2012 Week 6 NFL Power Rankings

Houston Texans: Week 6 NFL Power Rankings (#1)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 6 NFL Power Rankings, Texans

Last week: 1 (+0)

Record: 5-0

The Texans were sleepwalking last week, but every team has a bad game eventually. What’s important is that they still got the win. They haven’t played a very tough schedule so far, but they’ve blown out all of the expected non-playoff teams they’ve played, except the Jets, by at least 20 point each. They also got an impress win in Denver, against a team I expect to make the playoffs. They’ve got a test this week with Green Bay coming to town and I expect them to pass it with flying colors once again.

Studs

LT Duane Brown: Allowed 1 quarterback hit on 30 pass block snaps, run blocked for 8 yards on 2 attempts

TE Owen Daniels: Caught 4 passes for 79 yards and a touchdown on 4 attempts on 21 pass snaps, 8.0 YAC per catch, allowed 1 quarterback hurry on 8 pass block snaps, run blocked for 15 yards on 2 attempts

CB Brice McCain: Allowed 1 catch for 2 yards on 3 attempts, 1 interception, 1 solo tackle, 2 stops, 1 sack on 1 blitz

CB Kareem Jackson: Allowed 1 catch for 3 yards on 2 attempts, 1 interception, 2 solo tackles, 1 stop

LE JJ Watt: 1 sack, 2 quarterback hits, and 2 quarterback hurries on 35 pass rush snaps, 3 batted passes, 4 solo tackles, 1 assist, 4 stops

Duds

C Chris Myers: 1 quarterback hit and 1 quarterback hurry on 30 pass block snaps, 1 penalty, run blocked for 31 yards on 15 attempts

RG Antoine Caldwell: Allowed 2 quarterback hurries on 22 pass block snaps, run blocked for 20 yards on 3 attempts

WR Andre Johnson: Caught 1 pass for 15 yards on 5 attempts on 27 pass snaps, 3.0 YAC per catch, 2 drops, 1 interception when thrown to

CB Johnathan Joseph: Allowed 7 catches for 137 yards on 10 attempts, 5 solo tackles

MLB Bradie James: Allowed 2 catches for 24 yards on 2 attempts, 2 solo tackles, 1 stop, 1 missed tackle

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Atlanta Falcons: Week 6 NFL Power Rankings (#2)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 6 NFL Power Rankings, Falcons

Last week: 2 (+0)

Record: 5-0

The Falcons have had back-to-back close calls and could be 3-2 right now if the Panthers could manage a late game and if Robert Griffin hadn’t gotten hurt and Billy Cundiff hadn’t sucked. Most good teams do catch breaks like that, but this team also has a negative yards per play differential, as a result of their reliance on winning the turnover battle. They have the league’s best turnover differential at +10, but no matter what your previous game’s turnover differential, the average turnover differential on a week to week basis is roughly +0.0. They’re probably the best team in the NFC right now, but I’m not 100% sold on them

Studs

WR Julio Jones: Caught 10 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown on 15 attempts on 52 pass snaps, 3.3 YAC per catch

TE Tony Gonzalez: Caught 13 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown on 14 attempts on 46 pass snaps, 3.8 YAC per catch, 1 penalty

LT Sam Baker: Allowed 2 quarterback hurries on 56 pass block snaps, run blocked for 27 yards and a touchdown on 4 attempts

RT Tyson Clabo: Allowed 1 quarterback hurry on 56 pass block snaps, run blocked for 0 yards on 1 attempt

RE John Abraham: 1 quarterback hit and 3 quarterback hurries on 20 pass rush snaps, 1 batted pass, no tackles

DT Jonathan Babineaux: 2 sacks, 1 quarterback hit, and 1 quarterback hurry on 28 pass rush snaps, 2 solo tackles, 2 stops, 1 missed tackle

CB Dunta Robinson: Allowed 2 catches for 24 yards on 5 attempts, 1 interception, 1 pass deflection, 5 solo tackles, 4 stops, 2 missed tackles

CB Asante Samuel: Allowed 2 catches for 4 yards on 2 attempts, 1 solo tackles, 1 stop

FS Thomas DeCoud: Was not thrown on, 1 interception, 2 solo tackles

LOLB Sean Weatherspoon: Allowed 2 catches for 15 yards on 2 attempts, 7 solo tackles, 6 stops, 1 sack and 1 quarterback hurry on 2 blitzes

