Dismember the Titans

So last week was a big bowl of suck with a side of garbage. We had to eat it just like Steeler fans had to do back in week 2 when we drubbed them by 20. Luckily for us, a familiar face is about to walk into M&T Bank stadium this Sunday. A former rival of ours and honestly it couldn't have happened at a better time for the hapless Tennessee Titans to come to town.

Before anyone says it, no I am not looking past them nor do I think anyone on the Ravens will be doing that either. Just look at the facts behind this Titan team. They are 2-6 with only the Jags behind them in the AFC South. Tied for a league worst 15 TDs and in the bottom tier of all offensive categories. That puts them at 29th in the league in scoring at a whopping 17.1 points per game. Not to say that their defense is much better, allowing nearly 135 yards a game rushing (good for 28th in the league) along with 241 yards passing (getting them the 16th spot). Not to mention their 25.2 points allowed per game(22nd in the league). There isn't much that is scaring me about this team. There has been a revolving door for QBs with all three on their depth chart getting some time. This week happens to be Mettenberger's turn. No rookie QBs fair well in our house especially on a team with as poor of an offense as the Titans. It isn't like they lack weapons. Delanie Walker, Kendall Wright and Justin Hunter to name a few. However the inconsistencies at the QB position effect not only the passing game but Bishop Sankey, Shonn Greene (yeah remember him?) and the rest of their running game. Let us not forget we can test Michael Oh *whistles*, false start, number 72! Anyway we can see how many times we can get Oher to commit his ever favorite penalty, the false start. The truth is even great offenses get stifled by the Ravens D when they pay us a visit.

Mettenberger has less attempts in his career than Joe Flacco had in the season opener. Yeah yeah I know, just one game but still! Suggs and Dumervil have to be licking their chops to get after this kid. "When you go against a rookie quarterback -- traditionally, usually -- you can make it a hard time for them," said Suggs when questioned about Mettenberger, "but the way the game is played these days, it's pretty much in favor of the quarterback and the offense, so I don't really think that plays into our favor any." Well add that to the news of Jimmy Smith being out for the rest of the season after foot surgery and our piss poor performance last week (seriously six TDs! AND AN NFL RECORD! WHY?!?!?) who knows what can happen. We have two new corners this week and (praise football Jesus) released Chykie Brown and Dominique Franks. Danny Gorrer (former Raven and recently released by the Lions) and practice squad rookie Tramain Jacobs are hoping to right the ship. All they have to do is keep up that horrible passer rating rookie quarterbacks have against us and all will be right in the world. Honestly just don't play like those two and you both will be just fine.

We need this win. We can't go into the bye at 5-5 and sitting in last place. By Sunday we all will know what happened in Thursday's Browns/Bengals game (go Browns and Jeremy Hill, for selfish fantasy purposes!) but anyway you slice it, last feels terrible. 6-4 feels better than .500 besides, that only wins you the NFC South.

NFL Power Rankings - Week 11

Everyone ready? I said, 'get ready!' Are you ready for some rankings! A Tuesday tradition. We got Brandan Spiegel and no one famous, here to get this thing started. Get the big dome crashin' under Baltimore's lights. Cause all 12 of my readers are here on Tuesday niiiiiiiiiiiight. Well probably not 12. It's like the millions and millions of my fans. Combined with my dozens and dozens of readers. Hank Williams love, anyone? Anyone? Let's see what the week has given us in rankings this week.

NFL Power Rankings

1. Indianapolis Colts (2, 9-0)


I take back what I said last week. This was definitely nailbiter of the year. They were an eyelash from losing to the Pats. Brady went crazy against their dismantled defense but a crazy gamble late cost them the game. With all of these close games eventually they aren't going to have enough to win. Hopefully that begins this week against Baltimore.




