NFL Week 12 Power Rankings: BTSC's Turkey Week Edition Might Surprise You

by Michael Bean on Nov 22, 2011 2:13 PM EST in NFL News

Yeah, yeah, I know, many of you don't like NFL Power Rankings. I think I know why though. Beyond just the undeniable fact that they're largely a futile exercise based on all the unpredictability we see each weekend, I think most media outlets get it wrong. Here's why. First of all and most importantly, I think most forget that 'Power Rankings' aren't supposed to be some sort of weekly poll that hands out gold stars for what you did or did not do the previous weekend. Power Rankings in my book are one's assessment of the 'power' of each team. Or said differently, they're a subjective evaluation of how each team would stack up against one another were everyone to play everyone on neutral fields.

Want an example? Why put the Houston Texans at No. 3 as CBS did last week while clearly acknowledging that the loss of Matt Schaub is going to hurt the team? The Texans are no longer the third best team in the NFL with Matt Leinart playing quarterback for them. I'm sorry, they are not.

So, with that said, here's my list:

1. Green Bay Packers:

Record: 10-0
Division/Conference Standing: Obviously the Packers are 1st in both the NFC North, the NFC, and all of football. They'll be playing at Lambeau Field in the playoffs until they're either bounced out or headed to Indianapolis for a chance to repeat.
Thoughts: Not much more to say here. The Pack are cruising and totally dispelling the myth of the Super Bowl hangover. Next up is a road test against the Lions on Thanksgiving Day. Should be an entertaining one.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

Record: 7-3
Division/Conference Standing: The Steelers are currently second in the AFC North behind the Ravens. Having lost both regular season matchups to Baltimore, Pittsburgh must finish one game clear of Baltimore to edge them out in the division for what would likely be a first round bye and one of the top two seeds in the AFC playoffs. If they can't quite catch up, the Steelers will likely be the top wild card -- the No. 5 seed -- and face which ever 9 win team wins the AFC West.
Thoughts: Is it a bit homerific to put the Steelers ahead of the Ravens considering Baltimore beat them twice? Well, see, that's why we're trying to do things differently. I think with Ray Lewis potentially out for awhile and the Steelers set to return to close to full strength physically -- particularly on defense where injuries have prevented Dick LeBeau from deploying his entire fleet of talented head hunters. Really though when I look at these two teams, I see two evenly matched squads, so when I try to determine who has more 'power' moving forward after accounting for other variables like injuries, I can't help but give Pittsburgh the nod because of Ben Roethlisberger's track record of success in big spots.

3. Baltimore Ravens

Record: 7-3
Division/Conference Standing: By defeating the Bengals in Week 11, Baltimore slipped back into the top spot in the AFC North. However with New England winning on Monday night and also improving to 7-3. Baltimore is currently in the No. 3 hole in the conference. They lose out on conference record tiebreakers to New England and were beaten by Houston earlier in the season.
Thoughts: What would continue to worry me if I were a Ravens fan is just how bad the team can look in its worst moments. You know how the cliche goes -- 'it's not how good you are on your best day, it's how good are you on your best day.' Or something like that. But in Baltimore's case it really does seem to resonate with me. When they're on, they're tremendous in all facets. The hope for Ravens fans, I suppose, is that the team continues to bring their best game against good competition like they've been doing this year. Despite being apprehensive about them laying an egg out of nowhere come playoff time, I'll also say that I expect either Pittsburgh or Baltimore to be representing the AFC in the Super Bowl this coming February.

4. Dallas Cowboys

Record: 6-4
Division/Conference Standing: The Cowboys currently lead the NFC East at 6-4 thanks to a tiebreaker over the Giants. But Dallas and New York have yet to even play this year, so needless to say this division is wide open. For the time being though, the Cowboys check in as the No. 4 seed in the NFC with the worst record amongst division winners. Dallas might have to settle for that No. 4 spot quite frankly when you consider they ain't catching Green Bay or San Francisco for one of the top two spots. New Orleans is very catchable for the No. 3 seed, but the Saints are a game clear with six weeks to play, and four of their remaining games will be at the Super Dome.
Thoughts: Yeah, yeah, that extremely fortunate overtime win over the Redskins in Week 11 was weak. But the reality is that the Dallas-Washington rivalry is every bit as heated as the Steelers-Ravens grudge. For quite some time now, neither team has been worth a damn, but they come to play against one another. The underdog's always a threat, and in both games this year, the game was decided by three points or fewer. I put Dallas ahead of New Orleans and New England, by the way, because I think they have the type of defense that can give the quarterbacking gods that are Tom Brady and Drew Brees fits. We saw the Dallas defense play well against New England for the better part of 60 minutes earlier this fall. And I know that if you have any shot at disrupting Brees, it's by creating pressure up front without having to sell out entirely on the blitz. Dallas can certainly do that and that's why I'd give them the slight edge over New Orleans in a one-game scenario right now.

