2012 NFL Power Rankings: Week 11
Week 10 Top Fantasy Performers, Defenses

1. Houston Texans (9-1) - Previously: #1 - When it comes down to it, the Texans aren't very nice. Not only did they remind the Jaguars that they selected J.J. Watt one pick after Jacksonville took Blaine Gabbert in the 2011 NFL Draft, but they also let the Jaguars hang around long enough to believe that they had a shot at pulling off the greatest upset in the NFL since the Cowboys lost as 17-point favorites in 1995. Ripping Jacksonville's heart out was cruel - but highly amusing.
   
   
2. San Francisco 49ers (7-2-1) - Previously: #9 - Here's a recap of 49ers 32, Bears 7:
   
   - Wow. I didn't think there was much of a difference between Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick going into this game, but I was dead wrong. Kaepernick was amazing. Despite making his first start, the second-year signal-caller looked like a veteran. He was confidently making audibles, going through his progressions and making all of the throws. He also showcased his mobility on the rare occasions in which the Bears found their way into the backfield.
   
   Kaepernick went 16-of-23 for 243 yards and two touchdowns to Vernon Davis (6-83) and Michael Crabtree (3-31). Keep in mind that he wasn't exactly playing the Saints; he did this against the Bears' defense. Niner fans have to be super excited; Kaepernick has so much potential, that when you combine it with the stellar defense and forceful running game, the sky is the limit for the team.
   
   It'll be interesting to see what Jim Harbaugh does. Alex Smith hasn't played poorly this year, but he's obviously limited. Kaepernick gives this team more upside, so sticking with him would be the right move. Harbaugh may at least keep Smith out if/until Kaepernick falters. When asked if Kaepernick will be his starting quarterback going forward, Harbaugh said, "We'll see" and "I like to go with the hot hand."
   
   - This was a complete demolition. By the time it was 27-0 at the beginning of the third quarter, the 49ers had outgained the Bears, 311-31. Frank Gore (17-78) and Kendall Hunter (5-27, TD) easily ripped through Chicago's disappointing defense. Meanwhile, the Bears' offensive line couldn't block San Francisco - particularly Aldon Smith, who recorded a Monday Night Football-record 5.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. One of the sacks resulted in a safety. Smith now has 15 sacks on the year. He's on pace for 24, which would break Michael Strahan's single-season record of 22.5.
   
   - Jason Campbell finished 14-of-22 for 107 yards, one touchdown to Brandon Marshall (2-21) and two picks. Believe it or not though, those numbers are inflated because the majority of them came in garbage time. He was 4-of-8 for 21 yards and an interception at that aforementioned point in the game when it was 27-0. He simply had no chance to do anything because of his offensive line, but he failed to convert most of the opportunities when they were presented to him.
   
   
3. New England Patriots (7-3) - Previously: #5 - As Chris W. posted on my Facebook wall, "Maybe Bill Simmons will notice Aqib Talib now." Talib just makes the Patriots so much more dangerous.
   
   Unfortunately for New England, Rob Gronkowski will be out 4-8 weeks, though I don't think this is a big deal because A) Aaron Hernandez will return soon and B) Gronk will return for the playoff run.
   
   Gronk's injury reminds me of something forum member Red-Headed Step-Child posted several weeks ago when the All-Pro tight end ruined one of his fantasy matchups:
   
   "Good job gronk you ****ing jock. Go **** underage broads in the carribean."
   
   I wonder how he feels about him now.
   
   
4. Denver Broncos (7-3) - Previously: #6 - Speaking of fantasy football, my friend and forum member Body Burner was rooting for Eric Decker in one of his leagues. He saw a white Bronco receiver catch a touchdown one week and got excited - until he realized that Brandon Stokley was the one who caught it. He shouted, "The Broncos have too many white receivers, it's not fair!"
   
   Nice win by Denver over San Diego, but the pass protection needs to improve come playoff time. The Chargers sacked Peyton Manning three times, which is a high mark for him.
   
