The New Orleans Saints are the undisputed kings of the ESPN.com NFL Power Rankings entering Week 13

What now?

netweavr: The New Orleans Saints are the undisputed kings of the ESPN.com NFL Power Rankings entering Week 13

What now?

They got all four first place votes among the four writers who decide this poll. For a few weeks, the votes were split 2-2, but in the case of a tie, the team that was in the number one spot the previous week holds on to the spot, and the Saints had edged out the Colts a few weeks ago. Now that they have played a common opponent in the span of a very short time, it is fairly clear which of the two is more dominant right now.

Someone is sure to come in here and spute them. Not me, I'm just an innocent bystander.

Nabb1: netweavr: The New Orleans Saints are the undisputed kings of the ESPN.com NFL Power Rankings entering Week 13

What now?

They got all four first place votes among the four writers who decide this poll. For a few weeks, the votes were split 2-2, but in the case of a tie, the team that was in the number one spot the previous week holds on to the spot, and the Saints had edged out the Colts a few weeks ago. Now that they have played a common opponent in the span of a very short time, it is fairly clear which of the two is more dominant right now.

I was referring back to the drunken, quasi-flame war I managed to inadvertently spark last night.

You want to know what really grinds my gears? Looking at the voting page, I agree with Sando's votes. I hate that guy, or thought I hated him, but here I am agreeing with his retarded choices.

netweavr: I was referring back to the drunken, quasi-flame war I managed to inadvertently spark last night.

Oh, sorry I missed that.

Wait... no, I'm not sorry. I was at the game. Of course I'm not sorry I missed that. WHO DAT?

Hard to argue it this week.

What a strange year this has been. First, a black man whose last name rhymes with "Osama" and whose middle name is "Hussein," and whose father was a Muslim, becomes president. And now, the New Orleans Saints are indisputably the best team in the NFL.

I believe these may be signs of the impending apocalypse. My advice: buy yourself a flock of chickens and a cow, dig a bomb shelter in your back yard, and stock up on ammo. The world has become more unpredicable than ever, and society as we know it may soon end.

I'm thinking there is a decent chance the Colts fall to the Titans Sunday. The Titans have everything to play for, as they have to run the table to even have a chance for a AFC WC slot. They have momentum and confidence. Oh, and a very dangerous Chris Johnson who is set to break NFL records for rushing. The Colts have already clinched a playoff birth, are stuck at the position at being undefeated and the subsequent pressure, and don't have much to play for. All they have left is home field and they can afford to lose a few and still get it.

I AM INQUIRING AS TO THE IDENTITY OF THE PERSON OR PERSONS WHO IS OR ARE OF THE OPINION THAT THEY ARE IN POSSESSION OF THE NECESSARY SKILL SET TO DEFEAT THE SAINTS!

/Not a Saints fan, per se, but watching the Pats get whupped was entertaining.

The game last night was something else. I can't recall ever seeing an NFL game with that many long passes by both teams (though obviously more from the Saints). That New Orleans offense is the very definition of a juggernaut.

I'm very happy for the Saints and for Saints fans like Nabb1 who have had to put up with decades of ineptitude and, even worse, Jim Haslett. I would be perfectly happy with the Saints getting to the Super Bowl (at least in part because that means the Minnesota Favres wouldn't) and would be rooting for them (unless the final apocalypse begins and the Broncos somehow go on a tear).

Cyberluddite: I believe these may be signs of the impending apocalypse. My advice: buy yourself a flock of chickens and a cow, dig a bomb shelter in your back yard, and stock up on ammo. The world has become more unpredicable than ever, and society as we know it may soon end.

You forgot to add that the Bengals are ranked #5 as a reason.

As a Raiders fan, I look forward to being able to laud my team in these threads in about 15 years, when scientists will finally figure out how to de-animate the corpse of Al Davis.

Nabb1: They got all four first place votes among the four writers who decide this poll. For a few weeks, the votes were split 2-2, but in the case of a tie, the team that was in the number one spot the previous week holds on to the spot, and the Saints had edged out the Colts a few weeks ago. Now that they have played a common opponent in the span of a very short time, it is fairly clear which of the two is more dominant right now.

Cleveland got all four last place votes too

The biggest color-coded change implemented by Rex Ryan for Mark Sanchez was having Sanchez throw to Jets' jersey colors.

Ouch.

/love the headline

JusticeandIndependence: Nabb1: They got all four first place votes among the four writers who decide this poll. For a few weeks, the votes were split 2-2, but in the case of a tie, the team that was in the number one spot the previous week holds on to the spot, and the Saints had edged out the Colts a few weeks ago. Now that they have played a common opponent in the span of a very short time, it is fairly clear which of the two is more dominant right now.