5. New Orleans Saints

Record: 7-3
Division/Conference Standing: The Saints are first in the NFC South and third overall in the NFC. Catching SF and GB is a long shot but not an impossibility, but New Orleans is likely looking at a competition with the Cowboys/Giants, with the winner earning the No. 3 seed and a potential trip to San Francisco rather than the No. 4 seed and a likely trek up to the frozen tundra.
Thoughts: The Saints took care of business in pivotal games against the Buccaneers and Falcons in Weeks 9 and 10 respectively. New Orleans' roster has some flaws, and there's a few teams they just don't match up well against. But you absolutely have to score 24-30 points to beat them and that basically speaks for itself. If you win the turnover battle and play cleanly for four quarter on offense, you can beat the Saints, even while still allowing Brees to get his 300 yards and a touchdown pass or two. But you can't beat New Orleans if you're only just playing well defensively and not capitalizing with touchdowns, not field goals. We'll learn a bit about them this next three weeks as they host the desperate Giants, the dangerous Lions and then travel to Tennessee to play a Titans team that could very well be still in the thick of a playoff race of their own in Week 14.

No. 6. New England Patriots

Record: 7-3
Division/Conference Standing: 1st place AFC East, 1st place overall in conference. This could be New England's top spot to lose, but that all changes with a road loss at Philadelphia next Sunday. The Steelers would hold a tiebreaker over New England, but that only comes into play if Pittsburgh wins the AFC North. If Baltimore wins the division, it's not clear just yet who would earn that top seed based on conference records to begin with and then moving down the tiebreaker chain.
Thoughts: I don't think the Pats and Saints are terribly dissimilar. Great QB play, impressive weapons at certain skill positions, a few gamers and big play guys on defense but a defense that's nonetheless very susceptible to all sorts of different attacks. New England is too good though to slip up against the mediocre teams of the league, which should allow them to secure one of those top two spots in the conference and at least one home game at Gillette Stadium as a reward.

No. 7. San Francisco 49ers

Record: 9-1
Division/Conference Standing: First in the NFC West, clear of Seattle by a healthy five games. And second in the NFC behind only Green Bay. New Orleans might be able to catch them, but if San Francisco can break even at 3-3 down the stretch, it's very unlikely they aren't hosting a divisional round game as the No. 2 seed.
Thoughts: Too low you say? I don't think so. You really ready to tell me that you'd bet your mortgage on an Alex Smith led San Francisco team over any one of the six teams I've listed above them? I didn't think so. Fine, maybe Dallas. Fair enough. But when you project wins against Dallas, it's typically assuming a Tony Romo letdown special is on the horizon, not that Dallas isn't talented enough to sting you when they're playing even just B+ football.Keep in mind that SF has only beaten three teams with winning records so far -- Cincinnati, Detroit, and the NY Giants. Their consistency has been remarkable, but I'm not sold until they beat a team like Baltimore or Pittsburgh. I don't think they will either.

No. 8. New York Giants

Record: 7-3
Division/Conference Standing: 2nd place in NFC East, No. 8 overall position in NFC. The Giants are probably going to have to win their division to get a playoff berth. Tied with Dallas through Week 11, they control their own destiny having two games against the Cowboys still on tap in Weeks 14 and 17.
Thoughts: It's actually going to be tough for New York to sneak into the playoffs because of their looming schedule -- their three remaining road games are against New Orleans, Dallas and the Jets, with a home tilt against the Packers and a season-concluding home game against the Cowboys on the horizon as well. Brutal. Still, this is a power poll, and I think the Giants have one of the eight best rosters in the league right now. If they can catch a few breaks in the injury department and get out of their own way by cutting down on mistakes, the Giants will continue to be a tough out each week.

No. 9. Atlanta Falcons

Record: 6-4
Division/Conference Standing: 2nd place NFC South; No. 7 overall slot in NFC. Atlanta is in great shape to earn a playoff bid thanks to the easiest schedule of any of the primary wild card contenders. The Falcons play Minnesota, at Houston, at Carolina, Jacksonville, at New Orleans and Tampa Bay to close. Hard for me to see them not winning at least four of those and getting to 10 wins. They might need to get to 11 though considering all four of their losses have come in-conference.
Thoughts: I don't like how many yards the Falcons amass relative to their point production, and I still question if their defense is physical enough to stand up to some types of matchups in winter weather. But the Falcons can play any number of styles now that Michael Turner is healthy and running the ball well again. I think they're steady enough at quarterback as well to handle those mediocre teams looming on the schedule.

