Allison dropped her official pick on me yesterday and for the sake of some added value come Sunday, I prayed that she’d side with the Colts. Ms. Ranks has been riding the Indy train through the playoffs and I’ve been all over New Orleans. I was sure she’d hitch her chance at a Super Bowl win to Manning’s gunbelt. Alas, Allison snapped off a curve-ball and picked the Saints.

My dilemma -  Go with the Colts and give her a chance at a tie against me (picking opposites will heighten the drama slightly, but will kinda force me into rooting for the Horseshoes). Or  stick with Drew Brees and the Saints and enjoy rooting for a team I like in the Super Bowl. This is a tough decision for me…ummm…hmmm…uhhh…wellll…

…yeah, right - who am I kidding? There is no way I side with the Colts!

 I’m sorry Allison.

 - BULLDOG

 SUPER BOWL PICKS:

     THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

VS.

THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS                 

ALLISON RANKS!: I am picking the New Orleans Saints to win it all.  There is no rhyme or reason to this pick.  I think it will be a great game featuring two elite quarterbacks, but I think the Saints have more healthy weapons than the Colts.  That’s my pick and I’m sticking to it…SAINTS WIN IT ALL!

BULLDOG: Check out my pre-season notes/picks, which I made final on August 19th. My AFC FINAL FOUR: New England, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and San Diego. I had Baltimore & New England playing in the Championship game with New England going to the Super Bowl. My NFC FINAL FOUR: Philadelphia, Arizona, New Orleans, Green Bay…with New Orleans playing in the Super Bowl. I picked the Patriots to win it all.

Not to shabby!

It’s the Colts vs. Saints and while my head says Colts, my heart says Saints. I’ve been on the Drew Brees bandwagon all season and I’m not jumping off now. Manning is such a pleasure to watch and his team really does do it right. I’m foolish for betting against him - but I’ll enjoy the game more if I can live and die with New Orleans.

Both teams play fast. These are the two quickest football teams in the NFL. Both teams are explosive on offense and suffocating on defense. Take the QB’s out of the equation and the game will hinge on three things: 1) Which team can run the ball effectively between the 30’s all day - and stick with it? 2) Which team will get the explosive plays out of the return game? 3) Which team punches in for 6 in the red-zone vs. which team is forced to settle for 3’s?

I’m going to be a proud Saints backer this weekend…I even went out and bought a cap to wear…I’m all in…THE SAINTS WIN IT ALL! (NO 34 IND30)

ENJOY THE GAME!!!!

Chris and Allison are great people, passionate sports fans and more knowledgeable than many of the “pros” making money in the biz. Both have earned lifetime passes to be considered a part of the show. Even better - both are truly our friends.

Thank you Chris: Knowing full well that all you wanted to do was impress girls and feel better about all the Burger King you choked down during high school - I’m sorry I made you run all those extra “Hurricanes” and Lumsden stairs. I owe you one - or two - or three - or six!

Thank you Allison: I apologize for asking you to marry me 5 times in the past 4 months. The first two “umm, dude…umm NO!” should  have sufficed. That said, I plan on kicking your ass in our “Pick ‘Em” contest - to win with a SB pick will taste so sweet. Prepare yourself now because I know you can’t handle losing - figure out what you’ll stomp on, which room you’ll sulk in and which part of the mega-recliner you’ll dig your claws into as the clock ticks down.

(…have some suds on ice for your pop - he’ll need ’em.)

As for my Super Bowl pick…I’m going with…

BULLDOG

- from Allison

To the Lovers and Haters of Allison Ranks Power Rankings…  A season in review… 

First, I want to start off by thanking everyone who read at least one week of my posts.  I appreciate the opportunity that was provided by the Mark Viviano Show for me to take my passion for football and turn it into a weekly analysis of happenings around the NFL in the form of power rankings.

I hope I proved to some people out there that girls really can understand football and don’t just pick teams based on the color of their uniforms.  I think most of my postings were fair yet some were definitely aided by my heart either in a positive or negative way.  I think I ranked the Ravens where they belonged on a week-to-week basis.  I did the same for the Steelers.  Obviously my posts that garnered the most attention were when the Ravens beat the Steelers on November 29^th  and then when the Steelers, in turn, beat the Ravens.  I realized at that time, that I was opening up new contention between two cities that were already entrenched in a very deep rivalry.  I must say, that I love the “haters.”  I was called names that I would have never conjured up for myself but was very touched by the strangers that supported me. 

