NFL Power Rankings Through Week 6

1. Pittsburgh Steelers(4-1) - They have the best defense in the NFL, and with QB Ben Roethlisberger back, they now have to be the most well rounded team in the NFL.

2. New York Jets (5-1) - They have the ability to both run the ball and stop the run. There next big challenge may not be until week 13 at Gillette against the Patriots.

3. New England Patriots (4-1) - If their defense can play like they did in the 4th qua

rter and overtime, against the Ravens, they should be a very tough team to beat.

4. Indianapolis Colts (4-2) - They have had two tough losses on the road, but they still have

the best offense in the NFL.

5. Baltimore Ravens (4-2) - Offense has struggled at times, but their defense is still top 5 in almost every statistical category.

6. New Orleans Saints (4-2) - Struggled in some close games in the beginning of the year, but it looks

like things started clicking in there win against an underrated Buccaneers team.

7. Philadelphia Eagles (4-2)- It doesn't matter whether its Kolb or Vick under center the Eagles are hard to beat.

8. Atlanta Falcons (4-2) - Very talented team, but have been inconsistent at times.

9. Houston Texans (4-2) -Andre Johnson has

fought through injury this year, and shown why he is the best receiver in the NFL. He can take over a game at any time.

10. New York Giants (4-2) - Their defensive line is looking awfully similar to the 20

07 d-line that led them to a super bowl win, the Giants could be very dangerous this year.

11. Tennessee Titans (4-2) - The Titans may not have many big names on defense, but they put a lot of pressure on the QB and make it tough to score.

12. Kansas City Chiefs ( 3-2) - The Chiefs have lost 2 games in a row, but their offense has shown some sign of improvement and their defense is still very good.

13. Miami Dolphins (3-2) - Tough game coming up

against the Steelers, but they have a talented enough team to beat them.

14. Green Bay Packers (3-3) - Have been plagued with injuries. They really need Aaron Rodgers, and last years defensive player of the year Charles Woodson, to carry them through until they get some of their key guys back.

15. Chicago Bears (4-2) -The Bears are a little overrated in my mind, they have had one solid win against the Packers, other than they are pretty average.

16. Seattle Seahawks (3-2) - Great team to be a fan

of, they don't have a lot of stars on their roster but they are getting the most out of their players and have won against some talented teams.

17. Washington Redskins (3-3) - You never know what you are going to get with the Redskins. One week their defense is stifling offenses, the next their letting up 500 yards.

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2) - I really like this team, I don't think they have enough talent this year, but they have a lot of potential and will be good in the future.

19. Minnesota Vikings (2-3) - The opposite of the Seahawks, tons of talent, underachieving, team full of big names.

20. Arizona Cardinals (3-2) - Not as good as there 3-2 record, they have been completely blown out in their two losses.

21. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3) - Their success depends on QB David Garrard (or whoever is under center), unfortunately he is extremely inconsistent.

22. Cincinnati

Bengals (2-3) -Carson Palmer and the Bengals have had a really disappointing year so far, hopefully a bye can re-energize their team.

23. San Diego Chargers (2-4) - Plenty of talent to make a push towards the playoff, they have shown they gave rip off 6 or 7 wins is a row.

24. St. Louis Rams (3-3) - Rookie QB Sam Bradford has really done a great job so far. What was really impressive was their ability to beat the Chargers after a blow out loss against the Lions.

25. Denver Broncos (2-4) - They are averaging 2.7 yards per carry on the ground. It d

oes not matter how good you are at passing or playing defense, you need to be able to run the ball to win games in the NFL.

26. Dallas Cowboys (1-4) - Poorly coached, overrated, and undisciplined is the best way to describe them.

27. San Fransisco 49ers (1-5) - With RB Frank Gore, WR Michael Crabtree, TE Vernon Davis, MLB Patrick Willis, and CB Nate Clements, you would think their team would be better than 1-5.

28. Detroit Lions (1-5) -Three of there losses have been by 5 points or less, this is definitely a

different Lions team than the last few years.

29. Oakland Raiders (2-4) - Solid defense at times, but another team that will be in line for a quarterback in the draft

this year.

30. Cleveland Browns (1-4) - They have kept most games close, but they are just not that talented.

31. Carolina Panthers (0-5) - More talented than their 0-5 record, but they need to stick with a QB and find him some legitimate receivers.

