MMSF Power 10 Week Seven

Every Tuesday here on the Blog - and later on the show - we unveil our MMSF NFL Power 10. This is a snapshot of the top tier teams in the league based on the games played until this point. Do you agree or disagree with these rankings? Please email in your thoughts at mattmcsportsfix@yahoo.com.

1. Pittsburgh 5-1 (1) - Yes Ben Roethlisberger fumbled on the goal line late against Miami and yes the Dolphins recovered. But the record still says the Steelers have just one loss.
2. New York Jets 5-1 (2) - The bye week got the Jets (CB Darrelle Revis) healthy. The issue may still be the fact that Ladainian Tomlinson has to go from here on out without a week off. Can he stay healthy?
3. New England 5-1 (3) - Don't you keep wondering when the Pats will have that 'bad' year? With the youth on this team, if New England doesn't drop off this year they may not for a long time!
4. Tennessee 5-2 (NR) - Listen I don't think the Titans are the fourth best team in the NFL, but there is no debating how many good wins this team has earned. Plus, straight up on a neutral field right now, I'm taking Tennessee over Baltimore.
5. Baltimore 5-2 (4) - The Ravens allowed Buffalo QB Ryan Fitzpatrick to shred their defense. Couple that with the Ravens having virtually zero run game on offense and this team has serious flaws.
6. New York Giants 5-2 (7) - The Giants have won 4 games in a row and have separated themselves from the rest of the NFC. Can they maintain this play for the second half of the season?
7. Indianapolis 4-2 (5) - Add TE Dallas Clark's season ender to the list of major injuries crushing the Colts chances at a title run. With so much adversity this may be Peyton Manning's worst team he has had since his rookie year. However, you counting him out? I'm not either.
8. Kansas City 4-2 (10) - Let's get this out of the way, I hate QB Matt Cassel. Even so, the Chiefs schedule is wide open from this point on. I'll say it now and you can believe me later, K.C. is going to win 12 games this season. Imagine if they had a QB that was actually alive?!
9. Miami 3-3 (9) - The Fins did beat the Steelers. Of course the officials (made sure to fix the game) screwed up the call and Miami was left with their third loss. This is easily the best three loss team in the NFL.
10. Atlanta 5-2 (NR) - The Falcons are going to back into the NFC South title this season. You can see it coming a mile away. The Saints are full of themselves, the Buccaneers are frauds, and the Panthers stink. But take a look at the Atlanta defense, it's awful. AWFUL.

MMSF Top 10 Week Eight

Every Monday here on the Blog and later on the show we unveil our top 10 in college football. These rankings are based on this week only, it is not a prediciton for how we feel the season will end. Click here to view the latest Associated Press and Coaches Polls.

1. Oregon 7 - 0 (1) - The Ducks are easily the most complete talented team in the nation. QB Darron Thomas and RB LaMichael James lead a dangerous Ducks offense. Oregon travels to down USC this weekend, but the Trojans have scored 30+ points six times this season. Upset alert?
2. Boise State 6-0 (2) - The BCS hates the Broncos. First it was Oklahoma who leapt in front of Boise and now Auburn. That being said, Kellen Moore and company should be feeling great about their chances for the BCS.
3. Auburn 8-0 (5) - Cam Newton. Cam Newton. Cam Newton. Cam Newton. Cam Newton.
4. TCU 8-0 (4) - In two weeks the Horned Frogs travel to Utah in a major showdown. That's great for college football fans, but bad for those that want to see more Non-AQ schools in BCS bowls.
5. Michigan State 8-0 (6) - Next week Sparty travels to Ames to do battle with the Hawkeyes of Iowa. Win that game and Michigan State is going 12-0. Will they be the team keeping Boise State out or will an undefeated Big 10 team be left out of the title game?
6. Missouri 7-0 (NR) - A major win over Oklahoma, but I still don't buy into this team being a threat for the title. By the way, what happened to the defense in the Big 12?
7. Alabama 7-1 (8) - All of the losses suffered by top teams means that if 'Bama wins the Iron Bowl they could sneak back up into one of the top two spots. Playoffs anyone?
8. Wisconsin 7-1 (9) - With James White and John Clay at RB the Badgers may be the best one loss team. Scony needs a Sparty collapse to have a shot at the Rose.
9. Utah 7-0 (10) - I can't say this enough, make sure you watch Utah host TCU in two weeks. This game makes me so mad that the MWC is breaking up.
10. LSU 7-1 (7) - I hate to say this, but late in the Tigers game against Auburn I was actually rooting for Les Miles. It's like he is a far more successful Greg Robinson. Just lucking into these things.

