Deuce leads SAINTS team onto the field 1-16-10

Deuce McAllister leads the Playoffs Number 1 seed New Orleans Saints onto the field to beat the crap out of the Arizona Cardinals on January 16, 2010. WHO DAT!!!

NFL Week 2 Power Rankings + Free NFL Pick

My Power Rankings are based somewhat on performance thus far, but still factors in overall potential and how I think they'll do this season. I want to avoid wild swings in where I have teams ranked, but it may be inevitable. Here is one man's view of Week 2:

New England (-3) at Carolina, 1 p.m. on Sunday

This will be a tight fight - and is the marquee game of the weekend. I wonder how Sports Illustrated feels about its Super Bowl pick starting 0-2? But after last season's 1-7 start by the Panthers I don't think they'll be too worried about an 0-fer in their first two contests.

This is a rematch of Super Bowl 38 (the Roman numerals are just too cumbersome) and many of the principles are still in place for both organizations. You have to love the home dogs in the NFL, and I do think that the odds of a team with as much promise as the Panthers dropping two straight in front of their own fans, but the Pats are really tough to go against. I would feel a lot better about this game if I were a Carolina fan if A) Kris Jenkins had waited until next week to have a season-ending injury, B) Bill Belichick didn't have those three extra days to game plan, C) Corey Dillon was still on the Bengals, and D) Hurricane Ophelia hit at about 1 p.m. on Sunday.

Buffalo at Tampa Bay (-3), 1 p.m. on Sunday

If this game were in Buffalo in December, everyone would be talking about warm weather teams traveling to cold climates. Why doesn't anyone make a similar distinction between cold weather teams traveling down to muggy, sweltering Florida in September (see: Denver vs. Miami last weekend)? I want to see the stat on Green Bay or Buffalo's record when the temperature at the opening kickoff is above 85 degrees. Quick, somebody get on that. And for the record, it's supposed to be 94 on Sunday with isolated thunderstorms.

Hey, I'll admit that I was really shocked by the Bucs win over Minnesota last Sunday. I'm not ready to jump on the bandwagon just yet, but no one ever said that there wasn't talent on that club. Also, this is J.P. Losman's first road test. He looked great against Houston at home, but if Buffalo is down 4 with five minutes to play this weekend we'll see what the kid is made of.

Jacksonville at Indianapolis (-9.5), 1 p.m. on Sunday

This is definitely the "Wow" line of the week. Yeah, I know that it will be Indy's home opener, that on any given Sunday they can put up 70, and that they handled a very talented Baltimore squad in Week 1. But I still wasn't expecting nearly a double-digit line. In their two games against the Colts last season, the Jags lost 24-17 in Week 3 but then rolled into the RCA Dome and beat Indy 27-24 in Week 6.

Manning and Co. had little trouble with the Ravens defense last week, but I think Jacksonville will be able to generate more pressure with its front four. The trade-off is that the Jags secondary isn't nearly as talented as the Ravens, which Manning will most likely exploit. It's almost a shame that a game this big for these teams is happening this early when neither club is at its best.

Kansas City at Oakland (-1), 8 p.m. on Sunday

The Chiefs just absolutely dominated the Jets last weekend. But it was a win at a price. Willie Roaf (hamstring), Ryan Sims (foot), Tony Richardson (knee/ankle), and Patrick Surtain (mild concussion) are each questionable this weekend for the Chiefs, who have beaten the Raiders four consecutive times.

The Raiders offense is so hit-or-miss (could be three-and-out, could be a touchdown in 80 seconds) that the defense won't have much time to rest this season. Just about the time that Warren Sapp and Ed Jasper have let their weight settle on the bench, Kerry Collins has fumbled again and it's back out on the field. Oakland wore down in the fourth quarter against New England. If the same thing happens against KC, the Raiders are in trouble.