When I think back to the contest that I won in October to become the Power Ranker, I was asked to write why I should be chosen to do the weekly power rankings and my answer was this…

  …”Obviously you have your top tier teams at the moment… And you have your bottom feeders… What I think the most important part of any power rankings is, the middle of the pack teams. Who is going to emerge as the best of the 2^nd-tier teams?  Who will have a fight to the finish?  These are the teams that should be assessed in the power rankings. As we know well around here, once the playoffs start, it’s a whole new ballgame. Which teams are powerful enough in both talent and heart to take their team to the next level and sustain that until the end?” 

I think I did my best to stick to that mantra.  My first week, I had the New Orleans Saints as #1 and the Indianapolis Colts as #2.  Hmmm, the two teams playing in the Super Bowl next week appear to be those same two teams.  Those teams floating around in the middle, like the Ravens, Jets, Packers, Chargers all went on to make the playoffs as well.  All in all, my theory appeared to prove itself to be the truth. 

Conversely, my game picking skills are not as spot-on.  I shot about 50% the entire playoffs and with one game to go, I’m one pick behind Damon.  That being said, my pick to be Super Bowl champion is…

…You’ll have to wait until next week to find out. 

It’s been fun!!

-Allison

                                                                                                   

ALLISON RANKS! says:

I pick right on Saturdays, wrong on Sundays.  Since there are no games on Saturday, I guess I’m going to go 0-2.  That being said, I really think both games are up in the air, so I’m just going to guess. 

BULLDOG says:

Ms. Ranks stays in the hunt and has a chance to win this thing. It’s 5-4 BULLDOG -  as we roll into Championship Weekend. Three games left in the NFL season and the Super Bowl might decide serious bragging rights for one of us. To the winner - six months of gloating power. To the loser - ?????

This weekend the Saints and Colts get home field advantage and along with the Vikings and Jets are a heartbeat away from playing for the LOMBARDI. Can we fast forward to Sunday and kick it off - I can’t wait?!

CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND PICKS

          vs.                 WINNER IS:

ALLISON RANKS!: I think the NFC Championship will go to the Minnesota Vikings.  I’ve been doubting Favre all season and he’s proven me wrong.  He’s been trying to retire for years, so hopefully he’ll win, so he can retire for good…VIKINGS WIN IT!

BULLDOG: Brett Favre is one of my favorite athletes of all time! Man-crush forever. I don’t like betting against him and I’m a true believer in his ability to finish this thing off. However, the Saints are on a mission and they’ll hold a spiritual service on Sunday; the likes of which have never been seen in New Orleans - ever…SAINTS WIN IT! (37 - 27)

                 vs.                           WINNER IS:

ALLISON RANKS!: Everybody is on the Jets bandwagon, so I’m going to go against the grain and pick the Colts.  Peyton Manning is the best quarterback in the game and can tear apart any defense.  It will be a great test against a great Rex Ryan defense…COLTS WIN IT!

BULLDOG: In REX I trust … JETS WIN IT! (26-23)

Check out our original Playoff Power Rankings (minus the eliminated squads).  - BULLDOG

ALLISON RANKS! - Power Rankings Playoff Style!… 

2. Indianapolis Colts: I think Peyton will reinvigorate this Colts team and lead them to a run to the AFC Championship game.

 5. Minnesota Vikings : The Vikings MIGHT be the most complete team in the playoff field and have the QB with the most experience. We’ll see how Favre holds up in January.

 6. New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees is going to have to put this team on his shoulders and prove that the last few weeks were just a fluke.

8. New York Jets: Rex Ryan says the Jets are going to win the Super Bowl. A month ago, Rex said the Jets were out of the playoffs. Which is it Rex?

BULLDOG’s ORIGINAL PLAYOFF POWER RANKINGS:

SAINTS  2) Brees and his Saints are ready to win. The “D” is rested. The “O” poured 510 pts on the league. These Saints are on a very personal mission. Drew finds his way to the NFC title game - at the very least.  

VIKINGS 3) Brett Favre! The defense is atrocious at times but they’re also relentless at times.The home cooking will be huge for this group. Brett Favre. The running game is playoff worthy and must get cranked up. Brett Favre.