Cleveland got all four last place votes too

Well, they are pretty clearly the anti-Saints. Their only win was that inexplicable 6-3 win over the Bills (a team that should have beaten the Patriots week 1, and just whipped up on the Fins). They should really be 0-11, and going for Lions territory.

Also, ESPN has Arizona @ San Francisco in two weeks on MNF. You know they are looking for SF to win vs. Seattle, and Arizona to lose to Minnesota, which would set up that game as the winner controlling their own destiny in the NFC West.

Have to say, other than the Browns game, the MNF games this year have been pretty good and relevant. (Although the Redskins and the Bears get on MNF the last two weeks).

dletter: Also, ESPN has Arizona @ San Francisco in two weeks on MNF. You know they are looking for SF to win vs. Seattle, and Arizona to lose to Minnesota, which would set up that game as the winner controlling their own destiny in the NFC West.

Have to say, other than the Browns game, the MNF games this year have been pretty good and relevant. (Although the Redskins and the Bears get on MNF the last two weeks).

The way the Arizona/SF drama is working out, along with the wildcard race. Week 17 - Arizona vs. Green Bay might turn into a do-or-die for both teams.

I would have no issue putting Minn over Indy. I like arguing over a ranking that means nothing.

DamnYankees: Hard to argue it this week.

The Colts might have something to say about that.

SilentStrider: DamnYankees: Hard to argue it this week.

The Colts might have something to say about that.

The Patriots edged the Colts in a game that many say was given to them by a poor fourth down call. The Saints beat the Patriots like a circus monkey in a drubbing that was so humiliating that Belichick decided to take his QB out and his headset off with over five minutes left to play. And they did it with both starting CBs, a starting WR and Reggie Bush in street clothes. Based on their respective bodies of work of late, you have to give it to the Saints.

Nabb1: SilentStrider: DamnYankees: Hard to argue it this week.

The Colts might have something to say about that.

The Patriots edged the Colts in a game that many say was given to them by a poor fourth down call. The Saints beat the Patriots like a circus monkey in a drubbing that was so humiliating that Belichick decided to take his QB out and his headset off with over five minutes left to play. And they did it with both starting CBs, a starting WR and Reggie Bush in street clothes. Based on their respective bodies of work of late, you have to give it to the Saints.

Yep. You gotta go with the "common opponent" argument this week.

That Saints game last night was epic. Who Dat!

Nabb1: SilentStrider: DamnYankees: Hard to argue it this week.

The Colts might have something to say about that.

The Patriots edged the Colts in a game that many say was given to them by a poor fourth down call. The Saints beat the Patriots like a circus monkey in a drubbing that was so humiliating that Belichick decided to take his QB out and his headset off with over five minutes left to play. And they did it with both starting CBs, a starting WR and Reggie Bush in street clothes. Based on their respective bodies of work of late, you have to give it to the Saints.

See Rams, Saint Louis for the same argument in reverse.

Cyberluddite: The world has become more unpredicable than ever, and society as we know it may soon end.

If somehow we end up having Cincinnati play Boise State for the National Championship in college, I am totally taking your advice.

It must be hard to put this thing together, week after week, listing all the teams in the order of their won-loss records. Just brutal. It would take me all Monday morning, at least.

netweavr: was referring back to the drunken, quasi-flame war I managed to inadvertently spark last night.

I love it. I really really do.

Please note how the top 3 & bottom 5 have not changed. ESPN's laziness or just the way it is?



Aaaaaaaaand a link to a bigger version (pops)

DamnYankees: See Rams, Saint Louis for the same argument in reverse.

The Saints faced the Rams without Sedrick Ellis and Scott Fujita, who bolster the run defense. And the Colts had the Rams at home, coming off a bye week, where as the Saints were on the road and the Rams were coming off a bye. Sure, the Saints struggled and beat an inferior opponent, kind of like the Colts did with the Texans. But under similar circumstance with a similar opponent, the Saints utterly destroyed the Patriots where the Colts got a bit of help.

Nabb1: The Patriots edged the Colts in a game that many say was given to them by a poor fourth down call. The Saints beat the Patriots like a circus monkey in a drubbing that was so humiliating that Belichick decided to take his QB out and his headset off with over five minutes left to play. And they did it with both starting CBs, a starting WR and Reggie Bush in street clothes. Based on their respective bodies of work of late, you have to give it to the Saints.

As a Colts fan, I would completely agree! The "common opponent" argument seals the deal: we barely get out alive but the Saints demolish and demoralize the Pats. MNF was pretty fun to watch last night, actually!

Nabb1: And the Colts had the Rams at home, coming off a bye week, where as the Saints were on the road and the Rams were coming off a bye.

We were coming off a bye but we played the Rams in StL. However, it was essentially a home game if you saw the crowd.

Di Atribe: ESPN's laziness or just the way it is?

