SB Nation Atlanta - NFL Power Rankings, Week 7: Falcons And Saints Trading Spots?https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46601/atlanta-fave.png2010-10-19T15:15:55-04:00http://atlanta.sbnation.com/rss/stream/15227182010-10-19T15:15:55-04:002010-10-19T15:15:55-04:00NFL Power Rankings, Week 7: ESPN Bumps Up Jets And Patriots, Not Selling Atlanta Falcons Stock
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<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankings/_/year/2010/week/7"><span class="caps">ESPN</span></a> adjusts its top four after the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> beat the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> and holds steady on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a>, only sliding them from fourth to seventh:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Even good teams lose road games, so let’s not overreact following rough game at Philly.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This is among the most sensible yet, and not because they ranked our team high. Losing a road game to another good team isn’t the end of the world and shouldn’t send teams plummeting, especially when just about every team now has at least one head-scratcher of a loss.</p>
<p>Now, if the Falcons lose to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> at home this week, by all means let the floor open up.</p>
<p><a href="http://itiswhatitis.weei.com/sports/newengland/football/patriots/2010/10/19/weei-nfl-power-rankings-week-7-2/"><span class="caps">WEEI</span></a> drops the Falcons from fourth to ninth, and finally a media outlet recognizes the team’s issue is on offense, not defense:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Falcons had their opportunity to prove they were the best team in the <span class="caps">NFC</span> but were beaten badly in Philadelphia. <span>Michael Turner</span> needs to be more consistent in the running game. Matt Ryan threw the ball over 40 times in the team’s loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a>.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/14154837/nfl-power-rankings-digesting-the-sanchez-factor">Pete Prisco</a> was higher on the Falcons than anybody else was, and now joins the majority in sliding the Birds to ninth:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>They played four of their first six on the road. That’s tough. Now they come home to try to fix what went wrong in Philly.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>That’s actually a good point, and one that even Falcons fans have neglected. This team has put up quite a few miles, traveling north of the Mason-Dixon three times and to Louisiana once. Of their remaining road games, only Seattle and St. Louis involve significant travel.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/19/1761728/nfl-power-rankings-week-7-espn-bumps-up-jets-and-patriots-not-sellingJason Kirk2010-10-19T12:27:24-04:002010-10-19T12:27:24-04:00Unbiased NFL Power Rankings, Week 7: The Unbiased NFL Playoff Picture
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
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<p>We released the <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/19/1760143/unbiased-nfl-power-rankings-week-7-despite-loss-atlanta-falcons-are" target="new">Unbiased Power Rankings</a> and then broke down <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/19/1761191/unbiased-nfl-power-rankings-week-7-the-best-of-the-best" target="new">the Super Bowl contenders</a>. We took a peek at <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/19/1761230/unbiased-nfl-power-rankings-week-7-the-nfc-contenders" target="new">where the power in the NFC lies</a> and <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/19/1761270/unbiased-nfl-power-rankings-week-7-the-king-of-the-nfc-south" target="new">analyzed the NFC South</a>. Now, we look at the playoff picture because it's never too early to talk playoffs. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qwq7BYOnDrM" target="new">PLAYOFFS?!?!</a></p>
<h2>Unbiased Playoff Picture</h2>
<p>How we see the playoffs shaping up as of Week 7.</p>
<table style="background-color:#FFFFFF" border="1" bordercolor="#ffffff" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" width="500">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" bgcolor="#c4152d"><center><font color="white">AFC</font></center></td>
<td colspan="2" bgcolor="#c4152d"><center><font color="white">NFC</font></center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d"><center><font color="white">Seed</font></center></td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d"><font color="white">Team</font></td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d"><center><font color="white">Seed</font></center></td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d"><font color="white">Team</font></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>1</center></td>
<td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a></td>
<td><center>1</center></td>
<td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>2</center></td>
<td>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a><br>
</td>
<td><center>2</center></td>
<td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>3</center></td>
<td>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a><br>
</td>
<td><center>3</center></td>
<td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>4</center></td>
<td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a></td>
<td><center>4</center></td>
<td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>5</center></td>
<td>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a><br>
</td>
<td><center>5</center></td>
<td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>6</center></td>
<td>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a><br>
</td>
<td><center>6</center></td>
<td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>The AFC West and the NFC North are home to the weakest teams through seven weeks. The Denver Broncos would be taking away deserving spots from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a> or <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a>. In the NFC, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> could all miss out because the Bears would get in as division champs.</p>
<p>In the AFC, potential first round matchups would include rematches of the Texans at the Colts and the Ravens at the Broncos. This would setup semi-final games of the Ravens at the Jets and the Colts at the Steelers. An AFC championship game featuring the Steelers and Jets round out the AFC playoffs.</p>