MMSF Power 10 Week Six

Every Tuesday here on the Blog - and later today on the show - we unveil our MMSF NFL Power 10. This is a snapshot of the top tier of teams in the based on the games played to this point. Do you agree or disagree with these rankings? Please email us your thoughts in at mattmcsportsfix@yahoo.com.

1. Pittsburgh 4-1 (1) - Ben Roethlisberger is back throwing touchdowns and the Steelers will keep rolling foes. If the offense catches up with the defense Pittsburgh won't have an excuse should they lose again this year.
2. New York Jets 5-1 (3) - Least discussed topic with the Jets right now has to be the fact that Shonn Greene has underwhelmed to this point. If Ladainian Tomlinson keeps up leading the rush attack then NY will be fine, but history says LT won't stay healthy.
3. New England 4-1 (5) - A bunch of no names scattered on offense and defense. Fans and experts wondering how the Pats win the games they do. Tom Brady throwing to Deion Branch. Am I talking about 2010 or 2003? I'm starting to buy into the Patriots this season not next season (actually I buy into that too).
4. Baltimore - 4-2 (2) - How many losses would it take by Baltimore or Indianapolis to put an NFC team here? 8? 10?
5. Indianapolis - 4-2 (NR) - How did Peyton Manning lose to Jacksonville? That team is a hot mess right now. I still say Indy will get 12 wins in the most ugly and boring way possible.
6. Philadelphia - 4-2 (NR) - Looky looky an NFC team makes the list! In all reality the Eagles may be even better than this ranking, but it all depends on the health factor. The Eagles are missing more starters and key players than just about everyone in the league combined.
7. New York Giants - 4-2 (6) - The GMen drop a spot this week to make room for the Philadelphia Eagles. Philly CRUSHED Atlanta while the Giants got past Detroit. At this point I buy more into what the Eagles are doing than the Giants, but not by much.
8. New Orleans - 4-2 (NR) - Listen I hate this ranking as much as the next guy. Any team that loses to Arizona, like the Saints did, is not one of the top 10 teams in the National Football League. This exception is made for New Orleans because they beat down the Buccaneers and because Drew Brees is still the QB.
9. Miami - 3-2 (NR) - The Dolphins have three road wins and two home losses. Their home defeats have come against New York (Jets) and New England while their away wins have come against rival Buffalo, Minnesota, and Green Bay. The record isn't pretty, but I honestly think the Fins are on the cusp of something big.
10. Kansas City - 3-2 (7) - The Chiefs were leading big late against Houston and they folded. Folded like a beach chair. However, I still like the fact that KC was in control of that game and the week earlier at Indy. The Chiefs need to learn to win, but with Jamal Charles and Thomas Jones at running back and a defense that is vastly improved that lesson may not take too much longer. (Get rid of Matt Cassel too!)

MMSF Top 10 Week Seven

Every Monday here on the Blog and later on the show we unveil our Top 10 in college football. These ranking are based on this week only, it is not a prediction for how we feel the season will end. Click here to view the latest Top 25 Associated Press and Coaches Polls.