No. 10. Detroit Lions

Record: 7-3
Division/Conference Standing: 2nd place in NFC North, No. 5 overall seed in NFC. The Lions are about to enter murderer's row in their schedule -- still to come are two games with Green Bay, a road visit to New Orleans, home against San Diego and a road trip to Oakland. The Lions likely won't climb any higher than the No. 5 seed, but looking at that schedule, it's a possibility they go 3-3 and miss the playoffs altogether. In fact, I'm comfortable saying that without at least splitting their upcoming two against Green Bay, the Lions narrowly miss out on the playoffs. They already have three NFC losses on their resume, including to Atlanta and Chicago.
Thoughts: It's hard not to be impressed with the Lions' explosive offense. Matthew Stafford rung up five more touchdown passes just last week in a shootout win over Carolina. Nobody would want to play Detroit indoors in a one-game elimination scenario, but I still think there's some growing pains in store for Jim Schwartz's squad this next six weeks.

No. 11. Chicago Bears

Record: 7-3
Division/Conference Standing: 2nd place in NFC North, No. 6 seed in NFC. Four of Chicago's remaining six games are away from Solider Field. That's the bad news. The good news is the first two are against Oakland and Denver, with a home game against the Chiefs in Week 13 sandwiched in between. The Bears must go 2-1 in their remaining three NFC games -- vs. Seattle, at Green Bay and at Minnesota to hold on, and even then it might be enough.
Thoughts: This is all about the loss of Jay Cutler. Once more, I am not ranking based on past success or achievement, and for the Bears, it's hard to envision them remaining competitive down the stretch with the inexperienced Caleb Hanie taking over for Cutler for at least the next month, and likely until the end of the regular season, if not longer. The Bears are espousing full confidence in the former Colorado State QB, but the best the kid's going to do is lead the Bears to a 3-3 record down the stretch. Mike Martz's offense isn't exactly a cakewalk to pick up on the fly, and the Bears' offensive line isn't solid enough to make life easy on Hanie in pass protection or in the running game.

No. 12. Oakland Raiders

Record: 6-4
Division/Conference Standing: 1st place AFC West; No. 4 overall seed in AFC. It's possible the Raiders slide into the No. 3 hole if the Texans slide considerably down the stretch. That's provided Oakland staves off Denver and San Diego for the divisional title out west. Likely though they end up the No. 4 seed and will host either Baltimore or Pittsburgh (the No. 5 seed) in the opening round of the playoffs.
Thoughts: Carson Palmer has led the Raiders to consecutive road wins after losing his first start against Denver, but the lion's share of the credit belongs to Michael Bush and the Raiders' rushing attack. Their ability to run the ball consistently and not put too much pressure on Palmer and the offensive line is the only major asset this Raiders squad has, but make no mistake, that's a good top attribute to possess. Beating a Caleb Hanie led Bears squad this weekend would go a long ways towards convincing me that Oakland has what it takes to finish things off and win the division. If they stumble this weekend, anything's possible, as their next two are at Green Bay and at Miami against a surging Dolphins squad.

No. 13. New York Jets

Record: 5-5
Division/Conference Standing: 2nd place in AFC East, No. 9 overall seed in AFC.
Thoughts: The Jets have put themselves in a tenuous position after blowing a lead against Denver last Thursday. At 5-5, with all five losses coming in-conference, the Jets can ill-afford to lose to another conference opponent, and really might need to run the table to make it in as a wild card depending on how other teams fare. If the Jets can get hot though, they're still built to compete in December and January. Their upcoming slate of 'easy' games might be the shot of confidence in the arm that Mark Sanchez needs to get Rex Ryan's offense clicking more consistently.

No. 14. Houston Texans

Record: 7-3
Division/Conference Standing: 1st place in AFC South, No. 3 overall seed in AFC.
Thoughts: Seem too low for a team sporting a 7-3 record, tied with three other teams including Pittsburgh for the best mark in the AFC? Maybe slightly, but this slide is all about the loss of Matt Schaub to a foot injury for an indefinite period of time, perhaps the remainder of the season. Let's see how teams fare stopping the Texans' potent rushing attack now that they have to not be frightened by what Matt Leinart might do on play-action. Fortunately for Texans fans, the schedule is soft enough for Houston to hold onto their two game lead in the South and advance on to their first ever postseason.

No. 15. Philadelphia Eagles

Record: 4-6
Division/Conference Standing: 3rd place NFC East, No. 10 seed in NFC. The Eagles have zero margin for error now and can really only hope that the Giants and Cowboys split their two games and both stumble to 9-7 finishes. The silver lining is they are 3-1 in divisional games with one more game against Washington and Dallas still on the schedule.
Thoughts: If Sunday night's win over the Giants was a turning point for the Eagles' defense, we may not have heard the last of Philadelphia. A home test against the Patriots awaits this Sunday, and though not exactly a must-win game, it's close.

No. 16. Cincinnati Bengals

Record: 6-4
Division/Conference Standing: 3rd place in AFC North, No. 6 overall seed in AFC.
Thoughts: The Bengals start off their gauntlet of tough games 0-2, with a respectable showing against the Steelers and a heartbreaking loss to the Ravens last Sunday. Cincinnati will have to beat Cleveland, Arizona, Houston and the Rams in St. Louis, and then still also beat either Pittsburgh or Baltimore to get to 11 wins and make the playoffs. The Bengals have taken care of business against lesser teams consistently this season, but now the young squad must get on another run and not get tripped up even once. Without Leon Hall their best cornerback, I can't see that happening. Still, the future is decidedly bright in Cincinnati.