32. Buffalo Bills (0-5) - With the first overall pick should they go Andrew Luck, Ryan Mallet or Jake Locker?

Detroit Lions 2010 Projection and Preview

Last Years Record                                                                  2-14

Wins: Redskins and Browns

Losses: Vikings (x2), Packers (x2), Bears (x2), Saints, Steelers, Rams, Seahawks, 49ers, Cardinals, Bengals, Ravens

Biggest Playmaker                                                                 Calvin Johnson

WR, Georgia Tech, Drafted #2, 4^th Year

Coming out of Georgia Tech Calvin Johnson was one of the most physically gifted prospects.  Unfortunately he has not had a talented quarterback to throw him the ball, but he has still managed 21 touchdowns in three seasons to go along with a 1,300 yard season.  However, with Stafford in his second year Johnson should see his numbers rise.

Impact Player                                                                           Matthew Stafford

QB, Georgia, Drafted #1, 2^nd Year

Stafford is a very talented quarterback and obviously experienced some growing pains as a rookie but certainly showed some toughness.  He definitely has more talent around him this year and needs to limit the interceptions (20 a year ago).

Biggest Offseason Addition                                      Nate Burleson

WR, Nevada, Drafted #71, 7^th Year

In order to keep defenses honest, Burleson provides Matthew Stafford with a legitimate number two receiving threat. Burleson, who has toured with many teams in his career, has consistently produce, no matter the role he played. With a deep ball arm in Stafford, I feel Burleson will fit right in at Mo-Town.

Biggest Offseason Loss                                                        Ernie Sims

LB, Florida State, Drafted #9, 5^th Year

Ernie Sims has been very solid for the Lions, recording over 110 tackles in each of his first three seasons.  Last year he missed five games with a shoulder injury and his presence will certainly be missed.

Biggest Draft Steal                                                                 Jahvid Best

RB, California, Drafted #30, Rookie

The Lions have been raving about this kid all offseason; the explosiveness, the top line speed, and agility are all impressive. If he is used efficiently in this coming 2010 season, we could see a star in the making. Some people note his size as a problem for him becoming a future lead back in the NFL, yet I think his size is absolutely perfect. At 5'10 200lbs he can hide behind blockers and use his explosiveness to hit the right holes. With Kevin Smith still recovering from a torn ACL, look for Best to be the best RB in the Detroit Lions backfield. This guy is a pure playmaker who will be a regular in "Sportcenter's Top Ten."

Biggest Draft Mistake                                                           None

My only issue with the Lions’ 2010 draft is that they did not address the offensive line need until the 128^th pick when they took Jason Fox from Miami.  If they want Stafford to develop they need to keep him upright.

Offseason Grade                                                                      B+

The Lions brought in players that will immediately contribute in the 2010 offseason.  Jahvid Best will be the starting running back, Ndamukong Suh is expected to be an impact player.  They also signed TE Tony Scheffler, WR Nate Burleson, DE Kyle Vanden Bosch and CBs Chris Houston and Jonathan Wade.

X-Factor                                                                                                   Pass Defense

Somehow the Lions had the worst pass defense in the NFL last year.  The reason that this is surprising is because they had such a miserable season.  When teams are losing 85% of their games I would xpet them to have a poor rushing defense.  When teams are winning, they can simply just run down the clock late in the game.  But they also had the 25^th best run defense.  They will need to stop the pass early in games to have any chance at a decent season. 

Name You Should Know                                       Kyle Vanden Bosch

DE, Nebraska, Drafted #34, 10^th Year

Kyle Vanden Bosch has seen his sack totals dip the last two seasons but has twice registered 12 sacks in a season.  Vanden Bosch will be a big part of the Lions’ season and provides some veteran leadership.  He will definitely play an important role mentoring rookie Ndamukong Suh.

Rising Star                                                                                  DeAndre Levy

LB, Wisconsin, Drafted #76, 2^nd Year

Deandre Levy recorded 85 tackles in his rookie year, also forcing a fumble and intercepting a pass.  Deandre Levy missed the Lions’ first game with a groin injury but will be a big piece this year.  The addition of Ndamukong Suh up front should help him tremendously.

Offensive Outlook                                                                   C+

I think Matt Stafford will be a great quarterback, but give him a couple of years.  The Lions added a lot of talent on the offensive side of the ball (Burleson, Scheffler, Best) but their offensive line is weak.  A strong line is essential in the development of a young quarterback.

Defensive Outlook                                                                   C-

The defense definitely made some improvements from their two-win campaign a year ago, most notably on the defensive line.  Suh dominated in his senior seasons at Nebraska, Vanden Bosch has 10-sack potential (and had 11 tackles in week 1), and Corey Williams will start at the other tackle spot.  All three of them are new to the Lions.  They also added two new corners.  The Lions are a very different team than they were a year ago.

