Week 5 Power Rankings

Hi

With Tighe’s loss last week a power rankings re-shuffle is in order…more incentive for me to get these right the first time.

Preseason

10. Brett

9. Thompson

8. Nemo

7. Malinn

6. Curran

5. TMac

4. Lee

3. DFlam

2. Concannon

1. Tighe

Week 5

10. Thompson- Firmly in the bottom three for points, Thompson’s squad is currently rolling out Blackmon at WR2 and is shaky at QB with Cutler and Ryan Picks-Patrick.  Signs of life in the last two weeks (plus 100+ in consecutive games) hint at a revival and a lot will depend on the progress of Charles and Peterson from injuries but a tough slate with Lee and Tighe approaching could make life difficult.

9. Brett- Brett is being hit hard by the bye weeks and is thus a candidate to go 1-4 very soon.  The team lacks star power at QB and this is making it very difficult to overcome a disappointing effort from the RBs.  Moving forward, Austin and Johnson have both had strong starts and they are candidates to be moved for pieces if this team continues headed south.

8. Tmac- TMac got slapped around last week but otherwise has been unfortunate to be 0-4.  His weekly totals so far have him 4th, 5th, and 4th, leading to an expected 1.5 wins through three weeks.  With his weak showing last week, TMac has performed so far up to the level of a .500 team.  However, a lack of star quarterback play thanks to a sluggish Stafford has held him back despite big starts from Foster, Bush, and Davis and hints have been made that 0-5 would initiate a major rebuilding project.

7. Concannon- The first big whiff on the rankings as Concannon’s unique mix of Romo, sluggish WRs, injured RBs, and neglected TEs sent him straight to the bottom of the league in three weeks.  A bounce-back showing last week hinted at the potential identified in the #2 ranking.  The key will be at RB- can the trio of Jackson, Bradshaw, and Mathews bounce back strong?  If so, Concannon is likely to claw his way back into the postseason- otherwise, look for Brees and Romo to head to the exits as part of a minor rebuild.  For now, solid depth should see this squad through the bye weeks and back towards the playoff pack.

6. DFlam- Not much done wrong so far but he falls as others assert their credentials.  Newton and Manning are a top-10 duo and make the team dangerous but the unreliability of Jennings and Jackson leave the skill positions threadbare as the bye weeks approach.  The return of Hernandez will be a boost but the big question will be at the running back position- without help, it seems DFlam will be a tough out but, ultimately, out when the final playoff tally is taken.

5. Nemo- At 3-1, Nemo is thus far the surprise of the league and his team has legitimate talent.  Currently in playoff position, Nemo’s schedule gets tough over the next three as the top three- Lee, Malinn, and Tighe- all go head-to-head with Nemo.  So far, Ryan and Dalton have exceeded expectations while MJD and Rice are two of the top RBs.  Johnson and Johnson have been strong at WR- so far.  The questions for this team are the depth and the ability of the top guys to maintain their production so far- for example, Ryan has thrown all over Denver, Carolina, KC, and SD, hardly top defenses.  I think this squad has enough consistent power at the top to piece together a playoff team but it will be close- the key man may be struggling rookie RB Doug Maritn.

4. Curran- A strange year so far- fortunate to win twice and unlucky in two defeats.  Quarterbacking is strong and Welker is rounding into form so I like the odds here of continuing consistency.  The keys are finding another WR- Garcon is promising- and working with Father Coffee, AMEN, to keep old men Benson, Gore, and Turner churning their ancient legs.  A soft slate is approaching so Curran could move up a bit with some solid moves and continued Patriots excellence and he should remain in a playoff position as the cold weather begins moving in.

3. Lee- Up a spot to three but what a struggle- this week’s WR trio is Andre Roberts, Kendall Wright, and Greg Olsen.  Goodness.  The good news is he is 3-1 despite Rodgers and McCoy struggling so with those two back up and running Lee should be OK to maintain a lead in the playoff hunt.  The return of Nicks to the field will be a boost and perhaps trading Bryant to someone else who thinks he is actually any good might help, as well.  Overall, the outlook is solid and barring major injury Lee should remain a tough weekly matchup and a likely playoff team.

2. Tighe- Down one after getting swept aside by a rampaging Malinn, Tighe is still looking good with RGIII a big-time contributor and enough depth at WR to overcome some poorly-timed RB injuries.  Gates, Jones, and McFadden have struggled so the return to form for that trio will only be a plus.  Tighe, despite a tough loss last week, will remain a contender for the #1 spot all year.

1. Malinn- Oh, herrrroo there!  Malinn is an unusual #1 given a lack of true star play at QB but his roster is very deep at all other positions and this gives him a clear edge.  The easy points leader so far, the only question may be at RB but indications are that efforts will be made to upgrade there.  The #1 is his for now- Nemo gets the first crack at him this week.

And that’s that…congratulations to Malinn and good luck to all this week.

Tim