Week Seven Power Rankings

I'm hella swamped with work this weekend, so let's get right to it.

As you can see there to the right, I once again won in fantasy football—only really noted because I actually suggested playing Eli Manning to my sister and had she kept Matt Ryan in, she would have won. But as it turned out, a huge game from the Eagles defense put me over the top and I had a nice little ending to the weekend for whatever fantasy football's worth—which must be something, since I also signed up for a fantasy basketball league and two hockey leagues this week (Thank you, "Bert"). I tell myself that it will give me a reason to write about the sports more during the year since all essentially nothing gets written here about either until the playoffs start.

Anyway, my picks last weekend were another story. The Miami Dolphins flirted briefly with another upset that would have led to surefire victory for me on all fronts (or so I thought ...), but instead it appears I went to the well once too many for upsets from the Fins and I finished at 8-5 for a weak 68 points. That was good for eighth place (out of 15) and keeps me in second for the year (out of 16) with 616 points, 13 behind the leader.

The big winner last week was Adam Schefter from the ESPN experts with an 11-2 score, although I should note that Brian Burke's probabilities which I mentioned before my picks last week and don't include because they only began running in Week Four were 12-1 last weekend.

Michael Silver and Charles Robinson from Yahoo, as well as Seth Wickersham went 10-3. The bro-in-law, Eric Allen, Mike Golic, and Merrill Hoge all went 9-4. Ron Jaworski was the only person to go 8-4 because he's a pud. And once again, my 8-5 mark shares last place with the scores from Chris Mortensen and CBS Sports' Pete Prisco, although Mark Schlereth and Jason Cole also joined us in the cellar last weekend.

Now, on the year (numbers in parentheses indicating where the dude stood in the rankings last week):

1. (3) Adam Schefter, ESPN: 74-29 (.718)
2. (3) Charles Robinson, Yahoo: 73-30 (.709)
3. (1) Chris Mortensen, ESPN: 72-31 (.699)
4. (2) Ron Jaworski, ESPN: 67-29 (.698)
5. (3) YOURS TRULY: 71-32 (.689)
5. (6) Merril Hoge, ESPN: 71-32 (.689)
7. (6) Mark Schlereth, ESPN: 70-33 (.680)
8. (8) Seth Wickersham, ESPN: 69-34 (.670)
8. (8) Michael Silver, Yahoo: 69-34 (.670)
10. (8) LEV, crazy colored glasses: 68-35 (.660)
11. (11) Mike Golic, ESPN: 67-35 (.657)
12. (12) Jason Cole, Yahoo: 66-37 (.641)
13. (13) Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: 64-39 (.621)
13. (14) Eric Allen, ESPN: 64-39 (.621)

Now on to the numbers:

1. (1) ST. LOUIS RAMS

• Last week: Lost to Indianapolis, 42-6 (+13)
  
• Actual Record: 0-7
• My predicted record: 0-7
• My record at predicting their record: 7-0
  
• Points scored for me with wins: 0
• Points scored for me with losses: +83
• Points taken from me with wins: 0
• Points taken from me with losses: 0
• Plus/Minus: +83
  
• Link of the Week:

Rams-Lions could be one for the history books.

2. (2) TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

• Last week: Lost to New England, 35-7 (+12)
  
• Actual Record: 0-7
• My predicted record: 0-7
• My record at predicting their record: 7-0
  
• Points scored for me with wins: 0
• Points scored for me with losses: +77
• Points taken from me with wins: 0
• Points taken from me with losses: 0
• Plus/Minus: +77
  
• Link of the Week:

Oops: A morning host in Tampa got suspended for reporting the Bucs might be for sale. Is anybody there upset that last week's Wembley visit counted as a home game?

3. (3) DETROIT LIONS

• Last week: BYE
• Actual Record: 1-5
• My predicted record: 0-6
• My record at predicting their record: 5-1
  
• Points scored for me with wins: 0
• Points scored for me with losses: +64
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -8
• Points taken from me with losses: 0
• Plus/Minus: +56
  
• Link of the Week:

Not surprisingly, I guess, the Lions-Rams game wasn't popular enough a draw to avoid the local blackout. "I think there will only be a maximum of two more blackouts this season."

4. (8) INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

• Last week: Beat St. Louis, 42-6 (+13)
  
• Actual Record: 6-0
• My predicted record: 6-0
• My record at predicting their record: 6-0
  
• Points scored for me with wins: +53
• Points scored for me with losses: 0
• Points taken from me with wins: 0
• Points taken from me with losses: 0
• Plus/Minus: +53
  
• Links of the Week:

Tom Brady thinks rather highly of Dwight Freeney.