<p>The NFC wild card weekend would feature the Redskins at the Cardinals. Wow, just wow. The Eagles play the Bears in the other matchup. The semi-finals could see the Max Hall-led Cardinals against the Giants and a rematch of Week 6 with the Eagles in Atlanta to play the Falcons. The Giants and Falcons NFC championship game would decide the Super Bowl representative.</p>
<p>What will the next 11 weeks bring? If you follow the NFL at all the answer is "nobody knows," but with the Unbiased Power Rankings by your side you can feel confident navigating the tricky NFL season.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>Methodology:</b> The Unbiased Power Rankings are exactly that, unbiased. We take into account a team’s wins, losses and their strength of schedule to arrive at a truly unbiased rating. We have no preseason polls, no preset baselines. Only the performance on the field - this season - matters. Emotion is not welcome here. Still interested? <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/19/1760143/unbiased-nfl-power-rankings-week-7-despite-loss-atlanta-falcons-are" target="new">Here's the ingredients we use to make this delicious stew of math-based power rankings.</a></p>
</blockquote>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/19/1761305/unbiased-nfl-power-rankings-week-7-the-unbiased-nfl-playoff-pictureTroy Heinzman2010-10-19T12:06:11-04:002010-10-19T12:06:11-04:00Unbiased NFL Power Rankings, Week 7: The King Of The NFC South
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<p>If you're just joining us, let's get you caught up. <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/19/1760143/unbiased-nfl-power-rankings-week-7-despite-loss-atlanta-falcons-are" target="new"> </a></p>
<p><a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/19/1760143/unbiased-nfl-power-rankings-week-7-despite-loss-atlanta-falcons-are" target="new">The Complete Unbiased NFL Power Rankings</a> <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/19/1761191/unbiased-nfl-power-rankings-week-7-the-best-of-the-best" target="new"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/19/1761191/unbiased-nfl-power-rankings-week-7-the-best-of-the-best" target="new">Analyzing the Best of the Best</a> <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/19/1761230/unbiased-nfl-power-rankings-week-7-the-nfc-contenders" target="new"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/19/1761230/unbiased-nfl-power-rankings-week-7-the-nfc-contenders" target="new">Who's Number One in the NFC?</a></p>
<p>We continue on to the NFC South and the disparity between the top and the bottom.</p>
<center>
<table style="background-color:#FFFFFF" border="1" bordercolor="#ffffff" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" width="500">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White"><b>Tier I</b></font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Rank</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Team</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Rating</font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>8</center></td>
<td><center><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a></center></td>
<td><center>69.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White"><b>Tier II</b></font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Rank</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Team</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Rating</font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>14</center></td>
<td><center><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a></center></td>
<td><center>53.5</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White"><b>Tier IV</b></font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Rank</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Team</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Rating</font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>24</center></td>
<td><center><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a></center></td>
<td><center>34.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White"><b>Tier V</b></font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Rank</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Team</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Rating</font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>32</center></td>
<td><center><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a></center></td>
<td><center>3.4</center></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</center>
<h4><br></h4>
<h4>NFC South</h4>
<p>The division has tightened up in the standings but the Atlanta Falcons, despite getting ambushed in Philadelphia, remain the best team in this division. The Falcons just need to avoid playing in Pennsylvania where both their losses this season have come.</p>
<p>The New Orleans Saints take the number two spot in the NFC South with a win over the <span class="sbn-auto-link">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</span>. The Saints have won four games this season but they are 1-2 against teams with winning records.</p>
<p>The Buccaneers are entrenched in third in this division. With wins over the <span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a></span>, Panthers and <span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a></span>, they beat the teams they should beat.</p>
<p>The Panthers were a tough team to figure out this offseason but now it's fairly easy - they're dreadful. They are not only last in the NFC South but the worst team in the NFL overall.</p>
<p>As it stands now, the <a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/19/1761230/unbiased-nfl-power-rankings-week-7-the-nfc-contenders">wild card may not come from this division</a> so for the Falcons and Saints (and perhaps the Buccaneers), winning the South is paramount.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>Methodology:</b> The Unbiased Power Rankings are exactly that, unbiased. We take into account a team’s wins, losses and their strength of schedule to arrive at a truly unbiased rating. We have no preseason polls, no preset baselines. Only the performance on the field - this season - matters. Emotion is not welcome here. Still interested? <a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/19/1760143/unbiased-nfl-power-rankings-week-7-despite-loss-atlanta-falcons-are">Here's the ingredients we use to make this delicious stew of math-based power rankings.</a></p>
</blockquote>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/19/1761270/unbiased-nfl-power-rankings-week-7-the-king-of-the-nfc-southTroy Heinzman2010-10-19T11:50:47-04:002010-10-19T11:50:47-04:00Unbiased NFL Power Rankings, Week 7: Analyzing The NFC Contenders
