The Bucs and Panthers play each other this weekend, so one of those teams will lose, although it won’t affect your standings. Hopefully the Bucs are more resurgent than recently resurgent Carolina!
0-2 for the NFC East. Cripes almightily. Well, I have just two wishes right now.
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That the rest of the NFC continues to suck, thereby giving my Giants a better shot at a Wild Card slot, and
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That my theory is proven wrong this Sunday.
Well, most of the great storylines were in divisional games this week, which are OT in this thread. But still, kudos to the Texans, congrats to the hated Eagles for clinching the division so early, and a great big wow to the Ohio teams. Anyway, on to the rankings, which involved no status changes from last week.
NFL Division Rankings through Week 12
#1 AFC North 15-9 (63%) 1-1 this week
As predicted, the North went 1-1 again this week. The lead is not as big as it once was, however. Still, no change for the league leaders, holding on to the #1 spot. Next week holds promise in that Big Ben finally gets to lead his team in primetime, which should be a great introduction for him to the rest of America.
#2 AFC East 16-10 (62%) 4-0 this week
The East truly is making their move, with a perfect showing capped by two convincing wins. Who would have thought that Buffalo could catch fire like this? Oh that’s right, I did. Okay, enough crowing. Could we see another lead change next week? I think we will, as the Patriots face the Browns. As of now, however, the East must settle for being second fiddle.
#3 AFC South 14-12 (54%) 1-1 this week
All hail Peyton Manning. Even I must admit he’s playing on another level. I agree with pundits who say he appears to be toying with defenses. He is that good. The Jags look to rebound next week from a frustrating loss in the Metrodome, but unfortunately they must host the Steelers.
#4 NFC East 15-15 (50%) 1-1 this week
I agree with Tuna that Vinny should be the starter. After all, they’re only one game out of the wildcard race. The Redskins shouldn’t feel too bad about getting slammed by the Steelers; the Eagles and Patriots fared no better. Two tough games await next week, with the Cowboys in Seattle and Philly hosting the Pack.
#4 AFC West 15-15 (50%) 0-0 this week
No action, no change. Let’s hear it for Scary Kerry, who I love to see doing well. Excellent comeback Sunday night. I’m just pissed I missed it, having given up after his second 4th quarter interception to come post here on the SDMB. Curses!
#4 NFC North 16-16 (50%) 2-2 this week
Still riding .500, the North is definately a tale of two situations. While the Lions and Bears continue to struggle, (Jeff George?!), the Pack and the Vikes are cinching their belts and getting it done. Could the NFC be represented by the North in the Superbowl for the first time in a decade? Stranger things have happened.
#7 NFC South 16-18 (47%) 0-0 this week
No action, no change, which is unfortunate because the South is (was?) on a roll. Interestingly, the South will have no action again next week, with two divisional games on the schedule.
#8 NFC West 8-20 (29%) 0-4 this week
This division is an abomination. There is no way they can possibly send a wildcard representative, is there? It doesn’t have to be the Giants, but please don’t let it be a team from the West. That would be almost as embarassing as the performance of the division leader in Buffalo this week.
Conference Ranking through Week 12
#1 AFC 32-18 (64%) 5-1 this week
#2 NFC 32-18 (36%) 1-5 this week
Wow, the AFC exerted some authority this week. Except for the Jags. What’s up with that? I was pleased to see ESPN report the 32-18 figure on Sportscenter today. They don’t, by chance, read the Dope, you think?
Boo-yah, of course we don’t read the Dope. Er, I mean, yeah, they might check in here every now and again.
As expected, we have a new leader this week. It will be interesting to see how this plays out, because the top two divisions face off squarely against each other every week for the rest of the season.
Now that we’re getting down to it, you may note that each division plays 40 interdivisional games. Some divisions have quite a few matchups remaining, while others are near finished. The #4 position is now being sorted by golf scoring rules, with the most games played being listed as “ahead”, though they are still considered tied for these rankings. (Previously the teams were listed in reverse golf shot order rules.)