5. (7) CLEVELAND BROWNS

• Last week: Lost to Green Bay, 31-3 (+11)
  
• Actual Record: 1-6
• My predicted record: 0-7
• My record at predicting their record: 6-1
• Points scored for me with wins: 0
• Points scored for me with losses: +59
• Points taken from me with wins: -7
  
• Points taken from me with losses: 0
• Plus/Minus: +52
• Link of the Week:

You know things are rough in Cleveland when fans aren't just planning protests, but coaches are actually speaking out against the planned protest.

6. (6) KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

• Last week: Lost to San Diego, 37-7 (-2)
  
• Actual Record: 1-6
• My predicted record: 1-6
• My record at predicting their record: 5-2
  
• Points scored for me with wins: 0
• Points scored for me with losses: +53
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -5
• Points taken from me with losses: -2
  
• Plus/Minus: +46
  
• Link of the Week:

Oh, it all makes sense now: Todd Haley, the only NFL coach that never actually played football.

7. (4) NEW YORK GIANTS

• Last week: Lost to Arizona, 24-17 (-10)
  
• Actual Record: 5-2
• My predicted record: 7-0
• My record at predicting their record: 5-2
  
• Points scored for me with wins: +55
• Points scored for me with losses: 0
• Points taken from me with wins: 0
  
• Points taken from me with losses: -11
• Plus/Minus: +44
  
• Link of the Week:

Meet Kevin Boss.

7. (9) DALLAS COWBOYS

• Last week: Beat Atlanta, 37-21 (+5)
  
• Actual Record: 4-2
• My predicted record: 4-2
• My record at predicting their record: 6-0
• Points scored for me with wins: +40
• Points scored for me with losses: +4
• Points taken from me with wins: 0
  
• Points taken from me with losses: 0
• Plus/Minus: +44
• Link of the Week:

Looks like I know now exactly when I'll be stepping outside for a while on Thanksgiving.

9. (5) CAROLINA PANTHERS

• Last week: Lost to Buffalo, 20-9 (-7)
  
• Actual Record: 2-4
• My predicted record: 3-3
• My record at predicting their record: 5-1
  
• Points scored for me with wins: +18
  
• Points scored for me with losses: +31
• Points taken from me with wins: 0
• Points taken from me with losses: -7
  
• Plus/Minus: +42
• Link of the Week:

Seriously John Fox, WTF?

10. (10) MINNESOTA VIKINGS

• Last week: Beat Baltimore, 33-31 (+4)
  
• Actual Record: 6-1
• My predicted record: 5-2
• My record at predicting their record: 6-1
  
• Points scored for me with wins: +41
• Points scored for me with losses: +4
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -4
• Points taken from me with losses: 0
• Plus/Minus: +41
  
• Link of the Week:

Oh my ...




11. (13) WASHINGTON REDSKINS

• Last week: Lost to Philadelphia, 27-17 (+9)
  
• Actual Record: 3-4
• My predicted record: 5-2
• My record at predicting their record: 5-2
  
• Points scored for me with wins: +34
• Points scored for me with losses: +19
  
• Points taken from me with wins: 0
  
• Points taken from me with losses: -13
• Plus/Minus: +40
  
• Link of the Week:

Nothing can stop the Redskins now that they've ... banned signs?

12. (10) NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

• Last week: Beat Miami, 46-34 (-1)
  
• Actual Record: 6-0
• My predicted record: 4-2
• My record at predicting their record: 4-2
  
• Points scored for me with wins: +38
• Points scored for me with losses: 0
• Points taken from me with wins: -2
• Points taken from me with losses: 0
• Plus/Minus: +36
  
• Link of the Week:

Second straight week of making a comparison to the 2007 Patriots.

13. (16) OAKLAND RAIDERS

• Last week: Lost to New York Jets, 38-0 (+8)
  
• Actual Record: 2-5
• My predicted record: 1-6
• My record at predicting their record: 6-1
  
• Points scored for me with wins: +4
• Points scored for me with losses: +45
• Points taken from me with wins: -14
  
• Points taken from me with losses: 0
  
• Plus/Minus: +35
  
• Link of the Week:

Stage 5 for the Raiders.

