NFL Power Rankings: Chiefs Rise, Steelers Fall
By Ben Nielsen
Sep 8, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) reacts after the game against the New York Giants at AT
THE WASHING MACHINE OF MEDIOCRE TEAMS
20. Indianapolis Colts
Record: 1-0
Previous Ranking: 13
Indy effectively has a new head coach, is worse on defense, a poor offensive line, and a bad defense. Andrew Luck makes this 4-12 team at least 8-8.
19. Dallas Cowboys
Record: 1-0
Previous Ranking: 19
Dallas were the recipients of six New York Giants turnovers… and almost lost. The Cowboys are clearly an 8-8 team who may be worse if Tony Romo gets hurt. While they can beat any opponent on any given day because of guys like Dez Bryant, they are more likely to beat themselves.
18. Kansas City Chiefs
Record: 1-0
Previous Ranking: 21
The defense looks elite, even if it was against the Jaguars. However, there are still a lot of questions about the offense that are still unanswered. And if Jamaal Charles is going to be slowed due to injuries, those questions become even more difficult to answer.
17. Washington Redskins
Record: 0-1
Previous Ranking: 12
Washington had a first half to forget but still managed to claw their way back into it by the end. As long as Griffin is healthy, they’ll be fine. But it is hard to look past the way the first half started.
16. Miami Dolphins
Record: 1-0
Previous Ranking: 22
Four-straight against Indy, Atlanta, New Orleans, and Baltimore coming up. Escape that in once piece and Miami has a serious shot at knocking off New England in the AFC East.
15. Philadelphia Eagles
Record: 1-0
Previous Ranking: 23
Number of seasons LeSean McCoy has started 16 games: 0. Number of seasons Michael Vick has started 16 games: 1. This defense can work in the NFL, but the health concerns of Vick and McCoy could pose a problem for the Eagles long-term. There is going to be a high need for Bryce Brown to be more involved in the backfield and for Vick to take fewer hits. But the offense itself can work in the NFL as Philly proved Monday night.
14. St. Louis Rams
Record: 1-0
Previous Ranking: 16
If week one is any indication, St. Louis is going to be a team to be reckoned with, which makes the NFC West the best division in the NFC. This may be one of those years where a 10-win team doesn’t make the playoffs in the NFC. St. Louis could easily be that team with San Francisco and Seattle anchoring their division.
13. New York Giants
Record: 0-1
Previous Ranking: 9
The Good: New York turned it over six times and nearly won the game against Dallas Sunday night.
The Bad: New York turned it over six times.
Six turnovers are not going to be the norm, but the running game is suddenly a huge issue for the Giants. They need to figure out some kind of stability there. Brandon Jacobs isn’t going to be the answer.