   
5. Green Bay Packers (7-3) - Previously: #3 - I was going to have the Packers as the No. 1 NFC team prior to the Monday night game for the following four reasons:
   
   1) Clay Matthews, Charles Woodson and Greg Jennings will be back soon enough, so the defense will improve when that happens. 2) The Packers could easily be 9-1 right now if it weren't for Touchception and Chuckstrong. 3) Remember that blowout victory over 9-1 Houston? 4) Aaron Rodgers.
   
   Mason Crosby is an issue though. Despite nailing the all-important spread-covering kick at the very end, he was very shaky throughout the Detroit game. I enjoyed the following meme I discovered Sunday night:
   
   
   
   
6. Atlanta Falcons (9-1) - Previously: #2 - What the hell is up with Atlanta? Just check this out:
   
   Home vs. 2-8 Panthers: 30-28
   Home vs. 3-7 Raiders: 23-20
   Home vs. 4-6 Cardinals: 23-19
   
   These would all be losses if the Falcons were playing better competition. And speaking of which, Atlanta has battled just one team (Denver) that currently has a winning record. Its wins are against the Chiefs (1-9), Chargers (4-6), Panthers (2-8), Redskins (4-6), Raiders (3-7), Eagles (3-7), Cowboys (5-5) and Cardinals (4-6), with a loss coming to the 5-5 Saints. I know the old adage is that you are what your record is, but we've seen the Falcons beat bad teams and then falter in the playoffs before.
   
   
7. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4) - Previously: #7 - Byron Leftwich is out for a while with a rib injury. So, why the hell didn't Mike Tomlin go to Charlie Batch in the second half against the Ravens when it was clear that Leftwich wasn't even close to 100 percent? I just had to find out, so I called Tomlin up for an interview.
   
   Me: Hey Mike, thanks for agreeing to do this interview.
   
   Mike Tomlin: Anything for you, Walt. It's rare to meet someone so talented and handsome.
   
   Me: Why thank you, Mike! I'm sorry about your loss to the Ravens though.
   
   Mike Tomlin: Well, we played Steeler football. It's going to be ugly, but we'll win more often than we'll lose.
   
   Me: It definitely was ugly. Speaking of ugly, what was up with Byron Leftwich yesterday?
   
   Mike Tomlin: Byron's a tough guy. I wanted to give him a chance to finish the game. I... ouch... I...
   
   Me: What's wrong, Mike?
   
   Mike Tomlin: Tore my rotator cuff on my way here. I'll be all right.
   
   Me: OK, well, I wanted to ask... wait, why are you grabbing your knee?
   
   Mike Tomlin: I also tore my ACL, MCL and PCL while walking the dogs this morning. I'll be fine. All part of Steeler football.
   
   Me: Are you sure? You don't... eww, is that blood coming out of your ear?
   
   Mike Tomlin: Suffered a brain hemorrhage. I'll be fine. All part of...
   
   Me: Steeler football? I don't think you should be doing this interview, Mike. I can just talk to one of your assistants. I'm sure they'll be more effective in this interview considering your condition.
   
   Mike Tomlin: Nope, let's continue this. I'll get through it. All a part of Steeler... Steeler... St...
   
   Me: There's blood on your shirt! Wow, there's an open wound on your stomach!
   
   Mike Tomlin: Was stabbed... on the way here... let's do the interview... all part of St...
   
   Me: Dude, if you're that hurt, I can just go to Todd Haley or Dick LeBeau. I'm sure they'll answer all of the qu... AHHH!! YOUR EYE JUST FELL OUT OF YOUR EYE SOCKET!!!
   
   Mike Tomlin: Must... finish... inter... Steel... foot...
   
   
8. New York Giants (6-4) - Previously: #8 - The Giants are coming off a bye, so I'll use this space to post an awesome tweet I received from @SwarmingBichons:
   
   @walterfootball my girl bought a stuffed animal Xmas bear and said she's naming it Walter...yep, that made me think of ur website right away. #issues
   
   
9. Seattle Seahawks (6-4) - Previously: #10 - Seattle is coming off a bye, so I have to discuss former Seahawk Jerramy Stevens. If you haven't heard, Stevens was arrested on suspicion for assaulting Hope Solo.
   
