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Week 9 is in the books and the wild and halfway unpredictable NFL did not disappoint. The six-pack has a new look this week as the Saints and Browns continue to impress. The BIG matchup between New England and Indy definitely lived up to its billing and I am hoping, for the love of football that these two teams will square off again in the AFC Championship game. That should be another, instant classic… Check back every week to see if your team has climbed into my top six or if there were any significant changes in the rankings. The rankings are essentially, power rankings based on offensive/defensive statistics, wins, etc, etc. More importantly, these rankings are set from our fans and my personal opinions each week. Your voice is heard here so get your two cents in and enjoy one on the Shark -- The Shark’s Six-Pack every week at Football.com. AFC
1. New England Patriots (9-0) -- The Patriots found a way to get it done in the fourth quarter to slide past an Indianapolis Colts team that could have won the game. Tom Brady led the charge in the fourth quarter as the Patriots remain undefeated, winning 24-20. Brady had another three touchdown performance, and went 21-of-32 for 255 yards. The Patriots defense stole the show from the high-octane offense this week as they stifled Peyton Manning and forced key turnovers that would seal the deal. There are just too many weapons in New England and with Brady, the touchdown-producing machine, this team has a rare opportunity to go perfect. Super Bowl 41.5 certainly lived up to all the hype and I am praying that we will all get to see a rematch in the playoffs.
2. Indianapolis Colts (7-1) -- The Colts had the Patriots on the ropes but could not deliver the knock out blow to put them down for the count. Indy intercepted Brady twice and Joseph Addai had 226 total yards but the Colts failed to capitalize in the fourth quarter when it matters the most. The Colts, winners of 12 straight dating back to last December heading into Sunday's classic battle, fall to 7-1 with the defeat and are only one game up on the surging Titans in the AFC South. Tony Dungy and Peyton Manning have to get the troops ready as they can not afford a let down with a San Diego team that is looking to get back in the win column this week.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) -- The Steelers are looking simply stunning on offense. Ben Roethlisberger had his best game as a pro throwing five touchdowns in the 38-7 route of rival, Baltimore on national television. Pittsburg got their 12th straight Monday night win in front of dozens of all-time Steeler greats at a rain soaked Heinz Field. The NFL's best defensive unit is playing simply crushing football. James Harrison led the charge Monday with nine tackles, 3.5 sacks, an interception and two forced fumbles - the James Harrison Show. With the way Pittsburg is looking on offense and especially, defense, this team may be the only squad left that has a legit shot at beating New England.
4. Tennessee Titans (6-2) -- Don't look now but here come the Titans. The defense and not Vince Young are what are keeping the Titans in ever game they play. Young has looked weak throwing the ball this year. Young has found some success on the run, but needs to find his rhythm in the pocket or this team is not going to be a legit championship contender. Thankfully, Jeff Fisher's defensive unit has stepped up in a big way. Last week the Titans recorded seven sacks against Carolina. The defense has been simply awesome this year as they held their sixth opponent to less than 14 points. Tennessee has been able to run the ball affectively behind LenDale White. White had his third straight 100-yard game and with, smash mouth football back in Tennessee coupled with a nasty defense, this team will be a very tough out once the passing game gets on track. This week, the Titans climb two spots to number four.
5. Cleveland Browns (5-3) -- Yes, the Browns are 5-3 and just one game behind Pittsburg in the AFC North. Who would have ever thought that at the mid-way point of the season that the Browns would be 5-3 and the Detroit Lions would be 6-2? The surprise of the AFC Cleveland, won their fifth game of the season in dramatic fashion as Phil Dawson kicked the overtime winner against Seattle Sunday. The Browns came back from a 21-6 deficit to complete their first three game win streak since 2001. Quarterback Derek Anderson continued his Pro Bowl campaign throwing for 364 yards and Jamal Lewis finished with four touchdowns in the comeback win. This year's Browns team is no fluke and is right in the mix of things in the AFC playoff picture. The Browns have their biggest game of the season this Sunday against rival and fist place Pittsburg. This battle will show us how legit this Browns team really is and if they deserve a weekly placement in the Shark's Six-Pack.
