ultimate NFL power rankings

[JSD]

The Rams and Vikings ahead of the Pats?




http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=nflrankings/1-10/080917

[Donoghus]

It goes back to the 1970 merger.

Patriots had some extremely difficult days in the early '70s as well as most of the 80s and the early 90s. 

I might not be in total agreement with the rankings but I sorta understand why the Patriots fall where they fall.  It's not because of the past decade or so, its the history before that.

EDIT:  Also, this poll takes into account, MNF football appearances.  For quite a while, I believe '81 or so until '95, MNF wasn't even allowed in Foxboro.  That's a severe hinderance alone.

[Redz]

Interesting breakdown.  Vikings definitely get credit for rarely sucking, more than being great often.

Now, if they did one of those for the NBA who is on top?

[Roy Hobbs]

Interesting breakdown.  Vikings definitely get credit for rarely sucking, more than being great often.

Now, if they did one of those for the NBA who is on top?

With media bias, I'm saying they give it to the Lakers.  Blech.

[ChampKind]

The Rams and Vikings ahead of the Pats?




http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=nflrankings/1-10/080917

Makes sense to me.  From 1970-2000 we were awful, marked by 2 Super Bowl losses, a few awful draft picks, and only 2 Hall of Famers (Hannah, Tippett).

If the rankings were from 2000-present, then we'd win easily.  But I gotta say I agree with them here.

[Celtsfan33/34]

OK, once again the Giants receive no respect.  Typical media bias against them like they faced last year and this year so far.  In no universe are the Rams, Broncos, Raiders, Vikings, or Patriots better franchises than the New York Football Giants.

[Redz]

OK, once again the Giants receive no respect.  Typical media bias against them like they faced last year and this year so far.  In no universe are the Rams, Broncos, Raiders, Vikings, or Patriots better franchises than the New York Football Giants.

It seems to reward sustained eras of excellence which the Giants really only achieved in the mid 80's to 1990(in the Super Bowl era).  They also failed to make the Playoffs after their previous two Super Bowl titles.  That should change this year.  I'm not saying they shouldn't be ahead of the Rams or Vikings, just pointing to some of the negatives they might have used against them in this ranking system.