Special Teams Outlook                                                        C

In 2009, punter Nick Harris averaged a 21^st-ranking 42.9 yards per punt and just 20 kicks inside the 20.  Jason Hanson did not have a great year, and the Lions are not strong in the kick return game.  Aaron Brown was the 57^th ranking kick returner (yards per return) in the NFL last year.

Projected 2010 Record                                                         6-10

The Lions made enough changes in the offseason that they should be considered a completely different team.  Stafford should make some strides, and if Jahvid Best can play as well as the staff thinks he can, the Lions could have an explosive offense.

Chicago Bears 2010 Preview and Predictions

Last Years Record 7-9

Wins: Steelers, Seahawks, Lions, Browns, Rams, Vikings, Lions

Losses: Vikings, Packers (x2), Lions, Falcons, Bengals, Cardinals, 49ers, Eagles, Ravens

Biggest Playmaker Matt Forte

RB, Tulane, Drafted #44, 3rd Year

Forte tore apart defenses both rushing and receiving, finishing in the top 5 of total yardage, during his 2008 rookie season. To follow up that season, Forte disappointed fantasy football owners with a major drop in production in 2009. With Coach Mike Martz being hired as the team's new OC, expect Forte to be more involved in the passing game, and more touches altogether resulting in increased production. Note: Forte showed his receiving week 1 with 2 TDs in the passing game, look for a continued stat line in the pass game for Forte.

Impact Player Brian Urlacher

MLB, New Mexico, Drafted #9, 11th Year

Due to an injury last year, Urlacher missed most of the Bears dismal defensive 2009 season. Urlacher is the general and captain of the defense, placing his teammates into position to make plays. His leadership was sorely missed last year, and with his return and the addition of Julius Peppers, the Bears look to rebound after a miserable 2009 campaign.

Biggest Offseason Addition Julius Peppers

DE, North Carolina, Drafted #2, 9th Year

Possibly the NFL's most talented defensive end, Peppers over the past few seasons has established a reputation for taking plays off and his inconsistent play. After a Super Bowl appearance versus the Patriots in the earlier part of the past decade, Peppers has failed to return his Carolina Panthers defense to glory. The organization decided to dump off his salary and move in a new direction, opening the route to Chicago where Peppers will instantly impact Lovie Smith's defense. If Peppers can consistently play hard nosed football, I believe Peppers could re-establish himself amongst the league's best ends.

Biggest Offseason Loss Alex Brown

DE, Florida, Drafted #104, 8th Year

Besides having one of the greatest names ever, Alex Brown provided a key spark to the Bears pass rush year in and year out for the 7 years he played in Chicago. Brown played a pivotal role in the Super Bowl appearance team which lost to the Colts, and was signed this past offseason by the New Orleans Saints.

Biggest Draft Steal Corey Wootten

DE, Northwestern, Drafted #109, Rookie

After turning down the draft of 2009 following a stellar junior season at Northwestern, Wootten produced significantly less than previous year dropping him down scouting draft boards. That withstanding, the Bears were able to hold on to their future draft picks, stay put beyond the third round, and draft depth to their defense throughout these picks. Wootten is a very talented end who will likely hit the field early and often in 2010.

Biggest Draft Mistake Waiting until the last round to address OT issues

Nothing against big kids from small schools, but Chicago waited way too long to address their offensive tackle problems. The Bears next season must draft a franchise offensive tackle whom they can count upon for years to come.

Offseason Grade B

I felt the Bears did an adequate job addressing needs in an aging defense, while adding a big-time playmaker in Julius Peppers. Coach Mike Martz is sure to spark some life into the sputtering offense, and Matt Forte looks primed for a solid 3rd year. My only qualms are with the offensive line and the lack of action regarding the personnel at that position. Good, not great offseason.

X-Factor Jay Cutler

QB, Vanderbilt, Drafted #11, 5th Year

The success of the Bears offense corellates completely with the level of play Jay Cutler exhibits in 2010. If he can cut down his turnovers, and consistently move the ball, the Bears could present a major thorn in the side of the Vikings and the Packers. Cutler has all the physical tools needed, he just needs to piece this puzzle of "success" together.

Name You Should Know Devin Aromashadu

WR, Auburn, Drafted #233, 5th Year

No other receiver in the NFL, in the games which Aromashadu started, received more redzone targets over the last 5 games of the regular season. It took a long time for him to break the lineup, however Aromashadu has impressed his coaches and has a good rapport with Cutler. Look for Devin to be Jay Cutler's main downfield weapon.