FREE PICK: I like Baltimore (-3.5) on the road against Tennessee. This line is low because of the Kyle Boller injury, but it doesn't accurately reflect the talent deficit here. People are assuming Boller actually meant something to the team. The Titans aren't a terrible team, but they did get manhandled by Pittsburgh (161 rushing yards) last weekend. Baltimore is nearly as physical as the Steelers and should be able to pound the Titans on the ground with Jamal Lewis and Chester Taylor. I'm going to ignore the fact that the Ravens are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games, or that Anthony Wright is just 6-7 as a starter (with his last loss coming against Tennessee in the 2003 playoffs), or that there's a possibility of a Kordell Stewart sighting. The numbers may be hazy on this pick, but just ask yourself one simple question - which one of these teams is more likely to start off 0-2?

NFL Week 2 Power Rankings

1) New England Patriots (1-0) - The Patriots are quickly becoming the Duke Blue Devils of the NFL. They're constantly praised for their selflessness and always described as underrated. Yet, I can't think of any other team whose slot receiver and right guard I've seen in commercials in the last 12 months.

2) Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) - They remain ahead of the Colts because they are more physical. They don't miss Plexico on offense. Yet.

3) Indianapolis Colts (1-0) - If the usually reliable Matt Stover hadn't shanked three field goals, and the final score was 24-16, would everyone still be enamored with Indy's defense?

4) Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0) - It will be tough to go into the RCA Dome and keep up with the Colts. However, that's exactly what they did last year when they beat them 27-24.

5) Atlanta Falcons (1-0) - They need to be careful of a letdown against Seattle this week. Also, Jim Mora Jr. is one hell of a coach and will be around a long, long time.

6) Philadelphia Eagles (0-1) - Don't think for a second that playing without Trotter didn't make a difference on Monday. Regardless, I've said it before and I'll say it again, this team is wobbling.

7) Dallas Cowboys (1-0) - Let's not get too excited about Drew Bledsoe just yet. He's still got plenty of turnovers left in that arm.

8) Buffalo Bills (1-0) - Buffalo is now 10-3 in it's last 13 games.

9) Kansas City Chiefs (1-0) - Just when you think that Larry Johnson has turned the corner in his career, he gets arrested for beating up his ex-girlfriend. Scumbag.

10) New Orleans Saints (1-0) - It's tragic that it may have taken something like a natural disaster to get this collection of talent to play focused, purposeful football. But so be it.

11) Carolina Panthers (0-1) - Loss of Kris Jenkins will hurt. Hopefully it won't be a harbinger of things to come. Stephen Davis' line last Sunday (13 carries, 81 yards, TD) was very promising.

12) Cincinnati Bengals (1-0) - Took care of business against weak Browns team in Cleveland. If they're going to make the playoffs they need to win games like this week's against Minnesota. They are also 5-2 ATS in their last seven games.

13) Baltimore Ravens (0-1) - What ever happened to Brian Billick, offensive genius?

14) San Diego Chargers (0-1) - The Million Dollar Question: do you trade Philip Rivers before the trading deadline, or do you wait until next April?

15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0) - How would you feel about Cadillac Williams if he had only run for 77 yards on 26 carries (3.0 avg.)? Because those were his numbers before his game-clinching 71-yard run.

16) Detroit Lions (1-0) - Not too early in the year to have a big game. If they can beat the Bears, and if the Vikings lose at Cincinnati, the Lions will have built an early two-game cushion over their only real competition. Kicker Jason Hanson's leg injury has him questionable for this weekend, and could play a huge factor.

17) Oakland Raiders (0-1) - Love this home dog this weekend against banged-up Kansas City. However, I will stick by my declaration that this team is untrustworthy when it comes to me laying money on them.

18) Minnesota Vikings (0-1) - Minnesota is now 2-4 without Randy Moss over the last 12 months. Dante Culpepper is averaging 232 yards passing in those games with 9 TD's to 7 INT's (and that includes a 340-yard, 4 TD game vs. Green Bay).

19) Washington Redskins (1-0) - Skins have lost 12 in a row to the Cowboys. Jon Jansen will play this week with two broken thumbs. Insert "Meet the Parents" joke here.