COLTS 5) I won’t dump Manning any lower than 5^th. The Colts are solid and have won close games all season. Playoff tested - they’ll get Cin, NY or Bal at home and should be ready mentally and physically. After that? Poop-in-their-pants!

JETS 6) I’m out on a limb with “Sexy Rexy”. Teams that run the ball with attitude, stop the run with attitude and limit explosive plays - win playoff games. If Sanchez gets dirty the Jets will stay playoff-hot. I like the J…E…T…S  Jets, Jets, Jets - right now.

Our time together is fleeting. Moving rapidly between long hot lazy summer days on-through to the hussle and bussle and crisp air that so defines our winter existence.

Hello is familiar and comfortable because our relationship is easy; rooted in common passions and desires. Like the sting of a well timed knockout punch our goodbye is abrupt. The finality echos.

Time apart answers nagging questions pertaining to identity, direction and vision. We’ll lose friends and familiar faces; we’ll gain new blood and add pliable clay. The old will move on to fresh towns, colors and traditions. Some sink into real world lives. Some quickly become heated rivals. The new greet us in snippets and soundbites, conferences and camps. The cycle of separation re-builds our collective focus, investment and  level of expectation. Inevitable change tests the soul of our commitment and faith in OUR people and OUR process.

Packing. Unpacking. Inflation. Deflation. Cleaning. Polishing. Designing. Building. Exhaling. Meeting. Lifting, Addition. Subtraction. Planning. Scheming. Questioning. Answering. Caring. Watching. Learning. Listening. Hiring. Firing. Deciding. Arguing. Sweating. Running. Throwing. Receiving. Hitting. Rehabbing. Rehashing. Aging. Traveling. Interviewing. Testing. Drafting. Re-charging. Affirming. Practicing. Talking. Camping.

As the sights, sounds and memories of our time together fade, we’re forced to march forward to a less relentless cadence. You bring a rhythmic flow to the air we breathe and without the same ebb and flow - the air tastes bland. Our weeks are drive-by quality but still blend together the voices of an eclectic nation. We meet, bond and embrace in ways which don’t surface naturally. We do so thanks to you. Our relationship begets new attachments and friendships with an ease and depth that is tough to replicate in our off-season lives. It’s beautiful.

Our time together is over for now. We’ll miss each other and find time to catch-up now and again. We’ll reminisce about times past and talk when we can about our future. Days will become weeks, weeks will stretch into months and soon enough we’ll reconnect. The next journey will start anew on familiar ground with a ripe fervor and rekindled flame. We need one another. All the emotion and excitement our relationship is based on is must-have.

We need our time together.

Take great care of yourself and stay in touch. Now, you’re “on the clock”.

 (Exhale…)

- BULLDOG

We couldn’t have asked for more during week 1 of the playoffs.  After Saturday, I thought I had the win in the bag, but Bulldog pulled out a victory after a questionable TD by the Cardinals.  My sincere hope for week 2 is to go 3-1 and take the trophy home. I’m betting against the old guys this week. Favre and Warner are going down this weekend. 

BULLDOG says:

Trophy? Don’t dust off a spot on your mantle just yet Ms. Ranks! ALLISON is hot on my heels after posting wins last week with the Jets and Cowboys. I was able to grab the lead by hitting on Baltimore, New York and Arizona. (…we all know had Philly held on to that early INT - BALLGAME!…4-1 Bulldog). It’s 3-2 BULLDOG - as we roll into the NFL’s Divisional Playoff Round.

This weekend the Chargers, Vikings, Saints and Colts are home. Will I be able to fend off Ms. Ranks for another week? Let the games begin

DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF ROUND PICKS

        AT              WINNER IS:

ALLISON RANKS!: The Chargers are red-hot right now and haven’t lost in almost 3 months. We’ll see on Sunday just how good Darelle Revis and the Jets run game is. Can they stop Vincent Jackson, Antonio Gates and Malcom Floyd? Can they hold the ball long enough to keep Rivers and crew off the field?…CHARGERS WIN IT.

BULLDOG: My heart says JETS and I’ve changed this pick three times in the past 24-hours. But, I’m going with the most balanced team in the NFL to enjoy some home cooking and advance on to the AFC Championship game. This will be a great game to watch and the Jets will leave a nasty bruise…CHARGERS WIN IT.

