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No. 1)
Derek: Pittsburgh Steelers (Last Week: 1)
They did just enough to pull out a win on opening night. Hines Ward nearly fumbled the game away in the 4th quarter, but unlike Leodis McKelvin, luck was on his side that night. They have the tough Bears this week, but Cutler looked awful and Urlacher is gone for the season. It might be an easier game than you think.
Bob: Pittsburgh Steelers (Last Week: 2)
The defending champs found a way to win when things looked bleak for them at the end. Hines Ward nearly fumbled away their first win of 2009, but they bounced back and won in overtime. It wasn't pretty, but they got the job done. It's tough to keep them out of the No. 1 spot when they find a way to win like that against a good team like Tennessee.
No. 2)
Derek: New England Patriots (Last Week: 2)
I just couldn't drop them. After all, they did pull out the win. As ugly as it was, they did what you always expect from the Patriots. They capitalized on a Leodis McKelvin fumble to set up the game winning touchdown. Tom Brady wasted no time as he threw 53 times in his first game since the season opener last season, and he looked fine. I'm sure the Patriots will take two touchdowns and a win every game.
Bob: Philadelphia Eagles (Last Week: 3)
The Eagles showed that they can score points on offense and defense during an absolute destruction of the Carolina Panthers. There's not much worry over Sean McDermott anymore, and the offense averaged 5.8 yards per rushing attempt. McNabb is hurt, sure, but I don't see him missing any time and with an easy next few games, they should keep rolling.
No. 3)
Derek: Philadelphia Eagles (Last Week: 6)
I could hear the collective groans as the Eagles defense shot themselves in the foot numerous times on the opening drive and the Panthers scored. It was going to be a long day as is the case almost every opening day the past few years. Until the defense was notified that this one actually counts. Seven turnovers and 3 quarterbacks later, the Eagles found themselves up 38-10. Oh, and don't worry Philadelphia, McNabb will play.
Bob: New England Patriots (Last Week: 1)
They did pull out the win, but anyone who thinks they did anything other than steal that game from the Bills is dead wrong. Leodis McKelvin fumbled that game away. Had he just held onto the ball, the Bills would have won and the Pats would have done a barrell-roll down this list.
No. 4)
Derek: Indianapolis Colts (Last Week: 3)
They didn't show me anything. Two turnovers down at the goal line and a near upset by the Jaguars. Not want you see from a Peyton Manning led offense. Could it be attributed to the loss of Marvin Harrison? The loss of offensive co-ordinator and head coach? The loss of Anthony Gonzalez in the first quarter? Only time will tell if the Colts will bounce back. They started off slow last year then ripped off nine straight.
Bob: Atlanta Falcons (Last Week: 6)
The Falcons had a good showing from Matt Ryan and Tony Gonzalez, and could see a wonderful connection beginning there. Michael Turner will have to pick it up, along with the entire running game, but their defense did a good job containing that Wildcat offense and good showing from Chad Pennington.
No. 5)
Derek: San Diego Chargers (Last Week: 4)
Another team that was hopped by the Eagles this week. They almost blew it last night at the hands of the Oakland Raiders. San Diego has the talent to get to the superbowl, but as far as I'm concerned, Norv Turner just cannot get a team prepared to play properly.
Bob: San Diego Chargers (Last Week: 4)
The Raiders looked good Monday night, but they still looked inferior to the Chargers when San Diego was actually on their game. It was a sloppy game for San Diego, and it took them a bit to get started, but once they did they showed that they can put a game away. This was more the Chargers not playing well than it was the Raiders outplaying them.
No. 6)
Derek: Baltimore Ravens (Last Week: 5)
Yes, you read the box score correctly. The Ravens offense accounted for over 400 yards of total offense. Joe Flacco will not be the victim of the legendary sophomore slump. At least he didn't show any signs of it on Sunday. The defense didn't look that good, which is the reason for the one spot drop. 24 points to the Brodie Croyle led Kansas City Chiefs without Tony Gonzalez. Yeah, it does sounds as bad as I thought.
Bob: New York Giants (Last Week: 5)
The Giants defense looked good -- especially Osi Umenyiora. However, the offense was only decent. While the numbers may say they were good, it was more about the Redskin defense not being able to tackle, well, anyone. Giants are a good team, but let's see that offense against a good defense before getting too carried away.