20) Seattle Seahawks (0-1) - I think it's fair to speculate that Matt Hasselbeck's 2003 season may have just been a fluke.

21) New York Giants (1-0) - Eli Manning's numbers last week (62.2 QB rating) are still unimpressive, and his presence is uninspiring. Shockey's ankle is fine.

22) St. Louis Rams (0-1) - They controlled the ball for 40 minutes, and put up over 400 yards of offense last week. And still lost to the friggin' 49ers. Unbelievable.

23) New York Jets (0-1) - Lots of pressure this weekend against the Fins. In that division, and in that conference, if they lose this game they're in trouble.

24) Miami Dolphins (1-0) - Defended the home turf with a win over Denver. Now they have a shot against a limping Jets team. Interesting.

25) Denver Broncos (0-1) - Jake Plummer has thrown 133 touchdowns in his career. He has also thrown 143 interceptions. Oh, and don't think someone in the front office doesn't have Maurice Clarett's cell phone number.

26) Chicago Bears (0-1) - Except for those two pesky second-half turnovers (not like those matter in a two-point game or anything) Kyle Orton looked good. It was the rest of the offense that sucked.

27) Houston Texans (0-1) - "I'm embarrassed," Andre Johnson said after their 22-7 beating in Buffalo. "I don't know what to say. We didn't do anything. We got our butts kicked."

28) Green Bay Packers (0-1) - Javon Walker blew out his knee and is done for the year. I wonder what Brett Favre has to say about Walker's contract situation now? This team is a wreck.

29) San Francisco 49ers (1-0) - Moron of the Week: Derek Smith. Linebacker is feeling so superior after their "big win" over the Rams, that he decides to start talking smack about Terrell Owens before they role into Philly. Yeah, smart. Poke the wounded animal with a stick.

30) Tennessee Titans (0-1) - Might not be a bad idea to pick up Billy Volek on your fantasy team.

31) Arizona Cardinals (0-1) - I understand that people are entitled to their opinions, but anyone who actually picked Arizona to win the NFC West is an idiot.

32) Cleveland Browns (0-1) - "Matt Leinhart, this is Big Dawg, ruler of the Dawg Pound. Big Dawg, this is Matt Leinhart, former Heisman winner and our future."

Questions or comments for Robert? Email him at robert@docsports.com.

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Since 1971 Doc's Sports has been recognized as one of the leaders and most trusted names in sports handicapping information. Visit Doc's website for free college and NFL picks and predictions as well as updated articles and free game matchup reports.

2 & Some Change 4/26/11 (Questionable NHL Playoff Suspensions) Sports

www.youtube.com Click here to watch 2 & Some Change 4/25/11 (Madden NFL 12 Cover - Peyton Hillis vs. Michael Vick) Sports! 2 & Some Change 4/26/11 (Questionable NHL Playoff Suspensions) Sports (S01E07) "2 & Some Change" is a brand new show here on Machinima Sports where two hosts are put up against each other to discuss, debate, and argue the latest in the world of sports. In this episode Machinima's Justin Fassino and OpTic Diesel discuss the questionable NHL Playoff Suspensions. Are the referees to blame? Does the NHL need to upgrade its replay? Or is the game too fast for the referees to manage? Tune in, find out, and hit us up on www.Faceboook.com to voice your opinions. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook. :) www.twitter.com www.facebook.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - This Sports video teaches you: HOW TO avoid suspension HOW TO fight HOW TO play NHL Playoff Hockey - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Follow Machinima on Twitter! Machinima twitter.com Inside Gaming twitter.com Machinima Respawn twitter.com Machinima Entertainment, Technology, Culture twitter.com FOR MORE MACHINIMA, GO TO: www.youtube.com FOR MORE GAMEPLAY, GO TO: www.youtube.com FOR MORE SPORTS GAMEPLAY, GO TO: www.youtube.com FOR MORE MMO & RPG GAMEPLAY, GO TO: www.youtube.com FOR MORE TRAILERS, GO TO: www.youtube.com TAGS: Machinima Sports Constant Replay twitter facebook optic diesel 2010 2011 five ...

