns beat their arch rivals the Steelers in last game to salvage something from this nightmare season.

31. Tampa Bay Bucs (1-12)
The Bucs were totally incept vs the Jets but get the equally bad Seahawks at home this week.

32. St. Louis Rams (1-12)
The Rams are beyond awful and may not win another game this season.

NFL Power Rankings – Week 12

Team of the Week – N.O. Saints
Player of the Week – Drew Brees

Photo – QB Drew Brees - Saints

The Saints’ Drew Brees had a near perfect performance vs the Patriots on Monday night in leading New Orleans to a key 38-17 victory. Brees threw for 371 yards on 18 of 23 passing for 5 TDs and no interception in one of the most impressive performances of the season. He is having an MVP type of season with over 3000 yards passing for 27 TD passes and just 9 interceptions on 343 passing attempts.
The Saints remaining five games includes only two playoff contenders, Dallas and Atlanta that gives them a strong chance to challenge the Dolphins perfect season in the early ‘70s.

Rank / Team / Record

1. Indianapolis Colts (11-0)
Colts made a great second half comeback that breaks the Texans heart.

2. New Orleans Saints (11-0)
The Saints behind Drew Brees will be very difficult to beat moving forward.

3. Minnesota Vikings (10-1)
The Vikings’ and Brett Farve are hitting stride and prepped to cause damage this postseason.

4. San Diego Chargers (8-3)
Chargers won a key game vs the Giants that keeps them just behind the Broncos with the critical second half of the season starting.

5. Dallas Cowboys (8-3)
Cowboys are peaking as the second half begins with many key NFC games on the agenda.

6. New England Patriots (7-4)
Patriots and QB Tom Brady are hitting stride and could be the best in the league in time.

7. Cincinnati Bengals (8-3)
The Bengals are looking to get healthy for the stretch run.

8. Philadelphia Eagles (7-4)
Eagles just got by the Redskins and face a tough close vs five playoff contenders.

9. Green Bay Packers (7-4)
Packers won Thanksgiving and prepare for critical Monday night clash with the Ravens.

10. Arizona Cardinals (7-4)
Cards are into Titans buzz saw and now jump in the arena with hot Vikings coming to town.

11. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5)
Steelers lost a heartbreaker to the Ravens but get Big Ben back for Raiders and Browns up next.

12. Denver Broncos (7-4)
The Broncos beat the lifeless Giants on Turkey day and are prepped for a fairly soft finish that bodes well for their playoff chances.

13. Baltimore Ravens (6-5)
Ravens came up big vs the Steelers and travel to Green Bay for another critical must win situation this week.

14. Tennessee Titans (5-6)
Titans have won five in a row and are capable of running the table from here.

15. Atlanta Falcons (6-5)
Falcons face a critical game vs the Bucs on 4th quarter rally.

16. New York Giants (6-5)
The Giants never even showed up for key Thanksgiving game and probably have to run the table to make the playoffs.

17 .Jacksonville Jaguars (6-5)
Jags face a steady stream of contenders from here.

18. Houston Texans (5-6)
Texans can not get past the Colts with another two losses this season that most likely ends their playoff chances.

19. San Francisco 49ers (5-6)
The 49ers won a big game vs Jaguars that puts them in a good position to make a playoff run with soft schedule ahead.

20. New York Jets (5-6)
Jets face Buffalo in Toronto on Thursday night with hopes of getting a streak for longshot at playoffs.

21. Miami Dolphins (5-6)
The Dolphins lost a horrible game to the Bills that puts an end to their slim playoff chances.

22. Seattle Seahawks (4-7)
Seahawks beat the weak Rams and face a soft stretch here that could produce a few wins.

23. Chicago Bears (4-7)
Bears have lost four in a row and six of the last seven in a total collapse.

24. Carolina Panthers (4-7)
Panthers are dead in the water with expected wholesale changes this offseason.

25. Buffalo Bills (4-7)
Bills may have ruined the Dolphins season last week.

26. Kansas City Chiefs (3-8)
Chiefs are not ready to run with the big dogs like the Chargers just yet.

27. Washington Redskins (3-8)
Skins are playing hard weekly. They’re just not that good or know how to win.

28. Oakland Raiders (3-8)
The Raiders are thinking about joining the UFL this season.

29. Detroit Lions (2-9)
Lions move out of the basement mainly due to so many bad clubs in the NFL this season.

30. Cleveland Browns (1-10)
Browns are simply inept and probably start a major house cleaning as soon as the season terminates.