No. 7)
Derek: New York Giants (Last Week: 7)
The defense was stout as you would expect from the Giants. The thing that caught me off guard was that the running game struggled and the receivers actually performed quite well. Aside from 2 or 3 decent runs, Jacobs and Bradshaw were held in check by an upgraded Redskins defense. These receivers won't make that many plays every week, and they even lost Nicks for a few weeks.
Bob: Tennessee Titans (Last Week: 7)
The Titans lost a tough game to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday. It's a game they could have won, but a lackluster offensive performance doomed them. Kerry Collins was good last year, but I don't have much faith that he can duplicate his 2008 season this year.
No. 8)
Derek: Atlanta Falcons (Last Week: 9)
Tony Gonzalez looked good in his Falcons debut. He shredded the Dolphins defense, but aside from Tony G, the Falcons were flat on offense. Turner struggled and Jerious Norwood was your second leading receiver behind Gonzalez. Defense kept them in the lead by shutting out the Dolphins until late.
Bob: Baltimore Ravens (Last Week: 12)
For those not paying attention, I have a newsflash: Joe Flacco is the real deal. The kid had his first 300-yard game, and did everything he needed to do in order to overcome a letdown by the defense and pull out the win. Many would be worried that the defense allowed 24 points, but until it happens again, I'm calling it an abberation.
No. 9)
Derek: Minnesota Vikings (Last Week: 16)
I was shocked when I saw that Adrian Peterson had only 40 yards at the half. The Browns were shutting him down! That didn't last too long as Peterson hit his groove in the second half. If Peterson can put up 180 yards every game, Favre might get a 5-year extension. he can hand-off until he's at least 46, right?
Bob: Minnesota Vikings (Last Week: 11)
Brett Favre wins his first game as a Minnesota Vikings by managing the game. That's right, he managed them to a win and even managed to toss a touchdown to rookie Percy Harvin. Adrian Peterson went nuts on the Browns and carried the Vikings to a win, which he could do all year long.
No. 10)
Derek: Dallas Cowboys (Last Week: 14)
The 3rd NFC East team in the top 10, and rightfully so. The most competetive division in football every year. Dallas looked good hitting three long pass plays without Terrell Owens who was cut this off-season. I mean, were still in September so Tony Romo has about 10 weeks of good football in him
Bob: Indianapolis Colts (Last Week: 10)
The Colts didn't do enough to move up, but they certainly were not very impressive. They played a sloppy game and nearly let a division rival knock them off in the first week. However, the still have Peyton Manning, which is enough.
No. 11)
Derek: Tennesee Titans (Last Week: 10)
They almost pulled it off on opening night, but the defending champs were too much. Look for Tennessee to bounce back and play well this year.
Bob: Green Bay Packers (Last Week: 15)
Their offense was disappointing for the first three quarters of the game, but the defense was phenomenal throughout. They forced Jay Cutler into four interceptions and did a good job containing Matt Forte. Aaron Rodgers did a good job of leading them back and getting the win over a division rival, which should give them momentum for the rest of the season.
No. 12)
Derek: New Orleans Saints (Last Week: 12)
Drew Brees threw for 6 touchdowns. Bad news? He was playing against the Lions and they put up 27. No defense kills the Saints all year.
Bob: New Orleans Saints (Last Week: 16)
Drew Brees is an absolutely phenomenal quarterback, and there's really to argument to the contrary. If that defense can find its stride, this will be a dangerous team. If not, they're destined for .500 yet again. However, for now, they deserve this spot.
No. 13)
Derek: Green Bay Packers (Last Week: 15)
Four turnovers for this defense, but it still took late game heroics by Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings to pull it off.
Bob: Houston Texans (Last Week: 8)
Last week I had the Texans in the top 10, but a poor offensive performance and a defense that got burnt by a rookie has me thinking twice about the Texans. I still think they could challenge for the playoffs, but that game against the Jets was just bad.
No. 14)
Derek: Buffalo Bills (Last Week: 20)
The game was given away by special teams. They almost pulled it off with T.O. only getting two catches. When he heats up, look for the Bills to be a force.
Bob: Dallas Cowboys (Last Week: 14)
Tony Romo had a good game, but let's not get carried away. He was playing against a poor pass defense in Tampa Bay, and most of his yardage came from the receivers running after the catch. They won't be able to do that against good teams, so for now they don't move one way or the other.