2. New Orleans Saints (1, 9-0)

Win you barely beat the Rams, on the road or not, I can't keep you as the most elite team in the league. The D clearly can't stop the run as they were abused by Steven Jackson. Also a lack of a TD for the first time in a long time was a shock considering their opponent. Brees didn't throw for multiple TDs so it has me wondering how long they will remain undefeated. My guess is maybe two more weeks before a loss. Don't be shocked if an upstart Bucs team pulls one off.




3. Cincinnati Bengals (5, 7-2)

Why does Merril Hoge have to be right? This team is completely legit and playing complete team football. The defense is looking like a creation of Marvin Lewis as opposed to previous years. While the offense is running the ball consistently. Benson came up lame early in the game so that could be a problem going into later weeks. Keep an eye on that fantasy owners!



4. Minnesota Vikings (4, 8-1)


Bye week again, well not really. Although playing the Lions might as well be. Peterson abused them and they won. Not really much of an accomplishment like, oh I don't know, beating the defending Super Bowl champs twice!



5. New England Patriots (3, 6-3)

How do you go for it with little time left, in a tight game against the Colts, in Indy, on your side of the field? Even in Madden I would have punted that. Have a little faith in your defense Bill. These teams will meet again come playoff time.



6. Pittsburgh Steelers (5, 6-3)

I don't think it matters who this team faces or what their record is, they will always be favored. Especially at home. Losing a game the way they did to the Bengals, who played classic Steeler style football, hurts a little. Even Merril Hoge didn't predict they would sweep the Steelers. Polamalu being hurt again also isn't a good sign.



7. Arizona Cardinals (8, 6-3)

Warner and Hasselback put on a show. However, Warner is a pro at a show(I mean he was a part of the greatest show on turf) which is probably why his team won. Add to the fact that Seattle has been up and down this season and the Cards were at home...wait what? They won a game they should have at home? Good for them.




8. San Diego Chargers (13, 6-3)


LT got a gift from his wife before the game. A positive pregnancy test. So the future new dad looked like a blast from the past when he dominated the Eagles. Broncos are on the decline while this team keeps getting better and better.




9. Dallas Cowboys (6, 6-3)

They looked AWFUL against the Packers. Being shut out for most of the game when the defense they were facing was less than impressive against the Bucs. I said it wouldn't last long. I don't see them losing against the Skins but I wouldn't have picked them to beat the Broncos either. One of the best rivalries in the NFL.



10. Philadelphia Eagles (7, 5-4)

They apparently can't travel to the west coast and leave with a W. At least this time it was to a more worthy opponent. McNabb went crazy with over 350 yards and they still lost. Add that to the fact Brian Westbrook has another concussion. Doesn't look good for the Eagles.



11. Houston Texans (11, 5-4)


Bye week this past week. Will the running back committee continue? I would like to know (fannnnnnnnnnnnntasyyyyyyyyy).



12. Baltimore Ravens (12, 5-4)

That game hurt to watch. Both teams looked poor. However it was the Browns offense that looked worse. Antoine Pollard said it best, "I feel dumber for watching that game." Well hopefully we will be more offensive against the Colts.

13. Atlanta Falcons (10, 5-4)

Losing Michael Turner is going to hurt this team. Evident in the fact that they lost to the Panthers who are really rolling now. If the Falcons keep playing like this they could lose a playoff spot to the Panthers.

14. New York Giants (14, 5-4)

Bye week...not much to say. At least the Eagles and Cowboys lost this week!

15. San Francisco 49ers (15, 4-5)

That was an ugly, ugly win. Atrocious would describe that win. Gore was able to move the ball but that was it. The defense looked good or was it Cutler that looked that bad.

16. Miami Dolphins (16, 4-5)

Well at least they didn't blow that game to the Bucs. Henne did look pedestrian at times but they need to Jets and Pats to kill each other this weekend to give them a chance in the division.

17. Green Bay Packers (18, 5-4)

How do you go from losing to the Bucs to beating the Cowboys? I don't know but I like it! Pretty dominant at home not allowing the Boys to score until late in the fourth quarter when it didn't matter.

