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NFL Power Rankings: Ranking the 12 Playoff Teams

By Greg Trippiedi | January 4, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Knowing the outcome of Saturday's games makes this a bit tougher to do, because I have to act like I don't know the outcomes of those games to rank the 12 teams pre playoffs. It would be easy to put Atlanta or Indy on bottom, but I had both teams reaching the round of eight. So, with that in mind, here's how MVN saw the Playoff Power Poll as of yesterday.1. Pittsburgh SteelersThe Steelers never led the MVN Power Rankings in any week but they are the most battle-tested, injury resistant team in the post season. Ben Roethlisberger had his best month in December, and figures to play in the AFC Divisional round coming off a concussion, but even if backup Byron Leftwich has to play, the Steelers might be in even better hands.2. Tennessee TitansHard to say how effective DT Albert Haynesworth and DE Kyle Vanden Bosch will be...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, power rankings, San Diego Chargers, Tennessee Titans

NFL Playoff Preview: Can the NFL's Best Hold Off the Up-and-Comers?

By Greg Trippiedi | January 2, 2009 | MVN Outsider

When we look at the 12 team NFL playoff field, I think we can separate the teams into three categories: The Elite, The Sideshow, and the Atlanta Falcons.The Elite Teams (in no specific order)Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, and Carolina PanthersThe SideshowIndianapolis Colts, San Diego Chargers, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, and Miami DolphinsAnd,Atlanta FalconsThis will probably be the most competitive playoff bracket the NFL has seen in years. There are six teams to beat, not the one elite team that we have seen lose in years past. I'll tell you right up front that I have no dog in this fight, as all of the teams I cover have been eliminated through regular season battles.After two rounds of playoff games, you can expect to see two or more of the elite teams in play, one or fewer of the sideshow teams, and maybe or...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, NFL Playoffs, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans

Reasons why Albert Haynesworth will or will not re-sign with the Titans

By Andrew Strickert | December 30, 2008 | Total Titans

There are several good reasons why Albert Haynesworth may re-sign with the Tennessee Titans and there are also several good reasons why he may not. Let's examine some of the pros and cons. Why Big Al will re-sign with Tennessee:...

Read more | 9 Comments | Tags: Albert Haynesworth, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Jevon Kearse, Jim Washburn, Keith Bulluck, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Tennessee Titans, Titans

Cable guy impresses, but is it enough? Only Al knows

By Rob Calonge | December 29, 2008 | Thoughts from the Dark Side

Rumors swirl about big Al's next move, but the fact remains that even HE may not know what it is yet. (Photo by Candy Padilla)

At first glance, a 4-8 record as head coach of the Raiders, wouldn't seem to be enough for Tom Cable to get the 'interim' label removed from his official title. In fact, in this space we've done our share of discounting him as a viable candidate in the official Oakland Raiders coaching search. I would've named it the 'annual' coaching search, but it's more a bi-annual event than anything else. Coach Cable was quick to point out, when asked about his status, the team played .500 football over the last six games. Armed with that and the fact that he led the team for 12 games, that would mean that the team went 1-5 his first six games. This begs the question, if Cable is named the head man, what team will show up on game day?

Read more | 7 Comments | Tags: AFC, AFC West, Al Davis, Andrew Walter, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Bill Callahan, Broncos, Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, Chargers, Chiefs, Denver Broncos, Dolphins, Falcons, Houston Texans, JaMarcus Russell, Jets, Jim Fassel, Jon Gruden, Justin Fargas, Kansas City Chiefs, Kevin Gilbride, Kirk Morrison, LaMont Jordan, Marques Tuiasosopo, Miami Dolphins, Mike Shanahan, Mike White, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, NFL, Oakland Raiders, Panthers, Patriots, Raider Nation, Raiders, Randy Moss, Ravens, Rob Ryan, Robert Gallery, Saints, San Diego Chargers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Texans, Tom Cable

John Kasay Kicks Carolina to NFC South Championship

By Richie Fender | December 29, 2008 | Carolina Sports Pulse

The Cardiac Cats were in full force against the New Orleans Saints at the Super Dome. John Kasay came through in the end with a field goal that would give Carolin the NFC South Division title and a first round bye. This would also give the Panthers a playoff game on their home field, where they were the only team in the NFL to remain unbeaten. FUN FACT: The Carolina Panthers receive their third division title in franchise history and first since 2003 when they advanced to Super Bowl XXXVIII. John Kasay commented, "You guys dubbed us the Cardiac Cats a few years ago, right? Well, I think you can pull out the old hats and t-shirts and get ready for the ride. By God's grace, this one went in. Any time you don't capitalize by scoring points on offense, it can quickly bite you. They're not easy. None...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Carolina Panthers, Drew Brees, Jake Delhomme, John Fox, John Kasay, New Orleans Saints, NFC South, NFL

NFL Power Rankings Week 17: Some of the League's Best Will be Left Out of Playoffs

By Greg Trippiedi | December 28, 2008 | MVN Outsider

The final rendition of the MVN NFL Power Rankings will (attempt at least) try to credit teams for a season well done, even if we expect their season to come to an end this week. The disparity of talent on the teams in the playoff may have never been as strong as it will be this year. Denver and Arizona might both host home playoff games, and neither of those teams are worthy of being ranked in the top 20. Meanwhile, let's give it up to teams like the Eagles, Buccaneers, Bears, Patriots, Saints, and Redskins. While all those teams will need help to make the tournament, all of those teams could have been Super Bowl contenders in years' past. This year just happens to be the year of the very good teams, which should make for an exciting tournament with no clear cut favorite.1. Tennessee TitansThe Titans are the...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers, power rankings, Tennessee Titans