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<p>We've released the <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/19/1760143/unbiased-nfl-power-rankings-week-7-despite-loss-atlanta-falcons-are" target="new">full Unbiased Power Rankings</a> and <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/19/1761191/unbiased-nfl-power-rankings-week-7-the-best-of-the-best" target="new">analyzed the best teams in the league</a> but now we set our sights on the contenders (and pretenders) in the NFC. To the conference-specific rankings!</p>
<p> </p>
<center>
<table style="background-color:#FFFFFF" border="1" bordercolor="#ffffff" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" width="500">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White"><b>Tier I</b></font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Rank</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Team</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Rating</font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>8</center></td>
<td><center><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a></center></td>
<td><center>69.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>8</center></td>
<td><center><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a></center></td>
<td><center>69.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>10</center></td>
<td><center><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a></center></td>
<td><center>68.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White"><b>Tier II</b></font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Rank</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Team</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Rating</font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>11</center></td>
<td><center><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a></center></td>
<td><center>63.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>12</center></td>
<td><center><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a></center></td>
<td><center>58.7</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>13</center></td>
<td><center><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a></center></td>
<td><center>57.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>14</center></td>
<td><center><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a></center></td>
<td><center>53.5</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>15</center></td>
<td><center><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a></center></td>
<td><center>52.5</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White"><b>Tier III</b></font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Rank</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Team</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Rating</font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>18</center></td>
<td><center><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a></center></td>
<td><center>48.5</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>20</center></td>
<td><center><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a></center></td>
<td><center>43.3</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White"><b>Tier IV</b></font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Rank</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Team</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Rating</font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>24</center></td>
<td><center><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a></center></td>
<td><center>34.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>26</center></td>
<td><center><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a></center></td>
<td><center>28.3</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>27</center></td>
<td><center><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a></center></td>
<td><center>24.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>28</center></td>
<td><center><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a></center></td>
<td><center>23.4</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White"><b>Tier V</b></font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Rank</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Team</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Rating</font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>29</center></td>
<td><center><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a></center></td>
<td><center>18.6</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>32</center></td>
<td><center><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a></center></td>
<td><center>3.4</center></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</center>
<h4><br></h4>
<h4>NFC Contenders</h4>
<p>The NFC has been overshadowed by the dominant AFC teams but that doesn’t mean they can’t play ball. After six weeks, three teams have separated themselves from the pack. The <span class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Falcons</span>, <span class="sbn-auto-link">New York Giants</span> and <span class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Eagles</span> have established themselves as the frontrunners in the JV conference. The Falcons, despite their loss to the Eagles, get the nod due to having the same record but playing a tougher schedule.</p>
<p>On the second tier resides three NFC West teams (<span class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Cardinals</span>, <span class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Rams</span>, <span class="sbn-auto-link">Seattle Seahawks</span>) with the <span class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Redskins</span> and <span class="sbn-auto-link">New Orleans Saints</span> mixed in.</p>
<p>The major surprises are the <span class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bears</span> and <span class="sbn-auto-link">Green Bay Packers</span> – 9th and 10th in the NFC, respectively – and the <span class="sbn-auto-link">Dallas Cowboys</span> and <span class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Vikings</span> who only rank higher than the San Francisco 49ers, <span class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Lions</span> and <span class="sbn-auto-link">Carolina Panthers</span> in the NFC.</p>