18. Denver Broncos (9, 6-3)

They lost to the Redskins, probably due to Orton being injured when they needed him late. If he is hurt for an extended period of time, this team could miss the playoffs.

19. Carolina Panthers (21, 4-5)

What a turnaround. Next to the Titans this might be the scariest under .500 in the league. With Atlanta faltering and having injury issues with Turner, who knows what can happen with a wild card spot.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars (23, 5-4)

Why MJD didn't just punch it in for the win I have no idea. I mean, doesn't he know people could have used that TD in fantasy! Del Rio will have hate mail from about 60 million fantasy owners this week, he won't care since his team won.

21. Tennessee Titans (22, 3-6)

Chris Johnson beast mode activated. Can they win 10 in a row and possibly make the playoffs? Possibly, with Johnson running the ball so dominantly anything is possible.

22. New York Jets (17, 4-5)

MJD owns everyone. He even felt sorry for them, so he took a knee at the 1. I have no idea why but whatever. Jets loss and now the Pats are coming to town. My how the tides have turned.



23. Chicago Bears (19, 4-5)

Hey Jay over here I'm open, whoops. Another interception. This is going to be an ugly rest of the season if he doesn't stop turning the ball over. A lot of folks were saying all of those INTs were not his fault. Okay well 3 of them were, especially the one that lost the game. The defense finally turns it around and this happens. Da Bears are Da Turnova Kings.


24. Seattle Seahawks (20, 3-6)

Hasselback lost a tough battle against Warner. He did get a rapport going with Houschmandzadeh and at least Forsett looks good considering Orange Julius Jones got hurt.


25. Buffalo Bills (24, 3-6)

Chris Johnson nearly had 300 yards from the line of scrimmage this week. I remember when I thought the Bills might be decent. That was before the injuries, the letdowns and the preseason.


26. Washington Redskins (30, 3-6)

I'm sorry they did what? They beat the Broncos? No way. Betts ran all over them? Wow. Will I be the only one who won't be shocked if Betts stays as the starting back even if Portis comes back healthy?


27. Kansas City Chiefs (25, 2-7)

So in the game of the weak they took out the Raiders. It was kind of a gift the Raiders gave them. At this point, would anyone be shocked if they beat the Broncos?


28. Oakland Raiders (27, 2-7)

Same score but in reverse against the Chiefs this week. Watching Heyward-Bey drop two balls that cost his team the game has to hurt Al Davis. Especially while watching Michael Crabtree lighting up in San Fran.


29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (29, 1-8)

They look like they are going to shock some more teams before the year is out. I honestly won't be totally surprised when the Cadillac runs ALL OVER the Saints this week. I also won't be surprised if Freeman throws a pick 6 or two.


30. Detroit Lions (28, 1-8)

Maybe the highlight of the season will be that they actually got a win. I don't know if they win again with the defense they are playing now.


31. St. Louis Rams (31, 1-8)

They actually stood a chance against the second best team in the league. The fact that they have Steven Jackson sure helped them exploit the Saints biggest weakness. They are going to string together some wins. Not starting this week.


32. Cleveland Browns (32, 1-8)

They are awful, so bad that they made the Ravens look just as bad. No one has the heart or drive on offense. They need diverse play calling to get the ball into the hands of Cribbs and Massaquoi. At least the defense didn't get completely abused.



Dare to compare mine to those at ESPN. We differ on our opinions but hey, at least you know I'm not one to plagiarize! Check it out and I will see you here next week!http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankings

NFL Power Rankings - Week 10

Happy midway point in the season! Some fans have begun the paper bag wearing tradition in hopes of a number one pick. While others are still shocked their team is first in the division. You know who you are! Your team is who Denny Green thought they were! *punches podium* With the Colts and Saints winning close games at home there are not a big changes at the top but the rankings have been shook up more then Elvis Presley's hips. Okay while that reference is dated we all know it makes sense. Now let's get to the rankings.