NFL Division Rankings through Week 13
#1 AFC East 18-10 (64%) 2-0 this week
The Patriots beat up on the hapless Browns this week, vaulting the East up from #2 to take over top dog status. The Steel Curtain may exact divisional revenge against the Jets next week, but then again, the Bungles face the shredder in New England, so the East could hold on another week, if not the whole way through.
#2 AFC North 16-10 (62%) 1-1 this week
Yet another 1-1 week costs the North the #1 spot, dropping them down to #2. Big Ben looked solid this week, but so did The Chad, so it should be a great matchup next week between the two. Before you write off Gang Green, remember that they have a top five defense against the run. Will it be enough? The Magic 8 Ball says definitely not, but I hold out hope.
#3 NFC East 17-15 (53%) 2-0 this week
Thankfully the G-Men are OT this week – I’m pretending they had a bye. The Eagles laugh in the face of their “biggest threat” in the conference, and the Cowboys snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in Seattle. I’ve heard countless times already about how Vinny led the greatest comeback in MNF history this week, coming back from a 10 point deficit inside the 2:00 warning. Why no mention of the Midnight Miracle? Vinny has led both of the greatest comebacks in MNF history; let’s give the man his due. The perfect showing this week has bumped the East out of mediocrity into the #3 spot.
#4 NFC North 17-17 (50%) 1-1 this week
Go Pack, Go! Er, um, let’s take a mulligan on that one. At least the Lions beat the Cards convincingly.
#4 AFC West 15-15 (50%) 0-0 this week
Still no action, no change.
#4 AFC South 14-14 (50%) 0-2 this week
The Jags lost a heartbreaker, but even so they could very well be the most interesting team to watch this season. How many exciting finishes can one team have? Quite a few, apparently. This week wasn’t really fair, facing off two teams against the Northern and Eastern powerhouses, but you have to play the hand you’re dealt. Dropping from the #3 spot to the gridlock at .500, this week sees the South fall back to Earth.
#7 NFC South 16-18 (47%) 0-0 this week
And again, still no action, no change. Not surprising, with only 6 games remaining to be played. It might be a struggle to get above .500, but the South has great momentum against the rest of the league, and will likely represent the #6 seed wildcard spot for the NFC. The question is, will it be the Bucs or the Panthers? The answer will almost surely be decided Christmas weekend. Here’s hoping it is nationally televised. I can’t let the Falcons off the hook, despite them playing a divisional game. The playoffs are coming. Can you say one and done?
#8 NFC West 8-22 (27%) 0-2 this week
All kidding aside, WTF? Is this the worst division in the history of all sports ever, anywhere? Good lord. In their last 10 games, the West has gone 1-9. That’s just not good.
Conference Ranking through Week 13
#1 AFC 32-18 (64%) 0-0 this week
#2 NFC 32-18 (36%) 0-0 this week
No action, no change. There are 64 interconference games in a season, so there’s still a mathematical chance for the NFC to get back to .500. That exact chance happens to be equal to a snowball’s chance in hell, but it’s technically not zero. Yet.
NFL Division Rankings through Week 14
#1 AFC East 20-12 (63%) 2-2 this week
The Pats and Billies lead the charge, while the Jets and Dolphins both got frustrated this week. Still, an even posting is enough to hold on to the #1 spot.
#2 AFC North 18-12 (60%) 2-2 this week
No surprise in Pittsburgh this week, where the Jets got handled fairly easily. The Browns are dragging down this otherwise excellent division, as the Bengals looked impressive even in a loss against the Patriots.
#3 AFC West 18-16 (53%) 3-1 this week
The West finally gets some action, and boy do they deliver. The Chiefs had a big day, and the Broncos and Chargers held on to win close matches. Scary Kerry and the rest of the Raiders got pounded by the Falcons, but even still the 3-1 showing vaults the West into the #3 spot, up from tied for #4 last week.
#4 NFC South 19-19 (50%) 3-1 this week
C’mon, Bucs, can’t you beat the Chargers? Well, despite that well-played heartbreaker, the South has finally moved up into respectability, continuing their momentum despite having two weeks “off”. There’s lots to like going on in the South, but it was sad to see the Bucs eliminated from the playoffs (barring a miracle) this week. The strong showing puts the South in the #4 tie at .500, up from #7 last week. That’s quite the jump. The South looks to finish above .500, with its final two games coming in Week 17 against weaker opponents.