1. Oregon 6-0 (1) - That's right - we had the Ducks number one last week. We're always way ahead of the trend. Oregon is third in rushing yards, first in points for, and 16th in points against. This team is for real. No chance UCLA makes it three straight weeks with number one going down.
2. Boise State 6-0 (3) - Could it be? Is college football finally ready to have a team from Boise play for the title? The Broncos just need an Oklahoma or Oregon loss and it's a lock.
3. Oklahoma 6-0 (5) - Through six games OU has beaten the likes of Florida State and Texas. However, I still don't buy this team. I'm thinking Mizzou will have something for the Sooners this Saturday.
4. TCU 7-0 (6) - A few more upsets and we could actually have TCU take on Boise State for the championship. If that happens the BCS apologists out there may turn into the biggest proponents for a playoff! Having wrote that, there is no chance the Horned Frogs sniff the title game.
5. Aurburn 7-0 (8) - LaMichael James and Darron Thomas of Oregon should be in the top three of any Heisman balloting right now. Tiger QB Cam Newton should be leading the top three. If Newton and Auburn are playing you should be watching).
6. Michigan State 7-0 (NR) - All of a sudden the Spartans have the inside track for the Big 10 title. In two weeks Sparty travels to Ames, Iowa - beat the Hawkeyes and that title is theirs.
7. LSU 7-0 (10) - Has there ever been a worse 7 - 0 team from the SEC? This Saturday the Tigers go to Auburn where I am predicting they lose by a lot. A whole lot.
8. Alabama 6-1 (7) - That big bounce back weekend for the Tide against Ole Miss resulted in an ugly 23 - 10 win. In the last two games RB Mark Ingram has rushed for 41 yards and 60 yards. Could there be an issue on offense for the defending champs?
9. Wisconsin 6-1 (NR) - The Badgers only loss of the season was against top 10 Michigan State and Scony just beat number one ranked Ohio State. See? It wasn't so stupid to pick Wisconsin to make the BCS title game.
10. Utah 6-0 (NR) - Are we ready to live in a world where Boise State meets TCU for the national championship and Utah plays in the Fiesta Bowl? Yeah, I didn't think so.

MMSF Power 10 Week Five

Every Tuesday here on the Blog - and later today on the show - we unveil our MMSF NFL Power 10. This is a snapshot of the top tier of teams in the based on the games played to this point. Do you agree or disagree with these rankings? Please email us your thoughts in at mattmcsportsfix@yahoo.com.

1. Pittsburgh 3-1 (1) - The Steelers welcome back Ben Roethlisberger with Cleveland coming in this week and games against Cincinnati, Oakland, and Buffalo on the horizon. 12 wins or more should be the goal at this point.
2. Baltimore - 4-1 (4) - Welcome to the 2010 season Ray Rice! The running back goes for over 100 yards and a couple of TDs against Denver and just like that it seems the Ravens have become a complete team - defense and offense.
3. New York Jets - 4-1 (2) - I dropped the Jets one spot, but in all reality the top three spots are completely interchangeable. The Steelers got back Roethlisberger while the Jets welcome in Big Ben's former favorite target in Santonio Holmes. That will only help second year QB Mark Sanchez who has 8 TD passes and zero picks after five games!
4. Atlanta - 4-1 (5) - Remember that 'Curse of 370' for running backs? Falcons RB Michael Tuner hit 370 in '08 and was banged up in '09, but so far this season Turner is debunking the myth. Tuner is averaging 4.5 yards per and ran for 140 yards against Cleveland on Sunday.
5. New England 3-1 (7) - The Patriots traded away Randy Moss during the week (what, you didn't hear?), yet I move the Pats up because they still do have Tom Brady and Wes Welker. There's no way New England didn't get worse on the field by trading Moss, but you have to wonder how it will help the huddle not having the malcontent wideout.
6. New York Giants 3-2 (NR) - For the first time since Plaxico Burress blew up his leg in '08 the Giants have a number one wide out and his name is Hakeem Nicks. In five games Nicks has 6 TD catches and is averaging over 12 yards per grab.
7. Kansas City - 3-1 (9) - Is there any team that better fits the parity theme then the Chiefs? Thanks to a horrible AFC West KC will be in the playoff hunt all year despite having the putrid Matt Cassel at QB.
8. AFC South - 3-2 (NR) - The entire division is sitting tied for the lead at 3-2 with all four teams having good wins and bad losses. I fully expect Indianapolis to once again take the title, but through five games neither of the four teams have separated themselves.
9. Washington - 3-2 (NR) - The Redskins can thank Donovan McNabb for making them a respectable team. McNabb has thrown for over 1,300 yards so far and will keep Washington in every game. One has to wonder how the 'Skins lost at St. Louis though. Heesh.
10. NFC Team - (NR) - I hate to do this, but you could put the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, or even the Green Bay Packers in this spot. Either the NFC is just taking longer for the cream to rise or the NFC is just really really bad this season. As an Eagles fan I am worried it's the latter.

