Week 13: Power Rankings

'Tis the Season . . . 

The college game between Alabama and Auburn was the highlight of the weekend. When I watched Auburn return the missed field goal and win the game, I was speechless. It was like a movie where the underdog does something crazy to win the game, but no one believes it could happen in real life. Well it did in Auburn Saturday night. Many sports people have criticized Alabama's coach Nick Saban for sending a red shirt freshmen onto the field to attempt a 57 yard field goal that would have won the game. There is some validity to that, but I think it is being over blown. How often have you seen a player return a kick like that? Once every 10,000 tries? It's easy to be a Monday morning quarterback and criticize Saban for the field goal try. At the moment of the play, I believe kicking the field goal was the right call.

This was just a average weekend of games. There weren't any upsets, most of the favorites won and the Seahawks showed the whole league no one will beat them at home. I went 11-5 this weekend in my picks and got the score of the 49ers/Rams game exactly right! Let's analyze the biggest game (turned out to be a blowout) the Saints vs the Seahawks in Seattle.


Seahawks 34, Saints 7

The winner of this game was going to take a huge step toward home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. Unfortunately, the Saints play like a different team when they have to play outdoors. The weather tends to cause havoc on New Orleans and shake up Brees just enough for them to lose. Last night was no exception as Brees threw for only 147 yards and had 1 fumble. When is the last time Drew Brees threw for under 200 yards? Worse off was their running game only producing a total of 44 yards. The atmosphere of Seattle and the elements caused those bad stats. This is the concern the Saints have because when they have to leave the Superdome, they aren't as high powered offensively as they should be. Their division games against the Carolina Panthers coming up are huge.

This was a shinning moment for the Seahawks. Monday night game, lots of people watching and they destroyed the Saints in every part of the game. The defense caused a fumble and returned it for touchdown early in the game. The secondary blanketed the Saints receivers all night and Jimmy Graham only had 3 catches. The star of the night was Russell Wilson, who looked like a MVP candidate. Wilson threw for 310 yards and 3 touchdowns and also ran for 47 yards. He had full control of the offense and created so many plays with his feet and arm, New Orleans didn't know what to do. The Saints defense has played well all year, but something about playing in Seattle for Wilson cancels out those stats. By the way, since Russell Wilson has become the starter for Seattle in 2012, he is a perfect 14-0 at home.

With this win, Seattle clinched a playoff spot and are now 2 games up on the Saints for home field in the NFC playoffs with 4 games to go. Good luck to any team in the playoffs that have to attempt to beat Seattle in their building.

                      Here are my Week 13 Power Rankings:

1. Seattle Seahawks- destroyed Saints, close to home field, Harvin's hip flared up, big game vs 49ers Sunday
2. Denver Broncos- took control of division, defense still concerning, offense fully loaded, cold weather coming
3. New England Patriots- rolling along, Brady is so good, total team effort, defense has some holes
4. New Orleans Saints- got crushed, but 2nd seed in sight, be cautious of Carolina, home sweet home
5. Carolina Panthers- bring on the Saints Sunday Night, defense in control, can Newton take another big step?
6. San Francisco 49ers- Crabtree on field, offense playing better, defense strong, road playoff warriors?
7. Cincinnati Bengals- solid win in San Diego, division in reach, defense is solid, offense still inconsistent
8. Kansas City Chiefs- 3 loses in a row, defense getting shredded, have they peaked? Smith has to save the day
9. Indianapolis Colts-  where have you gone offense? Luck lacks weapons, defense has to get better
10. Dallas Cowboys- never easy for Cowboys, look out for Eagles, offense looking good, defense still inconsistent
11. Philadelphia Eagles- Fly Foles Fly! whole team playing well, last game of the year at Dallas
12. Detroit Lions- finally beat the Packers! Division in sight, Megatron and Bush are dangerous, keep peddle to the metal
13. Arizona Cardinals- can't lose again, dark horse for playoffs, defense is good, Palmer giving them a chance
14. Baltimore Ravens- in the playoffs today! Flacco stepping up, don't sleep on the champs
15. Miami Dolphins- destroyed Jets, offense played great, defense looks great, have to be consistent
16. Chicago Bears- still in division race, offense looks the same without Cutler, defense a no-show
17. Tennessee Titans- still in playoff hunt, offense playing well, just an inconsistent team
18. Pittsburgh Steelers- big lose at Baltimore, coach acted like a fool, big game Sunday vs Miami
19. San Diego Chargers- bad lose vs Bengals, still in playoff hunt, can Rivers lead the team?
20. St. Louis Rams- in toughest division, defense is for real, too many injuries on offense to balance team

OUT: Giants, Packers, Falcons, Jets, Browns, Bills, Redskins, Vikings, Raiders, Bucs, Jaguars, Texans

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