NFL Power Rankings

1. New Orleans Saints (1, 8-0)

The Panthers did everything right to win that game. Yet lose. Saints D has 7 TDs which is more then the Browns have scored total (5). This week shouldn't be close as they face a Rams team that has been god awful against everyone except for the Lions.

2. Indianapolis Colts (2, 8-0)

Nailbiter of the week. They were an eyelash from going into OT against the Texans. I'm taking the Texans in their week 12 match up. They may have already lost their first game by then. They may have lost their first game by the end of the weekend. All the injuries have to catch up with them eventually.

3. New England Patriots (3, 6-2)

Well no hiccups against the Dolphins this week. Great match up this week against the Colts. One of the great modern rivalries. Manning vs. Brady. Should be great.

4. Minnesota Vikings (4, 7-1)

Bye week, yet hear that Favre is hurt? Hurt his back from carrying the team all this time?

5. Cincinnati Bengals (6, 6-2)

Ochocinco didn't score but honestly neither did the Ravens. They beat them like they used to get beat in Baltimore in previous seasons. Smash mouth, pound the rock football. Sound like any other teams, maybe in the AFC North? Strong defense, power running game?

5. Pittsburgh Steelers (7, 6-2)

They treated the Broncos as the Ravens did last week. By owning them completely in the second half. If they take down the Bengals this week they may have the crown of the best team in the AFC.

6. Dallas Cowboys (13, 6-2)

I have a feeling this won't last long. Before too long Romo will screw up and they will fall into a black hole. Somehow losing to the Redskins in the process. You know its going to happen!

7. Philadelphia Eagles (9, 5-3)

They are lucky to have moved up however so many other teams ahead of them looked worse for the wear in their losses. Theirs was with a backup rookie RB and having Desean Jackson shut down for most of the game. Dallas won't stay as high as they are now once December hits.

8. Arizona Cardinals (10, 5-3)

Meet the NFL's version of the Philadelphia Phillies. They are terrible at home and undefeated on the road this season. If only they started that road winning streak at the end of last season...

9. Denver Broncos (6, 6-2)

Now they have been beat on the road and smashed at home. The second half is where they were excelling. The past two weeks have been terrible. Their rushing defense was great until two weeks ago. Lose this week to the Skins and everyone will forget how you started the year.

10. Atlanta Falcons (11, 5-3)

Is beating the Redskins really an accomplishment anymore? I didn't think so.

11. Houston Texans (12, 5-4)

They were a FG away from taking the Colts to OT. Now they get a bye week to sit back and relax. Much better then last year's bye day in week 2.

12. Baltimore Ravens (8, 4-4)

Beatdown week, unfortunately it was directed towards us. We only lost by 10 but we still got beat up bad in Cincy. Barring a complete meltdown we are out of the division race but there are still 8 games left. The Browns this week will make us feel great about ourselves, help the team hone their craft. Which is good considering we play a real team the following week, the Colts.

13. San Diego Chargers (19, 5-3)

While I love me some Rivers to Jackson (fantasy ownage), I am still not sold on this team. Going on the road and beating a floundering Giants team on an amazing play with seconds to play is impressive. They are only a game behind the struggling Broncos who no longer seem to be walking away with the division.

14. New York Giants (16, 5-4)

Four in a row. Tough loss on a last second pass from Rivers to Jackson. I am just glad the talk of a Jets Giants Super Bowl has stopped completely. Now people aren't even sure they can make the playoffs. I mean, its not December yet. That is usually when the Cowboys fall apart.

15. San Francisco 49ers (15, 3-5)

Now they are losing to teams they should beat. The defense is not looking as strong as before and the offense isn't completely there either. Smith, Gore and Vernon Davis are monsters and are going to own the Bears on Thursday. If they don't, the season is in trouble. Considering that since their 3-1 start they have lost 4 in a row.