No. 17. Miami Dolphins

No. 18. Denver Broncos

No. 19. San Diego Chargers

No. 20. Seattle Seahawks

No. 21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

No. 22. Cleveland Browns

No. 23. Arizona Cardinals

No. 24. Tennessee Titans

No. 25. Buffalo Bills

No. 26. Minnesota Vikings

No. 27. Washington Redskins

No. 28. Jacksonville Jaguars

No. 29. St. Louis Rams

No. 30. Kansas City Chiefs

No. 31. Carolina Panthers

No. 32. Indianapolis Colts

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Comments

Great work boss.

I would be fine putting San Francisco higher, though not because of Smith (despite that he’s finally playing well and also being utilized properly). The SF defense is becoming a monster. Best ILB combo in the league, and Aldon Smith is playing great. The safeties are nothing amazing, but the corners are stepping up a bit thanks to the play of the front seven, and their starting three are as good as any in the league (Justin Smith is ridiculous).

by JDSpartan on Nov 22, 2011 2:24 PM EST reply actions

its a very solid d

and with the secondary improving, perhaps the best in the league, if not conference. At the end of the day though, they’re undoing will be inability to make enough big plays in passing game. I don’t see how SF keeps pace with teams I have listed ahead of them on a neutral field. And it’s just too hard to limit teams like GB, NE, NO and to a lesser extent PIT and BAL to fewer than 20-24 points. 12-4, Div Round loss for them I believe.

Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)

by Michael Bean on Nov 22, 2011 2:28 PM EST up reply actions

Ive seen every game theyve played this year (being in OR)

They are without question the second best team in the NFC… this team has a ligit shot at representing the NFC in the superbowl… they advance to the Conf, championship game in my opinion.. not sure where 3 losses youve mentioned…remaining sch.
Ravens
Rams
Cardinals
Pittsburgh
Seahawks
Rams
14-2 is a solid bet on this schedule.. (spliting with Ravens-Steelers)
One could make an easy arguement Green Bay could miss the 1st seed…
Lions
Giants
Raiders
Chiefs
Bears
Lions
The niners have lost only once in conf. Cowboys… and have beaten the Lions and the Giants, two teams the Pac has yet to play, and a conf loss to one of these teams would give SF favorable tie breaker for 1st seed….

by OR69faithfull on Nov 23, 2011 7:48 PM EST up reply actions

In reference to the Niners ranking above...

Yeah they’ve only beaten 3 teams with winning records…the Steelers have only beaten 2 teams with winning records though, the Pats and the Bengals yet you have them second? Doesn’t matter really. Right now, it’s the Packers and everyone else IMO. Niners have made an amazing turn-around. Can’t wait to see how they’re doing after 2-3 full years with Harbaugh and his staff. Smith is average at best, but in the West Coast offense, he doesn’t need to be a superstar. Their secret to success has been they’re playing above average in all three facets of the game and they don’t make many mistakes. Their special teams and defense have been huge this year field position-wise. They lead the league in avg starting field position. They still haven’t faced a great passing team though – I don’t think they’d fair well against the Packers, Saints or similar teams. But who cares at this point. What an amazing turn-around for a team that has sucked for the past eight years.

by DJL25 on Nov 23, 2011 3:12 AM EST up reply actions

I think you are looking too much into how much you like certain players or injuries rather than you are how well the TEAM is playing.

San Fran is the 2nd best team in the NFL right now, no question about it. I don’t care how good their players are, or how much faith some people have in others. 9-1 is tough to come by in this game, and they have done it.

Pittsburgh ahead of Baltimore…..well you already know how I feel about that.

Flacco has to trust his receivers to make catches, but shouldn’t throw towards coverage. He needs to attack deep more often, but shouldn’t hold onto the ball so long. He needs to show more awareness in the pocket and move to extend plays, but nothing good comes of him leaving the pocket. He should run with the ball if nobody’s open, but he definitely can’t run with the ball.

Flacco should have the awareness of Roethlisberger, the elusiveness of Vick, the control of the offense of Manning, the leadership of Brady, the accuracy of Brees, and the arm strength of … Flacco? - Ampallang

by Mr MaLoR on Nov 22, 2011 2:31 PM EST reply actions

whats the point of grading past performance?

We all know the results. That’s pointless and why Power Rankings are so boring to me.

Bigger challenge is identifying how you think things will sort themselves out moving forward based on injuries, schedule, etc. And about injuries, why shouldn’t they be heavily weighted? Are the Texans the third or fourth best team in league without Matt Schaub? I absolutely don’t think so.

Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)

by Michael Bean on Nov 22, 2011 2:33 PM EST up reply actions

I understand that. Maybe you are just the first person I have seen incorporate those areas into your ranking.

by Mr MaLoR on Nov 22, 2011 2:35 PM EST up reply actions

well it does irk me

that folks call them ‘power rankings’ which by definition is supposed to be some sort of calculation of strength of team, not a badge for past performance. Way they’re done by everybody seems more like a weekly poll of whose record stacks up best.

Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)

by Michael Bean on Nov 22, 2011 2:37 PM EST up reply actions

give a follow to Brian Bellicks

weekly ratings… He does a great job in my opinion without bias… given the fact he’s been Baltimore’s head coach, and has been hard on them deservingly in rating…. Got a like a guy who can put aside bias and give you a comprehensive view….and to boot the perspective of a well rounded NFL coach…

by OR69faithfull on Nov 23, 2011 7:55 PM EST up reply actions

Keep in mind that SF has only beaten three teams with winning records so far

Pittsburgh has only beaten TWO teams with winning records so far. If that is a knock on SF, why is it not a knock on Pitt?

by Mr MaLoR on Nov 22, 2011 2:34 PM EST up reply actions

it is a knock on the Steelers

Not clear yet how they’ll fare against top teams. Like SF, they’ve done a good job of taking care of lesser teams. But the disparity between my placement of Steelers and 49ers has a lot to do with quarterback play and experience.

Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)

by Michael Bean on Nov 22, 2011 2:39 PM EST up reply actions

Not clear yet how they’ll fare against top teams.

Well, they are 1-3 against teams that have only 3 losses on the year. This is coming from a dirty ratbird fan, but to me it is clear that Pittsburgh is not faring too well against top teams.

by Mr MaLoR on Nov 22, 2011 2:40 PM EST up reply actions

meh

Beat New England. almost beat Houston with a totally rag tag offensive line. I throw first BAL game out — that’s an outlier. And in second game, obviously was just one play from different outcome. So, yes, it’s not clear how they’ll fare against top teams moving forward.

Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)

by Michael Bean on Nov 22, 2011 2:41 PM EST up reply actions

I throw first BAL game out — that’s an outlier.

How so? I keep seeing Pitt fans treat this game as if it was a preseason game and didn’t mean anything. It is about beating the best teams, not about how bad or good you lost.

Maybe I can rephrase what you said about how Pittsburgh fares about the top teams…..

It is not clear yet if Pittsburgh can BEAT the top teams.

by Mr MaLoR on Nov 22, 2011 2:45 PM EST up reply actions

not saying it doesnt count

saying it’s an outlier based on the mountain of data that suggests Pit and Bal play each other closely.

Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)

by Michael Bean on Nov 22, 2011 2:47 PM EST up reply actions

again though

It comes down to assessing where team is compared to where it was when past results occurred. Steelers are a different squad now then they were against Houston in particular. Since offensive line has gotten its act together, they’ve looked lots better and much more dangerous. I suspect when all parts on defense return, that trend will continue.

Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)

by Michael Bean on Nov 22, 2011 2:48 PM EST up reply actions

Can’t disagree with that. Think we can all agree that Baltimore and Pittsburgh are the cream of the crop right now in the AFC.

by Mr MaLoR on Nov 22, 2011 2:50 PM EST up reply actions

Just curious

Would you rather face Pittsburgh in the playoffs or have an easier route like Raiders/Bengals/Texans? I think most around here want another shot at you guys.

by TorchM on Nov 22, 2011 2:55 PM EST up reply actions

For pride purposes, it would be great to beat you guys a 3rd time. After week 1, it was “talk shit after week 9.” After week 9 it was “talk shit after you beat us in the playoffs” And after we do that, I am sure it will be “talk shit after you beat us in the Superbowl”

by Mr MaLoR on Nov 22, 2011 3:01 PM EST up reply actions

For me

it was “talk shit after you beat the Seahawks.” That’s all that really matters.

by TorchM on Nov 22, 2011 3:20 PM EST up reply actions

lol

by klompus on Nov 22, 2011 3:21 PM EST up reply actions

that

is funny

Who coined the phrase “getting Seahawked”?

But you keep pulling out your "refs-threw-the-game" card if that’s what you need for catharsis. You can use that card after every loss. It is a lifetime pass. Get it laminated. -Maryrose

by Twell on Nov 22, 2011 5:38 PM EST up reply actions

Could you quieten down your S*** talk!

It would please me if you would put a sock in it.

GO STEELERS!!!

by steeler fever on Nov 22, 2011 3:50 PM EST up reply actions

Which is great.

I love seeing two premier defenses ahead of everyone else, especially some of the more offensive-oriented teams.

by Riddlah. on Nov 22, 2011 2:58 PM EST up reply actions

unclear

The Steelers have not played as well as I would have hoped against good teams. That is concerning going forward. However, they have not lost to any teams with losing records. In fact, their losses are to teams with .700 winning percentage. Good teams are going to have worse records against other good teams. It is when good teams lose to bad teams on multiple occasions that it is a bigger problem.