           AT               WINNER IS:

ALLISON RANKS!: Superstition won’t allow me to pick the Ravens this week.  That being said Joe Flacco will need to throw for more than 34 yards on his 25th birthday to beat Peyton and the Colts. Hope it’s a happy birthday for Joe (and me). I’m hoping Peyton comes out rusty after the 3 week layoff and the Colts lay down while the Ravens run all over them…COLTS WIN IT.

BULLDOG: Heads or tails? Head or heart? Momentum or rest? Manning or Ray & Ed? I’ve lost sleep over this one all week and it’s only Thursday. Manning is the best QB in football and is machine-like when playing at home. The Colts defense is well rested and will play fast. Indy wants to score early and often in order to negate the effectiveness of the Ravens running game and offensive timing/tempo. The Ravens want to be in the game at halftime then rely on their physicality to put the game away. Everything in my head says to go with Manning and the Colts…so, RAVENS WIN IT! (26-24)

          AT              WINNER IS:

ALLISON RANKS!: Going to say this again, the Cardinals go as far as Kurt Warner will take them… I’ve said that for the past 3 weeks and he’s taken them pretty far up until this point.  I don’t think their defense will be able to stop Brees on Saturday. If this game turns into a shoot-out, Brees arm will carry the Saints over the Cardinals. It might take 510 points in this game alone to get it done, but I think the Saints will prevail…SAINTS WIN IT.

BULLDOG: This game will be a high scoring offensive circus. I’m a huge Warner fan and I believe 100% in his ability to lead Arizona to another Super Bowl. I just don’t think the Cardinals can derail the personal mission that Drew Brees and his Saints are on. New Orleans is going win, or die trying this time around and Brees will be the catalyst. I’m ok with Arizona winning - but - SAINTS WIN IT!

         AT             WINNER IS:

ALLISON RANKS!: Still a believer in the Jessica Simpson-less Tony Romo.  I think Dallas is the more physical team and if the defensive line can get to Old Man Favre, the Cowboys will win this game. Brett Favre has never beaten the Cowboys in the playoffs and is 2-6 against the Cowboys recently. I don’t necessarily believe the past dictates the future, but I do believe Favre will have to play a near perfect game to beat the fierce Dallas D…COWBOYS WIN IT.

BULLDOG: Romo vs. Favre? LOLOLOLOLLOLOLOLOLOLOL - OMG - OMG - LOLOLOLOLLLOLOLOLOL…VIKINGS WIN IT!

Check out our original Playoff Power Rankings (minus the eliminated squads). A decent race is brewing. ALLISON has lost her #’s 3, 7, 9 and 12. I’ve dropped my 4, 7, 8 and 12.  To close for comfort! - BULLDOG

ALLISON RANKS! - Power Rankings Playoff Style!… 

1. San Diego Chargers : The Chargers are red-hot right now and haven’t lost in almost 3 months.

2. Indianapolis Colts: I think Peyton will reinvigorate this Colts team and lead them to a run to the AFC Championship game.

4. Dallas Cowboys: This may be the year the Cowboys show up for the playoffs. Miles Austin has given Tony Romo the confidence he needed to take a huge step forward. The defense has been sensational over the past couple weeks and has pitched consecutive shutouts.

5. Minnesota Vikings : The VikingsMIGHT be the most complete team in the playoff field and have the QB with the most experience. We’ll see how Favre holds up in January. 6. New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees is going to have to put this team on his shoulders and prove that the last few weeks were just a fluke.8. New York Jets: Rex Ryan says the Jets are going to win the Super Bowl. A month ago, Rex said the Jets were out of the playoffs. Which is it Rex?

10. Arizona Cardinals: Going to say this again, the Cardinals will go as far as Kurt Warner will take them. It’s going to be a little bit harder if Boldin can’t go on Sunday.

11. Baltimore Ravens: My beloved Ravens… I think this game is in Flacco’s hands. I’d love to see a fired up, motivated Flacco lead this team to the promise land.

BULLDOG’s ORIGINAL PLAYOFF POWER RANKINGS:

CHARGERS   1) NFL’s most balanced team right now. They’re playing loose, fast, confident football. SD can score on anyone, cover anyone & can run the ball to win. They also play very solid Special Teams. Colt beaters!

SAINTS  2) Brees and his Saints are ready to win. The “D” is rested. The “O” poured 510 pts on the league. These Saints are on a very personal mission. Drew finds his way to the NFC title game - at the very least.  