Basketball Plays - Simple and Effective Box Plays

The key to effective basketball plays for beginners is keeping it simple. The following plays use a box formation, a good beginning formation that provides opportunities for outside shots and post shot plays and allows some flexibility for various scenarios.

Backdoor Play

This quick hitting play works well when facing intense man-to-man defense.

1. To start this box formation play, #1 is at mid-court with the ball, and #2-5 are positioned in a box in the free throw lane, with #4 and #5 at the free throw line and #2 and #3 closer to the basket.


2. The play begins with #2 and #3 rushing to the wings.


3. #1 passes to #5, and #3 cuts backdoor for a layup.

Blue Play

This box formation play begins with the same positioning as the previous play, except that this time #2 is at the right side of the free throw line and #3 is at the left side of the free throw line. #4 is closer to the basket on the left and #5 is closer to the basket on the right.

1. The play starts with #1 calling out "blue," and #2 and #3 using a jab step or v-cut to go toward the middle and then rush to the extended free throw line. #1 passes to either #2 or #3, whoever is more open (make sure to switch up who receives the ball as this play is repeated).


2. If the ball goes to the #2, then #4 (the offensive player on the opposite side of the original box formation) rushes to the free throw line. #5 posts for two counts and, if he hasn't received the ball yet, v-cuts to the middle and then toward the corner on the same side.


3. #2 then passes to #5 and breaks for the basket, looking for a pass back. #4, positioned at the free throw line, if not open will roll down the lane and then continue to the other side.


4. If no one is open, #1 will move to where #2 was (at the right side wing) and get the ball back from #5. #3 will move to where #1 was, at the top of the key.


5. Once #1 has the ball, #5 will rush toward the basket and look for the return pass. #1 will pass back to #3 as #2 moves around toward the elbow and positions for a possible jump shot.


6. #4 will post a block for two counts and then break to the corner. If #2 isn't open, #3 should look for #4. #5 should flash to the middle and wait for an open shot or the rebound if #2 is able to shoot. Players should remember to clear the key by moving to the free throw line if they aren't able to get the shot.

And for a free basketball coaching video, including brand new plays for your team, visit this page now:

http://www.online-basketball-drills.com/vid/

Inside, you'll discover the "insider secrets" to shutting down your opponents, getting tons of easy baskets, and winning more games for your team!

Coach Pat Anderson is a youth basketball coach, writer and publisher of Online-Basketball-Drills.com, the web's #1 resource for free basketball offensive plays, drills and coaching tips.

Raiders - Dolphins '00 Playoffs "Refs screw Raiders again"

Which College Football Playoff System is Best?

This year has been chock full of BCS controversy. Between OU edging out Texas for the Big 12 championship spot, to earlier in the season when it was likely Penn State would get in with an easy schedule and people would watch another blowout of a Big 10 team.

I have heard bloggers and sites calling for a 16 team playoff system and others calling for a 8 team playoff. The sixteen team playoff scenario seems way too unlikely to me. For starters, you would have to play four post season games instead of 3. You would definitely have to subtract a game or two from the regular season to decrease injuries and players playing way past January.

Another issues is you would be putting teams like Ball State, Georgia Tech and TCU in there, who would generally get blown out every year by the USC's and Florida like teams of the NCAA. Yes there are those who would say "there could be Cinderella teams" the "underdogs" like in NCAA basketball. Yes it is somewhat possible, but the recruiting gaps in football or a lot more severe than in basketball. Teams like George Mason and Davidson others can get three or four good players, and that's all it takes to have a good team. Whereas football, three or four doesn't cut it, when you have eleven guys on offense and defense. So you need a lot of talent on both sides. Therefore it is harder to compete against the big dogs when you can only steal a couple good recruits from them every year.