14. (12) SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

• Last week: Beat Kansas City, 37-7 (-2)
  
• Actual Record: 3-3
• My predicted record: 2-4
• My record at predicting their record: 5-1
  
• Points scored for me with wins: +21
  
• Points scored for me with losses: +13
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -2
  
• Points taken from me with losses: 0
• Plus/Minus: +32
  
• Link of the Week:

The Raiders haven't won in San Diego since their Super Bowl season of 2002.

14. (15) PITTSBURGH STEELERS

• Last week: Beat Minnesota, 27-17 (+4)
  
• Actual Record: 5-2
  
• My predicted record: 7-0
• My record at predicting their record: 5-2
• Points scored for me with wins: +44
  
• Points scored for me with losses: 0
• Points taken from me with wins: 0
• Points taken from me with losses: -12
  
• Plus/Minus: +32
• Link of the Week:

Those Steelers spend wisely.

16. (14) SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

• Last week: BYE
  
• Actual Record: 2-4
• My predicted record: 4-2
• My record at predicting their record: 4-2
• Points scored for me with wins: +15
• Points scored for me with losses: +22
• Points taken from me with wins: 0
• Points taken from me with losses: -7
  
• Plus/Minus: +30
• Link of the Week:

Seattle's injured reserve list has added a third name.

17. (19) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

• Last week: Beat Washington, 27-17 (+9)
  
• Actual Record: 4-2
• My predicted record: 5-1
• My record at predicting their record: 5-1
• Points scored for me with wins: +37
  
• Points scored for me with losses: +5
• Points taken from me with wins: 0
  
• Points taken from me with losses: -14
  
• Plus/Minus: +28
  
• Link of the Week:

Brian Westbrook is pretty iffy this week.

18. (21) NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

• Last week: Beat Tampa Bay, 35-7 (+12)
  
• Actual Record: 5-2
• My predicted record: 6-1
• My record at predicting their record: 4-3
• Points scored for me with wins: +45
  
• Points scored for me with losses: 0
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -3
• Points taken from me with losses: -15
• Plus/Minus: +27
• Link of the Week:

Is parity dead or what?

19. (18) ATLANTA FALCONS

• Last week: Lost to Dallas, 37-21 (+5)
  
• Actual Record: 4-2
• My predicted record: 3-3
• My record at predicting their record: 5-1
  
• Points scored for me with wins: +16
• Points scored for me with losses: +12
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -3
• Points taken from me with losses: 0
• Plus/Minus: +25
  
• Links of the Week:

After the fast start, changes may be imminent.

20. (23) GREEN BAY PACKERS

• Last week: Beat Cleveland, 31-3 (+11)
  
• Actual Record: 4-2
• My predicted record: 4-2
• My record at predicting their record: 4-2
• Points scored for me with wins: +34
• Points scored for me with losses: +5
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -1
• Points taken from me with losses: -14
  
• Plus/Minus: +24
  
• Link of the Week:

Somebody was bound to suggest it.

21. (20) MIAMI DOLPHINS

• Last week: Lost to New Orleans, 46-34 (-1)
  
• Actual Record: 2-4
• My predicted record: 3-3
• My record at predicting their record: 5-1
• Points scored for me with wins: +2
• Points scored for me with losses: +16
  
• Points taken from me with wins: 0
• Points taken from me with losses: -1
  
• Plus/Minus: +17
  
• Link of the Week:

Are those tight ends busy blocking or just not that good?

22. (24) SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

• Last week: Lost to Houston, 24-21 (+6)
  
• Actual Record: 3-3
• My predicted record: 1-5
• My record at predicting their record: 4-2
• Points scored for me with wins: +11
  
• Points scored for me with losses: +13
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -8
  
• Points taken from me with losses: 0
• Plus/Minus: +16
  
• Link of the Week:

You always hope its the good week to be injured.

23. (17) BUFFALO BILLS

• Last week: Beat Carolina, 20-9 (-7)
  
• Actual Record: 3-4
• My predicted record: 2-5
• My record at predicting their record: 4-3
  
• Points scored for me with wins: +10
• Points scored for me with losses: +30
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -18
• Points taken from me with losses: -7
• Plus/Minus: +15
  
• Link of the Week:

Chris Kelsay is quietly on his way to a career season.

23. (21) BALTIMORE RAVENS

• Last week: BYE
  
• Actual Record: 3-3
  
• My predicted record: 6-0
• My record at predicting their record: 3-3
  
• Points scored for me with wins: +30
  
• Points scored for me with losses: 0
• Points taken from me with wins: 0
• Points taken from me with losses: -15
• Plus/Minus: +15
• Link of the Week:

With Denver coming into town, who thought it would be the Ravens defense that's the bigger question mark?

