Gridiron Experts Power Rankings

1. Indianapolis Colts (14-0) – Tried, tested and true. The Colts are not getting the same respect that the Patriots got the year they went 16-0. While New England’s perfect (regular) season racked up points at will, even embarrassing teams long after the game was out of reach, the Colts play tight, hard fought football in a competitive division that is arguably one of the leagues toughest. Indianapolis is quietly putting together a perfect season that has hopes for a Super Bowl victory ending, not showboating records in the history books. No gimmicks, no flashy records, just wins.

2. San Diego Chargers (11-3)-  The Chargers are on a 9 game winning streak and look to roll into the playoffs with maybe even more momentum than Indianapolis has. The Chargers have overcome a shaky start to the season and have the confidence to out-shoot anyone. While Peyton Manning gets all the glory the Chargers offense has just as many weapons that can run up the score, which could lead to a great AFC showdown.

3. New Orleans Saints (13-1)- Gridiron Experts doesn’t do weekly power rankings, mainly due to teams like the Colts and Saints never making  any change at the top, but this week we’re knocking the Saints down a peg. Offensive powerhouse…yes, but also very lucky. The Saints should have lost to the Redskins, and played a sub-par game against the Falcons without Michael Turner or Matt Ryan. This team can rip anyone apart with it’s explosive offense, but the defense is only average at best, ranking in the middle of the pack in many categories including 25th against the pass.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (10-4)- A 5 game winning streak that includes two come from behind victories, even without a guy who used to be their entire offense: Brian Westbrook. DeSean Jackson is McNabb’s new favorite target, and the defense is only playing at a sub-par level. The best is yet to come for a team that flourishes this time of year.

5. Minnesota Vikings (11-3)- Gridiron Experts had mentioned in our last power rankings that we saw a rough winter ride for a team that is overusing their veteran quarterback, and who are not proven as a road team in the cold. Of course we did pick the Vikings last week against the Panthers, but games against the Bears and Giants all of a sudden don’t look like a cakewalk. On the positive side, it’s better to get this out of the way now before the playoffs get started.

6. Cincinnati Bengals (9-5)- The Bengals are 2-3 in their last 5 games and in a bit of a funk. Losing wide receiver Chris Henry was not only a huge emotional loss to the team, but a vital part of the passing game. Cedric Benson hasn’t had the best second half to his season and needs to find the running lanes he once had that swept the division. Better offensive line play could really help.

7. Dallas Cowboys (9-5)- From rags to riches for confidence; what a difference just a week can make. Beating the Saints should give the Cowboys that extra push in the standings, but the Eagles will not rest players in week 17. Historically December hasn’t been great for Dallas but beating the Saints on the road is a great start.

8. Arizona Cardinals (9-5)- Not the same team from a year ago, but the Cardinals shouldn’t be taken lightly. In the next couple weeks players could get rested for another strong playoff push. Arizona should take on the surprise underdog role at least once in the playoffs.

9. Green Bay Packers (9-5)- While the Packers might be a year away from really dominating the NFC, a Wildcard is good enough for the loyal fan base in Green Bay. Nothing is in stone yet with the Giants peeking over their shoulder, but we think the Packers finish strong into the post-season.

10. New England Patriots (9-5)- Division leaders: check. Elite Quarterback: check. Deep threat WR: check. Strong defense: fail. The Patriots are getting by with what used to be the staple of their team….a championship defense. Defensive minded with a smart game plan that finished in the 4th quarter was how the Pat’s won all those Super Bowls, now it’s the Brady to Moss or Welker show with an average defense (at best). Regardless of what this years’ team looks like, Tom Brady is a gamer and a lethal weapon in post season.

11. New York Giants (8-6)

12. Baltimore Ravens (8-6)

13. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-7)

14. Denver Broncos (8-6)

15. Miami Dolphins (7-7)

16. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7)

17. Tennessee Titans (7-7)

18. Houston Texans (7-7)

19. New York Jets (7-7)

20 Atlanta Falcons (7-7)

21. Carolina Panthers (6-8)

22. San Francisco 49ers (6-8)

23. Oakland Raiders (5-9)

24. Chicago Bears (5-9)

25. Washington Redskins (4-10)

And the rest….Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks, Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, St. Louis Rams.