2013 Week 6 NFL Power Rankings

Cincinnati Bengals: 2013 Week 6 NFL Power Rankings (#11)

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Last week: 12 (+1)

In 2011 and 2012, the Bengals were 18-4 against non-playoff teams and 1-11 against playoff teams. This year, they’ve beaten the Packers and Patriots, who are probably playoff teams, but lost to the Browns. It’s very possible that they are just a better team this year, but they lost to the Browns because it was a “sandwich” game between the Packers game and Patriots game. We’ll see how they play this week in Buffalo, in what could also be a “trap game.”

Week 5 Studs

RT Andre Smith

Week 5 Duds

TE Jermaine Gresham

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Baltimore Ravens: 2013 Week 6 NFL Power Rankings (#12)

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Last week: 13 (+1)

Record: 3-2

The Ravens may just be 3-2 right now, but they’ve faced a very tough schedule thus far, with their game against the Packers being their 4th game in 6 where they’ve been the underdog. If they can hold their ground at home (where they are 25-3 since 2010), they’d be 4-2 and 7 of their final 10 games they’ll probably be favorites in. This team is in very good position to make it back to the playoffs.

Week 5 Studs

RT Michael Oher

MLB Josh Bynes

Week 5 Duds

FB Vonta Leach

LT Bryant McKinnie

LG AQ Shipley

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Chicago Bears: 2013 Week 6 NFL Power Rankings (#13)

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Last week: 11 (-2)

Record: 3-2

The Bears’ defense is a huge concern for the first time in a long time. They are allowing opponents to move the chains on 76% of chances. Over 30 veterans like Charles Tillman, Julius Peppers, and Lance Briggs have disappointed and I think they generally miss Lovie Smith and Rod Marinelli. The downgrade from those two to Mel Tucker as their primary defensive mind is immense. Henry Melton’s injury hasn’t helped and even his replacement, Nate Collins, has also torn his ACL.

Week 5 Studs

WR Alshon Jeffery

Week 5 Duds

LT Jermon Bushrod

ROLB James Anderson

SS Major Wright

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Houston Texans: 2013 Week 6 NFL Power Rankings (#14)

stevenlourie 2013 NFL Power Rankings, 2013 Week 6 NFL Power Rankings, Texans, Uncategorized

Last week: 15 (+1)

Record: 2-3

Texans fans calling for Matt Schaub’s job are ridiculous. Who are you legitimately going to get, either this year or next year, that’s better than them? The same thing can be said about Philip Rivers, Jay Cutler, and Tony Romo. Joe Flacco and Eli Manning would be in the same boat if they didn’t randomly have an uncharacteristically great stretch of football in the playoffs and win the Super Bowl. Rivers, Cutler, Romo, and Schaub could all do the same.

Week 5 Studs

LT Duane Brown

LE JJ Watt

Week 5 Duds

QB Matt Schaub

RT Derek Newton

DT Earl Mitchell

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Tennessee Titans: 2013 Week 6 NFL Power Rankings (#15)

stevenlourie 2013 NFL Power Rankings, 2013 Week 6 NFL Power Rankings, Titans, Uncategorized

Last week: 16 (+1)

Record: 3-2

The Titans’ game against the Chiefs this week was a matchup between the two teams who had benefitted the most from the turnover battle, as both were an AFC best +9 coming into the game. The Titans lost the game because they lost the turnover battle, but they could have easily won if they didn’t. First downs (20 to 19 Kansas City), yards (353 to 339 Kansas City), and punts (both at 6) were basically even and two of the Titans’ turnovers (a punt block and an interception off a receiver’s hands) were very fluky. This is still a solid team without Jake Locker because of their supporting cast, but Ryan Fitzpatrick under center for 6 or so weeks will hurt their ability to make the playoffs.

