NFL Cream Of The Crop – Week 8

Just one change at the top this week. I can’t even give my We Got This Covered colleague, Dave Gilbert, that much grief for his NFL Cream Of The Crop picks he made for week 7. Despite losing some key defensive players, Dave moved the Baltimore Ravens up to third, a move that I can actually understand. But then they were smashed by the Houston Texans 43-13!

Oh well, better luck with the Bottom Of The Barrel post this week Dave…

For a recap, here’s how Mr. Gilbert had the Cream Of The Crop last week;

1. Atlanta Falcons
2. Houston Texans
3. Baltimore Ravens

And here’s how I see things this week.

1. Atlanta Falcons

Until the Falcons lose a game, I think they’ll stay atop our Power Rankings. Atlanta is 6-0, but they do have a tough test this Sunday as they travel to Philadelphia to face the Eagles.

A plus for the Falcons, they are coming off their bye week and should be rested and ready. A negative for them, Philly is also coming off a bye, and head coach Andy Reid never loses after a bye…ever (13-0).

I did predict a loss for Atlanta this Sunday, but until it actually happens they deserve our top spot.

2. Houston Texans

The Texans did what good teams need to do when coming off a disappointing loss. Their beat down of Baltimore was more than enough to shake off any ill effects from the loss to Green Bay in week 5.

The Texans may have the most balanced team in the NFL. They have a top 5 defense and their run game features league rushing leader Arian Foster, running behind the best zone blocking offensive line in the game today. The passing attack is triggered by a consistent Matt Schaub and features a talented group of pass catchers.

With a bye this weekend and an extra week to prepare for the Buffalo Bills, I can see the Texans sticking around our Cream Of The Crop for the next couple weeks.

3. Chicago Bears

At 5-1, the Chicago Bears have the 2nd best record in the NFC. Their defense is the best in the NFL, allowing a scant 78 points per game so far. Opposing quarterbacks are passing for a league low 62.7 QB rating. They have 21 sacks, 14 interceptions, and 5 defensive TDs. They’ve forced 9 fumbles and recovered 7 of them.

Offensively they are still working out the kinks in the new offense, but they feature a top 5 player at both running back and wide out. It was about this time last year when the offense really came into it’s own.

With their two next games appearing to be very winnable, they could be sitting at 7-1 with a big Sunday Night game against the Texans awaiting in week 10.