Foxboro Blog Top 12: Week 2

For the third week in a row, we have a new team in the #1 spot.  Despite the fact that eight of the twelve teams from last week played each other, things stayed relatively stable.  All twelve from last week are back, and no team dropped more than three spots or rose more than two. Perhaps things will heat up more next week, when the elite have the opportunity to stub their toes against some lesser competition.

Ranking	Team	Last Week	Change	Record	Next Game
1		3	+2	2-0	@ Bills
		This top spot could have gone either way between the Pats and Pack.  I ususally try to be “harsh” on the Patriots and avoid bias.  However, at the end of the day, Tom Brady is currently playing better than perhaps any quarterback in history.  That has to count for something.
Ranking	Team	Last Week	Change	Record	Next Game
2		2	0	2-0	@ Bears
		Could easily be at the top, but I wasn’t thrilled that they cut it so close against the #32 team in the league last year.  Their D got torched just as bad by Cam Newton as New England’s did against Philip Rivers.
Ranking	Team	Last Week	Change	Record	Next Game
3		4	+1	1-1	vs. Texans
		Big statement game by the Saints this past week.  After losing the opener, they clearly aren’t going anywhere.
Ranking	Team	Last Week	Change	Record	Next Game
4		1	-3	1-1	@ Rams
		Flying high off their drubbing of Pittsburgh, the Ravens fell into a trap in Week 2.
Ranking	Team	Last Week	Change	Record	Next Game
5		6	+1	2-0	@ Saints
		Texans have looked impressive against sub-par competition.  The real test is this week.
Ranking	Team	Last Week	Change	Record	Next Game
6		8	+2	1-1	@ Buccaneers
		The Falcons pulled out a gutsy come-from-behind W to keep pace with New Orleans in the NFC South.
Ranking	Team	Last Week	Change	Record	Next Game
7		9	+2	2-0	@ Raiders
		Impressive win this week, but Sanchez’s turnovers have to be a cause for concern.
Ranking	Team	Last Week	Change	Record	Next Game
8		5	-3	1-1	vs. Giants
		I wouldn’t normally drop a team three spots for losing a close one against top-notch competition, but Vick’s concussion may have some long-term effects on the team moving forward.
Ranking	Team	Last Week	Change	Record	Next Game
9		11	+2	1-1	@ Colts
		Gotta give credit to the Pittsburgh D for pitching a shut-out a week removed from giving up 35.
Ranking	Team	Last Week	Change	Record	Next Game
10		7	-3	1-1	vs. Packers
		The Bears had a real chance to take the NFC by storm, but the O-line completely collapsed.
Ranking	Team	Last Week	Change	Record	Next Game
11		12	+1	2-0	@ Vikings
		Slowly but surely, the Lions are climbing the ranks of the Top 12.  That was a quality thumping of the Chiefs this past week.
Ranking	Team	Last Week	Change	Record	Next Game
12		10	-2	1-1	vs. Chiefs
		San Diego should find this week’s competition far easier than last’s.  If they don’t, they won’t be in the Top 12 much longer.