16. Miami Dolphins (18, 3-5)

They didn't keep it up. Only losing by 10 to New England isn't a win but I still can't drop them below the Jets. Considering they swept them this year. It gets better for Miami, they face the Bucs this week.

17. New York Jets (20, 4-4)

I think Rex has had long enough to teach his guys the major part of Jacksonville this week. Stop MJD! Although I would appreciate if you guys wouldn't.

18. Green Bay Packers (14, 4-4)

They are lucky I don't move them to last. Seriously how do you lose to the Bucs. THE BUCS! AHHHHHHHHH! Sorry, I picked them to win in my survivor league. Now I regret it.

19. Chicago Bears (17, 4-4)

Remember when their defense was great like 3 years ago? Remember when Kurt Warner looked as great as he did last Sunday? Remember when an insult to this defense was blasphemy? Remember when I annoyed everyone by asking so many questions?

20. Seattle Seahawks (21, 3-5)

Hasselback looked great even with a shoulder injury. He threw it 51 times for 300+ yards. Problem is that was the Lions they played on Sunday. Only team that couldn't light up the scoreboard against them was the Redskins.

21. Carolina Panthers (22, 3-5)

They were in a close one with the best team in the NFL in their house. As long as they stick to the run this team could be in a lot of their next few games. Don't be surprised if they take out the Falcons this week. Deangelo Williams is one of the hottest RBs in the league right now.

22. Tennessee Titans (26, 2-6)

Let's get too happy people. Your rush defense was still awful but Young looked decent against a decent defense. Chris Johnson is going to break the rushing record this week. It could happen. Anything is possibllllllllllllllle!

23. Jacksonville Jaguars (23, 4-4)

They are having way too close of games against poor opponents. How you can only beat the Rams and Chiefs by only a field goal when you have such an explosive back in MJD is beyond me. Also Garrard actually performed last week. They might not beat out the Titans in the division.

24. Buffalo Bills (24, 3-5)

Bye this past week. However, they are facing the upstart Titans this week. Chris Johnson can get 300 yards this week. I won't be surprised if he breaks the rushing record against this poor rushing defense. Enough about the Titans, there really isn't anything nice to say about the Bills.

25. Kansas City Chiefs (25, 1-7)

The bye week didn't help Cassel. Releasing LJ opens the door for Jamaal Charles unfortunately it's automatically shut due to the porous offensive line in KC. They could/should get their second win this week against the Raiders.

27. Oakland Raiders (27, 2-6)

A bye week, yet Jamarcus Russell still threw 3 interceptions. At least they get Run DMC back this week.

28. Detroit Lions (28, 1-7)

They dropped two in a row to the powerful NFC West. Sense the sarcasm? It would be okay if at least one of those teams were the Cards. When they are the Rams and Seahawks, you have problems.

29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (32, 1-7)

While they completely ruined me in my suicide league, they did look decent against the Packers. Freeman is a better QB then what we have seen so far from this team. The defense is starting to come around. Who knows? Two wins, maybe three.

30. Washington Redskins (29, 2-6)

Portis did the best thing this week by getting a concussion. Now he doesn't have to play this week. That makes this team even worse. On a side note, the team clearly has some fight in them. Cue rim shot.

31. St. Louis Rams (31, 1-7)

While they beat the Lions, they beat...the Lions. I don't know if they will pull of another win but who knows. A lot of their games have been close against lesser teams. That is certainly not the case this week.

32. Cleveland Browns (30, 1-7)

They are awful, so bad that a bye made their team worse. Derek Anderson had the worst passer rating in the NFL with a 4th quarter QB rating of 3.2. Now Brady Quinn is the sacrificial lamb once again for the Ravens. Does Mangini not remember what happened last time?

Dare to compare mine to those at ESPN. We differ on our opinions but hey, at least you know I'm not one to plagiarize! Check it out and I will see you here next week!http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankings