The Polite Power Rankings: Week 14
Tennessee vs. Detroit. Dallas vs. Seattle. These were the two daytime games on Thanksgiving this year, and both games were built to stink. Dallas vs. Seattle might be forgivable — when the schedule was being penned, nobody could’ve known Seattle would be this bad — but there’s simply no excuse for giving the perennially awful Lions such a marquee game. And the night game, Arizona vs. Philadelphia, which was the day’s only game with competitive promise, was on the NFL Network, which means that most fans couldn’t see it. The point? The NFL seems to refuse to give us much to be thankful for when the Thanksgiving holiday rolls around. Here’s hoping December has something better in store.
1. New York Giants 11—1 (1)
2. Tennessee Titans 11—1 (2)
The Titans have a defense that few offenses are ready to deal with. But they have an offense that simply manages to get the job done. Will that offense be able to continue getting the job done as tougher late- and post-season opponents pounce? That’s the critical question in Tennessee.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers 9—3 (3)
There were plenty of “experts” picking against the guys from Steeltown, but on a cold Sunday in New England the Steelers — particularly that nasty defense — showed the world that the experts aren’t always right.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9—3 (4)
The win was slim (23–20 over the Saints on Sunday), but at this late stage of the season, victories over division rivals indicate staying power — and the Bucs seem here to stay.
5. Baltimore Ravens 8—4 (10)
According to the early-season rumors, QB Joe Flacco was going to be the weak spot on this year’s Baltimore squad. Well, on Sunday he went 19/29 for 280 yards, two TDs and not a single turnover. Not bad for a weak spot. And the D is strong as ever. The Ravens/Steelers matchup on Dec. 14 will be this year’s battle for the AFC North.
6. Carolina Panthers 9—3 (8)
7. Dallas Cowboys 8—4 (11)
8. Indianapolis Colts 8—4 (7)
Yes, they won. But they barely knocked off a reeling Browns team in what might’ve been a statement game. This Sunday at home against a truly terrible Cincy team presents another chance to make a very dramatic statement.
9. New York Jets 8—4 (5)
10. New England Patriots 7—5 (6)
Even Tom Brady would’ve had trouble getting away from the hungry Steelers defense that turned up in Foxboro on Sunday. But, I mean, Tom Brady really would’ve helped, too. The Pats may be good enough to find the playoffs, but they’re not poised for a deep post-season run.
11. Atlanta Falcons 8—4 (13)
Atlanta may not win the NFC South. But this is the biggest success story in that division this year — maybe the biggest success story in the entire league.
12. Washington Redskins 7—5 (9)
13. Minnesota Vikings 7—5 (19)
14. Denver Broncos 7—5 (16)
Just when you’re ready to write Jay Cutler and his Broncos off as a mediocre team that’s lucky to be in a really weak division, they go and put Brett Favre and his Jets in their place. This is the NFL in 2008 — nothing is predictable.
15. Arizona Cardinals 7—5 (12)
16. Miami Dolphins 7—5 (17)
17. Philadelphia Eagles 6-5-1 (21)
18. New Orleans Saints 6—6 (14)
19. Chicago Bears 6—6 (15)
20. Houston Texans 5—7 (22)
Nobody’s saying the Texans are heading to the Super Bowl, but by manhandling the Jags on Sunday (aided by three Mario Williams sacks) the Texans have proven they no longer occupy the AFC South basement.
21. Green Bay Packers 5—7 (20)
22. Buffalo Bills 6—6 (18)
23. San Francisco 49ers 4—8 (26)
24. San Diego Chargers 4—8 (23)
25. Cleveland Browns 4—8 (24)
26. Jacksonville Jaguars 4—8 (25)
27. Kansas City Chiefs 2—10 (30)
28. Oakland Raiders 3—9 (27)
29. Seattle Seahawks 2—10 (28)
30. Cincinnati Bengals 1—10 (29)
Next steps? Fire every single person on the team, switch to hockey and start fresh.
31. St. Louis Rams 2—10 (31)
32. Detroit Lions 0—12 (32)
Most Recent Sports Comments
Oh, by the way, the “Champaign County YMCA” no longer exists. The official name is now the “Stephens Family YMCA” (the website has not been updated, but check out the latest program guide). And no, it’s not just the name of the building. It’s the name of the organization.
Very inspired Photochops as well….
