NFL Rankings: The top 12 teams

Every Tuesday during the regular season, Yahoo! Sports NFL writers Jason Cole and Charles Robinson rank every team and provide some analysis. I haven't heard of these guys before, but they just made their first predictions going into training camp.

Jason Cole's Rankings

1. San Diego Chargers
2. New England Patriots
3. Indianapolis Colts
4. Baltimore Ravens
5. Chicago Bears
6. New Orleans Saints
7. Philadelphia Eagles
8. Cincinnati Bengals
9. Denver Broncos
10. Jacksonville Jaguars
11. New York Jets
12. Seattle Seahawks


Charles Robinson's Rankings

1. San Diego Chargers
2. New England Patriots
3. New Orleans Saints
4. Indianapolis Colts
5. Chicago Bears
6. Baltimore Ravens
7. Cincinnati Bengals
8. Dallas Cowboys
9. Denver Broncos
10. New York Jets
11. Jacksonville Jaguars
12. Philadelphia Eagles


We all know San Diego appears to be the best team, they have LT and Rivers doesn't appear to be half bad. They have also put together a solid defense. However, can they live up to the hype, stay away from injury, and follow under a new coach? It appears the only team that can beat the Chargers, will be... the Chargers.

Not too much difference in the actual rankings, but Robinson has Dallas at 8, while Cole ranks Dallas 13. How good Dallas will be, depends on how good Tony Romo can be.

One other difference I can see is where the Saints rank. Robinson has them at 3, Cole has them at 6. Doesn't appear to be that big of deal, but they are 3 important spots. By ranking them #3, Robinson is saying they are better than the Colts, Bears and Ravens. Was last year a fluke for the Saints? Is Brees really that good?

The last question on these rankings, would Atlanta be ranked in the top 12 if Michael Vick wasn't facing possible prison time?

Michael Turner to remain a Charger for 2007-08 Season

It's official, AJ Smith has pulled Michael Turner off of the trade table. That's one thing I like about Smith, he doesn't mess around. He wants what he wants, and sticks by it, and then makes a decision. That's how many of the other NFL teams are going as well. Many have instituted rules where they will not discuss contracts during the season.

Michael Turner will be making over 2 million dollars this upcoming season to serve as Ladanian Tomlinson's back up. “Who can complain about making seven figures?” he said.

Turners duties will also include special teams returns as well as being LT's spell back. Hopefully the Chargers will be able to utilize both running backs this season.

Turner seemed happy after being allowed to finally speak. He will return to a super bowl contender for his final season as a Charger.

“My role hasn't changed since the first day I've been here,” he said. “When I get the opportunity, I'll play, and hopefully I'll play well. I'm just helping out the team the way I can. With us winning and it's working, how can I complain?”

“It was a win-win for me,” Turner said. “I don't have a problem being in San Diego.”

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Michael Turner's Price Tag Still Two Draft Picks

If you are like me, you are craving NFL news. The hottest topic this month has been Michael Turner, who I wrote about before.

It's tough to say if he will be traded, there is no rush or need to. At least, for the Chargers. Six NFL teams are rumored to be in the market for Turner, two of which we know of. Tennessee and Buffalo haven't made it a secret they are in the market for Turner.

The pressure is now on them however with the NFL Draft Date getting close. April 28th is just around the corner, and any team wanting Turner will have to pay the price.

A.J Smith had this to say about trading Turner:

“It's still a 1 and a 3. I'm flexible. What I mean is that I recognize that a 1 and a 3 would paralyze a team's draft. So work with us.

“Six teams are still very interested. I can only tell you two, Buffalo and Tennessee, because they don't care if it's known. I'm sworn to secrecy on the others. They're trying to stay under the radar. A lot of people are scared to death to let it out. I'm amazed this is going on, but I told them I'd only verify if you come out. Teams love me because of that. I tell them I'd like to have a 1 and a 3 in '07 or '08. You guys decide what it's worth.”

Hard to say how much longer Turner will remain a Charger.

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Michael Turner; Staying in San Diego?

Michael Turner can be a commodity this season. That is, if the Chargers can part with the prized reserve Running Back. The current price tag on Turner is a first and third round draft pick. For Turner however, that's not as hefty of a price as it seems. Especially for those teams who have two third round choices, or can afford to give one up for next years draft.

A trade is "more likely" but I doubt any team will be able to work out a deal with Turner and entice A.J Smith to part with him. Since Turner will be a free agent next year if he isn't traded, it looks to me teams will just wait for a bidding war next season.

The Tennessee Titans visited with Turner and have shown interest. Their #1 running back is Lendale White after losing Travis Henry. White is more of a situational or complimentary back, not an every down player. He was used perfectly at USC, Turner would fit in well with White.