<p>Eight NFC teams are in the top two tiers but three of them will be disappointed come January. Since someone has to win the NFC North, the Rams, Saints and Seahawks - <a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/19/1760143/unbiased-nfl-power-rankings-week-7-despite-loss-atlanta-falcons-are">according to the Unbiased Rankings</a> - could be on the outside looking in when Santa Claus hands out playoff berths in December.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>Methodology:</b> The Unbiased Power Rankings are exactly that, unbiased. We take into account a team’s wins, losses and their strength of schedule to arrive at a truly unbiased rating. We have no preseason polls, no preset baselines. Only the performance on the field - this season - matters. Emotion is not welcome here. Still interested? <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/19/1760143/unbiased-nfl-power-rankings-week-7-despite-loss-atlanta-falcons-are" target="new">Here's the ingredients we use to make this delicious stew of math-based power rankings.</a></p>
</blockquote>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/19/1761230/unbiased-nfl-power-rankings-week-7-the-nfc-contendersTroy Heinzman2010-10-19T11:33:52-04:002010-10-19T11:33:52-04:00Unbiased NFL Power Rankings, Week 7: Breaking Down The Best Of The Best
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/18/1758677/nfl-power-rankings-preview-week-7-falcons-and-bears-back-to-double" target="new">Unbiased Power Rankings</a> give us a clear view at the teams to beat as we near the halfway point of the season. If you haven't seen the rankings yet, <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/18/1758677/nfl-power-rankings-preview-week-7-falcons-and-bears-back-to-double" target="new">click over here first</a> and then circle back for the breakdown.</p>
<p>The best teams in the <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/18/1758677/nfl-power-rankings-preview-week-7-falcons-and-bears-back-to-double" target="new">Unbiased Power Rankings</a> all reside in the American Football Conference.</p>
<center>
<table style="background-color:#FFFFFF" border="1" bordercolor="#ffffff" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" width="500">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" bgcolor="#c4152d"><center><font color="White"><b>Tier I</b></font></center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d"><center><font color="White">Rank</font></center></td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d"><center><font color="White">Team</font></center></td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d"><center><font color="White">Rating</font></center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>1</center></td>
<td><center><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a></center></td>
<td><center>84.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>1</center></td>
<td><center><span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a></span></center></td>
<td><center>84.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>3</center></td>
<td><center><span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a></span></center></td>
<td><center>83.5</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>4</center></td>
<td><center><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a></center></td>
<td><center>83.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>5</center></td>
<td><center><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a></center></td>
<td><center>82.5</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>6</center></td>
<td><center><span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a></span></center></td>
<td><center>73.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>7</center></td>
<td><center><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a></center></td>
<td><center>70.0</center></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</center>
<h4><br></h4>
<h4><b>The Best of the Best</b></h4>
<p>The AFC wields all the power in the ongoing conference battle for supremacy. They are home to the top seven teams in our latest unbiased power rankings. The <span class="sbn-auto-link">New York Jets</span> and their five straight wins are tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the pole position with the Indianapolis Colts not far behind in third place. The Jets and Steelers only losses this season were to the next team on our list.</p>
<p>The <span class="sbn-auto-link">Baltimore Ravens</span>, despite an overtime loss to the <span class="sbn-auto-link">New England Patriots</span>, are number four with the "How did we lose to the <span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a></span>?" <span class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Texans</span> at number five. The Tennessee Titans, fresh off their Monday night party in Jacksonville are sixth with the Patriots rounding out the top seven.</p>
<p>The reality of the stacked AFC means that two of these seven teams will not make the playoffs. Only six get in but somebody has to win the AFC West meaning, as the <a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/18/1758677/nfl-power-rankings-preview-week-7-falcons-and-bears-back-to-double">Unbiased Power Rankings dictate,</a> the Titans and Patriots would be on the outside looking in.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>Methodology:</b> The Unbiased Power Rankings are exactly that, unbiased. We take into account a team’s wins, losses and their strength of schedule to arrive at a truly unbiased rating. We have no preseason polls, no preset baselines. Only the performance on the field - this season - matters. Emotion is not welcome here. Still interested? <a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/18/1758677/nfl-power-rankings-preview-week-7-falcons-and-bears-back-to-double">Here's the ingredients we use to make this delicious stew of math-based power rankings.</a></p>
</blockquote>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/19/1761191/unbiased-nfl-power-rankings-week-7-the-best-of-the-bestTroy Heinzman2010-10-19T11:21:47-04:002010-10-19T11:21:47-04:00Week 7 NFL Power Rankings: Falcons Falling Behind Eagles, Saints In NFC
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>More media power rankings continue to roll in, as Troy has published our own <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/19/1760143/unbiased-nfl-power-rankings-week-7-despite-loss-atlanta-falcons-are">computerized and heartless power rankings</a> (which retain the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> as the class of the <span class="caps">NFC</span>, though the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">Giants</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> are nipping).</p>