In other words, I would rather have the Steelers’ problems right now than the Ravens’ problems.

by Kevin78 on Nov 23, 2011 1:33 PM EST up reply actions

where it has significant division implications

Dont think for a second you win a third game against us in the playoffs home or away…. best hope we dont play each other… I put “certain” value of a blow out 1st game…(near none) and a " seen your best game, and got lucky " second win…. thats fair apprasial of the real circumstance and outcome of those games….

by OR69faithfull on Nov 23, 2011 8:04 PM EST up reply actions

But the Steelers have been steadily improving since week 1, which is what we need as the playoffs approach.

by Riddlah. on Nov 22, 2011 2:43 PM EST up reply actions

I guess.

by Mr MaLoR on Nov 22, 2011 2:47 PM EST up reply actions

But do you consider Tenn or the NY Jerks good teams? Outside of the Steelers who have the Ravens really beaten. I

by BC Steeler fan on Nov 23, 2011 7:03 PM EST up reply actions

your point about SF is a good one

9-1 is no joke and not easy to do, period. Six of their wins though have come against teams with losing records, We’ll see who they really are against BAL and PIT.

Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)

by Michael Bean on Nov 22, 2011 2:35 PM EST up reply actions

A third of their wins came against teams with losing records, same as Pittsburgh. 4 of their 7 have come against losing teams, and another against a 5-5 team. Not coming off as being upset about it, but it seems you used that stat against San Fran, but disregarded it for your team.

We’ll see who they really are against BAL and PIT.

Same thing was said about Cinci 3 weeks ago. People were riding high on them, but Pitt and BAL fans kept saying they haven’t played either of us yet. Well, they came out and lost, and Dalton threw 5 picks combined in those games.

by Mr MaLoR on Nov 22, 2011 2:39 PM EST up reply actions

exactly

Expect similar results for SF. I consider SF to be very similar to Cincinnati, and their early season matchup that the Bengals should have finished off backs that up.

Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)

by Michael Bean on Nov 22, 2011 2:40 PM EST up reply actions

i like dalton over smith but i think that goes without saying

by klompus on Nov 22, 2011 3:15 PM EST up reply actions

I think what you are missing is that Pittsburghs losses

are against teams he has ranked higher than SF and we are on the upswing, we have 2 losses to the #2 or #3 team in football and one loss to a top 10? team that beat Pittsburgh at their weakest point (we had like 5 different OL lineups in that game and it was still a game that could have been won). Pittsburgh is a much better team now than when they played Houston – different outcome if they played today. The first loss against the Ravens – the Steelers obviously were not ready and it showed – butts whooped. The second loss was a one play game, could have gone either way. So we are talking about a difference in the quality of opponent. So knowing all of this, the wins that SF has accumulated aren’t of the same relative value as the wins or losses of Pittsburgh.

You don’t have to agree, but that is the accretion being made.

But We’ll see when we play them huh?

"My mentality is singular in that I want to be world champs each and every year, so that's what we work toward. I have a tough time acknowledging levels of success short of that. That's just how I'm wired." - Mike Tomlin

by MDSTEELERSFAN on Nov 22, 2011 3:50 PM EST up reply actions

SF

I wonder if SF has enough firepower to beat the Ravens. I hope that their running game will be effective.

by Kevin78 on Nov 23, 2011 1:43 PM EST up reply actions

I have to agree that pittsburgh should not be ranked a head of the ravens, BUT

Based on the remaining schedule, the steelers have the easier schedule..Ravens have san Fran at home, @ san Diego, @ Cincy..pitt, @ san fran, cincy..I didn’t want to mention this, Ray lewis got away with a helmet to helmet to hines, NO penalty, and Ryan Clark got a 15yr for his hit..this gave you guys a cheap field goal to end the first half..ultimately the margin of victory..

A man is innocent untill proven guilty...Even if it's Ben Roethlisberger!
'I rather have a German division in front of me than a French division behind me'..General George Patton
" I don't care if he has two horns and a tail, as long as he is anti-communist"..General Douglas MacArthur..
"The way to end our dependence on foreign oil is to keep our tires properly inflated"....B. Hussein Obama
"Government is not the solution to our problems, it is the cause of them" Ronald Wilson Reagan..40th President of the United States

by nycsteelerfan on Nov 22, 2011 4:54 PM EST up reply actions

The Steelers ahead of the Ratbirds? I can dig it.

by Riddlah. on Nov 22, 2011 2:34 PM EST reply actions

With all things considered and using a similar system

My top 10 would be

Packers
Ravens
Steelers
Saints
49ers
Bengals
Lions
Cowboys
Texans (if Schaub can make it back for POs)
Giants

Bears are done without Cutler.

