Sporting Joe NFL Power Poll: Week 8

Peyton and Tom.  Tom and Peyton. The rest of the NFL action this week is peripheral to yet another showdown between two of the top ten quarterbacks in NFL history.  It is a battle for AFC supremacy between Denver and New England.  Neither Manning nor Brady wishes for their personal history to overshadow that fact.  And neither quarterback will get his wish.  Prepare for the inevitable onslaught of gushing, hyperbolic, awe-struck on-air talent this week.

  

1)      Denver- If the Broncos can win this week on the road in Foxboro, they will likely secure home field advantage during the playoffs.

           

2)      New England- By seizing former Patriot Aquib Talib in free agency, Denver opened the door for Darrelle Revis to join the Patriots.  Demaryius Thomas may not enjoy how that particular domino fell during Sunday’s game. 

   

3)      Green Bay- Even with a loss in the Superdome and Aaron Rodgers’ iffy hamstring this is a dangerous squad.

4)      San Diego- Losing at Denver does not signal the end of the world.  East coast trips are always treacherous for west coast teams so a win at Miami this week is not a given.

5)      Dallas- During their six game win streak the Cowboys averaged 29.5 pass attempts and 35.3 rushing attempts per game.  In their two losses, Dallas has averaged 35.5 passes and a mere 24 rushing attempts a game. 

   

6)      Arizona- The Cardinals have the inside track to win the NFC West.  Rookie John Brown’s game winner helped to maintain their surprising advantage, while overjoying the home crowd.

 

7)       Indianapolis- The Colts still own the AFC South.  This team should be postseason bound but defensive injuries are mounting to an alarming extent.

  

8)      Detroit- Winning a NFL game is never easy and the Lions just keep winning.  However, Atlanta gifted that contest to Detroit so skepticism is justified about their staying power.

9)      Philadelphia- Dallas bailed Philly out with their loss to Washington.  The Eagles need to win the NFC East or risk missing the playoffs.  Philadelphia’s losses to San Francisco and Arizona are against potential wildcard competitors.  West coast failures may haunt this team.

10) Baltimore- Every team in the AFC North is over .500 thanks to a steady diet of NFC South teams.  As divisional play heats up that will change.  The Ravens appear to be the best of this bunch now.