Six teams, all 3-2. A few of them will make moves to separate from the pack, while others will just linger. Which team is the best of the six? Well, for me, it always starts with who has the best offensive and defensive lines along with quarterbacks. Then add the coach into the equation and the remaining schedule and it should be clear who will make a run. Breaking down each position as it relates to the rest of the league is the critical aspect in ranking these teams. Taking injuries into account is also very important — even more so at quarterback since we know if any of these teams lose their starter for an extended period, they’ll struggle to make a run. Simple breakdown here — just like we were back in school: A is outstanding, B is very good, C is average, D is below average and F is bad.

0FF LINE DEF LINE QB COACH SCHEDULE
ARIZONA C+ C + B + B 5 TOUGH OF 11
CHICAGO C A A B 8 TOUGH OF 11
DALLAS B- A B- C 6 TOUGH OF 11
GREEN BAY C B A B 7 TOUGH OF 11
PHILADELPHIA C + B- A- B 9 TOUGH OF 11
SAN FRANCISCO D B D B 6 TOUGH OF 11

I’m sure these grades are going to cause many parent-teacher conferences with fans and me, but I don’t think I’m wrong here. The Eagles have no depth in their line, and if I see King Dunlap at left tackle again, it might drop their grade even lower. One of the main reasons the teams are 3-2 is their overall offensive line play.

RANKINGS

1. GREEN BAY - QB and coach along with schedule
2. CHICAGO - QB and defensive line, but schedule worries me
3. PHILADELPHIA - No depth; their DL is not the same
4. DALLAS - Has an easy schedule, but no team is easy for them
5. ARIZONA - Will have to win the NFC West
6. SAN FRANCISCO - Lack of passing game and lack of QB

What do you think?

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