MMSF Top 10 Week Six

Every Monday here on the Blog we unveil our Top 10 in college football. These rankings are based on this week only, it is not a prediction for how we feel the season will end. Click here to see the latest Top 25 Associated and Coaches polls.

1. Oregon - 6-0 (2) - The Ducks have QB Darron Thomas and RB LaMichael James on offense and a defense that has bent but not broken this season. Oregon is first in points scored and top 20 in points allowed. This is an exciting and a complete team.
2. Ohio State - 6-0 (3) - The popular consensus will have the Buckeyes as the top team in the nation, which is perfectly acceptable, but I think we have seen more issues with Ohio State than with Oregon. This weekend at Sconny will be huge for this team and huge for...
3. Boise State - 5-0 (4) - Who out there thought Alabama would help Boise State in their claim for the national championship? But with 'Bama's loss the Broncos are that much closer to a top two spot. Boise will continue to cruise as they wait for either Oregon or Ohio State to stub their toe.
4. Nebraska - 5-0 (6) - I know it was just Kansas State, but last Thursday the Cornhuskers took the wood to the Wildcats on the road. Taylor Martinez, the Frosh QB, may be a Heisman contender as Nebraska should win out for the regular season.
5. Oklahoma - 5-0 (5) - The Red River Shootout - SHOOTOUT - was won by OU but I still am skeptical of the Sooners. I think we will all have to wait until the Big 12 Championship to figure out which team is the best in the conference.
6. TCU - 6-0 (7) - To me at this point in the season after Boise State there are a bunch of Also Rans. Despite my affinity for Horned Frogs, Gary Patterson's team is destined to be an Also Ran.
7. Alabama - 5-1 (1) - There is no way in the world Bama is the seventh best team in the country, but losing by 14 on national television hurts. I say the Tide rolls throught the SEC (including the title game) and may be out a no loss Boise team to play for the BCS. Just a hunch. By the way, look out Ole Miss, LOOK OUT.
8. Auburn 6-0 (8) - Auburn is in over their head by being this good this quick, but if you have a chance you should certainly watch QB Cam Newton at every chance you have too. Should the Tigers stay the course the Iron Bowl could be awfully interesting this season.
9. Arkansas - 4-1 (10) - How freaking loaded is the SEC? The Hogs would be a top team in most of the other conferences in the country. In the SEC they are all but forgotten about after just one loss.
10. LSU - 6-0 (NR) - Tigers head coach Les Miles has to be either the worst, luckiest, or best undefeated coach left in the country. Crazy bad and good decisions have LSU thinking SEC title game. However, would you be surprised if the Tigers finished 6-6? Because I wouldn't be at all.

MMSF Power 10 Week Four

Every Tuesday here on the Blog - and later on the show - we unveil our NFL Power 10. This is a snap shot of the top tier of teams in the league based on the games played to this point. Do you agree or disagree with these rankings? Please email your thoughts in at mattmcsportsfix@yahoo.com.