<p>SB Nation’s own <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2010/10/19/1761054/nfl-power-rankings-week-7-cowboys-jets"><span class="caps">NFL</span> power rankings</a> drop the Falcons from sixth to 11th:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Falcons lost last week but they still have the formula for success down. They can run the ball well and they have a competent quarterback.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><a href="http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/blog/2010/10/week_7_power_rankings.html">The Baltimore Sun</a> is the kindest to the Falcons so far, tersely letting the Birds rest at No. 7:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Couldn’t run on the Eagles.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><a href="http://www.dotsperiod.com/2678/nfl-power-rankings-week-7-steelers-jets-and-patriots-top-the-rankings/">Dots Period</a> agrees with slotting the Falcons 11th, while <a href="http://www.nflnewsworld.com/nfl-power-rankings-week-7-2010-nfl-power-rankings-week-7/20101019"><span class="caps">NFL</span> News World</a> drops Atlanta from fourth to ninth.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/19/1761210/week-7-nfl-power-rankings-falcons-falling-behind-eagles-saints-in-nfcJason Kirk2010-10-19T11:13:20-04:002010-10-19T11:13:20-04:00Unbiased NFL Power Rankings, Week 7: The AFC Holds The Power But Who's Number One?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Another unpredictable weekend of football is behind us but have no fear, the Unbiased Power Rankings are here to cut through the haze and remind you which teams are legit and which ones are merely dressing up as an NFL team for Halloween.</p>
<center>
<table width="500" cellspacing="3" cellpadding="3" bordercolor="#ffffff" border="1" style="background-color:#FFFFFF">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d" colspan="3">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White"><b>Tier I</b></font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Rank</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Team</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Rating</font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>1</center></td>
<td><center><a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Jets</a></center></td>
<td><center>84.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>1</center></td>
<td><center><a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Steelers</a></center></td>
<td><center>84.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>3</center></td>
<td><center><a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Indianapolis Colts</a></center></td>
<td><center>83.5</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>4</center></td>
<td><center><a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Baltimore Ravens</a></center></td>
<td><center>83.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>5</center></td>
<td><center><a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Texans</a></center></td>
<td><center>82.5</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>6</center></td>
<td><center><a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tennessee Titans</a></center></td>
<td><center>73.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>7</center></td>
<td><center><a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New England Patriots</a></center></td>
<td><center>70.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>8</center></td>
<td><center>Atlanta Falcons</center></td>
<td><center>69.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>8</center></td>
<td><center><a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Giants</a></center></td>
<td><center>69.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>10</center></td>
<td><center><a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Eagles</a></center></td>
<td><center>68.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d" colspan="3">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White"><b>Tier II</b></font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Rank</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Team</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Rating</font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>11</center></td>
<td><center><a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Cardinals</a></center></td>
<td><center>63.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>12</center></td>
<td><center><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Redskins</a></center></td>
<td><center>58.7</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>13</center></td>
<td><center><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Rams</a></center></td>
<td><center>57.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>14</center></td>
<td><center><a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Orleans Saints</a></center></td>
<td><center>53.5</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>15</center></td>
<td><center><a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seattle Seahawks</a></center></td>
<td><center>52.5</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d" colspan="3">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White"><b>Tier III</b></font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Rank</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Team</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Rating</font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>16</center></td>
<td><center><a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jacksonville Jaguars</a></center></td>
<td><center>50.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>17</center></td>
<td><center><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Broncos</a></center></td>
<td><center>49.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>18</center></td>
<td><center><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bears</a></center></td>
<td><center>48.5</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>19</center></td>
<td><center><a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Dolphins</a></center></td>
<td><center>44.5</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>20</center></td>
<td><center><a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Green Bay Packers</a></center></td>
<td><center>43.3</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>21</center></td>
<td><center><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers" class="sbn-auto-link">San Diego Chargers</a></center></td>
<td><center>42.8</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>22</center></td>
<td><center><a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kansas City Chiefs</a></center></td>