Week 5 Studs

LT Michael Roos

LG Andy Levitre

LE Derrick Morgan

SS Bernard Pollard

Week 5 Duds

C Robert Turner

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Miami Dolphins: 2013 Week 6 NFL Power Rankings (#16)

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Last week: 17 (+1)

Record: 3-2

Ryan Tannehill is on pace to be sacked 77 times this season, which would break the record of the 2002 expansion Houston Texans, who allowed David Carr to be sacked 76 times. He probably won’t reach that number, but their offensive line is still a massive concern. Part of it is Ryan Tannehill’s fault, as he’s taking a sack on 33.8% of pressured snaps, worst in the NFL. However, he’s only taking 2.28 seconds to attempt a pass, 2nd quickest in the NFL. Most of the problem is on the tackles, as Jonathan Martin and Tyson Clabo have each allowed 6 sacks. Those 12 sacks are half of the 24 sacks Tannehill has taken. Martin has been every bit as bad in pass protection as many expected him to be before the season, while Tyson Clabo has struggled mightily in Miami’s zone blocking scheme. Age might have caught up to him as well, in his age 32 season. Whatever the reason, it’s a huge problem, not just for their ability to move the ball downfield, but for Tannehill’s long-term development and his short-term health.

Week 5 Studs

QB Ryan Tannehill

LOLB Philip Wheeler

DT Jared Odrick

DT Paul Soliai

DT Randy Starks

Week 5 Duds

RG John Jerry

C Mike Pouncey

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Carolina Panthers: 2013 Week 6 NFL Power Rankings (#17)

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Last week: 9 (-8)

Record: 1-3

The Panthers had 8 of my top-200 players before the season and I stand by that, but their lack of depth has made my 12-4 prediction look foolish for this team. Outside of those 8 (Cam Newton, Steve Smith, Greg Olsen, Ryan Kalil, Jordan Gross, Greg Hardy, Charles Johnson, Luke Kuechly) no one on their roster is reliable and they are terribly coached. They’re still better than their record. Their defense is very strong and they are still outscoring opponents on the season. They are moving the chains on 77% of opportunities, while allowing opponents to do so on 72% of opportunities, the 7th best differential in the NFL.

Week 5 Studs

RE Greg Hardy

ROLB Thomas Davis

DT Kawaan Short

MLB Luke Kuechly

Week 5 Duds

None

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New York Jets: 2013 Week 6 NFL Power Rankings (#18)

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Last week: 26 (+8)

Record: 3-2

I know it doesn’t fit the narrative, but the Jets aren’t bad. I don’t think they are a playoff team, but this start isn’t a fluke. They can be a .500 team this year. They certainly have the defense, allowing opponents to move the chains on 68% of opportunities, one of the best rates in the NFL. They aren’t moving the ball well offensively (67%) because of the inconsistencies of rookie Geno Smith, but there’s no question he’s been brilliant at times this year, though he has throwing more interceptions than touchdowns.

Week 5 Studs

LE Muhammad Wilkerson

DT Damon Harrison

ROLB Garrett McIntyre

Week 5 Duds

ROLB Quinton Coples

MLB David Harris

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Atlanta Falcons: 2013 Week 6 NFL Power Rankings (#19)

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Last week: 18 (-1)

Record: 1-4

I had the Falcons at 8 wins before the season, but the sheer amount of injuries they’ve suffered have made even that really optimistic. Kroy Biermann and Julio Jones are out for the season. Sean Weatherspoon is out for most of the season. Steven Jackson is still out, while Roddy White’s injuries have gotten worse as a hamstring injury has been added to his ankle injury, which has him out indefinitely. It probably won’t happen, but they should trade Tony Gonzalez, save some money and get a pick for a guy who is retiring after the season anyway. Plus, they would get themselves some good karma and send him somewhere where he can actually win a Super Bowl like New England or Kansas City.

Week 5 Studs

LG Justin Blalock

TE Tony Gonzalez

Week 5 Duds

LOLB Joplo Bartu

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Arizona Cardinals: 2013 Week 6 NFL Power Rankings (#20)

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Last week: 20 (+0)

Record: 3-2

The Cardinals are 3-2 right now. That isn’t a huge shock. They had an over/under for their win total of 5.5 and teams with totals under 6 hit the over about 2/3rds of the time (Oakland and Jacksonville also had totals under 6 this year). A lot of times, bad teams are better than people think and I think the Cardinals have proved that. That being said, I haven’t been that impressed with them and I don’t think they are a legitimate playoff contender.

Week 5 Studs

RE Calais Campbell

MLB Daryl Washington

Week 5 Duds

TE Rob Housler

ROLB John Abraham

MLB Karlos Dansby

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