I'd say "just the way it is" right now. On a neutral field in East Bumfark, Kansas, I'd say about the top 7 are spot-on, and (rightly) assuming that the Browns are the worst team in the NFL... are you really going to spend a lot of brain power arguing whether the Rams or Bucs are #31?

BKITU: I'd say "just the way it is" right now. On a neutral field in East Bumfark, Kansas, I'd say about the top 7 are spot-on, and (rightly) assuming that the Browns are the worst team in the NFL... are you really going to spend a lot of brain power arguing whether the Rams or Bucs are #31?

Hahaha... Touche, good sir. I suppose shuffling some of those around would be pointless.

downstairs: Who Dat!

Where the hell did this come from and why the hell do all of you Saints fans keep saying it? That and the 'Geaux' thing.

IndyMBA: Nabb1: And the Colts had the Rams at home, coming off a bye week, where as the Saints were on the road and the Rams were coming off a bye.

We were coming off a bye but we played the Rams in StL. However, it was essentially a home game if you saw the crowd.

I stand corrected. I thought that was in Indianapolis. I'm not arguing that was the high point of the Saints' season. Quite the opposite, actually, but they got out of there with a win.

GAT_00: downstairs: Who Dat!

Where the hell did this come from and why the hell do all of you Saints fans keep saying it? That and the 'Geaux' thing.

The chant of "Who dat? Who dat say they gonna beat dem - - " originated in minstral shows and vaudeville acts in the late 1800s and early 1900s, then was taken up by jazz and big band folks in the 1920s and 1930s, became a familiar joke among soldiers in World War II, was used in early TV skits in the 1950s, then was adapted by Southern University and the public schools in New Orleans in the 1960s and 1970s and finally was adopted by Saints fans and the Saints in the late 1970's. (new window)

GAT_00: Where the hell did this come from and why the hell do all of you Saints fans keep saying it? That and the 'Geaux' thing.

Because of the large French influence in Louisiana, its just a word play on "go". I've only lived in NOLA for 3 years, but I believe it started more with LSU (Geaux Tigers!) and the Saints (and to a lesser extent the Hornets, because they go friggin' no where) adopted it.

Louisana and New Orleans is known for its somewhat strange city/parish/street names, so strange spellings is a small part of the culture.

Geaux Saints!

Nabb1: The Patriots edged the Colts in a game that many say was given to them by a poor fourth down call. The Saints beat the Patriots like a circus monkey in a drubbing that was so humiliating that Belichick decided to take his QB out and his headset off with over five minutes left to play. And they did it with both starting CBs, a starting WR and Reggie Bush in street clothes. Based on their respective bodies of work of late, you have to give it to the Saints.

the patriots did somewhat hand the game to the colts, maybe.
but think about it this way- the colts still had to drive, still had to MAKE that last second play. That they stood up in the face of that adversity and did just that, in a game against a hated rival no less, gives them the edge in my book.

GAT_00: downstairs: Who Dat!

Where the hell did this come from and why the hell do all of you Saints fans keep saying it? That and the 'Geaux' thing.

Nabb1 answered the Who Dat part... basically fans chant (loudly) "Who Dat? Who Dat? Who Dat say dey gonna beat dem Saints?" during games and the like.

downstairs: Because of the large French influence in Louisiana, its just a word play on "go".

Words ending in "-eaux" are by and large of Cajun-French origin.

SilentStrider: the patriots did somewhat hand the game to the colts, maybe.
but think about it this way- the colts still had to drive, still had to MAKE that last second play. That they stood up in the face of that adversity and did just that, in a game against a hated rival no less, gives them the edge in my book.

Sure, they still needed to score a TD. I wouldn't say the game was "given" to them, but 28 yards with a minute-forty and change is a lot easier than 70-something yards with a minute-forty and change, since the former lets you run and use the middle of the field more. But, I'm not sure how pulling one out at the last minute gives them an edge compared to someone who monkey-stomps them on MNF after the media has been saying for a week that the Saints "haven't really played anybody" and the Patriots will be their "first real test" (even though as of yesterday, the Patriots and Saints had played common opponents except for three games, and the Patriots lost to two of them and were basically handed the third by refs who don't like Mr. Brady's uniform to get dirty, so how the Patriots' body of work was somehow more impressive than the Saints is a bit perplexing, but that's ESPN for you). But, hey, don't take my word for it - Bill Belichick was the one who said that the Saints outplayed the Patriots, out-coached the Patriots, and essentially beat them in every phase of the game, and that in a nutshell, "the better team won tonight." What did he have to say after losing to the Colts?

All right, it's still just bizarre. And the horrible spelling of Go because LOLFrench is lame.

Just my $0.02 and noticing the sudden upswing up it. Though I suppose it is as lame as the 'VY is magic' stuff that used to and is starting to again come out of Nashville. Though if we have another one of those season comebacks that collapse on the last game of the year with Young I'm going to scream.

