I am the Program Director at 1410 WING ESPN Radio in Dayton, Ohio...also host of Dayton Sports Scene weekdays at 5p! Find me on Twitter @ESPNMark!
AFC Top 5 Power Rankings as of November 27
by Mark Neal,posted Nov 29 2011 4:01PM
This is an update of my AFC Power Rankings from 2 weeks ago...not much has changed at the top...bottom though?
1. Baltimore Ravens (8-3) I had them #1 last time because they had beaten #2 Pittburgh twice. Since then, they have beaten the upstart Bengals and became just the second team, other than the Dallas Cowboys, to beat San Francisco. When Flacco is on, they can score...and with that defense, they dont need much. Incredible at getting to the Quarterback. Still the team to beat in the AFC in my opinion.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3) Having lost to Baltimore twice, it is once again hard to rank them above the Ravens. The Steelers hold firm at #2 after wins over Cincinnati and Kansas City over the past two weeks. Health issues are seemingly always a concern for the Steelers, on both sides of the ball. Deep threats on the offense have transformed the way the black and gold move down the field.
3. New England Patriots (8-3) The Patriots lost earlier to Pittsburgh, so that's why they remain at #3. The offense is, in a word, wow! Brady to Welker, Branch, or Gronkowski are forming the best pass game in the NFL. The weakness is the defense that gives up too many yards to too many teams. They will just try to outscore you instead.
4. Oakland Raiders (7-4) Up from 6th in my Power Poll from mid November, Oakland just continues to win. The Palmer trade was just what this team needed in a wide open AFC West. Nice wins over Houston earlier, and the Bears last week, highlight the resume for the Silver and Black. Injuries that keep Darren McFadden in sweatpants spells the downfall for Oakland.
5. Houston Texans (8-3) The Quarterback situation is the obvious red flag for the Texans. With Matt Schaub out, and now with Matt "Hot tub" Leinart sidelined, former UNC Tar Heel TJ Yates takes over at QB, for now. This team has won with Mario Williams, Andre Johnson, and Arian Foster out...so what makes us think they wont continue to win? The great running game, and stout defense leads this team, but without a proven QB to lead them on offense, it could be a short lived appearance on the Power Poll.
Mark, I just found out about the Dayton Silverbacks local arena football team. I listed to you quite frequently and have never heard you mention it. What are your thoughts about this team with cool colors and a mascot. I have liked watching Arena Football in the past and have been to a San Antonio Force game in the past. Can't wait to check out a Silverbacks game this year.