On the other hand you have the 8 game playoff system. While there won't be any at large bids or major Cinderella stories, it will be the best teams competing. Who wouldn't want to see first round games of Utah versus Texas, or USC vs Florida. They would all get great ratings and be fun to watch. By the time you got to the end of the tournament there would be no doubt that the best team won. If Alabama for example, beat Penn State, Florida, and then Oklahoma in the championship, would you really question their title? I doubt it.

Whereas with the current system in 2004 Auburn went perfect and was left out of the title game. We could still use the BCS ranking system for seeding, there is no problem with that. We all know that any system is fairer then the one we have currently. Just ask Texas right now? Should they really have to play Ohio State as a consolation prize?

I just have serious doubt that the bowl committee will change anything because of the amount of money these bowls are making. They would probably keep all the other small bowls and add the playoffs on top of it, if they do every change it.

Clarke Baldwin is a journalist who has worked for Dallas Morning News and other publications. You can find his site at International News Blog and a related story in Sports.

VICK INTRODUCED IN HIS FIRST PLAYOFF GAME SINCE HIS RELEASE-1/9/2011

PHILLY CHEERS THEIR QB BEFORE AS HE TAKES THE FIELD BEFORE THE PLAYOFF GAME VS THE PACKERS PLAYOFFS 2011. THANKS FOR WATCHING, SUB,COMMENT, RATE

Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills 1996 playoff

Jaguars touchdown drive in the first half of the 1996 playoff game over the Bills.

Huckle's 2010 National Treasures Football Box Break

Here you go John. Thanks again bud, Chris J.

The Chilly Report Week 4, 2010: Around the NFL During the Vikings' Bye Week

Will Randy Moss return to the Vikings? That's a discussion for next time. This week I focus on all the playoff contenders (Saints, Falcons, Packers) who failed in their attempts to lose at home to winless teams. I also bring together highlights from the Giants-Bears game on Sunday night, which was quite possibly one of the greatest games ever played. In addition, Peter King proves again his East Coast bias, and the Out-of-Context Steve Guttenberg clip of the week returns.

Sports - Fetish and Frenzy

When the world is preparing for FIFA 2010, the 19th world cup in America's most loved sport, there is no dearth of latest videos of past matches, breath taking semi-finals and those killer goals of Baggio, Bekham or Pele. The access to the upcoming season of professional and college football is one click away with more and latest videos being added day to day. For a nation crazy for sports streaming continuously videos delivering both the latest happenings in the world of sports and also the old records is a treat to all sports lovers. Whether you are the young sophomore who wants to try the most popular kicks of Ronaldo, or the manager who no longer is able to fit in sports in his busy daily life, there is something or the for you to suit your needs. From the Major League Baseball World Series to the NBA, or the NCAA College Basketball tournament, everything is served on a platter for you. Live scores, in-depth player and team news, sports videos, rumors, stats, schedules, fantasy games, standings for the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NASCAR- All sports news video in one place. When you don't like wandering all the websites in search for sports news, there are sites which give you everything at one place.

It is heartbreaking for a sports lover to go out of town at the time of airing of the match of their favorite team. Going to a place that doesn't air live sports at the time of the biggest and most important game of the season can be truly frustrating. Now you don't need to miss the game that you have been anticipating to watch for an entire game season. There are now sports news web sites available that cover almost all the sports news and some also provide live news clips and play by play information. These sites not only provide the sports content, they also have the in-depth analysis of the game. In addition they provide with reliable statistics on players and teams you've been rooting for. Some websites even have the option to update on their email containing the latest sports news covering any and all information pertaining to their teams of their choice.

Some sites offering current sports news are able to reference the best sports team centers from all over the country in order to verify that the statistics and sports news information on their pages are truly the best and most accurate information that they can offer that traveling sports fanatic while they are away from their favorite teams.

E3thos is an online platform that will serve as a source for bi-directional news, public affairs, commentary and lifestyle driven entertainment for those who seek a balance in the news and information they consume. E3thos will provide an unfiltered voice for journalism professionals, content providers, bloggers and others who have something to say about the world around them. Watch live latest online news videos, news video online and breaking news video on e3thos.