   My first thought: Wow, I forgot Stevens even existed. He was a huge disappointment in the NFL.
   
   My second thought: Why the hell is Hope Solo dating that loser? I posted this on the forum. Vitor answered:
   
   
   
   This set up a classic burn moment:
   
   
   
   
10. Chicago Bears (7-3) - Previously: #4 - I already discussed the 49ers and Bears, so I have to complain some more about ties. I've already ranted about how they shouldn't exist in the NFL, and why both Dashon Goldson and Danny Amendola should be suspended for not knowing about them.
    
    However, they're much more prevalent now with the new overtime rules. Because teams can each kick field goals to extend play, there are going to be more ties than ever. That's why the league should either eliminate them or at least add a second overtime. If the teams can't score after two extra possessions, then you can call it a draw.
    
    

32. Kansas City Chiefs (1-9) - Previously: #31 - I'd like to thank Facebook friend Alex T. for pointing out this story. I posted it on Twitter ( @walterfootball):

Wow, the #Chiefs are so bad that they disappointed a fan to death. Literally. @SaveOurChiefs - Link

How terrible is that? I hope Scott Pioli is aware of this news. Perhaps he'd finally realize that paying $63 million to Matt Cassel, $22 million to Tyson Jackson, $22 million to Steve Breaston and $20 million to Stanford Routt was a mistake.

Seriously, how do you waste $127 million so carelessly like that? Pioli would have been better off wiping his a** with that money. Instead, he overspent and killed a fan in the process. Good job, Scott.

31. Philadelphia Eagles (3-7) - Previously: #24 - With the Jaguars proving that they can be functional with Chad Henne, the Eagles are now the second-worst team in the NFL. Remember, they're three plays away from being 0-10.

I wrote this last week: "Mark my words, Andy Reid will be back next year if Nick Foles plays well to close out the season. If Foles looks promising, owner Jeffrey Lurie will give Reid one more chance with Foles because he drafted him."

So much for that. Foles stinks, and so does the rest team for not giving any sort of effort against the Redskins. And Reid is the biggest joke of all. Really, you kept LeSean McCoy in the game down 25 with 1:45 remaining because you were "trying to catch up to win the game?" Oh, and you have no regrets about it either? It's one thing to make a terrible mistake like this; it's another thing to completely fail to own up to it.

30. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-9) - Previously: #32 - Chapter 43 of Mike Mularkey's upcoming book, 101 Ways to Lose a Football Game After Establishing a Big Lead:

You know that thing that teams do when they kick the ball to the other team on fourth down? It's called punting. And it's stupid. Punting is completely boring, so why not go for it every time, especially when it's 4th-and-10 at midfield in overtime? Sure, the odds are against you, but don't be a p***y. Going for it is the right thing to do - even if you make your general manager look stupid for spending a third-round pick on a punter.

29. Oakland Raiders (3-7) - Previously: #30 - I wouldn't count on the Raiders being good anytime soon. My friend Matvei, who used to contribute with the sharps' picks, explained:

Now that I live in the Oakland area, I know why the Raiders never do anything: Their fans never pressure them at all; everyone is caught up in the bad-boy Raider aura and happy just to be part of Raiderland. Everyone thinks of the Raiders as the team of every gang member in America, but here in Oakland, most people are mellow, loyal and unconditionally supportive of the team; it's this weird enabling relationship. Tommy Kelly is just the tip of the iceberg. Of course, Matvei is referring to Kelly's incredible lack of effort this year, as well as head coach Dennis Allen's inexplicable decision not to cut him. I posted this on my NFL Picks page:



Man, I feel stupid for betting three units on this crap team.