25. (25) CHICAGO BEARS

• Last week: Lost to Cincinnati, 45-10 (-3)
  
• Actual Record: 3-3
• My predicted record: 5-1
• My record at predicting their record: 2-4
• Points scored for me with wins: +21
  
• Points scored for me with losses: 0
• Points taken from me with wins: -9
• Points taken from me with losses: -7
  
• Plus/Minus: +5
  
• Link of the Week:

"Worst loss I've covered"

25. (26) DENVER BRONCOS

• Last week: BYE
  
• Actual Record: 6-0
• My predicted record: 4-2
• My record at predicting their record: 4-2
• Points scored for me with wins: +15
• Points scored for me with losses: 0
• Points taken from me with wins: -10
• Points taken from me with losses: 0
• Plus/Minus: +5
  
• Link of the Week:

Who needs Ray Lewis when you've got Brian Dawkins?

27. (27) TENNESSEE TITANS

• Last week: BYE
  
• Actual Record: 0-6
• My predicted record: 3-3
• My record at predicting their record: 3-3
• Points scored for me with wins: 0
• Points scored for me with losses: +24
  
• Points taken from me with wins: 0
  
• Points taken from me with losses: -21
• Plus/Minus: +3
• Link of the Week:

Tennessee has lost eight straight ever since their little towel display.

28. (28) JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

• Last week: BYE
  
• Actual Record: 3-3
• My predicted record: 2-4
• My record at predicting their record: 3-3
• Points scored for me with wins: +8
  
• Points scored for me with losses: +14
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -17
• Points taken from me with losses: -6
• Plus/Minus: -1
  
• Link of the Week:

I guess I forgot about the drama surrounding the last time Vince Young played against the Jags.

29. (30) NEW YORK JETS

• Last week: Beat Oakland, 38-0 (+8)
  
• Actual Record: 4-3
• My predicted record: 2-5
• My record at predicting their record: 3-4
• Points scored for me with wins: +8
  
• Points scored for me with losses: +7
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -17
• Points taken from me with losses: -11
  
• Plus/Minus: -13
  
• Link of the Week:
  

All this over a hot dog?

30. (31) HOUSTON TEXANS

• Last week: Beat San Francisco, 24-21 (+6)
  
• Actual Record: 4-3
• My predicted record: 4-3
• My record at predicting their record: 3-4
• Points scored for me with wins: +10
• Points scored for me with losses: +5
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -20
  
• Points taken from me with losses: -15
  
• Plus/Minus: -20
  
• Link of the Week:

Before you start talking playoffs in Houston, don't you think you ought to get that running game straightened out first?

31. (29) ARIZONA CARDINALS

• Last week: Beat New York Giants, 24-17 (-10)
  
• Actual Record: 4-2
• My predicted record: 2-4
• My record at predicting their record: 2-4
• Points scored for me with wins: +5
• Points scored for me with losses: +2
  
• Points taken from me with wins: -22
  
• Points taken from me with losses: -7
• Plus/Minus: -22
  
• Link of the Week:

Wow, Arizona just had it's 38th straight sellout. Unfortunately, the lack of a blackout means that fans in Phoenix will be just about the only people in the country not watching Brett's return to Green Bay.

32. (32) CINCINNATI BENGALS

• Last week: Beat Chicago, 45-10 (-3)
  
• Actual Record: 5-2
• My predicted record: 3-4
• My record at predicting their record: 1-6
• Points scored for me with wins: +10
  
• Points scored for me with losses: 0
• Points taken from me with wins: -28
• Points taken from me with losses: -13
• Plus/Minus: -31
  
• Link of the Week:

Since Cincy's still the cellar-dweller this week, let's instead focus on Dan Wetzel's interesting piece talking about how that lack of parity has been killing Vegas sports books.

Those damned seven-pointers continue to be my achilles heel—although the one-pointers are just as bad:

16-point games: 3-0
15-point games: 3-0
14-point games: 4-2
13-point games: 6-1
12-point games: 7-0
11-point games: 5-2
10-point games: 5-2
9-point games: 6-1
8-point games: 5-2
7-point games: 2-5
6-point games: 4-3
5-point games: 5-2
4-point games: 5-2
3-point games: 3-4
2-point games: 6-1
1-point games: 2-5