Duds

C Todd McClure: Allowed 1 sack, 1 quarterback hits, and 2 quarterback hurries on 56 pass block snaps, run blocked for 23 yards on 8 attempts

SS William Moore: Allowed 1 catch for 77 yards and a touchdown on 2 attempts, 7 solo tackles, 1 assist, 1 stop

MLB Akeem Dent: Allowed 1 catch for 10 yards on 1 attempt, 1 solo tackle, 1 assist, 1 missed tackle

ROLB Stephen Nicholas: Allowed 4 catches for 59 yards on 4 attempts, 2 solo tackles, 2 stops

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Baltimore Ravens: Week 6 NFL Power Rankings (#3)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 6 NFL Power Rankings, Ravens

Last week: 3 (+0)

Record: 4-1

I was tempted to flip flop this team with the Patriots this week, because they continue to play down to the level of competition, but they also play up to the level of the competition, which will serve them well in the playoffs. They also hold the head-to-head tiebreaker with the Patriots and have a 1 game lead on them, so I think they’ll get a 1st round bye with about 12 wins, with the Patriots getting the 3rd seed with the same record.

Studs

ROLB Paul Kruger: 1 quarterback hit and 4 quarterback hurries on 11 pass rush snaps, 6 solo tackles, 1 assist, 6 stops, 1 missed tackle

Duds

RT Kelechi Osemele: 2 sacks and 5 quarterback hurries on 33 pass block snaps, 2 penalties, run blocked for 16 yards on 5 attempts

LG Ramon Harewood: Allowed 3 quarterback hurries on 33 pass block snaps, run blocked for 4 yards on 1 attempt

MLB Ray Lewis: Allowed 1 catch for 16 yards on 1 attempt, 6 solo tackles, 2 assists, 3 stops

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Chicago Bears: Week 6 NFL Power Rankings (#4)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 6 NFL Power Rankings, Bears

Last week: 6 (+2)

Record: 4-1

Jay Cutler is 9-1 in his last 10 games, with the one loss being the Thursday Night game, which I think we can just chalk up to being a fluky Thursday Night game. The Bears, other than that game, are 4-0 this year and have won all 4 games by at least 16, including one against a talented Cowboys team. Their offensive line has settled down and they rank 7th in the league in yards per play differential, a figure that’s even higher if you ignore week 2. They are the favorites in the NFC North and have momentarily leaped Philadelphia as the favorites to be this year’s team that goes from out of the playoffs to a 1st round bye. They should win at least the 11 games they won in 2010.

Studs

LT J’Marcus Webb: Allowed 1 quarterback hurry on 44 pass block snaps, run blocked for 20 yards on 4 attempts

RG Lance Louis: Did not allow a pressure on 44 pass block snaps, run blocked for 40 yards on 5 attempts

WR Brandon Marshall: Caught 12 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown on 15 attempts on 41 pass snaps, 3.1 YAC per catch, 1 interception when thrown to

CB Charles Tillman: Allowed 3 catches for 25 yards on 4 attempts, 1 interception, 4 solo tackles, 1 stop, 1 missed tackle

CB DJ Moore: Allowed 1 catch for 5 yards on 3 attempts, 3 solo tackles, 2 stops

LOLB Lance Briggs: 4 solo tackles, 3 stops, 1 sack on 6 blitzes, allowed 1 catch for 14 yards on 1 attempt, 1 interception

LE Corey Wootton: 2 sacks, 1 quarterback hit, and 2 quarterback hurries on 13 pass rush snaps, 1 penalty, 2 stops

FS Chris Conte: Was not thrown on, 4 solo tackles, 2 stops

Duds

RT Gabe Carimi: Allowed 1 sack, 1 quarterback hit, and 5 quarterback hurries on 44 pass block snaps, 3 penalties, run blocked for 13 yards on 6 attempts

LE Israel Idonije: Did not record a pressure on 27 pass rush snaps, 1 solo tackle, 1 stop

RE Shea McClellin: Did not record a pressure on 19 pass rush snaps, no tackles

RE Julius Peppers: 1 quarterback hurry on 26 pass rush snaps, no tackles

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New England Patriots: Week 6 NFL Power Rankings (#5)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 6 NFL Power Rankings, Patriots

Last week: 5 (+0)

Record: 3-2

It’s tough to keep this team out of the top-4 given how well they’ve played the last few weeks, but I think their head-to-head loss to Baltimore is eventually going to cost them a 1st round bye. Plus, no Super Bowl loser has gone on to win the Super Bowl since 1972. The Patriots still have issues defensively. They’ve masked them with strong offense, which has allowed them to dominate time of position in the last 2 weeks, but a good defense, like Seattle’s this week, can force their defense onto the field more. They do still have a negative yards per play differential.