The Value of Core Values in Strategic Thinking and Business Planning

Business planning emphasizes strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. A Vision and/or Mission are standard fare. However, the most meticulous strategy plan can still derail without the guidance of core values. They are the standards for behavior that define your culture. Defining core values is a critical step. From there, the real work begins.

Two high profile cases offer classic examples. Both companies have carefully crafted value statements. The difference in outcomes lies in leadership walking the talk.

Case #1: Johnson & Johnson Value Statement

We believe our first responsibility is to our doctors, nurses and patients, to mothers and fathers and all others who use our products and services. In meeting their needs, everything we do must be of high quality.

The Tylenol poisoning deaths that occurred in the Chicago area proved to be regionally isolated. Johnson & Johnson's management took no chances and immediately recalled all product from all store shelves nationally. They acted instantly in accordance with their values. If their statement read our first responsibility is to our shareholders, we might have seen a more short sighted response. Strong adherence to values simplified their decision and not only preserved but strengthened their brand.

Case #2 Arthur Andersen Value Statement

We believe in integrity, respect and always speaking as one firm. We believe in maintaining a passion for excellence in people, service and innovation. And we believe in demonstrating a commitment to personal growth through training and development. In fact, these values are minimum standards for anyone within our organization. Each has roots in the thinking of Arthur Andersen himself. And each guides us toward a brighter future ahead.

Andersen has become an easy target. But, there are lessons to be learned. Integrity was their number one stated value. At some point, integrity was replaced by greed. Andersen developed a cavalier consulting arm to design and build businesses, while its other arm audited those businesses. They successfully lobbied to prevent legislation to limit such conflicts of interest. Are these the actions of an organization that stands for integrity? We witnessed the results, a values domino effect. In contrast to Tylenol's customers, Andersen clients rushed for the exits, never to return.

Impact on Customers

Who is the number one over-the-counter pain relief brand today?

Who has fallen from Big Three Accounting status?

How did the adherence to core values contribute to each scenario?

Are core values just for big companies?

If you are a restaurateur, what happens when an expensive cut of meat accidentally falls to the floor? What if it was the last serving? Do you maintain the same standards for meat in the kitchen as you do for spoons in the dining room? Core values cannot be conditional.

You are a manufacturer and are potentially late with an end of month delivery. Defective product is discovered as the truck is being loaded. What do you do? Prioritized values provide your people with the answer. If you have institutionalized your values, executive involvement is unnecessary.

What are your organization's values?

If your business plan was written primarily to impress your bankers and investors, a values statement is likely missing. If you need to check to find out, it might just as well be missing. If your core values are not communicated and understood by all, what are your criteria for decisions in times of crisis?

Sustained Success and Values Driven Leadership When a crisis occurs, your success depends on your people's ability to make prompt decisions. Will you prosper like Tylenol or collapse like Andersen? Does your organization possess both the values and character it will need in time of crisis? Your customers will sense the strength of your leadership and quickly respond either with deeper loyalty or permanent departure.

Tom Lemanski is the President and founder of Vista Development, a boutique strategic development firm serving metro Chicago, IL Tom has served as business catalyst and executive coach in over thirty different product and service industries. Tom can be reached through any of the sites below or by phone: 847-726-7707

http://www.vista-development.com

http://www.ChicagoExecutiveCoaching.com

http://www.ChicagoSalesCoaching.com

Backbreaker NFL 11 V15 : Beta Gameplay (1st Quarter)

V15 will be out by the end of the week. (Shipley will be changed from Black to White *already been changed for release*) Props to Azureeffect, gmisonpt360

NFL Week 7 Power Rankings

Here's a breakdown of some key games on the Week 7 schedule:

Dallas at Seattle (-3)

Last year, Dallas rallied from a 10-point deficit in the final two minutes to win a memorable 43-39 Monday Night shootout in Seattle. However, the Seahawks have won twice in three games against the Cowboys since Mike Holmgren has been at the helm.

