Joe O's NFL Top Ten: Where Do The Bears Rank?
By Joe Ostrowski--
1. Jets (5-1)
Last year's Darrelle Revis should be back after being able to rest during their bye week. The Jets offense is quietly scoring almost 27 points per game. They look to push the Packers back down to .500 & grab their 6th straight victory on Sunday.
2. Patriots (5-1)
It looked like The Hoody was trying to give Norv Turner's Chargers a comeback victory. After winning 4 in a row, NE isn't feeling the effects of an offense without Randy Moss, yet. Their only loss is to the team ranked #1. Taking on the Pats in Foxborough? No, thanks. Mark down a 2-5 start for the Vikes.
3. Steelers (5-1)
Bear fans that refuse to give the Bears their wins over the Lions & Packers, would say Pittsburgh is 4-2 with the call in Miami. The Steelers will use a rotation to fill DE Aaron Smith's spot which will be vacant for a while with a partially torn triceps. It doesn't look like Sunday night's Pitt/NO matchup is the Super Bowl preview some thought it would be, but a Big Ben vs Brees matchup is always entertaining.
4. Ravens (5-2)
Was Baltimore's secondary exposed late against the Bills or was this city just given a reason to worry about facing Buffalo north of the border? Joe Flacco has only thrown 1 interception in the last 5 games. Prior to that, he had a 4 pick performance in Cincinnati. As long as Flacco doesn't turn the ball over, they have as good of a shot as anybody. Enjoy your bye week.
5. Giants (5-2)
Their domination over the Bears kick-started a great run. The G-Men have separated themselves from the rest of a poor NFC. Monday night, they overcame a 10-0 road deficit with 3 early turnovers. A victory in Houston was also a nice W away from home. Bad timing for a bye with this hot team.
6. Titans (5-2)
What is it with players being disciplined, followed by an MVP type showing? Add WR Kenny Britt to the list. Britt gets into a bar room brawl, sits the 1st quarter, then scores 3 touchdowns with 225 receiving yards. The Titans are 2nd in the league in scoring. Tennessee didn't miss a beat without Vince Young, now they visit struggling San Diego.
7. Falcons (5-2)
One of only two NFC teams in this top ten list. Atlanta showed they can win in a shootout if they have to by beating the Bengals, 39-32. Roddy White is in the conversation as the league's best wideout after 201 yards & 2 scores on Sunday. Bucs head coach, Raheem Morris, says Tampa is the best in the NFC. The Dirty Birds will have something to say about that after their bye.
8. Texans (4-2)
Both Houston losses have come at home. The Texans & Colts have both had 2 weeks to get ready for Monday Night's tilt. Houston is looking for a season sweep of Peyton Manning & company.
9. Colts (4-2)
It's been an 0-2 start for Indy in divisional play. Some home cooking usually fixes the Colt's problems. Dallas Clark fantasy owners are still fuming over his season ending injury. MNF will be fun to watch.
10. Chiefs (4-2)
Maybe coaching does make a difference, if it's good. They add Charlie Weis & Romeo Crennel as their coordinators and things are looking up for KC. Their rushing attack is the best in football. Sure, Thomas Jones just had his 2nd straight 100 yard rushing game. Still not good enough to be a Bear. The Chiefs should move to 5-2 as they host Buffalo.
17. Bears (4-3)
Yes, Lovie Smith, you are in 1st place in the NFC North...RIGHT NOW. The head coach loves to break the season down into quarters. The 1st quarter of the season was a success with a 3-1 start & put the Bears ahead of most people's expectations. The 2nd quarter was set up for them to really take advantage. A win over the Bills would make it a 2-2 quarter. A failure. Enjoy the 2nd half schedule.
Aside from the top ten, I couldn't put the Bears ahead of Seattle, Tampa Bay, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Washington, or Miami.
Joe Ostrowski is the executive producer of The Laurence Holmes Show, co-host of the Joe O & Rock Show on Saturdays 8pm-midnight, & is a scoreboard update anchor.
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