Sports

Ira Kaufman's Power Rankings

By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 23, 2008

IRA KAUFMAN'S POWER RANKINGS

1. Titans. No Haynesworth, no Vanden Bosch, no problem.

2. Giants. Defending champs return to power football.

3. Panthers. Nobody is running it better than Carolina.

4. Steelers. Even a great defense can't always overcome four giveaways.

5. Colts. The real wild card in this playoff picture.

6. Ravens. Ray Lewis won't allow this team to lose focus.

7. Falcons. Arguably the NFL's No. 1 feel-good story.

8. Patriots. This ground game has quietly excelled.

9. Cowboys. The blame game in Big D is turning comical.

10. Vikings. Could catch the Giants napping.

11. Dolphins. From 1-15 to Florida's best NFL team.

12. Chargers. Just mailed the Bills a Christmas card.

13. Bucs. All they can do is win - and wait.

14. Eagles. Bucs fans hoping they embrace the spoiler role.

15. Saints. Brees has Marino's record in his sights.

16. Jets. Fade to black.

17. Bears. Tough finale at Houston.

18. Redskins. Don't blame this defense.

19. Cardinals. Peaked too early.

20. Bills. One last chance to win a division game.

21. Broncos. That vaunted home mystique has vanished.

22. Texans. Schaub's erratic play can be maddening.

23. Packers. Facing the Lions in another historic game at Lambeau.

24. 49ers. Singletary is putting his stamp on this young team.

25. Jaguars. Had better strap those helmets tight at Baltimore.

26. Seahawks. Where has that pass rush been all season?

27. Bengals. Cedric Benson is on a mission.

28. Raiders. They're 0-3 vs. NFC South heading to Tampa.

29. Chiefs. They play hard, but they don't play smart.

30. Browns. That 1-7 home mark won't help Crennel's chances to stay.

31. Rams. Only Cincinnati has scored fewer points.

32. Lions. Party on, '76 Bucs.

IRA KAUFMAN'S POWER RANKINGS

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