NFL Top Ten: Best Games from the 2008 Season

By Greg Trippiedi | December 27, 2008 | MVN Outsider

The regular season may not be over just yet, but it has already produced plenty of classic games. I had the pleasure of picking ten games that might show up again on NFL Classics in the future. All games had to be heavily competitive to be considered, but bonuses were given to games with great storylines, great endings, and really critical results. Here are the top ten games from the first 16 weeks of the regular season:Number 10 (October 26)Giants defeat Steelers 21-14At the time of this game, whether or not the NFC had overtaken the AFC was very much in the air. The Eagles had taken care of the Steelers at home earlier this season, but the Steelers were hosting the Giants in this one. The Giants controlled much of the action in the first half, but the Steelers came out and scored in the second half, and led...

Read more | 2 Comments | Tags: Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, New York Giants, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Diego Chargers, Top Ten

Anatomy of an Upset: How the (NFC) South will be won

By Greg Trippiedi | December 26, 2008 | MVN Outsider

At about ten o clock on the east coast Sunday night, it looked like the Panthers were well on their way to homefield advantage in the NFC. Just one collapse of the run defense later, and I'm going to tell you why the Panthers will not win the NFC South.The Atlanta Falcons are a stone cold lock to beat the St. Louis Rams this Sunday, and finish 11-5. They might as well not even play the game. If the Rams' charter gets lost on the way to Atlanta, no one will notice. Not the least of which, the Carolina Panthers themselves. They know they are playing for the division title against the New Orleans Saints, but they are also playing against multiple historical trends. And one of those opponents figures to overwhelm the Panthers.No visitor in the NFC South has won a divisional gameThe Panthers will travel to New Orleans...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Upsets

NFL Power Rankings: Ranking the 12 Playoff Teams

By Greg Trippiedi | January 4, 2009 | MVN Outsider

NFL Playoff Preview: Can the NFL's Best Hold Off the Up-and-Comers?

By Greg Trippiedi | January 2, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, NFL Playoffs, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans

NFL Power Rankings Week 17: Some of the League's Best Will be Left Out of Playoffs

By Greg Trippiedi | December 28, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers, power rankings, Tennessee Titans

NFL Top Ten: Best Games from the 2008 Season

By Greg Trippiedi | December 27, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Anatomy of an Upset: How the (NFC) South will be won

By Greg Trippiedi | December 26, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Upsets

NFL Power Rankings Week 16: Pennsylvania teams eventually rise to top

By Greg Trippiedi | December 18, 2008 | MVN Outsider

1. Tennessee Titans (12-2) The Titans hold the top spot at least one more week through the loss, but they will have to beat Pittsburgh at home without Albert Haynesworth and Kyle VandenBosch to hold it any further. Good luck guys.2. Philadelphia Eagles (8-5-1)The Eagles jump up to number two this week behind the strength of a third consecutive win, and the Steelers knocking off the Ravens, who beat the Eagles back when this was a team in turmoil. 3. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3) Do the Steelers have the greatest defense of all time? Only a championship would validate this. The offense apparently isn't going to assist them until the final two minutes of every game.4. Baltimore Ravens (9-5) The Ravens aren't going to fall too far, falling victim to the "Tuck Rule curse". They should have taken care of business in Pittsburgh, and then it wouldn't have come down to...Read more

Read more | 4 Comments | Tags: Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, power poll, Tennessee Titans

Monday Overtime: Key losses set up Giants-Pathers, Titans-Steelers showdown

By Anthony Brown | December 15, 2008 | MVN Outsider

This is not the WWE where outcomes are staged as entertainment masked as sport. But, the NFL could not have set up two key games any better than key losses by the Giants and Titans yesterday.Houston Texans 13, Tennessee Titans 12Texans receiver Andre Johnson is a pretty good football player you almost never see on TV. Blame small markets and inconsistent play for that. He gave Houston football fans an emotional lift with 207 receiving yards to lead the Texans over the franchise formerly known as the Houston Oilers. The game should have been a blowout for the Titans. Instead, their entire scoring came from field goals. It was just that kind of day. So what did Titans coach Jeff Fisher do on fourth down from the Texans 32 yard line with two minutes to go in the fourth quarter? He goes for it instead of taking what might have...Read more

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, New York Giants, NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans

NFL Power Rankings Week 15: Giants can no longer be called best in NFL

By Greg Trippiedi | December 10, 2008 | MVN Outsider

The New York Giants have topped the MVN power rankings for the last two months, but they simply aren't playing like the best team in the NFL anymore. Luckily for the Giants, the elite teams all seem to be playing in the NFC. But don't get me wrong, the Eagles game was still huge for the Giants, because the Giants had a chance to knock the Eagles out of playoff contention and couldn't capitalize. If the Eagles get in as the No. 6 seed, and win in the wild card round, guess who might not win a playoff game this year? Yep. I'm talking about big blue.The Giants will stay as the best team in the NFC for at least one more week, but they better take it to an inferior Dallas team, otherwise, we're talking about the first round bye being in question (the final two games for the...Read more

Read more | 3 Comments | Tags: Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, power poll, Tennessee Titans

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