Studs

QB Tom Brady: 23 of 32 for 223 yards and a touchdown, 1 drop, 2 throw aways, 98.2 adjusted QB rating, pressured on 7 of 35 drop backs (4 sacks, 1 of 3, 1 throw away)

LT Nate Solder: Did not allow a pressure on 40 pass block snaps, 1 penalty, run blocked for 23 yards on 4 attempts

LG Logan Mankins: Did not allow a pressure on 36 pass block snaps, 1 penalty, run blocked for 14 yards on 3 attempts

RB Danny Woodhead: Rushed for 47 yards (18 after contact) on 7 attempts, 1 catch for 25 yards on 1 attempt

WR Wes Welker: 13 catches for 104 yards and a touchdown on 14 attempts on 40 pass snaps, 3.9 YAC per catch

CB Alfonzo Dennard: Did not allow a completion on 5 attempts, 2 pass deflections, 1 solo tackle

RE Chandler Jones: 2 quarterback hits and 3 quarterback hurries on 43 pass rush snaps, 1 batted pass, 1 solo tackle, 1 stop

MLB Jerod Mayo: Allowed 8 catches for 41 yards and a touchdown on 9 attempts, 1 sack and 1 quarterback hurry on 7 blitzes, 7 solo tackles, 2 assists, 3 stops

Duds

C Ryan Wendell: Allowed 2 sacks on 40 pass block snaps, 1 penalty, run blocked for 72 yards on 15 attempts

MLB Brandon Spikes: Allowed 5 catches for 53 yards on 6 attempts, 6 solo tackles, 1 stop, 1 missed tackle

CB Sterling Moore: Allowed 6 catches for 138 yards on 6 attempts, 4 solo tackles, 2 stops, 1 missed tackle

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San Francisco 49ers: Week 6 NFL Power Rankings (#6)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 6 NFL Power Rankings, 49ers

Last week: 7 (+1)

Record: 4-1

The 49ers are by far the best team in the league in terms of yards per play, but they were just a good team by that metric 2 weeks ago so how you evaluate this team is dependent on how much stock you want to put into games against Buffalo and the New York Jets. They still have yet to beat a team with a winning record and those “huge” two games to open their season don’t look as impressive now. Likewise, their loss to Minnesota doesn’t look as bad either. We’ll learn a lot about this team as they face the Giants this week.

Studs

C Jonathan Goodwin: Did not allow a pressure on 30 pass block snaps, run blocked for 76 yards on 10 attempts

RG Alex Boone: Allowed 1 pressure on 32 pass block snaps, run blocked for 17 yards and a touchdown on 3 attempts

LT Joe Staley: Did not allow a pressure on 30 pass block snaps, 2 penalties, run blocked for 17 yards on 2 attempts

QB Alex Smith: 18 of 24 for 303 yards and 3 touchdowns, 2 throw aways, 1 hit as thrown, 131.3 adjusted QB rating, pressured 6 times on 27 drop backs (1 scramble, 1 of 5, 2 throw aways, 1 hit as thrown)

WR Michael Crabtree: Caught 6 passes for 113 yards and a touchdown on 7 attempts on 22 pass snaps, 6.0 YAC per catch

TE Vernon Davis: Caught 5 passes for 103 yards on 6 attempts on 27 pass snaps, 9.0 YAC per catch

MLB Patrick Willis: Allowed 4 catches for 21 yards on 5 attempts, 8 solo tackles, 6 stops

CB Chris Culliver: Allowed 1 catch for 8 yards on 4 attempts, 1 interception, 1 solo tackle, 1 assist

MLB NaVorro Bowman: Did not allow a catch on 2 attempts, 1 pass deflection, 3 solo tackles, 3 stops, 1 missed tackle