GAT_00: All right, it's still just bizarre. And the horrible spelling of Go because LOLFrench is lame.

Oh. Never thought of it that way before. I suppose you are right. We'll all stop doing it now because your opinion is so very important.

Di Atribe: Oh. Eau. Never thought of it that way before.

FTFY

Di Atribe: Oh. Never thought of it that way before. I suppose you are right. We'll all stop doing it now because your opinion is so very important.

Touche. Like I said, just my opinion. And aren't you a Cowboys fan, not a Saints?

GAT_00: And aren't you a Cowboys fan, not a Saints?

Yes, I am all Cowboys fan. However, I have taken an interest in the Saints this year because I appear to be their lucky rabbit's foot for some bizarre reason.

Point #1: The Saints are playing the best football in the NFL right now.
Point #2: Congratulations to ESPN for having a whole two violations of better record -> better ranking this week, up from zero last week.
Point #3: They're both great stories, but let's hope we don't have a Bengals-Saints Super Bowl where we spent two weeks biatching about "Who Dat" vs "Who Dem".

My computer rankings will be posted shortly...

Di Atribe: GAT_00: And aren't you a Cowboys fan, not a Saints?

Yes, I am all Cowboys fan. However, I have taken an interest in the Saints this year because I appear to be their lucky rabbit's foot for some bizarre reason.

Or you're self-important and want to latch onto a winning team.

cameroncrazy1984: Or you're self-important and want to latch onto a winning team.

Not at all. And anyone who has actually interacted with me the slightest bit would know that.

Also, you seem to be a troll. Trolls suck.

cameroncrazy1984: Or you're self-important and want to latch onto a winning team.

Also, you are a farking idiot. The Cowboys ARE a winning team. Why the hell would I bandwagon another team?

Di Atribe: cameroncrazy1984: Or you're self-important and want to latch onto a winning team.

Also, you are a farking idiot. The Cowboys ARE a winning team. Why the hell would I bandwagon another team?

Because it's December and you have Tony Romo at QB?

/I keed. I keed.
//But, Breesus > Romo.

Nabb1: //But, Breesus > Romo.

Honey, Breesus is pretty much greater than anyone at this point.

AND THAT MEANS YOU TOO FAVRE

So... not exactly breakin my heart there, Nabby.

Week 12 Rational Rankings

Bare details are in my profile; full details are at my webpage (not updated for this week yet).

Top-to-bottom (0-100 scale)
1-8: Colts 87.1, Saints 86.1, Vikings 77.7, Patriots 75.8, Ravens 66.4, Cowboys 66.1, Bengals 65.7, Broncos 65.0
9-16: Chargers 63.0, Packers 62.6, Steelers 60.8, Eagles 60.4, Jets 57.9, Giants 57.2, Cardinals 55.1, Texans 50.898
17-24: Falcons 50.895, 49ers 48.9, Dolphins 46.4, Titans 41.9, Panthers 41.5, Jaguars 40.3, Bears 38.3, Seahawks 36.4
25-32: Redskins 34.2, Bills 30.8, Raiders 22.0, Chiefs 20.9, Buccaneers 17.3, Lions 15.8, Rams 15.6, Browns 10.2

The Broncos gain back all they lost last week, essentially flipping spots with the Giants. The Bengals drop because they should be able to put more than 16 on a team as craptastic as the Browns. The Texans' lead on the Falcons for 16th is so tiny (.0029 points out of 100) that if the Patriots gained six more yards in the Monday Night game, those two teams would be flipped.
As to the Colts at #1, despite my saying earlier that the Saints are playing the best football, that can be attributed to strength-of-schedule. The Colts' opponents are a combined 56-65 while the Saints' are 48-73. This accounts for about 1.6 rating points' difference (and the teams are less than 1 point apart in total).

Largest leaps: Broncos +6, Ravens +4, Titans +3. Bills gain 4.38 points but are fairly solidly in 26th place.
Furthest falls: Giants -7, Cardinals -4, Steelers -3. The Giants give back their gains from the two previous weeks.

The following sub-ratings are on a 0-30 scale.
Top offenses: Saints 30.0, Patriots 24.0, Vikings 23.1
Bottom offenses: Raiders 0.0, Browns 1.4, Rams 4.1, Bills 4.9

Top defenses: Jets 29.8, Broncos 27.4, Colts 26.0, Patriots 26.0, Ravens 25.8
Bottom defenses: Lions 1.1, Chiefs 4.6, Browns 7.0

Di Atribe: cameroncrazy1984: Or you're self-important and want to latch onto a winning team.

Also, you are a farking idiot. The Cowboys ARE a winning team. Why the hell would I bandwagon another team?

Oh you're fun AND brittle. I'm going to enjoy this season.