6. San Diego Chargers (4-4) -- The San Diego Chargers are up one week and down the next. The Chargers lost their first November football game since 2003 Sunday, falling to all-world rookie, Adrian Peterson and Minnesota. Peterson gashed the Chargers for an NFL record 296 yards rushing. Where is the vaunted Chargers defense? Where is the scary Shawn Merriman this year? These are two big questions for the Chargers as they get ready to face a pissed off Peyton Manning and Colts team. Philip Rivers has looked almost as bad as Young this year and went just 19-of-42 in the 35-17 loss. When Rivers and San Diego are looking good, this team is one of the top five in the league. When they look bad, this team is down right ugly. Which San Diego team will show up this week? I am starting to hear the Norv Turner critics again.
Honorable Mention
Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills NFC 1. Dallas Cowboys (7-1) -- The Dallas Cowboys simply dismantled and embarrassed the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday night. The league's second ranked offense was just too much. Tony Romo had another great game going 20-of-25 for 324 yards in the win. Terry Glenn has been making significant strides and is listed as questionable for his return this week. Tank Johnson will also be looking to make his Cowboy debut this week, adding great depth to a defense that continues to improve each week. This week Dallas has a show down with archrival and red hot New York Giants in what is this week 10's prime time matchup.
2. Green Bay Packers (7-1) -- The Brett Farve show continues. The Mississippi gunslinger and first ballot Hall of Famer led the Packers past the Kansas City Chiefs in dramatic, Farve style. Farve had been 0-3 against Kansas City but after connecting with Greg Jennings for a 60-yard touchdown with three minutes to go in the fourth, Farve joined Brady and Manning as the only quarterbacks to defeat all 31 teams. This week, Farve & Co. host supped-up rookie Adrian Peterson and the Vikings. Look for another classic Farve contest and more big numbers from this old gunslinger.
3. New York Giants (6-2) -- The New York Giants are the hottest team in the NFL. The Giants used their bye week to rest Plaxico Burress and to preparing for the much-anticipated showdown against Dallas. This week, everyone is talking about Eli Manning and Tony Romo in what could be a preview of the NFC Championship game. New York has won six straight behind solid play from Manning and sick, ball hawking defense. Let's see if this defense has improved enough since week two and can handle Terrell Owens, Marion Barber and Romo.
4. Detroit Lions (6-2) -- Don't look now but here come the Detroit Lions. The Lions cruised past the Denver Broncos 44-7 Sunday and are now 6-2 and just one game behind Green Bay in the NFC North. Detroit has not been 6-2 since 1999 and has not played a meaningful Thanksgiving Day game in years. The early Thanksgiving Day game against the Packers is shaping up to be an instant classic with the winner controlling their own destiny in the NFC North. The Lions have found their running game behind a healthy Kevin Jones and last week Jon Kitna had the passing game looking sweet against one of the best pass defense units in the league. If the defense can continue to improve week in and week out, this team will hit 10 wins and be a force in the NFC.
5. New Orleans Saints (4-4) -- The New Orleans Saints have finally started to play like the Saints from last season after marching to their fourth straight victory. Drew Brees, Marques Colston and the Saints offense are finally clicking. Reggie Bush is comfortable and is looking more and more like a RUNNING BACK. Brees has been the man and had his best game of the season Sunday, going 35-of-49 for 445 yards and three touchdowns. The Saints are just a half game back of Tampa Bay and with the 0-8 Rams this week, look for the Saints to keep marching right along.
6. Washington Redskins (5-3) -- The Redskins shook off the beating they received two weeks ago against New England behind 196 yards and 36 carries from Clinton Portis to slide past the New York Jets Sunday. Shaun Suisham tied a franchise record with five field goals as the Skins rallied late and won it in overtime. The Redskins have now matched their win total from last year and with the offense continuing to improve behind Portis and the run game look for the Redskins to continue to win. This week, the Redskins and Eagles will battle in what is one of my favorite league rivalries. Look for the Redskins to rely heavily on the run game and for Santana Moss to break out. The Eagles will be no push over, especially after their embarrassing performance on Monday night. Look for this to be one of the best games of week 10.
Honorable Mention
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks
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