Rising Star Greg Olsen

TE, Miami, Drafted #31, 4th Year

Olsen is a big target with lots of speed. Olsen has the ability of any other TE in the NFL, and its just a matter of time before he develops into a superstar. This could be Olsen's breakout year, as Martz has begun to tailor his offense to suit Olsen's skills, yet it will be interesting to see how Olsen will be utilized in 2010.

Offensive Outlook B

The Bears offense looked better than last season, however still struggled to put the ball in the endzone, especially close to the goal-line. The intricate Martz system will take time no doubt to be firmly implanted, however I feel the Bears will make considerable strides from last season.

Defensive Outlook B

On defense I may or may not be overly optimistic. Peppers and Urlacher provide a gameplanning nightmare for offenses as you cannot take either one of these players out of the game; try to run the ball and Urlacher will scrape across the line for the tackle; try to pass and Peppers 6'7 frame and quick feet will sack your QB. The only problems therein the Bears defense is the interior line and secondary. If these positions can hold up, the Bears could eek out a few wins versus the high octane offenses of Green Bay and Minnesota.

Special Teams Outlook A~B?

Devin Hester. That is all. I want a few Devin Hester special team's returns for Christmas this year...Gould is a solid kicker and has been for quite some time in Chicago, but it is very unpredictable how good or bad this unit may be this season.

Projected 2010 Record 8-8

In 2010, learning curves and bumps will plague the first half of the season. That being said, I feel this team may sneak up on divisional opponents Minnesota, Green Bay, and as evidenced by the win (should've been loss) Lions, the Bears could be on to something. Only time will tell, however Jerry Angelo has done a good job of turning this organization back to its winning traditions.

Green Bay Packers Team Preview and Prediction

Last Years Record 11-5

Wins: Chicago Bears (x2), St. Louis Rams, Detroit Lions (x2), Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals,

Losses: Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings (x2), Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pittsburgh Steelers

Biggest Playmaker Aaron Rodgers

QB, California, Drafted #24, 6^th Year

After spending two years behind Brett Favre, Rodgers has certainly made a name for himself. Last season evidenced the remarkable strides Rodgers has made in becoming a better, smarter, and more efficient passer. With Jermichael Finley firmly entrenched for a full year as the team’s starting TE, Rodgers now has an extra receiving weapon that can stretch the field vertically. Rodgers not only can make every throw, but his ability to run has been a major factor in why the offense does not bog down. Although the Packers had awful O-Line play in 2009, Rodgers ability to scramble and make plays kept the Packers in many games. Expect much of the same, if not better from Rodgers, as he heads into the 2010 with a lot of momentum and confidence, stemming from a solid 2009 campaign.

Impact Player Charles Woodson

CB, Michigan, Drafted #4, 13^th Year

Woodson in 2009 tied for the league lead with 9 interceptions and also tied for most touchdowns scored by a defensive back with 3 touchdowns. Woodson is a veteran leader who has helped turn the Packer defense into one of the best in the league. A tough physical corner, Woodson is very skilled at jamming receivers at the LOS and breaking up routes. The mid play reactions to balls thrown his way are unbelievable, and Woodson is excellent at breaking up passes. From what I saw last season, it does not seem like he will be done anytime soon. Look for Woodson to once again be a solid leader for this young, athletic defense.

Biggest Offseason Addition & Draft Steal Bryan Bulaga

OT, Iowa, Drafted #23, Rookie

The Packers in the 2010 offseason did not make a splash at all in the free agency surprisingly enough; however they did make a splash with Bryan Bulaga late in the first round of the 2010 April Draft. Adding to the depth of the team’s O-Line. Bulaga is an excellent prospect from the University of Iowa, who is a talented run blocker, a gifted pass blocker, has long arms and solid potential. He won’t make an immediate impact in 2010, but is a surefire insurance policy to often injured, Chad Clifton.

Biggest Offseason Loss Aaron Kampman

DE, Iowa, Drafted #156, 9^th Year

A year following a scheme change and positional change, the Packers released Kampman who didn’t transition well as a 3-4 OLB. Although Kampman was a fabulous pass rusher, he did not fit in well with the team’s scheme due to his inability as a LB and lack of size as a 3-4 DE. He was a good character in the locker-room and brought intensity to this D-Line, nevertheless it was a necessary loss. The direction of the Packers is towards a Super Bowl, and they look poised for a deep playoff run in 2010.

