A Fabulous Update - 10/31

Now that the season is half way over, here is my fabulous Top 10 in the NFL:


1) Indianapolis - Big test coming up this weekend in NE (which I think the Patriots will win by the way....), but as of now, they are doing everything they need to do to be in the top spot. Their defense (or lack there of) will be their undoing come playoff time, but for now, they stay at the top.

2) Da Bears - The other undeafeted team has to be in the 2nd spot. They have a murderous schedule this month with road games at the Giants, Jets and Patriots so we'll know where they stand then. The defense has been phenomenal (as expected) and the offense has finally stepped up. We'll see where it takes them....

3) Patriots - They continue to improve as the season goes along. Defense is playing great and their offense is starting to hit it's stride as Brady and the new receivers continue to get comfortable with each other. With Maroney (mid season offensive rookie of the year), Dillon and a young hungry offensive line running the ball, this team is built for the cold weather come January. If they get home field thru out the playoffs, mark them down for a 4th super bowl victory.

4) Chargers - I'm hot and cold with this team but when they're on, they're as good as anyone in football. They're tough both sides of ball and have playmakers everywhere. I like Rivers and think he's been doing a great job. My one issue with them is Schottenheimer. For all his regular season wins, he's never been to a super bowl and I expect the samething to happen again this year. Merriman being out for 4 games will hurt and cost them homefield come playoff time where they'll be eliminated in a surprising early loss........

5) Broncos - Tough game they lost at home this weekend which I think showed some weaknesses and will be exploiteded by teams down the road. They went into NE a few weeks ago and dominated but I don't think they've improved any since then. The 2 games against San Diego will decide the division and I'm not sure Jake "the snake" is up to it... Each week that goes by the media and fans keep calling for Cutler to come in and "save" the Broncos and that can't lead to a harmonious locker room...

6) Giants - I was down on them earlier in the year but after watching them the last couple weeks, I've been real impressed. Solid all around and they don't seem to hurt themselves. If you want to beat them, you better come ready to play. Should be a great game on the Nov. 12th when the Bears come to town.

7) Falcons - Well Vick is teasing us again by his play in the last couple of weeks. If he could consistently do this, he'd finally live up to all the hype. Unfortunately for the ATL fans, I just don't see him being able to continue to do this... I look at him as the jeckle and hyde of the nfl. On the other hand, I have Crumpler on my fantasty team and am looking at picking up Jenkins, so I hope Vick can keep this up!

8) Saints - Gotta hand it to Sean Payton, he's done a great job coming in and putting together a solid team. I think they are truely a year away from being a serious contender, but they are fun to watch. Best rookie on the team? Marques Colston out of Bill Cosby's alma mater, Hofstra! That's not a knock against Reggie Bush, but Colston has been playing unbelievable and deserves serious rookie of the year consideration.

9) Ravens - I have them a little lower than most, but I've definetly soured on McNair and the offense. Obviously the defense is one of the best, but does McNair really give them a better shot then Boller? At this point in Air McNair's career, I keep wondering how he can direct an offense with a fork sticking out his back..... Sounds difficult.

And #10 on my fabulous list is:

10) Cowboys - With the Jaguars close behind..... I'm not sure how Romo is going to do. Could help or hurt. We'll have to see. This is such a combustible team I just have no idea where to put them. There are a lot things I like and a lot of things I don't ..... I just don't know. Same holds true with the Jaguars. If they go full time with Garrard, I think they'd be more dangerous than with Leftwich. Also I like their running game now with Jones-Drew and Taylor.

We'll there you have it, my mid season top 10. Obviously there are a few other teams out there that could step up and contend (Seahawks / Eagles come to mind) but I think these teams are the only contenders after a half season of play.

Ciao,

Bill