#4 NFC East 17-17 (50%) 0-2 this week
The Giants were an embarassment against the Ravens as expected, but the Cowboys posted perhaps the biggest shocker of a stinker this week, collapsing against the hapless Saints to kill their playoff hopes. This week’s goose-egg drops the East down from #3 to the 3-way tie at #4.
#4 AFC South 15-15 (50%) 1-1 this week
The Titans got embarassed, but the Jags looked solid against Chicago. That’s not saying much, but it is enough to keep the South in the #4 gridlock at .500.
#7 NFC North 17-19 (47%) 0-2 this week
This poor division just can’t seem to perform down the stretch. Going winless this week drops the North out of the logjam at .500 into sole possession of #7. Ouch.
#8 NFC West 9-23 (28%) 1-1 this week
I’m stunned that Seattle beat Minnesota. I know the Vikings will collapse down the stretch, because that’s a given. But against the Seahawks? In other news, the West continues to play exciting games against itself. At least that’s something.
Conference Ranking through Week 14
#1 AFC 35-19 (65%) 3-1 this week
#2 NFC 19-35 (35%) 1-3 this week
And the AFC has clinched the best conference status. Let’s see how respectable the NFC can make it. My guess is “not very”.
I just noticed this and now you really have me confused. First, if the Pack or Vikes make it to The Dance from the North, it would be the first time ever. Or did you mean out of teams that used to comprise the Central? In which case the Pack and Bucs have done it within the last decade.
Either way, I think you blew this one in your frothing hatred of any team that hasn’t choked as bad as Big Blue. [Dr Phil] How’s that Eli working out for you?[/Dr Phil] 
The Bucs represented the South. Good point, though. To clarify, I meant the “North” as in “teams currently in the North”, so that would include the “original four” only. Not only are the Bucs not a northern market, they aren’t really a central market either, and thus were always pretty much outsiders. Much like the Colts in the East and the Cards in the East. Better not to even mention the crazy NFC West as it used to be. New Orleans? Atlanta? Carolina? These are not generally thought of as western markets.
I don’t really understand this statement. I blew it as in incorrectly predicted a possible NFC Superbowl representative coming out of the North? I’m also confused by the “frothing hatred” part. In reading that entire entry:
“Still riding .500, the North is definately a tale of two situations. While the Lions and Bears continue to struggle, (Jeff George?!), the Pack and the Vikes are cinching their belts and getting it done. Could the NFC be represented by the North in the Superbowl for the first time in a decade? Stranger things have happened.”
I don’t see any frothing hatred. Now, if you want to point out my vitriol for the NFC West, you got me there. (Truth be told, my “stranger things have happened” quip was, in fact, a dig at Minnesota, specifically the year the Falcons beat them in the Conference Championship game.)
Much worse than Sean Taylor would have worked out, who I wanted with our first pick. I wanted the early 2nd rounder to be Losman, and keep Scary Kerry, of whom I’m a big fan.
Don’t fool yourself, though. Big Ben would look almost as bad had he been taken by NY. People say that Kurt Warner played well, but they weren’t watching the same games I was. +6 TO differential against the Redskins and we won by 6 points? Fumbled (and lost) snaps on the goal line, redzone picks, and a refusal to throw to Shockey (king of the drops, but heart of the team) were not helpful. Who else did Kurt beat? The hapless Browns, the Pack when they were in freefall, the Cowboys, and the Vikings without Moss. (And we own the Vikes for some unknown reason.) These are the games where you put in a rookie, not a stretch of 5 straight defensive teams.
At least I can look forward to a top 10 overall draft pick in 2006. That’ll be nice. Maybe we can replace both Strahan and Tiki with that single pick. Not that I’m down about the Giants or anything.