Biggest Draft Mistake None

In April’s 2010 NFL Draft the Packers addressed their lack of depth on the offensive line, while also compiling talent at multiple positions. Mike Neal, DE from Purdue, as well as Morgan Burnett, SS from Ga. Tech, are solid prospects that provide depth to their respective positions. Also Marshall Newhouse is a big body that brings depth to a constantly injured O-Line. All in all the Packers executed a balanced draft, in which they addressed numerous needs involving the team’s depth at many positions.

Offseason Grade B

Other than the Draft, no real acquisitions were made by the Packers in the 2010 offseason and nor should there have been. The organization has kept a strong nucleus of players they believe can ultimately win them a Super Bowl. I completely agree with this plan of action which involves the development of young players inside of the team currently; guys like, Jordy Nelson, Jermichael Finley, Clay Matthews, and others too numerous to mention.

X-Factor Greg Jennings

WR, Western Michigan, Drafted #52, 5^th Year

Jennings is one of the smoothest route runners you will ever watch in the NFL, has elite level speed, and adjusts very well on downfield passes. Jennings has set himself apart over the course of the last two seasons as the Packers #1 WR. His 21 catches of 40 yards or more over the past 3 seasons are the most by any receiver in that same time period. Jennings is not only a downfield weapon, but can also consistently move the chains. He runs an impressive slant route, and an even better slant-and-go. Look for another solid season from the young receiver.

Name You Should Know B.J. Raji/ Clay Matthews

DT, Boston College, Drafted #9, 2^nd Year

OLB, USC, Drafted #26, 2^nd Year

Both drafted in the 2009 NFL draft, Raji and Matthews turned in solid rookie seasons in which both instantly contributed to the Packers Defense. Although B.J. Raji only started one game, he recorded a sack, as well as 19 tackles. Matthews on the other hand started 13 of 16 in 2009, while recording 36 tackles, forcing three fumbles, and returning one fumble recovery for a touchdown. These two young prospects are the future of the Packers defense and look for both to have major impacts in 2010.

Rising Star Jermichael Finley

TE, Texas, Drafted #91, 3rd Year

Essentially playing only half of a full season in 2009, Finley posted monster numbers to close out the year; from week 15 into the teams only playoff game, Finley caught 31 passes for 496 yards and 4 touchdowns. If you were to stretch the production in limited action in 2009 for Finley over the course of an entire season, he could have caught anywhere from 80-100 catches, for over 1100 yards, and at least 8 touchdowns. At times, the Packers even split Finley out as a WR on the goal line, utilizing his size against smaller cornerbacks in one-on-one situations. If he can stay involved in 2010, look for a breakout year for the third year player in Finley.

Offensive Outlook A+

The Packers offense in 2010 could post top 3 numbers in 2010 as seemingly all the pieces needed for success are in place; franchise QB, solid receiving core, one-cut RB, red-zone production, and offensive line depth. All it comes down to now is execution, and with the progress Aaron Rodgers has made over the last few seasons, I feel this is Green Bay’s best chance at a Super Bowl to date. The talent on this team is there, and the leadership is definitely there. This offense will rip into defenses this season; look for another stellar year from all aspects.

Defensive Outlook B+

In a methodical fashion, the Packers over the decade have assembled a very strong defense that was atop the league in turnovers forced last season in 2009. With a years experience for both B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews, as afore mentioned, the Packers look to get even better. They have top 5 defensive backs in the league, and an ever improving inside box. Look for another stellar season, as this unit will prove in 2010 that they are here to stay.

Special Teams Outlook B-

Last season did not turn out to be the best year for first time coordinator Shawn Slocum, as Mason Crosby and Jeremy Kapinos struggled in the punting and kicking department. Also return man Will Blackmon was lost for the season in October due to a knee injury, another hamper to the unit’s effectiveness. Nevertheless with new Australian punter, Chris Bryan battling Tim Masthay for the punting duties, Slocum looks to improve from his failures in 2010. Will Blackmon needs to return to his electrifying form and make big plays for the Packers, and Crosby needs to return to his former consistency as a kicker.

Projected 2010 Record 12-4

Overall I feel very optimistic for a similar season in 2010, the pieces of last years remarkable team are in place, leading me to believe that this experienced team can make a deep playoff run. A carbon copy regular season of 2009 should be expected from this team, however the difference this year is that the team has gained valuable experience from the awful loss handed down by the Arizona Cardinals. Hopefully this will have furthered the intensity of offseason season workouts, and provided the passion with which the Packers look to improve upon. Look for the Pack to be dominant in 2010.