Rankings for NFL

Rankings are used all the time. Few mean anything. But the Falcons are getting respect after a terrific win. And it comes at the same time that the NFC South looks pretty weak. If they can get a lead by running the ball and force the other team to pass, they will win games. But lets remember that it was only one week.

NFL.com has the Falcons as the best team in the league. They are followed by Pitt, Balt, Indy, and Cinci.

ESPN.com has the birds moving up to no. 7 from no. 17. 1 through 5 are Pitt, Indy, Sea., Cinci, and Jax.

Sportsline.com has not updated their yet, but has Atlanta as no. 14 heading into Week 1 with Pitt, Carolina, Indy, NE, and Denv. as 1 to 5.

Next up for the Dirty Birds is a Tampa Bay team that got their heads handed to them at home. They have a much better running game than Carolina, but their O-line was exposed as weaker than last years in Week 1. Simms is very bad under pressure and the Ravens were able to run the ball at will last week. TB always has a little something extra for Vick. It should be a closer game than the Carolina matchup. But if TB can't get it going, Atlanta may not face a potent offense until New Orleans or Arizona. Amazing how one win against Carolina can make a tough start to the season look a whole lot better.