John’s Week 6 Power Rankings

High Five

5-0

The last undefeated team in the NFL sits atop my power rankings for the first time this season. There is no question as to identity – the Titans are a defensive-minded squad which likes to control the clock with a dominating running attack. Jeff Fisher’s defense is tops in the league in scoring defense, having allowed 23 fewer points than the second place unit. However, concerns remain. Tennessee has yet to defeat a team which currently sports a winning record. Neither Kerry Collins nor Vince Young have thrown for over 200 yards in the first five games. Finally, it still remains to be seen whether LenDale White or Chris Johnson is the primary back. Johnson has led the team in rushing each week, but since peaking at 109 yards in Week 2, his rushing numbers have declined. After K.C. this week, the Titans will get tests from a supposedly rejuvenated Colts team, as well as from the Packers, with both contests coming at home.

Next Up: @ Kansas City (1-4)

4-2

Next Up: @ Carolina (10/26) (4-2)

4-1

Next Up: @ Cincinnati (0-6)

4-1

Next Up: vs. San Diego (3-3)

4-2

Next Up: vs. Seattle (1-4)

Just Missed: San Diego Chargers

Dive Five

0-5

From a guarantee of 10 wins in 2007 to half way to 10 losses five games into the season this year. What happened? We may never know the answer to that question, but football fanatics do know that the Lions have already begun to focus on 2009 and beyond. Jon Kitna was placed on IR with a bulging disc in his back despite Kitna claiming he would have been healthy enough to play. The move allows the team to see what they have in backups Dan Orlovsky and Drew Stanton, and to decide whether they should use a likely top-5 pick on a QB. Subsequently, the front office shipped starting wide receiver Roy Williams, once thought a cornerstone of the rebuilding process a few years ago but made “expendable” due to the arrival of Calvin Johnson, to Dallas for a plethora of draft picks. Now, the Lions have to hope they nab a franchise running back in the draft to aid an embarrassing running attack (30th in the NFL), hope that Mike Furrey returns to his 2006 form (or they’ll be facing a hole at wide out), and pray the O-line somehow improves. Oh, and there’s still the little fact of the defense being the worst in the league in yards allowed and second worst in scoring defense. Even the future looks dull for a franchise which thought it started turning the corner last season.

Next Up: vs. Dallas (4-2)

0-6