The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

    NFL Power Rankings: Week Six

    *1. Green Bay (5-0) Last week: 1*

    Aaron Rodgers has been unbelievably accurate this season, passing for 1,721 yards, 14 touchdowns and two interceptions.

    *2. New England (4-1) LW: 2*

    Fun fact: The Patriots have the league’s best pass offense and the league’s worst pass defense.

    *3. Detroit (5-0) LW: 3*

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    The Lions have kept up with the Packers with a pass-happy offense of their own, courtesy of Calvin Johnson.

    *4. New Orleans (4-1) LW: 4*

    Jimmy Graham has quickly become Drew Brees’ favorite target — the tight end has 32 catches for 496 yards and three touchdowns.

    *5. Baltimore (3-1) LW: 5*

    The Ravens look to capitalize on a banged-up Texans squad this weekend.

    *6. Buffalo (4-1) LW: 7*

    Fred Jackson is one of many surprises for the Bills this year — he’s on pace to score 16 touchdowns.

    *7. San Diego (4-1) LW: 6*

    Antonio Gates returns for the Chargers this weekend after missing the last three games with a foot injury.

    *8. Pittsburgh (3-2) LW: 15*

    A poll of NFL players recently named James Harrison the meanest player in the NFL.

    *9. San Francisco (4-1) LW: 17*

    Alex Smith and company will try to dethrone the undefeated Lions this weekend as they travel to Detroit.

    *10. Oakland (3-2) LW: 9*

    After an emotional win following Al Davis’ death, the Raiders should continue to roll against the Browns this weekend.

    *11. Houston (3-2) LW: 8*

    Losing Mario Williams to injury could spell disaster for the Texans defense.

    *12. NY Giants (3-2) LW: 11*

    Brandon Jacobs thinks Eli Manning is a better quarterback than Tony Romo, which is similar to the “my dad can beat up your dad” argument.

    *13. NY Jets (2-3) LW: 10*

    Despite losing three in a row, Rex Ryan still holds the Jets are Super Bowl-bound. They’ll look to turn it around Monday night against the Dolphins.

    *14. Tampa Bay (3-2) LW: 13*

    As much as Josh Freeman would like to put last week’s 48-3 loss behind him, I wouldn’t be in a hurry to play Drew Brees and the Saints this weekend.

    *15. Washington (3-1) LW: 18*

    The Redskins have a chance to prove their worth this weekend as they play division rival Philadelphia.

    *16. Chicago (2-3) LW: 12*

    J’Marcus Webb had three of the Bears’ eight false starts against the Lions. Jay Cutler just wishes he had more time in the pocket.

    *17. Tennessee (3-2) LW: 19*

    The bye week might be just what Chris Johnson needs to really break

    out.

    *18. Dallas (2-2) LW: 16*

    The Cowboys may be America’s team, but the Patriots are just good.

    *19. Philadelphia (1-4) LW: 14*

    They may be dubbed “The Dream Team,” but the Eagles still struggle in short-yardage situations under Andy Reid.

    *20. Atlanta (2-3) LW: 20*

    The Falcons don’t look anything like the 13-3 Falcons of last year.

    *21. Cincinnati (3-2) LW: 21*

    The Bengals receive the bump this week because they face the Colts.

    *22. Seattle (2-3) LW: 25*

    The Seahawks haven’t gotten much of anything done this year, but Marshawn Lynch and Doug Baldwin are cause for hope on offense.

    *23. Cleveland (2-2) LW: 22*

    The Browns are faced with the unenviable task of trying to stop Darren McFadden this weekend.

    *24. Carolina (1-4) LW: 24*

    Cam Newton is great at racking up stats — just not wins.

    *25. Minnesota (1-4) LW: 29*

    Donovan McNabb said he’s all about winning, unfortunately he hasn’t done a lot of it this year.

    *26. Arizona (1-4) LW: 26*

    Change may be coming soon in Arizona; entering the bye week 1-4 is never good for job security.

    *27. Denver (1-4) LW: 23*

    Is Tim Tebow the Broncos’ messiah? Highly unlikely.

    *28. Jacksonville (1-4) LW: 27*

    The Jaguars are looking to get a new punter after Matt Turk had three punts of fewer than 35 yards.

    *29. Kansas City (2-3) LW: 31*

    The Chiefs got their second win against the Colts, thanks largely to the catch-of-the-year by Dwayne Bowe.

    *30. St. Louis (0-4) LW: 28*

    Hopefully the Rams rested up on the bye week, they face the undefeated Packers this weekend.

    *31. Miami (0-4) LW: 30*

    How can the Dolphins make the fans happy in Miami? Sign LeBron James.

    *32. Indianapolis (0-5) LW: 32*

    Not-so-bold prediction: The Colts will not be the first team to play at home for the Super Bowl at Lucas Oil Stadium later this year.

    _Kevin is a sophomore in Media. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @kevinthorn10._

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