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
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by John Stephens on Nov 22, 2011 2:48 PM EST reply actions

not sure

how you put bengals over patriots. solid list otherwise.

Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)

by Michael Bean on Nov 22, 2011 2:49 PM EST up reply actions

Because the Patriots defense is garbage. I really don’t think they are a good team this year and they are going to benefit from the Jets completely falling off the board and the Bills pretending.

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter

by John Stephens on Nov 22, 2011 2:51 PM EST up reply actions

no Bears at all? Five straight wins I think after they beat San Diego. You can write them off as pretenders, but a stretch of 5 wins including Detroit, Chargers, Philly, and Tampa Bay has got to be respected.

by klompus on Nov 22, 2011 3:17 PM EST up reply actions

guess I was underestimating the injury to Cutler when I first heard about — just read above he might miss rest of season

by klompus on Nov 22, 2011 3:20 PM EST up reply actions

With Cutler

I probably put them at 6

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter

by John Stephens on Nov 22, 2011 3:25 PM EST up reply actions

My top 10

1. Duhhhhh

2. 49ers

3. Ravens

4. Steelers

5. Patriots

6. Saints

7. Lions

8. Giants

9. Bengals

10. Texans

by Mr MaLoR on Nov 22, 2011 2:52 PM EST reply actions

so you're saying

you expect BAL to lose against SF this week? That or you’re not ranking like I am.

Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)

by Michael Bean on Nov 22, 2011 2:54 PM EST up reply actions

No, not saying that at all. I am saying that right now, they are the better team given their record. My way of doing power rankings is slightly different than yours I guess.

by Mr MaLoR on Nov 22, 2011 3:03 PM EST up reply actions

If that is the case

then why do you have the Giants (6-4) ranked higher than the Texans (7-3)?

I love the Steelers.

by tannofsteel84 on Nov 22, 2011 3:06 PM EST up reply actions

I am an Eli fan.

by Mr MaLoR on Nov 22, 2011 3:11 PM EST up reply actions

I see

you have an affinity for average QBs. lol jk

I love the Steelers.

by tannofsteel84 on Nov 22, 2011 3:20 PM EST up reply actions

guess so

Im not doing a poll of who’s wiinning and losing. Anyway, get back to me after you guys beat 49ers and Steelers knock them off next month.

Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)

by Michael Bean on Nov 22, 2011 3:06 PM EST up reply actions

Sure hope so.

by Mr MaLoR on Nov 22, 2011 3:12 PM EST up reply actions

I agree with that list.

by Riddlah. on Nov 22, 2011 2:59 PM EST up reply actions

You have the Steelers twice

At the obvious position of first and then you again put them at 4. Oops

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter

by John Stephens on Nov 22, 2011 3:26 PM EST up reply actions

Yea

I think he meant Packers

at 4.

I love the Steelers.

by tannofsteel84 on Nov 22, 2011 3:27 PM EST up reply actions

def Steelers

by klompus on Nov 22, 2011 3:43 PM EST up reply actions

If I meant the Steelers, I would have put “Derrrpppp”

by Mr MaLoR on Nov 22, 2011 4:07 PM EST up reply actions

BOOOO

Look in the Mirror pal………………….don’t you have a home to go too?

by steeler fever on Nov 22, 2011 5:00 PM EST up reply actions

if you don't want him here

just criticize Joe Flacco.

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Who the hell's interrupting my Kung Fu? - Black Dynamite

by FrankWyt on Nov 22, 2011 5:17 PM EST up reply actions

flacco is wacco

Shooooooo little malor bird………flay away home.

by steeler fever on Nov 22, 2011 5:55 PM EST up reply actions

I think they

are trying to “weekly” adjust a teams power ranking and thus give a fair appraisal of a teams “power”… well, at least the one ive been tracking this year…That’s Brian Billick"s weekly ….hes been pretty much spot on all year adjusting a teams power ranking against both strength of win-and opponent…. I did notice his rankings are considerably diff. then this list..

by OR69faithfull on Nov 22, 2011 4:39 PM EST reply actions

Hey Bean

Baltimore is currently in the No. 3 hole in the conference. They lose out on conference record tiebreakers to New England and were beaten by Houston earlier in the season.

When did that loss happen?…I thought MaLor would have caught that

hehehe

But you keep pulling out your "refs-threw-the-game" card if that’s what you need for catharsis. You can use that card after every loss. It is a lifetime pass. Get it laminated. -Maryrose

by Twell on Nov 22, 2011 5:36 PM EST reply actions

Michael

you’ve made a mistake. Baltimore beat Houston.

by Bonek on Nov 22, 2011 9:29 PM EST up reply actions

couple points

Full disclosure: niners fan passing through here and wanted to make a couple points.

First, theyre subjective power rankings so rank em however. In the end only the teams on the field can prove em right or wrong.