Oh, sorry, now I think I know what you meant. You were bing defensive about the Packers having been to the Show within the past decade, where I didn’t give them credit for it. I’d say “close enough for government work” to that, though, as it’s been what, 6 or 7 years? Let’s see:
Patriots over Panthers
Bucs over Raiders
Patriots over Rams
Ravens over Giants
Rams over Titans
Broncos over Falcons
Broncos over Packers
I get a list of seven Superbowls before I see the Packers show up. Come on, 7 years is pretty close to a decade, no?
Yeah, close, but don’t lump us in with the Vikes just yet as decade+ non-factors. :dubious:
The rankings are already decided this week, because the MNF game is a scrimmage between the Patriots and the AFC East Practice Squad. There were some big changes in the rankings this week…
NFL Division Rankings through Week 15
#1 AFC East 22-12 (65%) 2-0 this week
Easily holding on to the #1 spot with an undefeated week, the Billies and J-E-T-S-JETS-JETS-JETS slaughter their opponents. Hopefully McGahee isn’t too banged up.
#2 AFC West 20-16 (56%) 2-0 this week
The West is white hot coming down the stretch. Scary Kerry and the Raiders win a shootout over Tennessee, while the Chargers add insult to injury (literally) for the DOA Browns. This perfect showing springs the West above the North, moving up from #3 last week to #2 this week.
#3 AFC North 18-15 (55%) 1-3 this week
The North got a sobering reality check this week. The Browns respond to a 27 yard performance by putting up a goose-egg, the Bengals got the crap kicked out of them by the Billies, the Ravens lost to the Colts, and the Steelers were losing to the hapless Giants with eight minutes remaining in the game. The Steelers need to get serious about this playoff push; now is not the time to fade. The poor showing this week drops the North down from #2 to #3.
#4 AFC South 18-16 (53%) 3-1 this week
The South jumped out of the muck this week, claiming the #4 spot all for themselves and pushing all the .500 teams down to the #5 position. After the clash with the West next week, the South may even overtake the North.
#5 NFC South 19-19 (50%) 0-0 this week
Despite no action, the South has dropped from #4 to #5, and the massive logjam at .500 has been winnowed down to a simple two-way tie with the East. In other news, the Panthers has to be pleased by the Jets and Cards both dealing out the smackdown to the teams in the West, making 8-8 still very much in the hunt for the last wildcard spot.
#5 NFC East 18-18 (50%) 1-1 this week
The Redskins won as expected, but Eli grew into a quarterback this week and gave the Steelers a legitimate run for their money. The fact that Eli played as well or better than Big Ben seemed almost poetic, but the Bus was too much for the banged up defense in crunch time. The Chargers must be salivating at their top ten draft pick next year. The bastards.
#7 NFC North 17-21 (45%) 0-2 this week
This division is soft, they clinched a losing record by going winless, yada yada yada. Did you see the end of the Vikes-Lions game? That was some serious, gut-wrenching drama if you’re a Lions fan. Talk about having the rug pulled out from under you. Yikes.
#8 NFC West 9-25 (26%) 0-2 this week
Going winless isn’t the surprise this week. Posting a blowout in a divisional game was the surprise, made even moreso by the fact that the Cards bitchslapped the playoff-chasing Rams. The Panthers can take some solace in the fact that they aren’t quite dead yet. In fact, they are very much alive and kicking.
Conference Ranking through Week 15
#1 AFC 39-19 (67%) 4-0 this week
#2 NFC 19-39 (33%) 0-4 this week
Six games to go, and the AFC is clicking on all cylinders. How bad is the NFC, really? All four AFC divisions are better than all four NFC divisions, none of whom are over .500. That’s pretty bad.
Although I am secretly somewhat happy that the Bucs are all but dead and buried, even though the mathematical possibilities gods deign to keep them in for another week, I was really appalled by the refereeing of Jeff Triplett’s crew on Sunday. First, the almost a touchdown punt return by Michael Lewis was sprung by a really obvious block in the back (not just one of those ticky-tack sorts that they usually call on some guy way out of the play). Then they missed the boat on the Michael Pittman fumble, which wasn’t one, first on the initial call and then on the non-reversal of that call. Isn’t Triplett the guy who is always screwing up stuff, or is that someone else? Can’t they find competent refs?