The big story this week for the Seahawks was the loss of safety Ken Hamlin, who got viciously beaten Sunday night outside a nightclub after Seattle's 42-10 victory over Houston. Marquand Manuel (five starts in four years) will take Hamlin's place, and will likely be tested by Drew Bledsoe and the No. 6 ranked offense in the league. Seattle won't mind a shootout though, since they posses the NFL's top offense (407 yards and 28 points per contest). The Seahawks are tough at home, but are only 3-8 against the spread in their last 11 games at Qwest Field.

Julius Jones and Day Nguyen should return for the Cowboys this Sunday, but the Boys lost starting left tackle Flozell Adams for the season. Torrin Tucker will be Adams' replacement. Also, Patrick Crayton is sidelined for 6-8 weeks, and Peerless Price will get a chance to resurrect his career. The Dallas defense has dominated two of the NFL's best offenses the last two weeks, holding Philly and New York to a combined 23 points, 80 rushing yards, and 3-for-23 on third down.

Cincinnati (-1) at Pittsburgh

This is a crucial clash in the AFC North, and a Bengals win will leave them 2.5 games up on the Steelers. However, Pittsburgh is 8-2 against Cincy recently.

The rumor is that Ben Roethlisberger is going to suit up for Pittsburgh. His absence was obvious last week as Tommy Maddox doubled the team's season turnover total - managing four himself after Pitt had just two all year. Former Bengals coach Dick LeBeau, now the Steelers DC, has beaten his old team three consecutive times since 2003. Pittsburgh is 6-2-1 ATS in its last nine road games.

The Bengals have faced the Steelers 28 times since 1990, and this is only the third time that Cincy enters a meeting with a better record. They are 1-1 in those games. I'm going to jinx Carson Palmer by mentioning that he hasn't throw an interception in 148 passes. Cincinnati is 5-1-1 ATS in its last seven games, and 5-0 straight up in its last five contests after scoring 30 points.

San Diego at Philadelphia (-3.5)

Since Andy Reid took over in 1999, Philly is 9-0 in games following a bye week (6-0 in the regular season and 3-0 in the playoffs). Donovan McNabb has had two weeks to recover from his myriad of injuries (chest, leg, sports hernia).

The Eagles have thrown the ball on 72 percent of their offensive plays thus far, so they're looking for more balance. Since 2002, the Eagles are 36-9 versus the NFC but just 8-7 against the AFC. However, they've already squeezed out wins over two AFC West teams in 2005 - Oakland (23-20) and Kansas City (37-31). The Eagles are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games.

San Diego is an outstanding 15-3-2 ATS in its last 20 games, but just 9-10 SU in road games since the start of the 2003 season. The Chargers have the NFL's No. 2 scoring offense (29.3 ppg) but are just 3-7 OU in their last 10 road games.

Denver at N.Y. Giants (-2)

The last time these two clubs met was on Sept. 10, 2001 - the night before 9/11.

The Giants are averaging 37.7 points a game in the Meadowlands, and are 4-1 ATS in their last five at home. New York needs to find some touches for Tiki Barber, who already has had three games with less than 15 carries. He had only two such games in 2004. The Giants are 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight, and 4-2-1 SU in their last seven meetings with Denver.

Denver is riding a five-game winning streak. They carried a 13-game winning streak into the Meadowlands the last time they visited New York, but were downed 20-16. Tatum Bell is leading the league's third-best rushing attack with his 6.8 yards per carry average. Despite their gaudy record, Denver's defense is just 22nd in the league.

Without further ado, here are my Week 7 Power Rankings:

1) Indianapolis (6-0) - For all that's been made of their offensive "struggles" this season, they're sixth in the NFL in scoring with 25.2 points per game.

2) Denver (5-1) - The Broncos small corners and 26th-rated pass defense could have a long day against Eli and the G-Men.

3) Cincinnati (5-1) - I think their front seven is soft. They have a chance to prove me wrong by holding up against Pitt's running game.

