Titusfied's Week 8 Power Rankings

There are some teams making a push in the top 10, but the top 5 is a different story. Maybe a few wins here and some key losses there, and this whole thing could be mixed up in 3 weeks. But for the time being, here we are, as well as my critique on the Zelaron members' teams that aren't in the top 5:

1. Tennessee Titans - Started out a little slow against Indy this week, but stayed true to their running game, and ended up prevailing in a convincing win. Even though Indy scored at the end, it was during garbage time. 7-0 with Kerry Collins actually looking semi-impressive as of late. He isn't just maintaining the game anymore, he's actually making plays and giving the running game better opportunities by doing so. I saw Vince Young warming up on the field last week, but hopefully Fox won't even think about breaking up this chemistry. Even with a loss or two over the next few weeks, there would be no reason to panic, and I hope they don't. LenDale White might be the fattest RB in the league, but he's also putting together an impressive stat line season - 10 TDs in the first 7 games; NICE!

2. New York Giants - (Congrats Gruesome, they are pretty damn good - Ouch that just hurt me in the heart writing that....) A nice win over Pittsburgh on Sunday, and it was a nailbiter. I'd be a little worried with this whole Plexiglass situation taking place this season, although the team doesn't seem to be affected by it yet. But trust me, coming from a fan that had the same type of problems with T.O., it festers. Burress missing meetings, treatments, etc. is him just being a fucking asshole and thinking he's better than the team. The 1 game suspension was a good move, but benching himi last game for 1 quarter last week wasn't. It wasn't a statement, and if they think it was semi-effective, they're wrong. You can't bench someone for part of the game, then put him back in when he's needed, and think you're getting the point across... It's like a double standard. All is good right now, but if he doesn't straighten up his act, problems could be looming down the stretch, especially if they start losing a few games.

3. Carolina Panthers - This is the exact reason I put them ahead of Tampa Bay last week even after losing to them two weeks prior. They play sound football. Steve Smith is probably the best player in the league after catching a football, and he just makes things happen on the field. Of course that doesn't come by himeself alone, Jake Delhomme is the key to their success. He's having a solid season, and could be poised to make a push in the NFC, and attempt to redeam their last loss in the Super Bowl 6 years ago (maybe 7?)

4. Washington Redskins - Not a great win this weekend, but then again, there hasn't been many of them this year. For some reason they just know how to win football games. They grind it out in the run offense, but it certainly doesn't hurt when you have arguably the best RB in the league this year in Portis. And their WR corps are starting to play more consistently - especially Santana Moss. After basically getting blanked for two straight games 2 and 3 weeks ago, he's put together a string of great games this week and last week. The Redskins need him to be consistent if they want to continue squeaking out wins.

5. New England Patriots - I actually didn't think I was going to ever even contemplate putting them back in the top 5 this year, but they've really showed me something over the last two weeks. Everyone was more or less disrespecting them, and for good reason, but this team has a never say die attitude, and they're showing it on the field. If their o-line can keep Cassell sack free and let him work the pocket, they continue to climb and be successful.

Jacksonville Jaguars - I don't know exactly where they land on my power rankings, but its not good. Its not even remotely good. I actually couldn't be more disappointed in the lack of consistency this team is showing this year, especially with their run game. What used to be a formidable, and even dominant RB tandem of MJD and Fred Taylor, isn't even close to the shell of last year. Sure, they've shown they can still do it, but that's only been on rare occassions this year. Everyone is bound to have a good day here and there in the NFL, but the cream of the crop does it consistently, and they simply haven't this season. I'm very disappointed, that's for sure.

Indianapolis Colts - Again, disappointment is the prominent word on the steet. I know the o-line has been plagued with injuries this year, but holy shit, was it really that dominant in the past? Are you really going to tell me that with a few players out that is screwing up the whole rhythm of the offense? Where has Reggie Wayne been? Where the FUCK has Marvin Harrison been? Is he finally washed up, and at best a 3rd receiver? Dominic Rhodes has played nicely filling in for Joseph Addai, but even prior to Addai's injury, he wasn't very impressive. Again, it was inconsistent.

Sorry for hating on these two teams, but I'm sure you're both frustrated too D3V and Thanatos. How could you not be?

Philadelphia Eagles - Everything literally hinges on Westbrook's health, because this team is clearly different, and VERY dangerous when he plays. If Westbrook stays healthy, the Eagles will again be a threat in the NFC. Kevin Curtis will only get better as he plays and practices more, and the same goes for Reggie Brown (if he ever plays again - I think he is this week). Buckhalter shows he can take some of the load of BWest, which helps, but like I said, all hinges on the mans health. Of course Donovan needs to stay healthy too. Terrible how a team can rely so heavily on such few players, but when they're game changers like the ones mentioned above, it's true.