28. Carolina Panthers (2-8) - Previously: #29 - Charles Johnson took to Twitter after his team blew a double-digit fourth-quarter lead:

Embarrassed to be apart [sic] of that last drive! Some people study and work harder than others and they get expose [sic] in the game #saynomore

Looks like head coach Commander Adama is losing control of his ship. Damn Cylons.

27. Cleveland Browns (2-8) - Previously: #28 - My girlfriend, Awesome Girl Who Loves Football, who is a fan of the Giants, was rooting against the Cowboys on Sunday. I congratulated her when the Browns were up 13-0, but she remained convinced that Dallas would come back, given how many leads Cleveland has blown this year.

"I think they'll hang on," I said. "It's the Cowboys. Tony Romo can't possibly come back."

It turns out Awesome Girl Who Loves Football was right on the money. Even Romo was able to come through in the clutch against this joke of a team.

26. Miami Dolphins (4-6) - Previously: #20 - As Chad Henne was throwing four touchdowns against the league's No. 1 defense, I wondered how Miami fans were taking this. I visited a Dolphin forum in hopes of seeing butthurt posts like: "HENNE SUX TIS IS A COMPLETEE FLOOK!" or "MIAMI FRONTED OFFICE SO STUPIED FOR GETTENG RID OF HEMEE!!!"

Unfortunately, most of the comments were supportive. Many said something like, "It's nice to see Henne doing well now that he actually has receivers to throw to."

It makes me wonder if they're worried about history repeating itself with Ryan Tannehill.

25. Arizona Cardinals (4-6) - Previously: #23 - It's sad when the two backup quarterbacks are so bad that it makes Kevin Kolb seem like a Hall of Famer. I can almost hear the Arizona fans thinking, "Man, if only Kevin Kolb stayed healthy all year, we'd have a shot at the division!"

24. St. Louis Rams (3-6-1) - Previously: #21 - I saw the following report on Rotoworld:

An NFL scout tells the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's Bob McGinn he'd take Sam Bradford ahead of Matthew Stafford or Jay Cutler for both the "short and long term."

Unfortunately, McGinn didn't specify if this so-called NFL scout was high on crystal meth at the time of the interview.

23. Tennessee Titans (4-6) - Previously: #25 - The Titans are coming off a bye, so it's time for the Adventures of Stupid Vince and Senile Bud! In this week's episode...

Bud Adams: Man servant, man servant! I'm looking at the newspaper and I can't find my team's score anywhere! Where is it?

Vince Young: Oh dat cause team have bye which mean two tings. One opposide of hello and two no game play.

Bud Adams: Bye? We had a bye? Why wasn't I informed!?

Vince Young: Derrr, I dunno what you means by informed. Do dat mean like form you write on paper?

Bud Adams: Weh? Who are you? Are you my general manager? It's the bye week, so we need to decide whom to trade for before the trade deadline.

Vince Young: Derrr, I tink trade deadlined pass already.

Bud Adams: What? Don't be stupid. The trade deadline is weeks away.

Vince Young: No already pass I hear on TV guy say. I dunno what he mean at first because deadline sound like one part not alive and other part ting you draw in straight line on paper and... uhh... I forget what I talk about.

Bud Adams: Man servant, stop getting distracted. Help me pry Tim Brown away from the Raiders. What should I give up for him?

Vince Young: Derr, I tink Troy Brown on Patriot but he no play no more.

Bud Adams: Tim Brown was traded to the Patriots? Oh, those sons of b**** New Englanders! They may have won this time, but tis I who will have the last laugh!


