Week 6 NFC power rankings

October 7, 3:35 PMNFL ExaminerJeff Bergren

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Each week I will update my power rankings in the NFC.  Click on over to Andrew Kossak for the AFC.

1. New York Giants – No Plaxico, no problem.  The Giants beat up on the Seahawks last week in every facet of the game.  Eli Manning spread the wealth to all his receivers with Burress out of the lineup and the Champs sit alone in first place in the competitive NFC East.  Defense continues to play at a very high level.
2. Washington Redskins – The Redskins continued their rise from the ashes with another convincing victory in Philadelphia against the Eagles.  QB Jason Campbell has yet to throw an interception and the defense is proving to be one of the top units in the league.
3. Dallas Cowboys – Ugly win against the lowly Bengals but nonetheless a win.  The Cowboys were in trouble late in the game but put it a way with a late touchdown drive.  The Bengals can move the ball on offense but the Dallas defense continues to be a liability.  All of a sudden this is the third best team in the NFC East.
4. Carolina Panthers – Decisive win against the Chiefs who had beaten the Broncos the week before.  This team is coming together and is playing well in all phases of the game.  It might be time to take this team seriously in the NFC.
5. Chicago Bears – The Bears destroyed the lowly Lions but QB Kyle Orten is starting to look like a legitimate NFL signal caller.  They are in first place in the NFC North and seem to be gaining more confidence.  Defense is solid and the offense is finally producing.
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – The Tampa defense slowed the Denver offensive machine this week in Mile High but fell just short.  The offense has to find an identity or the Bucs will not be there at the end.  Huge statement game against Carolina this week.
7. Arizona Cardinals – The Cardinals bounced back in a big way with a huge win over previously undefeated Buffalo after getting trounced by the Jets.  They move up this week with a 3-2 record but a huge wait and see with Arizona.  Every time this team takes one step forward they take two steps back, but for now they hold onto the number 7 ranking.
8. Philadelphia Eagles – The Eagles got pushed around by Washington at home and who would have thought the defense in Philly would ever be a concern.  RB Brian Westbrook may be out for some time which would be a huge loss for the Eagles offense.  Is it to early to panic?  Last place in the division and almost out of room for any more slip ups.
9. Minnesota Vikings – Season saving victory for Minnesota after upsetting the Saints at home on Monday night.  Great game with a lot of big plays and all of a sudden the team looks better with veteran QB Gus Frerotte calling the plays.  Could this be the wake up call?
10. Atlanta Falcons – Say this aloud, the Falcons are 3-2.  First two wins were against weak teams but beating Green Bay on the road was very impressive despite the Packers issues right now.  Matt Ryan looks to be the real deal at quarterback and this team can run the ball.  Is six wins still the max for the Falcons?
11. New Orleans Saints – The Saints had a lot of chances on Monday night to take out Minnesota but was unable to put the nail in the coffin.  Reggie Bush is electric and Drew Brees is one of the best quarterbacks in the league but they still sit at 2-3.  They need to start putting games away instead of letting them slip away.
12. Green Bay Packers – Defensive injuries are taking a big toll on this team but every one has injuries.  Losing at home to Atlanta is unacceptable and it’s not all on Aaron Rogers.  Losses are now at three in a row so they have to turn this thing around quickly to bounce back in their division.
13. San Francisco 49ers – No one gave the 49ers a chance against New England coming off a bye week and everyone was right.  This team may fall very fast and right now 8-8 might be the best case scenario.  Defense looks horrible.
14. Seattle Seahawks – The Giants absolutely destroyed this team in every way possible so there is a lot to work on in Seattle.  Could the run be over for this team?
15. St. Louis Rams – The Rams move up one spot for not playing this week.  They are horrible but thanks to Detroit remain out of the cellar.
16. Detroit Lions – Awful, horrible, disgusting and hard to watch.  That is the Detroit Lions.  Can it get even worse?