31. Tampa Bay Bucs (1-10)
The Bucs have started their rebuilding by starting rookie QB Josh Freeman.

32. St. Louis Rams (1-10)
The Rams are simply awful and may not win another game this season.

Miles Austin Returns Home

Photo - Cowboys' Miles Austin

Cowboys' wideout Miles Austin caught seven passes for 145 yards with one TD on Thanksgiving that was instrumental in the Dallas win over the Raiders. The Cowboys retain the lead in the NFC East entering their key divisional contest with the Giants at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. Austin returns home where he played both his HS and college football. He graduated from Monmouth University (N.J.) and incredibly went undrafted in the NFL Draft ’06. In the Thanksgiving game victory, he did almost all of his damage in the first half as he piled up 130 yards and his TD. He beat Nnamdi Asomugha for his first reception, but then the Cowboys attacked the more beatable Chris Johnson. After three straight poor offensive games, the Cowboys proved they can get Austin the ball in different alignments and away from double coverage. He finished wit 7 catches for 145 yards and 1 TD in another holiday victory for Dallas.
As a Monmouth University graduate, I make it a labor of love to scout alumni pro prospects. Incredibly, only a handful of NFL teams came to interview and watch game tape of Miles Austin. That explains why there are so many horrible NFL teams at the bottom of the standings this season. NFL front offices give great lip service about their scouting staffs, but the truth is that many front offices do a poor job scouting talent in general and many personnel departments are burdened with poor key decision makers and immense nepotism on both their college and pro staffs. See teams like Detroit, Tampa, Oakland, Cleveland, Washington, San Francisco, Seattle and Buffalo among others.
After his final season, Austin did not play in an All-star game during the ’06 postseason, but did participate in the NFL Combine. He had a very good overall workout including a sub 4.5 time and fine other times and numbers in all the drills. He did drop several passes in the vital receiving drills that hurt his final grade and probably cost him a late draft selection. He went undrafted in the NFL Draft 2006, but made the Dallas roster on potential and his fine kickoff return skills. He has turned into one of the best bargains in the entire player selection process and has emerged as the Cowboys go to receiver over this season since midseason. He could earn a berth on the NFC Pro Bowl roster with a strong final month.

Miles Austin Scouting Report in the Draft Insiders' Digest Yearbook ’06

Miles Austin #80 - 6’2” 215 lbs.- Monmouth University - Sp. 4.5 R:70
Strong physical receiver has displayed big play ability over the past three seasons at the Division I-AA level. Miles is a big physical receiver with fine athletic ability that drew national attention at the NFL Combine. He performed well at the combine, showing fine speed and leaping ability. He put up some awesome numbers at the Division I-AA level where he was a man amongst boys. He has big hands and moves well for a player of his dimensions. He has been a dominant performer at the Division I-AA, combining all the skills to compete for an NFL roster spot this summer. He is a physical athlete who gets off the line easily with good quickness and movement. He has a burst of deceptive speed to get deep and make the big play. He is fearless going over the middle and uses his strong frame to outmuscle defenders with fine leaping ability and the toughness to take a hit and hold on to the ball. As a senior, he caught 49 passes for 1004 yards for a very impressive 20 yard average per catch and 11 TDs while earning NEAC first team honors. As a junior, he made 47 receptions for 859 yards for an 18.3 yard average and 9 TDs with similar stats as a sophomore when he totaled 44 receptions for 796 yards for an 18.1 yard average and 12 TDs. Over his career, he caught 150 passes for over 2800 yards and 33 TDs with 32 of those scores coming over his final three seasons. He averaged almost 19 yards per catch for those three seasons among the best for receivers from any level. He is an intriguing prospect who displays fine hands and will make the difficult catch over the middle and hang on to the ball. He has the physical ability to go up and make a play on the ball with the power to run after the catch. He has surprisingly good cutting skills that make defenders miss, though he mainly runs through tacklers to make the big play. He is very good on the fade pass where his height and leaping skills make him a difficult matchup. He has above average movement skills and the sure hands to develop into a good possession receiver as a pro. He provides his passer a big target with the long arms and hands to naturally snatch the ball in front of him. As a route runner, he has improved nicely with experience, but needs refinement especially in his footwork at the breakpoint to get open. That is the one area of concern, can he separate vs. NFL caliber cover men. He is a solid possession receiver for the next level with good functional strength that allows him to get off the jam, but he needs work on getting in and out of his cuts faster. He has adequate speed to separate and get open regularly, but only average long speed to break the big play and can struggle separating in the deep game. He is a tough, competitive performer with good field awareness to be a factor in an offense. He could compete for a #3 WR spot at some point in his career and possibly a starting job at some time. At the combine, he ran a 4.49 time with a 40.5” VJ, a 10’3” BJ and did 21 reps in the lifting and performed very well in the agility drills. He checked in at 215 lbs. after playing at just above 225 lbs. over his career. In the passing drills at the combine, he dropped a few passes that can happen with a small college performer. Over his career, he displayed consistently fine hands to catch the ball away from his body. Tough possession receiver with talent, good speed and the sure hands to be a surprise with development. Sleeper with upside if he develops his route running and proves he can get separate vs. quick NFL caliber cover men.

