The Ultimate Source for your Ph.D. in Pigskin

Before I get a bunch of emails claiming that "team A shouldn't be ranked ahead of team B, because team B is 2-0 and team A is 1-1" (cough, Dallas fans, cough), let me explain something. The rankings are meant to take records out of the equation and be a measurement of how good a team really is. Using the aforementioned example, if I think team A would beat team B on a neutral field, team A will get the higher ranking. And yes, Cowboy fans, I do think the Chargers would win on a neutral field - rather convincingly.

1. New England Patriots (2-0) - you heard it here first, the Patriots, barring an injury to Tom Brady, will go 16-0.

2. Indianapolis Colts (2-0) - is it too early to change my pick for Defensive Player of the Year? Bob Sanders is a beast.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0) - two impressive wins against bad teams, but this team is firing on all cylinders.

4. Chicago Bears (1-1) - it's time for Brian Griese.

5. San Diego Chargers (1-1) - they shouldn't be penalized too much for losing to the best team in the past 20 years.

6. Dallas Cowboys (2-0) - giving up 55 total points to the Giants and Dolphins does not make for a good defense.

7. Denver Broncos (2-0) - when Jay Cutler finally feels comfortable, this team will be very, very good.

8. Baltimore Ravens (1-1) - rooting for this team must be like pulling out your toenails...slowly and one at a time.

9. Houston Texans (2-0) - without Andre Johnson against the Colts, the league find out how far this team has come.

10. Green Bay Packers (2-0) - this defense is even better than advertised.

11. Tennessee Titans (1-1) - catching Vince Young in the open field is like trying to contain mercury with chopsticks.

12. Cincinnati Bengals (1-1) - is there a more schizophrenic team in all of sports?

13. San Francisco 49ers (2-0) - this may be too high, but the defense is impressive.

14. Detroit Lions (2-0) - the next three games (@ Eagles, Bears, and @ Redskins) will determine their season.

15. Washington Redskins (2-0) - with Taylor and Landry as safeties, there's an outbreak of "alligator-arm" syndrome.

16. Carolina Panthers (1-1) - do you still thing the Texans are a "high school team", Steve Smith?

17. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1) - you can't win consistently in the NFL scoring 10 and 13 points against bad defenses.

18. Seattle Seahawks (1-1) - Shawn Alexander needs to get back to his 2005 form.

19. Philadelphia Eagles (0-2) - Donovan McNabb looks injured - physically and emotionally.

20. New Orleans Saints (0-2) - look for the revival to begin this Monday in the Superdome.

21. St. Louis Rams (0-2) - Steven Jackson is well on his way to being the fantasy football "Bust of the Year."

22. Minnesota (1-1) - they can run and stop the run, but can't pass or keep their opponents from airing it out either.

23. Arizona Cardinals (1-1) - Ken Whisenhunt is making a big mistake by trying to make this into a "running" team.

24. Buffalo Bills (0-2) - maybe J.P. Losman isn't the next Jim Kelly after all.

25. Miami Dolphins (0-2) - if Zach Thomas misses significant time, a bleak season could become absolutely abysmal.

26. New York Jets (0-2) - they've lost to two good teams, but have looked very bland doing so.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1) - their thrashing of the Saints was surprising, but don't expect it to continue.

28. New York Giants (0-2) - well Giants' fans, you can't question Eli's toughness or productivity this year.

29. Cleveland Browns (1-1) - Derek Anderson staved off Brady Quinn's coming out party for at least another month.

30. Kansas City Chiefs (0-2) - unless there's a huge turnaround, this will be Herm Edward's last season in KC.

31. Oakland Raiders (0-2) - if nothing else, they're playing a lot harder for Lane Kiffin than Art Shell.

32. Atlanta Falcons (0-2) - yecccchhhh!!!

Make sure to catch Jimmy Neil every Friday from 12:30 to 2:00 PM, Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, and Sunday at 4:30, only on 1560 AM or www.1560thegame.com