Rich, you were right (there, you’ve got it in print, suitable for framing). This week, I’m throwing caution to the wind and ranking ONE road team higher (Carolina).
Of course, I’m not the only one who should be eating a little crow. Two high-profile writers at Sports Illustrated were so busy cheering for the Giants, they forgot that Carolina had shut down the Falcons running game and forced Michael Vick into trying to win the game with his arm just one week prior. The Panthers did exactly the same thing to the Giants, with exactly the same results. Guess what strategy they’re going to use this Sunday in Chicago?
Take the Panthers, boys.
This Week |
Team |
Commentary |
Last Week |
1 |
 |
The Seahawks get a chance to avenge one of only three regular-season losses when Washington comes calling next Saturday. I'm sure the 12th man in Egypt will give Shawn Springs the "welcome home" he so richly deserves. |
2 |
2 |
 |
The much improved Indianapolis run defense will be tested against a Pittsburgh team that runs just under 60% of the time. The game will hinge on how they respond to the grind. |
1 |
3 |
 |
Jacksonville's defense broke down in the second half last weekend against the Patriots. With a full week's rest, Denver's defense will go the distance and remove the reigning World Champs from contention. |
3 |
4 |
 |
Carolina made Eli Manning and the Giants look foolish. Next up, another playoff rookie QB; only this one has fewer weapons than Eli. |
10 |
5 |
 |
With Tampa Bay falling to the Redskins on Saturday, Chicago's only hope for post-season win this year evaporated. The Bears' defense will actually tackle, however, keeping this game closer than New York managed to. |
4 |
6 |
 |
The Patriots let Jacksonville hang around until midway throught the third quarter before hitting the afterburners. They can't afford to play that type of game against the Broncos in Denver and expect to come away victorious. |
7 |
7 |
 |
Bill Cowher pulled out all the stops last Sunday against division rival Cinncinatti, which begs the question, what does he have left over for the AFC's top seed? |
9 |
8 |
 |
The Redskins gutted out a tough road win last week against the Bucs, despite gaining a measly 120 yards. Needless to say, they'll need to at least double that output against the Seahawks to even have a chance at advancing. |
11 |