NFL Power Rankings – Week 10

Team of the Week - Saints
Player of the Week – Kurt Warner

Photo – Drew Brees - Saints

Rank / Team

1. Indianapolis Colts (8-0)
Colts face their arch rival this week with the Patriots coming to town.

2. New Orleans Saints (8-0)
The Saints are very explosive behind Drew Brees in this high powered attack.

3. Minnesota Vikings (7-1)
The Vikings’ and Brett Farve are well rested with the Lions coming to town.

4. New England Patriots (6-2)
Patriots and QB Tom Brady are hitting stride and could be the best in the league in time.

5. Dallas Cowboys (6-2)
Cowboys are peaking as the second half begins with many key NFC games on the agenda.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)
Steelers are prepping for a major AFC North battle with the Bengals coming to town.

7. Cincinnati Bengals (6-2)
The Bengals face their acid test with trip to Pittsburgh this week.

8. Denver Broncos (6-2)
The Broncos lost tough game vs Steelers and holds only a 1 game lead over rising Chargers.

9. Arizona Cardinals (5-3)
Cards’ Kurt Warner toasted the Bears with 5 TD passes to keep them atop the NFC West standings.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (5-3)
Eagles go on road to San Diego and Chicago next in key matchups.

11. Atlanta Falcons (5-3)
Falcons face a critical run of five NFC matchups on the schedule that may determine their fate this season.

12. San Diego Chargers (5-3)
Chargers won a key game vs the Giants that keeps them just behind the Broncos with the critical second half of the season starting.

13. New York Giants (5-4)
The Giants lost their 4th game in a row and are looking more like the Detroit Lions that title contenders.

14. Baltimore Ravens (4-4)
Ravens facing a must win situation after recent losses and have the Browns in key Monday night contest.

15. Houston Texans (5-4)
Texans have improved nicely this season and get a bye this week to prepare for playoff run.

16. New York Jets (4-4)
Bye week preps them for critical stretch run that will decide their playoff hopes.

17. Chicago Bears (4-4)
Bears are struggling to get any momentum together to mount a playoff run.

18. Green Bay Packers (4-4)
Packers were horrible vs the Bucs and have to regroup quickly with the Cowboys coming to town.

19. Miami Dolphins (3-5)
The Dolphins have played many tough games and look to soft schedule to get back into playoff hunt.

20. Buffalo Bills (3-5)
Bills look to make a run here with a stretch of games vs non contenders over next five weeks.

21. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-4)
Jags need a winning streak now to get into the playoff hunt.

22. San Francisco 49ers (3-5)
The 49ers are struggling and need to regroup for Thursday night game vs the Bears.

23. Carolina Panthers (3-5)
Panthers are slip sliding away this season.

24. Seattle Seahawks (3-5)
Seahawks hit the road for three weeks with little hope of getting back in the playoff picture.