<td><center>39.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>23</center></td>
<td><center><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Oakland Raiders</a></center></td>
<td><center>38.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d" colspan="3">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White"><b>Tier IV</b></font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Rank</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Team</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Rating</font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>24</center></td>
<td><center><a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a></center></td>
<td><center>34.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>25</center></td>
<td><center><a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cincinnati Bengals</a></center></td>
<td><center>32.7</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>26</center></td>
<td><center><a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dallas Cowboys</a></center></td>
<td><center>28.3</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>27</center></td>
<td><center><a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Vikings</a></center></td>
<td><center>24.0</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>28</center></td>
<td><center><a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Lions</a></center></td>
<td><center>23.4</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d" colspan="3">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White"><b>Tier V</b></font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Rank</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Team</font></center>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#c4152d">
<font color="White"></font><center><font color="White">Rating</font></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>29</center></td>
<td><center><a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Browns</a></center></td>
<td><center>18.6</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>29</center></td>
<td><center><a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Francisco 49ers</a></center></td>
<td><center>18.6</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>31</center></td>
<td><center><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buffalo Bills</a></center></td>
<td><center>3.6</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>32</center></td>
<td><center><a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Carolina Panthers</a></center></td>
<td><center>3.4</center></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</center>
<h4><br></h4>
<p>Stay tuned for more unbiased goodness as we break down what these rankings mean for the NFL, the NFC and the NFC South including a "it's never too early" playoff preview.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #eeeeee; margin-top: 12px; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 5px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid #cccccc;">
<p style="margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px;"><b>Methodology:</b> The Unbiased Power Rankings are exactly that, unbiased. We take into account a team’s wins, losses and their strength of schedule to arrive at a truly unbiased rating. We have no preseason polls, no preset baselines. Only the performance on the field - this season - matters. Emotion is not welcome here. Still interested? Here's the ingredients we use to make this delicious stew of math-based power rankings.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px;">Each team is awarded five points for a win, regardless of the opponent or where the game is played. Each team is awarded five points for every game a defeated opponent wins. For each loss, we take the total number of opponent wins and divide by the total number of the ranking team's losses.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px;">For example, the <a style="color: #c8181d !important; text-decoration: none !important; background-color: transparent;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Falcons</a> have won four games this season. Four wins x five points = 20 points. Their defeated opponents have won nine games (Cardinals 3, Saints 4, 49ers 1, Browns 1). Nine wins x five points = 45 points. They've lost two games this season to team's with a combined eight wins (Steelers 4, Eagles 4). Eight wins / Two losses = 4.0 points. The Falcons Power Rankings would be 20 + 45 + 4.0 = 69.0.</p>
</blockquote>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/19/1760143/unbiased-nfl-power-rankings-week-7-despite-loss-atlanta-falcons-areTroy Heinzman2010-10-19T10:16:48-04:002010-10-19T10:16:48-04:00NFL Power Rankings, Week 7: Media Seems To Think Atlanta Falcons' Offense Is Pulling Its Weight
<figure>
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<p>If either side of the ball has been poorer than advertised for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a>, it’s hands-down the offense. The Falcons defense has exceeded all expectations, one poor road game against a very good offense aside.</p>
<p><a href="http://media.nesn.com/2010/10/nfl-power-rankings-week-7/25/"><span class="caps">NESN</span></a> joins The Sporting News in curiously blaming the team’s defense for its struggles, despite a month of great defense:</p>
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<p>Matt Ryan is playing better than he did last season, which is a big reason for Atlanta’s success, but the defense still leaves plenty to be desired.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.examiner.com/sports-in-detroit/nfl-power-rankings-for-october-19">Detroit Sports Examiner</a> drops the Falcons to ninth.</p>
<p><a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/peter_king/10/17/mmqb/3.html">Peter King</a> drops the Falcons to 11th, again focusing the blame on the defense and ignoring the offense’s disappointments:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Falcons bit on too much play-action in Philly and didn’t disrupt <span>Kevin Kolb</span> enough. Not a great team right now.</p>
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<p><a href="http://thesportsjury.com/20101019352/tom-s-take/nfl-power-rankings-week-7">The Sports Jury</a> is higher on the Birds than most, listing Atlanta ninth:</p>
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<p>They lost a pair of tough road games, but are still among the league’s best.</p>
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https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2010/10/19/1761066/nfl-power-rankings-week-7-media-seems-to-think-atlanta-falconsJason Kirk