4) Jacksonville (4-2) - I'd be concerned about that 25th-rated offense. But then I'd feel better about that No. 4 defense.

5) Tampa Bay (5-1) - Tim Rattay was a real nice pickup for this club. They're going to need him sooner rather than later.

6) Pittsburgh (3-2) - I hope Big Ben isn't coming back too quickly.

7) Atlanta (4-2) - I didn't think Edge Hartwell had done much for the Falcons this season, but in the two games since he's been gone they've surrendered 352 rush yards.

8) Philadelphia (3-2) - From the week after their bye to the end of the season, the Eagles are 41-10 under Reid. They went 9-3 in 2004 following the off week.

9) Carolina (4-2) - Their offense is ranked just 23rd and the defense is committing 10 penalties a game. Sloppy.

10) New England (3-3) - Since Rodney Harrison went down the Pats are 1-2, have yielded 1,263 yards (421 per game), and have been outscored 97-68.

11) Seattle (4-2) - Like Dallas, Houston employed a 3-4 defense and the Seahawks ran over it for 320 yards.

12) Dallas (4-2) - Adams had started 106 consecutive games for the Boys. A team losing its starting, Pro Bowl left tackle is not something to be taken lightly.

13) Kansas City (3-2) - This game is needed if the Chiefs want to make a run in the West. Their seventh-ranked rush offense will face the 13th-ranked rush defense.

14) San Diego (3-3) - When they meet Philly, the Chargers will have faced three teams in seven weeks that have had a bye the previous Sunday.

15) Washington (3-2) - Clinton Portis has a sore shin and hamstring, but will play. The Redskins are one of just two teams with a winning record and a negative turnover differential.

16) New York Giants (3-2) - Teams are converting an absurd 52% of third downs against the G-Men. However, their defense has forced 17 turnovers in just five games.

17) Buffalo (3-3) - The Bills have only 13 second-half points so far, but find themselves tied for first place in the East.

18) Baltimore (2-3) - This game in The Windy City is critical if the Ravens want to get back into the AFC North race. Baltimore is 4-1 in its last five against the NFC.

19) Chicago (2-3) - Teams have converted only one of 12 opportunities in the red zone into a touchdown against the Bears defense. Also, their D is holding teams to a 28.8% conversion rate on third down.

20) Tennessee (2-4) - The Titans are just 4-8 ATS in their last 12 games, and 2-4 ATS on the road.

21) Miami (2-3) - The Dolphins have won four in a row at home. In two career meetings, Miami has held Priest Holmes to 77 total rushing yards."

22) Detroit (2-3) - Jeff Garcia split first-team reps with Joey Harrington this week and could earn start against Browns, the team he played for in 2004.

23) New York Jets (2-4) - Losing Kevin Mawae may have been the deathblow to their season.

24) Cleveland (2-3) - The Browns are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games. Who knew?

25) St. Louis (2-4) - You don't really think that Jamie Martin pickup is going to save your fantasy team, do you?

26) New Orleans (2-4) - Now that the season is rapidly going downhill, the focus is starting to shift towards whether the Saints will stay in New Orleans. Could be another loss for The Big Easy.

27) Oakland (1-4) - The Raiders are the second-worst rushing team in the league with 71 yards per game.

28) Green Bay (1-4) - DC Jim Bates is doing a decent job with a terrible defense. They're 10th in total defense and 14th in scoring defense. Not great, but an improvement from their 25 and 23 rankings, respectively, last year.

29) Arizona (1-4) - Despite a weak rushing attack, the Cards are No. 3 in the NFL in time of possession with 33 minutes per game.

30) Minnesota (1-4) - Remember, between 25 to 35 percent of the "experts" picked this team to win the NFC.

31) San Francisco (1-4) - The 49ers have won three straight outright in Washington, but haven't played there since 1998.

32) Houston (0-5) - Average score of their games is 28-11.

Questions or comments for Robert? E-mail robert@docsports.com

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