25. Tennessee Titans (2-6)
Titans have won two in a row and hope to finish strong with an eye on next season.

26. Washington Redskins (2-6)
Skins have shown little this season and will look to wholesale changes this offseason.

27. Oakland Raiders (2-6)
The Raiders are hoping to correct things for second half after bye week.

28. Kansas City Chiefs (1-7)
Chiefs face a tough stretch of games to finish a very forgettable season.

29. Cleveland Browns (1-7)
Browns at home on Monday night vs Ravens with a chance at some credibility.

30. St. Louis Rams (1-7)
The Rams get the Saints after bye week with a chance to end their run at perfection.

31. Tampa Bay Bucs (1-7)
The Bucs shocked the Packers for their first win of the season.

32. Detroit Lions (1-7)
Lions face a tough second half schedule and working on a five game losing streak.

Team of the Week - New Orleans Saints

Photo – Peyton Manning - Colts

NFL Power Rankings – Week 7
Rank / Team

1. Indianapolis Colts (5-0)
Colts move into top spot after bye week and travel to St Louis for a mismatch game.

2. Minnesota Vikings (6-0)
The Vikings’ are starting to show some magic with the addition of Brett Favre.

3. New Orleans Saints (5-0)
The Saints are very tough in NO behind Drew Brees in this high powered attack.

4. New York Giants (5-1)
The Giants threw in a clinker in New Orleans and need to regroup fast with the Cardinals coming to town.

5. New England Patriots (4-2)
QB Tom Brady is hitting stride and the Patriots are hungry and starting to build momentum.

6. Denver Broncos (5-0)
The Broncos have won two huge games consecutively vs the Patriots and Chargers over recent weeks.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)
Steelers are prepping for a major battle with the Vikings coming to town.

8. Atlanta Falcons (4-1)
Falcons were ready for the Bears and face a strong stretch of NFC matchups.

9. Chicago Bears (3-2)
Bears face a key contest traveling to Cincinnati after Sunday night loss to Falcons.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (3-2)
Eagles got blindsided by the Raiders.

11. Green Bay Packers (3-2)
Packers shut out the Lions and face a critical stretch of NFC games on the schedule.

12. Arizona Cardinals (3-2)
Cards’ Kurt Warner has a hot hand and capable of beating his ex team, the Giants on the road.

13. Dallas Cowboys (3-2)
Cowboys coming off their bye week and face NFC clubs, Atlanta and Seattle in Big D.

14. Cincinnati Bengals (4-2)
The Bengals enter a critical stretch over the next month that could determine their fate.

15. Baltimore Ravens (3-3)
Ravens have lost three heartbreakers in a row and get their bye week to prepare for the stretch run.

16. New York Jets (3-3)
Three game losing streak has this week’s road contest in Oakland basically a must win situation.

17. San Francisco 49ers (3-2)
The 49ers are rested after their bye week for key road games with Houston and Indianapolis.

18. San Diego Chargers (2-3)
Chargers lost a key AFC West game with Broncos that has the next month vital to any playoff chances.

19. Miami Dolphins (2-3)
The Dolphins are well rested for the Saints, Jets and Patriots on the upcoming schedule.

20. Houston Texans (3-3)
Texans can put a stretch of games together here with 49ers and Bills up next.

21. Carolina Panthers (2-3)
Panthers are trying to sneak back into contention with two game winning streak.

22. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3)
Jags get their bye week to prepare for their critical soft schedule over next month.

23. Seattle Seahawks (2-4)
Seahawks on their bye week and hope to figure out what to fix for second half of season.

24. Buffalo Bills (2-4)
Bills won a key game vs Jets, but must string a few victories together to get into contention.

25. Washington Redskins (2-4)
Skins have lost to both the Chiefs and Lions that has HC Jim Zorn looking over his shoulder.

26. Oakland Raiders (2-4)
The Raiders shocked the Eagles that separates them from the winless clubs.

27. Kansas City Chiefs (1-5)
Chiefs jumped the Redskins that earned them their first win under new regime.

28. Cleveland Browns (1-5)
It might get a lot worse before it gets better.

29. Tennessee Titans (0-6)
Titans were simply terrible vs the Patriots that may start wholesales changes for next season.

30. St. Louis Rams (0-6)
The Rams lost in OT vs Jacksonville and have Colts coming in this Sunday.

31. Detroit Lions (1-5)
Lions are back on the beam with a three game losing streak.

32. Tampa Bay Bucs (0-6)
The Bucs have applied to the UFL as a new franchise.