Other teams rumored to be interested in Turner are Buffalo, Dallas and New York Jets. I don't see Dallas or the Jets really making a serious offer for Turner with their current Running Back situations.

Early Super Bowl Picks, Vegas Style

Some family went to Las Vegas over the past weekend, and of course wasted their money. Not on the slots or anything like that, but by placing bets that the Green Bay Packers will win the NFC Championship and the Super Bowl next year.

Green Bay is currently paying out 175$ if you place a 5$ bet that they will win the super bowl. If you bet they will win the NFC championship, a 5$ bet will get you 75$ dollars.

Not all of the money went to waste though, as they did bet on the Chargers to win. A 10$ bet will cash out at 60$.

I figured I may as well waste their money too. If you are gonna bet this early, you might as well go for a long shot. My first thought was my San Francisco 49ers, but that would just be like throwing away 5$, similar to betting on the Packers. After a few seconds, I decided to place my 5$ bet with the Tennessee Titans. If they win the Super Bowl on my 5$ bet, I will receive 125$.

You have to figure the Tennessee Titans are the most favored long shot. Not only did they get their season together at the end of last year, but they will have an estimated 36 million dollars to spend this off season, under the cap. If they can assemble the right team, they can definitely make a run behind quarter back Vince Young.

Who are you putting your 5 bucks on?

Football News Coolin' Down

With the recent craze of the Chargers hiring and firing, football news has been pretty calm and should continue to.

The only news to report for now is the few players who have been named as franchise tag players as well as a few deals getting done. Check out some headlines:

Chargers re-sign LB Phillips to six-year deal
Ahman Green will test Free Agency
Ravens sign coach Billick to four-year contract
Jets release Barlow
Lions put franchise tag on DT Redding
Colts Franchise Freeney
Peyton redoes deal and saves Colts cap room

The sport heat should be on NBA right now though with the trade deadline approaching. Check out some great NBA trade rumors and hype over at My Opinion on Sports.

What is even more fascinating to me, is Scottie Pippen trying to make a comeback! Good luck!

San Diego Chargers and Norv Turner

If you read the San Diego Union Tribune this morning, you would understand how unhappy the fans are of the recent new head coach signing.

Many recognize how good of an offensive coordinator Norv Turner is, but don't see his head coach potential. Someone asked me what I thought of the recent signing and I don't think he is there to coach. He seems to be just a puppet to me. I am weary about the four year deal though but I am sure he won't serve the full term. Again, I think Aj Smith is going to be pulling a lot of the weight. If Turner doesn't fall in line, he will soon too, be gone.

I am glad to see Ron Rivera there, but I see that definitely as a short time role, more like a stepping stone. It is very odd that the Chicago Bears decided not to retain him. I do of course, expect the Chargers defense to do well, and getting Rivera as a linebackers coach should definitely prove to be a plus this next season. It should also serve as a plus for Rivera, as he should project back to a defensive coordinator or head coach in the following season.

Do you think Norv Turner is right for the job?

I personally think Marty was the right fit, but with Smith calling the shots, nobody is safe, and nobody is perfect.

Chargers Coaching Chaos Continues

With the interviews going quick, fast and painless more coaches are being brought in for interviews. Dean Spanos hopes to find a new head coach by midweek. The Chargers want to be a winner, and are bringing in winners. Ron Rivera may be an early favorite to be the next head coach. He is the candidate who came closes to a super bowl victory this season with the Bears.

The good thing about the coaching hunt is there are still many people left who are looking to be a head coach in the NFL, especially for the San Diego Chargers.

One name thrown out of the hat of possibilities is USC head coach Pete Carroll. He apparently was never contacted by the Chargers. This is the last obvious move with Carroll to assure he will remain a Trojan for the rest of his coaching career.

The next Chargers head coach is to keep the same running offense and defense, what a smooth job. Can the Chargers find the right coach?

By keeping everything apparently the "same" but the head coach, will they then be super bowl bound? It's easier to say no to that question than yes, and that's exactly what I'm saying, no.

The Chargers, Still Dysfunctional

Being from San Diego, I've got all the news all of the time.

I read a great article on this from My Opinion on Sports so I won't bore you much with mine.

The key point that the newspapers etc don't seem to focus on is the real reason I think Schottenheimer was fired, and that was the formation of a new staff. He had added his brother to the list of possible replacements for a coordinator.

The Chargers have yet to really overcome the obstacles they faced. The defense sucked, and they made it better, with still nothing to show. Their star QB left, and was replaced by a promising young star, and still nothing. Now with their team in turmoil and literally no coaching staff, I find it very doubtful they are super bowl bound as many seem to think.

One thing I do know, is that LT is a first round first pick now in every fantasy league, and I think he will be even more valuable next season