LOLB Ahmad Brooks: 1 sack, 1 quarterback hit, and 2 quarterback hurries on 20 pass rush snaps, 1 solo tackles, 2 stops

Duds

None

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Philadelphia Eagles: Week 6 NFL Power Rankings (#7)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 6 NFL Power Rankings, Eagles

Last week: 4 (-3)

Record: 3-2

I still think this team will win this division. Not only are they currently in first place, but they still rank 8th in yards per play. The turnovers will even out eventually and this is always a much better 2nd half team. Under Andy Reid, they are 90-53 after week 8 and 56-42 in weeks 1-8. The Giants, meanwhile, do the opposite under Tom Coughlin. In weeks 1-8, they’re 45-18 and after week 8, they’re 46-42. Losing by 2 in Pittsburgh isn’t terrible.

Studs

RT Todd Herremans: Allowed 1 quarterback hurry on 37 pass block snaps, run blocked for 4 yards on 2 attempts

CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: Allowed 3 catches for 28 yards on 6 attempts, 1 pass deflection, 3 solo tackles

LE Brandon Graham: 2 quarterback hits and 1 quarterback hurry on 11 pass rush snaps, no tackles

Duds

C Dallas Reynolds: Allowed 1 sack and 2 quarterback hurries on 37 pass block snaps, run blocked for 9 yards on 3 attempts

WR Jeremy Maclin: Caught 5 passes for 39 yards on 8 attempts on 36 pass snaps, 1.6 YAC per catch

ROLB Mychal Kendricks: Allowed 4 catches for 19 yards on 5 attempts, 3 solo tackles, 1 assist, 1 stop, 6 missed tackles, 1 penalty

DT Derek Landri: Did not record a pressure on 13 pass rush snaps, 1 batted pass, 2 solo tackles, 1 stop

LOLB Jamar Chaney: Did not allow a completion on 1 attempt, 3 solo tackles, 2 stops, 1 missed tackle

DT Fletcher Cox: Did not record a pressure on 28 pass rush snaps, 1 solo tackle, 1 stop

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San Diego Chargers: Week 6 NFL Power Rankings (#8)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 6 NFL Power Rankings, Chargers

Last week: 8

Record: 3-2

Once again, the Chargers fell flat in a non-conference game. Norv Turner is now 8-14 ATS against non-conference opponents as Head Coach of the Chargers, 4-9 ATS before a divisional contest. This week is a huge early season test for them as they host the Broncos. I think at the end of the day, Chargers/Broncos is going to be the tightest divisional race, so these Head-to-Head matchups are huge.

Studs

RB Ryan Mathews: Rushed for 80 yards (30 yards after contact) and a touchdown on 12 attempts, 4 broken tackles, caught 6 passes for 59 yards on 8 attempts

LG Tyronne Green: Allowed 1 quarterback hurry on 51 pass block snaps, rushed for 32 yards on 4 attempts

WR Malcom Floyd: Caught 5 passes for 108 yards on 8 attempts on 50 pass snaps, 6.6 YAC per catch, 1 penalty

Duds

TE Antonio Gates: Caught 3 passes for 19 yards on 6 attempts on 45 pass snaps, 3.7 YAC per catch, 1 penalty

CB Antoine Cason: Allowed 7 catches for 56 yards and a touchdown on 7 attempts, 8 solo tackles, 1 stop

SS Atari Bigby: Allowed 4 catches for 63 yards on 5 attempts, 3 solo tackles, 3 stops, 1 missed tackle, 1 quarterback hurry on 7 blitzes

MLB Donald Butler: 2 solo tackles, 2 assists, 1 missed tackle, allowed 1 catch for 18 yards on 1 attempt

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Denver Broncos: Week 6 NFL Power Rankings (#9)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 6 NFL Power Rankings, Broncos

Last week: 9 (+0)

Record: 2-3

From 2006-2010, Peyton Manning was 12-1 ATS as an underdog. This year he is 0-3. Does that mean he’s done or not the same player? Not necessarily. His QB rating is actually 6 points higher than his career average and his completion percentage (66.0%), his YPA (7.7), and his TD/INT ratio (11/3) are all better or equal to his career averages. He’s had a brutal schedule (Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Houston, Oakland, New England) and has still yet to lose by more than 10. He’s got another chance as an underdog this week in San Diego in a pivotal divisional matchup. The Broncos do still rank 4th in the league in yards per play differential