No. 15)
Derek: New York Jets (Last Week: 23)
Mark Sanchez looked like he settled into his starting role quite comfortably, against a good Texan defense too. The Jets could be the real deal this year with Thomas Jones and Leon Washington.
Bob: New York Jets (Last Week: 20)
I have the Jets ranked below the team they beat simply because it's Week One, and I want to see Sanchez do it again before we get carried away. He looked good, but it's only one game. I mean, the Texans beat the Cowboys in their first game, so anything can happen opening day.
No. 16)
Derek: San Francisco 49ers (Last Week: 25)
"I want winners!" Well you got 'em Coach. Mike Singletary expressed a team effort and got just that as the 49ers shut down Fitzgerald, Boldin and the defending NFC Champions.
Bob: San Francisco 49ers (Last Week: 23)
Coach Singletary apparently can play, coach, and win with this team. He wants winners, and it looks like that's what he's gotten. He's instilled a discipline in this team and has presented a gameplan for how to win games. The team has bought into his plan, and don't be surprised if this team is contending for the NFC West at the end of the year.
No. 17)
Derek: Arizona Cardinals (Last Week: 8)
Shut down completely by the 49ers. Starting to look more and more like a fluke as we go on. Maybe it is time for Kurt to step away from football.
Bob: Seattle Seahawks (Last Week: 17)
They beat the St. Louis Rams, possibly the very worst team in the league. For that, you don't move up. However, 28 points is convincing enough that they also won't be moving down.
No. 18)
Derek: Houston Texans (Last Week: 17)
This team has a good defense, but still couldn't slow down Thomas Jones, Leon Washington or Mark Sanchez. I was high on Houston going into the season. Maybe they can bounce back.
Bob: Jacksonville Jaguars (Last Week: 21)
They were able to stick with the Indianapolis Colts, but fell short by two points. They deserve to get some love, as it appears they're heading in the right direction. Right now their offense is the problem, and I'm not sure they can overcome their lack of explosiveness.
No. 19)
Derek: Seattle Seahawks (Last Week: 18)
They almost went into halftime wiht the worst team in the NFL tied at 7. Of course the Rams screwed that up, and Hasselbeck showed up in the second half. Still not convinced.
Bob: Arizona Cardinals (Last Week: 9)
The Cardinals take the most significant dive after looking completely incompetent in all phases of the game. It could be the Super Bowl hangover, or it could just be an off day against a division opponent but whatever it is they need to fix it and quickly.
No. 20)
Derek: Chicago Bears (Last Week: 11)
18 interceptions while throwing to Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal. 4 in one game while throwing to next to nobody sounds right. Should've stuck with Orton, Chicago.
Bob: Miami Dolphins (Last Week: 19)
As I said, the Wildcat is showing itself to only be a gimmick offense. If they try to rely on it as their primary source of offense, they will continue to lose. They need to find more conventional ways to win, or they're going to be at the bottom of the AFC East.
No. 21)
Derek: Denver Broncos (Last Week: 26)
They won, but didn't really deserve it. The "Immaculate Deflection" as it is now known was one of the craziest plays I've ever seen. Luck running wild in Denver.
Bob: Chicago Bears (Last Week: 18)
Jay Cutler did not play well, at all, and now the face of that franchise is out for the remainder of the season. If Cutler continues to miss his mark, the defense is going to be on the field a whole lot, getting beat a whole lot.
No. 22)
Derek: Jacksonville Jaguars (Last Week: 24)
Looked real good against the Colts, but couldn't pull it out late. Failed a 2-point conversion to tie it, and then failed to move into field goal range.
Bob: Buffalo Bills (Last Week: 25)
They played a good game against the Patriots for about 3 1/2 quarters, but last I checked a game takes four quarters. If they can't close out games and win the close ones, they'll be right back to 7-9 for the fourth straight year. Slightly less impressive consistency than the Bills of old.
No. 23)
Derek: Carolina Panthers (Last Week: 13)
I have nothing to say here. 7 turnovers, and you're lucky to be at 23. A.J. Feeley will start for this team come season end.
Bob: Washington Redskins (Last Week: 22)
They stuck with the Giants fairly well, but when it comes down to it they just don't have anyone who can step up and make a play. On paper, they're a fairly decent team, however they're a team without a leader and that leads to losses.