2012 NFL Power Rankings: The Rest:
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4). Previously: #11
12. Baltimore Ravens (8-2). Previously: #12
13. New Orleans Saints (5-5). Previously: #13
14. Dallas Cowboys (5-5). Previously: #15
15. Washington Redskins (4-6). Previously: #16
16. Indianapolis Colts (6-4). Previously: #14
17. Minnesota Vikings (6-4). Previously: #17
18. Detroit Lions (4-6). Previously: #18
19. Cincinnati Bengals (5-5). Previously: #22
20. New York Jets (4-6). Previously: #26
21. Buffalo Bills (4-6). Previously: #27
22. San Diego Chargers (4-6). Previously: #19

Leave a comment Name Comment Verification: click on image to refresh it   Saints fan 06-11-2013 01:31 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.205 (total posts: 4) 3     3 Also dbomb doesn't Rodgers have as much as Brees does and yet makes the playoffs?also he doesn't have a Jimmy Graham or Darren Sproles.just saying... Saints fan 06-11-2013 01:28 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.205 (total posts: 4) 2     2 Dbombnation if any of the coaches should be out it should be Joe Vitt and GOAT(he doesn't deserve the name Greg)Williams. dbombnation 06-07-2013 02:31 pm xxx.xxx.xxx3.42 (total posts: 2) 3     2 And again think losing the head coach for a year over bountygate is enough okay tell that to families in the nfl that are supported by it okay and a guy could possibly have his career cut short over a bounty yeah payton should have lost his job and been indefinately suspended he's the head proffesional in charge plain and simple he should have a better grasp on his people and the people around him the Saints are i disgrace to the NFL that's worse than the spygate that the Patriots pulled but since the Saints bandwagon is high for now until they slip into another deep suck after brees retires we won't penalize them too badly I'm a fan of the game being played the right way by professionals not street thugs trying to take out the other guy trying to even the odds. Dbombnation 06-07-2013 10:08 am xxx.xxx.xxx3.42 (total posts: 2) 3     2 I really think you just don't like organizations well certain ones lets see bucs were close to making playoffs last years and improved the worst part of the team drastically also to the lions yes the lions made great strides to not only increase offensive fire power but pieced together a decent defense and the ever aging over rated Saints they have a phenomenal QB average backfield and average o-line they have lost their 2 best protecters now drew brees will play a similar role to matt stafford in pickjing him self up off the grown frequently match that with a lackluster d and you finish behind the falcons bucs and panthers and then the dolphins make a leap because of a one year wonder and a diva wide receiver get it together i use to respect this site Dharv 06-04-2013 10:19 pm xxx.xxx.xxx1.65 (total posts: 1) 2     2 I think the bears should be top ten not only because they added Marc trestman as the new head coach, they got protection for cutler who is deadly when he has time in the pocket peter 06-04-2013 08:27 pm xxx.xxx.xxx9.88 (total posts: 1) 106     15 Thank you, I don't know person who would of thought 1:00 pm game on the east coast could cause them to lose. But yes they have to get use to the different time and 1:00 pm!! I'm a hawks fan, I can't stop but think dose roger hate us(dislike us), I think he dose! GO HAWKS!!!!!!! Tony 06-03-2013 11:18 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.193 (total posts: 1) 2     4 hhahhahahahha wow this person that made this page is down syndrome you have 8 teams above a team that went 11-5 last year and they all had 8 wins you my friend should stuff your face with dynamite and light the wick FeevekarTeece 05-31-2013 11:40 am xxx.xxx.xxx.160 (total posts: 1) 25     50 弊社は<a href=http://yewjournal.com/jp/reviews/top/toryburch/>トリーバーチ バッグ</a>高級作れます、配達は早い、品質保証の低価格、優れた顧客サービス。 appefeviobe <a href=http://yewjournal.com/jp/reviews/top/toryburch/>トリーバーチ バッグ</a> 代表作 人気の<a href=http://yewjournal.com/jp/reviews/top/toryburch/>トリーバーチ アウトレット</a>新作を激安価格で通販しています。 