VIKINGS 3) Brett Favre! The defense is atrocious at times but they’re also relentless at times.The home cooking will be huge for this group. Brett Favre. The running game is playoff worthy and must get cranked up. Brett Favre.

COLTS 5) I won’t dump Manning any lower than 5^th. The Colts are solid and have won close games all season. Playoff tested - they’ll get Cin, NY or Bal at home and should be ready mentally and physically. After that? Poop-in-their-pants!

JETS 6) I’m out on a limb with “Sexy Rexy”. Teams that run the ball with attitude, stop the run with attitude and limit explosive plays - win playoff games. If Sanchez gets dirty the Jets will stay playoff-hot. I like the J…E…T…S  Jets, Jets, Jets - right now

COWBOYS 9) Dallas has rallied and played solid late-season football. They are physical, fast and have been playing “team” ball. They look good right now. They’re hot today - gone tomorrow. I say Nono to Romo!

CARDINALS 10) The Cards don’t lose back-to-back games. They’ll play with passion for the home fans this week. Warner is a big game QB. They’re ticked off about the way The Pack throttled ‘em and they still hunger for league wide respect.

RAVENS 11) The Ravens must play mistake free football to stay alive. Flacco must elevate his game and have a burning desire to beat the big guns - Brady, Manning, Rivers. This group will fight and empty the tank. The question remains - what’s in the tank? The Ravens can win in NE if they refuse to give the game away. If they blink - they go home.

However, is ALLISON RANKS! ready for a Playoff Pick ‘Em throwdown?

 (I’ve always wanted to do the Bobby Flay thing - I’m a Food Network junkie - sorry!)

I’ve ranked the playoff teams based on how I think the run for the LOMBARDI will go. As teams lose - I’ll eliminate them. My Wild Card Weekend picks are posted below. Lets see what you’ve got Ms. Ranks!

Hey Baltimore - Your thoughts? How will the playoffs shake out? Your final four? Your SB champion is? Chime in… - BULLDOG

       1) NFL’s most balanced team right now. They’re playing loose, fast, confident football. SD can score on anyone, cover anyone & can run the ball to win. They also play very solid Special Teams. Colt beaters!

         2) Brees and his Saints are ready to win. The “D” is rested. The “O” poured 510 pts on the league. These Saints are on a very personal mission. Drew finds his way to the NFC title game - at the very least.  

         3) Brett Favre! The defense is atrocious at times but they’re also relentless at times.The home cooking will be huge for this group. Brett Favre. The running game is playoff worthy and must get cranked up. Brett Favre.

         4) A red hot QB with something to prove. The Pack are explosive on “O” and stingy on “D”. The formula of sacks, turnovers and a big play “O” - winner! They’re one amazing last second TD vs. Pitt away from finishing 8-0. Dangerous if they make it past Arizona.

        5) I won’t dump Manning any lower than 5^th. The Colts are solid and have won close games all season. Playoff tested - they’ll get Cin, NY or Bal at home and should be ready mentally and physically. After that? Poop-in-their-pants!

        6) I’m out on a limb with “Sexy Rexy”. Teams that run the ball with attitude, stop the run with attitude and limit explosive plays - win playoff games. If Sanchez gets dirty the Jets will stay playoff-hot. I like the J…E…T…S  Jets, Jets, Jets - right now.

        7) Tom Brady. Bill Belichick. Randy Moss. A massive D-Line to run against. Undefeated at home in ‘09. A scheme and situational teaching system that doesn’t lose home playoff games. A QB that has been to four Super Bowls and wont flinch with a big game on the line. BUT - is his TEAM willing to fight the Ravens for 4?

          8) I like the way the Eagles respond to and play for Andy Reid. They can move the ball on anyone when McNabb comes to play. They made the NFC title game last season and hang tough in big games. Eagles?? - just a hunch right now - they’ll beat Dallas.

        9) Dallas has rallied and played solid late-season football. They are physical, fast and have been playing “team” ball. They look good right now. They’re hot today - gone tomorrow. I say Nono to Romo!

         10) The Cards don’t lose back-to-back games. They’ll play with passion for the home fans this week. Warner is a big game QB. They’re ticked off about the way The Pack throttled ‘em and they still hunger for league wide respect.

         11) The Ravens must play mistake free football to stay alive. Flacco must elevate his game and have a burning desire to beat the big guns - Brady, Manning, Rivers. This group will fight and empty the tank. The question remains - what’s in the tank? The Ravens can win in NE if they refuse to give the game away. If they blink - they go home.