Props on the new YMCA dig. I think it’s a terrible spot for it, but then again, I’m not well-to-do and I’m not willing to drive 15 minutes at $4/gallon to exercise for an hour.
http://motorcycle-intelligence.com/do-loud-pipes-save-lives/1119/ Are you a smoker, too? I feel like I’m just getting recycled arguments.
http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/streetsurvival/dangerous_motorcycle_safety_myths/index.html “Myth 2: Loud Pipes Save Lives”
Yes, I also love the idea of the downtown! However, the “turds” that ride Harley’s or any other motorcycle have the right to ride their motorcycles regardless of the “loudness” anywhere they want. They are buying gas, hence they are contributing to the motor fuel tax that…
Yup, this was the year I realized there’s no way this is my last CU marathon, even though I’m gradumacating next week.Where else am I gonna get cheered on by 70+ year old heart-of-gold volunteers who smile at me so genuinely I could believe I’m their granddaughter?…
I always have a good, but disappointed, laugh when marathon time creeps up and I start seeing posts on the WCIA Facebook page lamenting race day and how difficult it is to get around town that day. One this year said, “can’t they just go run in…
Reminds me of Total Football (soccer) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_Football
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Looking forward to trying this place!
I’m in the middle (or the beginning or end, depending on how you look at it) of re-reading Slaughterhouse Five. What a great companion column.
Get yours early. The Rave’s CD will be available at Exile and at The C-U Flea on Saturday. C-U Flea details here: http://www.smilepolitely.com/news/sp_radio_podcast_c-u_flea_arrives/
I don’t know about Gerard and a random police sargeant. My (mild) outrage is based on this: “...he worked closely with Champaign City Clerk Marilyn Banks to make sure he was licensed properly as a transient food peddler, filling out the necessary paperwork and paying a $225…
Local Yocal pretty much nails it here. I suspect there will be merchants who oppose food trucks because they arguably don’t pay their fair share to locate their trucks in high traffic (high rent) areas. The food trucks take away business from rent payers, park in city…
Oh nice! I’d totally vote for Matt Campbell!
“Smile Politely sports writer announces candidacy for city government.”
I also got to visit Big Grove Tavern during the soft open and definitely enjoyed the pork belly the most of all the dishes I sampled. The cheesy grits and the vinegary pickled vegetables were a perfect compliment to the rich pork belly.
The Alan Partridge lookalike on the right in the first small photo has nothing to condescend to anyone about. AH HA!
Snell and the little Hitlers of the neighborhood association need to chill out. Legitimate businesses should have the freedom to exist without having to endure the slings and arrows of ignorant and misguided opposition.
represent, Matt.
Yeah, I’d agree that Transporter Room 3 is the worst house venue I’ve ever seen.
Food trucks are the start-up, small businesses of the future for those unable to afford real estate. No surprise, that merchants who pay rent, utilities, and maintenance on a property would despise the traveling competition. Or developers who build more empty retail spaces would want to close…
Not so much far-right Tea Party as a balanced, moderate viewpoint between letting businesses succeed and protecting society with reasonable regulations. In spite of what the city reps are saying, the interpretation of policy on this issue certainly has changed. Letting a business start up under one…
I think it’s neat that SP has turned rightward, now espousing a Tea Party-style frustration with government regulations & taxes.
This makes me so sad. (Happy to live in Urbana, though!) Crave Truck has been a GREAT addition to the food choices in C-U, and it’d be a travesty to chase them away. This town should be supporting small businesses. I’m glad to hear that they’ll still…
*slow. clap.* Still offering no threat of intelligence…. I know I said I thought you should just write this whole column yourself next year, Isaac, but now that you’ve gone and taken a “part deux” run at it, I’d like to modify my request: Best Music 2013,…
Actually, it’s kind of nice, the quiet. John Heoffleur’s engaging commentary/dialogue is sorely missed, however. In lieu of someone intelligent saying something, I’ve compiled a list of Honourable Mentions: BEST ROCK BAND: Take Care ::these gentlemen have four completely different sets at their disposal right now (which…
What? Echo! (Echo!) Where’s the dischord and dissent?
This weekend will mark the first appearance of Kayla Brown’s Fire Doll Candle booth at the Market. Check it: http://www.facebook.com/firedollcandles
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@Dan - Wow. Unfortunately, I have to refrain from further comment due to a previous employment relationship. But with that brief context you might be able to imagine possible comments or responses I could have.