1. Pittsburgh 3-1 (1) - The Steelers lost at home in a key divisional match up against the Ravens. Yet, something tells me that had Ben Roethlisberger been eligible to play, the Steelers would still be undefeated. Big Ben is back starting now, look out AFC.
2. New York Jets 3-1 (3) - The Jets have found the Fountain Of Youth as 31 year old running back Ladaninian Tomlinson is averaging over 6 years per carry! The issues is New York has played only 4 games, lets see if LT is putting up these numbers in December.
3. New Orleans 3-1 (4) - You can focus in on the fact the Saints have looked vulnerable in each of their first four games. QB Drew Brees has not been Super Man and the Saints are playing without key injured players (Reggie Bush and Darren Sharper), yet the Saints are 3-1.
4. Baltimore 3-1 (9) - The Ravens won their showdown with the Steelers, but I still have my concerns with this team. Offensively Baltimore is still offensive. Until Ray Rice, or any Raven RB, steps up, Baltimore is on shaky ground.
5. Atlanta 3-1 (6) - It took a fluke fumble recovery off a Matt Ryan interception for the Falcons to not lose to winless San Franscico. I still question this team's defense, but the NFC seems to be wide open this year and Atlanta may be one of the best.
6. Green Bay 3-1 (5) - A week after committing 18 penalties against Chicago, the Packers allowed Detroit QB Shaun Hill to carve up their secondary. That Dom Capers defense for Green Bay may have some big play ability, but they allow too many big plays.
7. New England 3-1 (10) - New England LB and special teamer Patrick Chung played out of his mind on Monday night against Miami. A blocked punt, field goal, and interception returned for a TD is a good season, that was Chung's game against the Dolphins! Yes, the Pats defense is young and inexperienced, but they are certainly talented.
8. Houston 3-1 (8) - At one point less than a year ago RB Arian Foster was on the practice squad for the Texans. A and four games later Foster is the NFL's leading rusher, with over 100 yards on the next closest player.
9. Kansas City 3-0 (NR) - No way. Nope.
10. Indianapolis 2-2 (2) - For seven straight years Peyton Manning and the Colts have won at least 12 games. In fact last year the Colts won their first 14 and could have easily gone undefeated had the team not rested starters in the final two games of the season. Due to injuries and time I now believe Indy has fallen back to the pack.

MMSF Top 10 Week Five

Every Monday here on the Blog we unveil our Top 10 in college football. These rankings are based on this week only, it is not a prediction for how we feel the season will end. Click here to see the latest Top 25 Associated Press and Coaches Polls.

1. Alabama 5-0 (1) - The Tide rolled the Gators and will now cruise through the rest of the SEC (that includes the SEC title game). Anyone who Bama isn't the best team in the nation is an idiot.
2. Oregon 5-0 (5) - That's right I went here. Oregon has put up at least 45 points in every game (56.6 ppg - tops in the country) and the Ducks just became Boise State's worst enemy. QB Darron Thomas and RB LaMichael James may be 1 and 1A in the Heisman race right now (maybe not in that order).
3. Ohio State 5-0 (2) - Dropping the Buckeyes to #3 is a reflection on how good Oregon is, not anything against OSU. Terrelle Pryor needs to be healthy if Ohio State wants to get back to a BCS title game. Pryor says he is good to go against Indiana.
4. Boise State 4-0 (3) - The list for teams the Broncos need to jump to make the title game just got longer, but as long as they keep winning no one else will leap Boise State.
5. Oklahoma 5-0 (10) - If you have tracked my rankings of the Sooners you know I hate this team. However, HOWEVA, I've got to give them respect for beating Florida State, Cincinnati, and Texas in the first five weeks.
6. Nebraska 4-0 (7) - The Cornhuskers are in the upper tier in rushing and points scored in the nation, along with being seventh in points allowed. Sounds good, right? With Freshmen quarterback Taylor Martinez Nebraska is 110th in passing yards. Who's the best team in the Big 12?
7. TCU 5-0 (4) - The Horned Frogs may be the newest Big East member (hopefully not) and they are certainly a top team, but they just don't play tough enough competition.
8. Auburn 5-0 (9) - QB Cam Newton may be the biggest impact junior college trasnfer in SEC history! I still have questions about this Tigers team, as their biggest wins have all come at home and in ugly fashion.
9. Arizona 4-0 (NR) - Very much like last year, there are about four or five elite teams and then a number of interchangeable teams. The Wildcats are interchangeable.
10. Arkansas 3-1 (NR) - Anyone else notice that Washington QB Jake Locker owned USC on Saturday? Probably not as the Huskies are off the national radar and so it Locker. The same goes for Razorback QB Ryan Mallett after their loss to 'Bama. Don't count Mallett out yet though, he and his Hogs still will make a lot of noise this season.