        12)  Marvin Lewis must find a way to reignite the flame that burned so red-hot earlier in ‘09. When they’re loose and aggressive they can play with anyone - but they have dialed it back emotionally. Palmer is solid and wants to win  - how many of his fellow Bengals want it as much as he does?

WILD CARD WEEKEND PICKS

AFC:                                                                                      NFC:

JETS @ BENGALS: JETS                                              EAGLES @ COWBOYS: EAGLES

RAVENS @ PATRIOTS: RAVENS (26-23)             PACKERS @ CARDINALS:CARDINALS

Ms. Ranks has answered the call and posted her “Playoff Style!” picks. She’s picking against me big time with the Pats, Pack and Cowboys all earning first round glory. I guess we’ll see - good luck killer! - BULLDOG 

ALLISON RANKS! - Power Rankings Playoff Style!…

1. San Diego Chargers : The Chargers are red-hot right now and haven’t lost in almost 3 months.

2. Indianapolis Colts: I think Peyton will reinvigorate this Colts team and lead them to a run to the AFC Championship game.

3. Green Bay Packers: I really think the Packers have a chance to go far into this postseason. If Rodgers stays upright, he may be the most dangerous weapon on this side of the playoff draw.

4. Dallas Cowboys: This may be the year the Cowboys show up for the playoffs. Miles Austin has given Tony Romo the confidence he needed to take a huge step forward. The defense has been sensational over the past couple weeks and has pitched consecutive shutouts.

5. Minnesota Vikings : The Vikings MIGHT be the most complete team in the playoff field and have the QB with the most experience. We’ll see how Favre holds up in January.

6. New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees is going to have to put this team on his shoulders and prove that the last few weeks were just a fluke.

7. New England Patriots: Like I said last week, I think the Pats without Wes Welker are in trouble. The defense has been suspect at best this season and if other teams can take out the Randy Moss effect, they Pats will struggle.

8. New York Jets: Rex Ryan says the Jets are going to win the Super Bowl. A month ago, Rex said the Jets were out of the playoffs. Which is it Rex?

9. Philadelphia Eagles : The Eagles looked flat and banged up at the end of the regular season. They’re going to need to step it up if they have any chance in Dallas this weekend.

10. Arizona Cardinals: Going to say this again, the Cardinals will go as far as Kurt Warner will take them. It’s going to be a little bit harder if Boldin can’t go on Sunday.

11. Baltimore Ravens: My beloved Ravens… I think this game is in Flacco’s hands. I’d love to see a fired up, motivated Flacco lead this team to the promise land.

12.Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals haven’t looked very good in over a month. Ochocinco’s banged up both physically and emotionally. I’d like to see them pull this one out, but I don’t think it’s going to happen.

Game 1: Jets vs. Bengals… Jets win
Game 2: Eagles vs. Cowboys… Cowboys win
Game 3. Ravens vs. Patriots… Patriots win
Game 4. Packers vs. Cardinals… Packers win

- Allison

…e-mails like this from kids like Dennis are a true blessing.  - BULLDOG

. - BULLDOG

(Obviously I edited this for CBS regs - you’ll catch the drift.)

 …btw - the Cowboys blow!

 Week 17 Power Rankings…by Allison

 I’m sad that the season’s over. Maybe I’ll have playoff rankings next week.

1. San Diego Chargers (13-3) Without Philip Rivers, LaDanian Tomlinson and most of the other first stringers, the Chargers were still able to beat the Redskins and win their 11th straight game.

2. Indianapolis Colts (14-2) The Colts don’t do much without Manning in the game.

3. Minnesota Vikings (12-4) The old guy threw for 4 more touchdowns Sunday bringing his season total to over 30 for the 9th time in his career as the Vikings demolished the Giants to regain strength in the NFC.

4. New Orleans Saints (13-3) Can the Saints rebound from this 3 game losing streak?

5. Dallas Cowboys (11-5) Maybe Jessica Simpson was the curse for the Cowboys last season. Is she dating someone on the Eagles now?

6. Green Bay Packers (11-5) Green Bay hopes the Cardinals come with the same effort next Sunday when the rematch takes place in the playoffs.

7. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6) The Bengals got manhandled by the Jets Sunday night. They need to find some of that fire from the beginning of the season or they will be embarrassed again next week.

8. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) If someone on this team is dating Jessica Simpson, dump her now. The Eagles better find a new game plan for their trip back to Dallas next Saturday night.

9. New England Patriots (10-6) How big will the Wes Welker injury prove to be in determining how far the Patriots go this postseason? And how successful will Brady be with 3 broken ribs and a broken finger? The world shall see on Sunday.

10. Arizona Cardinals (10-6) Again, the Cardinals proved they will only go as far as Kurt Warner can go.

11. New York Jets (9-7) I bet Rex Ryan takes back his comment from a few weeks ago when he declared the Jets were out of the playoffs. Behind the #1 rushing attack and overall defense, the Jets are in.

12. Baltimore Ravens (9-7) Willis McGahee rushed for a career high 167 yards and 3 scores as the Ravens took care of business in Oakland and played their way into the playoffs.

13 Houston Texans (9-7) The Texans trailed by 14 points in the 4th quarter, but rallied to beat the New England Patriots.

14. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) Although Pittsburgh finished strong, their string of 5 bad losses dashed their hopes of repeating as Super Bowl champs.

15. Atlanta Falcons (9-7) The Falcons finished with a winning record in consecutive seasons for the first time in franchise history, but fell short of the playoffs.

16. Carolina Panthers (8-8) The Panthers finished strong with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart both rushing for over 1100 yards.

Bottom Feeder: All of the teams that had the opportunity to at least be alive for the playoffs when the day started, but lost to bad teams to eliminate themselves.

…the St. Louis Rams are on the clock! - BULLDOG

Week 16 Power Rankings… by Allison

To all the Steelers fans that called me names and told me how uneducated and stupid I appeared, you got your wish. With a Steelers victory on Sunday (even though it was gift-wrapped from the Ravens) the Steelers have moved ahead of the Ravens in this week’s rankings. It will be comforting for me though in two weeks when the Ravens are in the playoffs and the Steelers are watching from home… - Allison

1. Indianapolis Colts (14-1) With most of the starters pulled in the 3Q, the Colts quest of 19-0 came to an end at the hands of the Jets and left the Indy fans booing their home team.

2. San Diego Chargers (12-3) Philip Rivers threw for 2 TD’s, Tomlinson ran for 2 TD’s and Darren Sproles added two more as the Chargers trounced the Titans on Christmas night.

3. New Orleans Saints (13-2) With the pursuit of perfection no longer a factor, the Saints laid a complete egg against the 2-13 Buccaneers.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (11-4) A field goal at the end of the game sealed a victory for the Eagles, but hasn’t sealed the NFC East yet.

5. Minnesota Vikings (11-4) The Vikings late comeback bid fell short in overtime as Minnesota lost it’s 3rd in a row .

6. Dallas Cowboys (10-5) The Redskins had no answer for the Cowboys Sunday night, as the Cowboys proved that their December woes are a thing of the past.

7. Green Bay Packers (10-5) The Packers defense forced Hasselbeck into 4 INT’s and the offense rushed for 5 TD’s in a bludgeoning of the Seahawks Sunday.

8. Cincinnati Bengals (10-5) The Bengals are going to the playoffs for just the second time in 19 years.

9. New England Patriots (10-5) The Patriots clinched the AFC East behind a big game from Tom Brady and Randy Moss.

10. Arizona Cardinals (10-5) Kurt Warner became the second QB to throw 100 TD’s for two separate teams on Sunday as the see-saw Cardinals season continues.

11. New York Jets (8-7) Although the Jets beat the second string of the Colts, they set themselves up to control their own destiny to the playoffs.

12. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7) The Steelers played an average game all around, but it was good enough for a win, as they watched the Ravens self-destruct.

13. Baltimore Ravens (8-7) The Ravens handed the Steelers the win on Sunday. 3 easy TD’s were called back on penalties or dropped. The Ravens still have life though, if they win in Oakland, they’re in the playoffs.

14. Houston Texans (8-7) The Texans scored on their first 5 possessions and knocked the Dolphins out of the playoffs.

15. Denver Broncos (8-7) The Broncos lost control of their own destiny in their loss to the Eagles.

16. New York Giants (8-7) Apparently the Giants were uninterested in going to the playoffs this year.

Bottom Feeder: St. Louis Rams… The dismal Rams season continued on Sunday and got them one step closer to the first pick in the 2010 draft.