Studs

QB Peyton Manning: 31 of 44 for 345 yards and 3 touchdowns, 2 drops, 2 throw aways, 1 batted pass, 105.1 adjusted QB rating, pressured on 10 of 47 drop backs (2 sacks, 4 of 8, 2 throw aways)

RG Manuel Ramirez: Did not allow a pressure on 48 pass block snaps, run blocked for 8 yards on 2 attempts

C Dan Koppen: Did not allow a pressure on 48 pass block snaps, run blocked for 43 yards on 9 attempts

WR Demaryius Thomas: Caught 9 passes for 188 yards on 10 attempts on 43 pass snaps, 5.7 YAC per catch, 1 drop

ROLB Von Miller: 2 sacks and 3 quarterback hurries on 22 pass rush snaps, 6 solo tackles, 7 stops, 1 missed tackle

Duds

WR Eric Decker: Caught 4 passes for 21 yards and a touchdown on 8 attempts on 47 pass snaps, 0.3 YAC per catch

MLB Joe Mays: Allowed 5 catches for 55 yards on 6 attempts, 9 solo tackles, 1 assist, 3 stops, 2 missed tackles, 1 penalty

LE Elvis Dumervil: Did not record a pressure on 32 pass rush snaps, 1 penalty, 4 solo tackles, 2 assists, 2 stops

RE Derek Wolfe: 1 sack on 34 pass rush snaps, 2 solo tackles, 1 stop

DT Mitch Unrein: 1 quarterback hit on 17 pass rush snaps, 1 solo tackle, 1 stop

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Pittsburgh Steelers: Week 6 NFL Power Rankings (#10)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 6 NFL Power Rankings, Steelers

Last week: 11 (+1)

Record: 2-2

The AFC is weak, so the Steelers should be safe and sneak in as a wild card, but the loss of Troy Polamalu hurts. They are obviously hoping it’s just a short term thing. Excluding last week, during which Polamalu left in the middle, the Steelers are now 7-8 since 2009 without him, allowing 21.6 points per game and 27-8, allowing 14.4 points per game, with him. That’s not all him, but a lot of that is him. He’s their only irreplaceable defensive player and his mere presence can disrupt passing plays and running plays. Last week, the Steelers had held the Eagles scoreless on 3 drives before Polamalu went out and ended up giving up 14 points on their next 5 drives. Without him and LaMarr Woodley, the Steelers are at a huge disadvantage this week as they travel on short rest to Tennessee. They are just 3-12 ATS under Mike Tomlin as 3+ road favorites outside of the division.

Studs

RB Rashard Mendenhall: Rushed for 81 yards (50 after contact) and a touchdown on 14 carries, 4 broken tackles, 1 fumble, caught 2 passes for 20 yards on 2 attempts

C Maurkice Pouncey: Did not allow a pressure on 40 pass block snaps, run blocked for 34 yards on 8 attempts

RG Ramon Foster: Did not allow a pressure on 40 pass block snaps, run blocked for 6 yards on 2 attempts

MLB Lawrence Timmons: Allowed 5 catches for 32 yards on 6 attempts, 8 solo tackles, 1 assist, 4 stops, 2 missed tackles, 2 quarterback hits and 4 quarterback hurries on 17 blitzes

LOLB Jason Worilds: 1 sack, 1 quarterback hit, and 2 quarterback hurries on 19 pass rush snaps, 2 solo tackles, 3 stops

P Drew Butler: 4 punts for 185 yards, 1 inside 20, 1 return for 13 yards, 43.0 net yards per punt

ROLB James Harrison: 3 quarterback hits and 1 quarterback hurry on 22 pass rush snaps, 2 solo tackles, 1 assist, 2 stops

Duds

LG Willie Colon: Allowed 2 quarterback hurries on 40 pass block snaps, 4 penalties, run blocked for 33 yards on 5 attempts

WR Mike Wallace: Caught 2 passes for 17 yards on 8 attempts on 40 pass snaps, 1.0 YAC per catch, 1 drop

MLB Larry Foote: Allowed 3 catches for 22 yards and a touchdown on 3 attempts, 5 solo tackles, 2 missed tackles

CB Ike Taylor: Allowed 5 catches for 71 yards on 9 attempts, 1 penalty, 3 solo tackles, 1 stop, 1 missed tackle

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