Anyone else mention the error on the ravens blurb? You said they lost to the texans which is not the case.
Ravens losses:
Titans
Jags (embarassing)
Seahawks (embarassing)

I will point out the niners took care of business against the seahawks.

Steelers. Lost 2 to the ravens who have 2 embarassing losses

Saints. Lost to the rams in a very poor game.

It doesnt PROVE anything but it contributes to one reason i think youre not respecting the niners enough. Consistency. They dont drop stupid games, and i would argue they step up to challenge games (bucs philly ny bengals. Even redskins in dc).

Ill admit theyve kinda come out of nowhere and alex smith has a very short decent track record so i guess well have to see what happens against the ravens and steelers.

One thing is if they lose a close one to the ravens i wouldnt consider that validation for a low ranking. Keep in mind the travel they have to make on a short week. If winning games on the east coast is hard for west coast teams on a normal week then consider what a challenge this one is.

Regardless, looking forward to both the ravens and steelers games. All tge niners have done this year is gain respect and im hopin they can gain yours too!

by Yoostey on Nov 22, 2011 7:09 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions

Doesn't work

You can’t say that the Steelers should be downgraded because they lost to the Ravens twice who have two embarrassing losses. It does not work that way in football. Matchups matter, which is why the Steelers always lost to the Pats even though in some years they might have had a superior team.

by Kevin78 on Nov 23, 2011 1:49 PM EST up reply actions

Niners will never get credit unless they win SB!

The rationale behind the 49ers rankings is really baffling. It’s really just biased for whatever reason. NO. 7 because they “only” beat 3 teams with winning records? Really? As someone already stated already the Steelers have only beaten 2 teams with winnings records. And the Packers have also beaten “only” 3 teams with winning records. Your rankings are clearly personal and not based on facts. 9 and 1 in the NFL is tough PERIOD! They are 2 games ahead of any team with the third best record in the league.

by mabar on Nov 22, 2011 8:16 PM EST reply actions

just out of curiosity

Why do you care if anyone respects the team? What difference does it make? Do you enjoy each win less because people “don’t respect you”?

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Who the hell's interrupting my Kung Fu? - Black Dynamite

by FrankWyt on Nov 22, 2011 8:23 PM EST up reply actions

Waaahhhh!

by Riddlah. on Nov 22, 2011 11:22 PM EST up reply actions

Clearly personal

Isn’t that the point of power rankings?

by Kevin78 on Nov 23, 2011 2:03 PM EST up reply actions

The reason people hate power rankings is because of obvious biases.

Like the fact that this site has the Steelers ranked second only because you can’t ignore the Packers’ 10-0 record (or the fact that they beat the Steelers in the last Super Bowl). Otherwise, it would be obviously ridiculous that the 49ers are ranked 7th here. And I’m not even a 49ers fan!

No slogans. Just win!!!

by drgarnett on Nov 22, 2011 8:42 PM EST reply actions

I can see another reason Steelers are ranked higher,

baltimore has not beaten the teams they are supposed to beat. The 3 losses come at the hands of the titans, seahawks, and jaguars. The Steelers only lost to teams with 7-3 records and even though baltimore accounts for 2 of those games, the Steelers, looking from this point in the season going forward looks like the better team in a better position to succeed.

by mtsnot on Nov 23, 2011 7:45 AM EST reply actions

Niner fan, here.

I respectfully contest the #7 ranking of the 49ers. Either you’ve been stuck on the east coast too long or stuck in the past. I say this with all due respect Mr. Bean, and I wouldn’t of even brought it up if they were ranked in the top 5, but SSSSeven? Reeeeely? Everybody and their brother has them ranked at number 2.

Most of us are going to watch the HarBowl on Turkey day, and perhaps you should take another look. The Niners are as physical a team as anyone in the AFC. If the Niners beat the Ravens tomorrow, and The Steelers in December,(I wouldn’t bet my house on the 49ers, but I would bet my piece of crap car) THEN would you believe in them?

by Rowellboy on Nov 23, 2011 9:56 AM EST reply actions

"If the Niners beat the Ravens tomorrow, and The Steelers in December..."

Those are two massive “ifs”.

by Riddlah. on Nov 23, 2011 1:48 PM EST up reply actions

Pitt# 2?

For what its worth. I think you can’t place Pitt ahead of s.f , Baltimore , saints, duh pack.
I looKed at past, present personnel and future schedule.
1 pack
2. SF
3rats
4. Saints/ Pitts
5. Lions ( maybe ranked 8
6. Cowboy
7. Giants
8. Bengals
9. Raiders
10. Patriots may be 8?

Impose your will.

by ALDOG on Nov 24, 2011 7:50 AM EST reply actions

I like your approach

It’s refreshing to see a power ranking that is more of a scouting assessment. We can all see the standings and each team’s record, but this gives your answer to the question, “how good are these teams relative to one another.”

by stylepoints on Nov 25, 2011 11:05 AM EST reply actions