No. 24)
Derek: Oakland Raiders (Last Week: 30)
Oakland should be glad Richard Seymour showed up. He looked good, and the whol Raider defense looked good. Jamarcus Russell is still all over the place, but looks to have two good rookie targets.
Bob: Carolina Panthers (Last Week: 13)
A team that was thought to be a contender had a rude awakening against the Philadelphia Eagles this past Sunday. They got abused in every aspect of the game and looked like a team looking for answers. Jake Delhomme will soon lose his starting spot, but even the running game couldn't get going. The Eagles are a good team, so this could be a bit of an overreaction.
No. 25)
Derek: Washington Redskins (Last Week: 19)
Maybe there was method to the madness of trading Jason Campbell this off-season. He didn't make many good reads and just looked out of sync completely.
Bob: Oakland Raiders (Last Week: 28)
They gave a valient effort against the Chargers, but their defense let them down when it mattered most. On top of that, JaMarcus Russel is still unbelievably inaccurate. If he can turn into a real quarterback, I think this team could be playoff caliber (seriously). However, until then, they stay in the cellar.
No. 26)
Derek: Cincinnati Bengals (Last Week: 22)
Ochocinco showed up. Cedric Benson showed up. Problem: Football is played with 22 people. They were short 20 for this game.
Bob: Cincinnati Bengals (Last Week: 26)
They were clearly the better team this past Sunday, but dumb luck got them the loss with Brandon Stokely's outstanding play. Some will say dumb luck, but others will say that a team creates their own luck. That's a bit hard to argue, especially with the team lovingly referred to as the "Bungals."
No. 27)
Derek: Miami Dolphins (Last Week: 21)
Last year's feel good story and AFC East Champions looked completely flat on offense. It took them until the 4th quarter in garbage time to score.
Bob: Denver Broncos (Last Week: 27)
Yes, they won. No, they didn't look good doing it and no, they didn't deserve the win. They caught a break this week, but odds are it won't happen more than two or three times after this.
No. 28)
Derek: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Last Week: 27)
They looked real good until the second half. Cadillac was cruising and they looked poised to pull off and upset. I still beleive in Byron Leftwich, but I'm sure we'll see Freeman by season end.
Bob: Kansas City Chiefs (Last Week: 29)
They put up 24 points against a good Ravens defense with a backup quarterback, but top to bottom this is still a very bad team. Todd Haley and Scott Pioli have a lot of work to do before this team can even "back in" to the playoffs.
No. 29)
Derek: Kansas City Chiefs (Last Week: 28)
I don't care who you are, but if you give up over 400 yards to the Ravens, you're a bad defense. We'll see what this team is made of when starter Matt Cassel comes back.
Bob: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Last Week: 24)
They are not officially back to the "Yucs." As I've said, I'm a fan of Byron Leftwich and he played well, but the defense, particularly the pass defense, was absolutely pathetic. They could not stop anyone and won't be able to all year.
No. 30)
Derek: Cleveland Browns (Last Week: 29)
They almost looked good on Sunday. Too bad they forgot we play four quarters in football, not two.
Bob: Cleveland Browns (Last Week: 30)
Is Brady Quinn the answer for this team? Well, I'm not sure, but it sure doesn't look like it at this point. In his defense, this team has a lot of holes and have a good two or three years before they're even respectable. It's time to trade one of the quarterbacks and Braylon Edwards for some picks to start this rebuilding process properly.
No. 31)
Derek: Detroit Lions (Last Week: 32)
Only the Detroit Lions could give up 6 touchdown passes and move up a spot. Sorry Detroit, it's nothing you did right...
Bob: Detroit Lions (Last Week: 31)
They played a pretty decent game against the Saints, but Detroit's defense is still awful. The offense was able to put up 27 points, but that was against a Saints defense nearly as bad as their own. Stafford might be a good quarterback, but it will take a while before it pays off.
No. 32)
Derek: St. Louis Rams (Last Week: 31)
...It's what the Rams did wrong, which was everything. They had a blocked field goal and tied the game at 7. Good right? Well not if you need 12 people on the field to do it. Simple mistakes.
Bob: St. Louis Rams (Last Week: 32)
The Rams are the worst team in the league. They can't play offense, they can't play defense, and usually that leads to being a bad team. I'd be surprised if this team wins two games this year.
