What are Power Rankings?

Power Rankings are a list of the 32 NFL teams broken down in a #1 through #32 ranking, usually with interesting comments (biased or not) and factoids included about each team. The rankings are nothing official. Most ranking systems are developed by popular sports writers (ESPN, CBS, NBC, FOX). While some are backed by a statistical system, others include subjective ("feel") determinations. The DVOA, SARAGIN, COVERS, and Aikman Efficiency Ratings are heavy on the stats, and my personal favorites. Though the calculations chosen for these systems may not be perfect, and are certainly arguable, they at least rank teams based on set parameters. To help block out the bias of ranking systems, my MEGALIST RANKING system combines the most popular ranking systems to give you one ultimate ranking.

If you know statistics, remember this: small differences in numerical rankings are usually not statistically significant! So, don't be upset if the Pats edge out the Colts by a single point in our system -- it's almost meaningless. Large samples provide more accurate analysis. You will never be able to argue your team is the best, but if you're going to try, you may as well have the NUMBERS to back up your talk. Read through the ranking systems used for our system, and you'll learn how in depth some of them go to predict your next Super Bowl winner.

Wins and losses are the most influential statistic for Power Ranking systems. This is because wins and losses are what bring you to the playoffs, and they are usually the result of good play. You will see some slight variations in the order of Power Rankings based on other factors. Strength of schedule, total offense, total defense, etc. Records, stats, and media hype cause significant weekly change to the Power Rankings. Each week the NFL brings great surprises and examples of parity. This equates to exciting Post Season play where each win determines the fate of two teams, all the way through the Super Bowl.

To emphasize that Power Rankings are just a fun read and nothing more, consider that after the 2007 regular season the Chargers, Ravens, Patriots, Bears, Colts, then Saints (in that order) were listed as favorites to win it all. The Patriots and Colts both won their Wild Card games, and then they beat the Chargers and Ravens in the Divisional rounds. The Bear and Saints won their divisional rounds and met in the NFC Championship. Though games were close between these top teams (for the most part), the Power Rankings didn't get it quite right. The rule always applies -- Any given Sunday! 2005's rankings were even further off than 2007. We can always expect the unexpected in the NFL! So, if Power Rankings don't mean anything, why have them? Because they are fun, and they can help NFL fans get a quick glimpse at the teams with a few interesting facts.

GOOD LUCK to your favorite NFL TEAMS! ...may all the players avoid harm and injury...