appefeviobe <a href=http://yewjournal.com/jp/reviews/top/toryburch/>トリーバーチ 店舗</a> Arm Length 05-24-2013 05:24 pm xxx.xxx.xxx1.45 (total posts: 2) 4     3 ProFootballFocus did an analysis on arm length for offensive tackles and found no correlation to length or arms and performance. In fact, it actually looked like the longer armed tackles played worse. Now maybe you didn't read that article, but I am curious what you think of this evaluation: 23. Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa: A+ Grade History repeats itself. Two years ago, Iowa tackle Bryan Bulaga was a top-10 prospect who dropped to the 20s. That pick worked out really well, and I'll be shocked if the Lions don't have similar success with Riley Reiff. Detroit really needed a tackle to protect Matthew Stafford, and Reiff was the best player on the board. Great move. You should be more familiar with that since you wrote it. So Reiff went from being a great A+ pick to getting Stafford killed in one year despite shutting down the Texans' pass rush in his only start? Make perfect sense. Falcon Fan 05-23-2013 05:42 pm xxx.xxx.xxx4.21 (total posts: 1) 45     27 John Abraham is 35 and has lost a step big time. Clabo is 32 and is no longer a starter in my view. Todd Mcclure is so old his mom ran track with Jesus. Grimes didn't even play for the Falcons last year due to injury. Dunta was a liability in coverage and could not make a tackle in a phone booth. Osi is better than Abe. Sjax is better than Turner and Trufant will be a starter. We got better in the offseason and will be superbowl chamos this season! Patrick 05-21-2013 01:20 pm xxx.xxx.xxx3.11 (total posts: 2) 3     8 Please explain Chip Kelly's arrogance? Why because he is doing things his way and not falling into the mold of the NFL. Hmm...lets see, Harbaugh did that fairly well, as did PC in Seattle. You have Seattle ranked #1 and last year you would have had them in the bottom 10. Also while your add it please tell me you were in the discussion for Sheriff Floyd as the Eagles pick at #4. Great call. This website blows. Chris 05-19-2013 05:25 am xxx.xxx.xxx6.80 (total posts: 1) 101     3 Hey Walt, You're douchbaggery has actually reached a new level. "The Chiefs....not going anywhere with this unbelievably overrated Reid-Smith combination." Seriously? F' off. Are you getting tons of emails from KC fans saying we're going to easily beat the Broncos, win the AFC west and guarantee a Superbowl victory? No, jackass...you're not. Is ESPN or the NFL Network saying that? Nope. Look you toolbag, they had 6 Pro Bowlers and won 2 f-ing games last year. If they win 8 or 9 games after being 2-14, that's a huge jump. Most of us expect 7-9 to 9-7. Granted, I check this site out for entertainment and not unbiased reporting, but I suspect I'm one of a large group of your readers that's getting frickin' sick of your constant bashing of certain teams. Your need to get on your knees every chance you can for certain coaches, GMs or teams for the EXACT SAME decisions that you bash other teams for is amateur at best. I couldn't care less that you don't like my team. But if you want me...and I suspect a growing number of other readers.. to continue to check out your draft and FA stuff, you might try to make your bias a little less blatant. Bolder Perdictions 05-15-2013 09:03 am xxx.xxx.xxx.149 (total posts: 1) 10     5 Dole fan - you forgot the object in your sentence: Geno Smith and Matt Barkley will start a relationship this year. fixed. Also, the football world will be shocked when the seehawks finish in third place in the weast. Vikes 05-14-2013 04:02 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.154 (total posts: 1) 4     5 I have no idea why everyone will say the Vikings will finish worse than last season, when they only improved. It is true this is a make-or-break year for Ponder. If Ponder doesn't pan out then at least we can get Peterson's record out of the way. If we need a QB I hope we get A.J. McCarron. Dumbass Walt 05-13-2013 04:00 pm xxx.xxx.xxx0.96 (total posts: 1) 89     4 "So, the Eagles aren't going to run Chip Kelly's offense from Oregon, yet they still thought bringing in Kelly was a good idea. Yeah, that makes a ton of sense. Kelly's arrogance isn't a good sign for this regime. Kelly apparently believes that he can win in the NFL like he did in college with quarterbacks who aren't regarded highly. That's cool, but that's not how the league works." Facepalm.gif Pages: 12 3 4 ...109 110