Quarterback Power Rankings: Did Big Ben Crack My Top 3?

Embed from Getty Images

As was the case in Volume I, this will be a bare bones list. The following QBs are excluded due to injury: Jason Campbell, Oakland Raiders and Chad Henne, Miami Dolphins. 

Let's get it crackalackin'... 

Tier 6

32. John Beck, Washington Redskins

31. Blaine Gabbert, Jacksonville Jaguars

30. Curtis Painter, Indianapolis Colts

29. Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos

28. Carson Palmer, Oakland Raiders

27. Matt Moore, Miami Dolphins

26. Kevin Kolb, Arizona Cardinals

Tier 5

25. Colt McCoy, Cleveland Browns

24. Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams

23. Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings

22. Tarvaris Jackson, Seattle Seahawks

21. Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals

Tier 4

Embed from Getty Images

20. Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers

19. Matt Cassel, Kansas City Chiefs

18. Matt Hasselbeck, Tennessee Titans

Tier 3

17. Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Bucs

16. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys

15. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens

14. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

13. Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears

12. Mark Sanchez, New York Jets

11. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons

Tier 2

Embed from Getty Images

10. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo Bills

9. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions

8. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers

7. Matt Schaub, Houston Texans

6. Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles

5. Eli Manning, New York Giants

Tier 1

Embed from Getty Images

4. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers

3. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

2. Tom Brady, New England Patriots

1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers 

Story Notes:

Greatest gainer: Cam Newton from 23 to 14. 

Biggest loser: Joe Flacco from 9 to 15. 

NFL Power Rankings: Drew Brees and the Saints Drop 62 On the Colts

Embed from Getty Images

I don't think there's any question that the Saints put together the most impressive performance of Week 7. Drew Brees, Darren Sproles, Marques Colston, Jimmy Graham and company were free to do whatever they pleased against the hapless Colts defense. Sixty-two to seven is a completely embarrassing score, but the game was still pretty fun to watch as an unbiased observer.

It's been a couple of weeks, so let's get back to the power rankings...

32. Indianapolis Colts (0-7):  They're the only 0-and-7 team, and it doesn't look like things are going to get any better in the near future. Their defense is one of the worst two or three in the league, and their offense cannot even approach its true potential with Curtis Painter at the helm. 

31. St. Louis Rams (0-6):  Without WR1 Danny Amendola they're already one of the worst five teams in the game; without Sam Bradford they easily fall into the bottom two. Even if Bradford goes this week against the Saints (lock up another blowout), I don't think I can rank Spags' beat-up boys any higher than this.  

30. Miami Dolphins (0-6):  The best of the winless teams. Matt Moore has represented himself fairly well (Marshall and Hartline's drops don't help appearances) since taking over for the injured Chad Henne, and the Phins were one, three-minute defensive breakdown away from their first victory against Tim Tebow's lowly Broncos. 

29. Arizona Cardinals (1-5):  They're already bad, and who knows how long RB1 Beanie Wells will be out now. 

28. Denver Broncos (2-4):  If Tebow wins another two games this season, then I'll give him some credit. I'd be surprised if he won two, shocked if he won three. 

Embed from Getty Images

27. Minnesota Vikings (1-6):  What a difference a quarterback makes. In one week they went from a franchise going absolutely nowhere with Donovan McNabb, to a team that could legitimately compete with the undefeated Super Bowl champion Packers. Thank you, Christian Ponder. 

26. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5):  What an incredible defensive performance against Joe Flacco, Ray Rice, Anquan Boldin and the Ravens Monday night. That was one of the worst offensive games ever witnessed by mankind, and the Jaguars' relentless defense had an awful lot to do with the debacle. 

25. Seattle Seahawks (2-4):  Another clear example of the difference between a starting quarterback and his backup. Things were beginning to look up with Tarvaris Jackson under center; he goes down, and Charlie Whitehurst puts up three points against the Browns in a painful loss. They're probably the second-best team in their division if Jackson can stay on the field. 

24. Carolina Panthers (2-5):  They've been a surprisingly prolific offense, but they never seem to make critical defensive stops. 

23. Tennessee Titans (3-3):  This clearly isn't the same squad without WR1 Kenny Britt. If Chris Johnson doesn't break out soon, this will easily be one of the absolute worst teams in the NFL.  

22. Cleveland Browns (3-3):  It was far, far away from pretty, but this scrappy bunch managed to win a game this weekend with just six points. This is what they do. 

21. Washington Redskins (3-3):  An average all-around team. I feel like we all say this on a yearly basis. 

Embed from Getty Images

20. Oakland Raiders (4-3):  A once-promising season destroyed by a devastating injury to Jason Campbell. The panic trade for Carson Palmer was an atrocity, and their offensive play isn't going to get much better in the coming weeks. Palmer is finished (showed clear signs of that the past two seasons as well), and Kyle Boller is a bum. 

19. Kansas City Chiefs (3-3):  The feel-good team of the year. They lose RB1 Jamaal Charles -- their premier player -- right out of the gate, look like one of the worst teams in NFL history for a couple of weeks, and then respond with three consecutive, gritty, surprising wins. To me, with Campbell out of the way and Palmer calling the shots, the Chiefs are a virtual lock to finish second in the AFC West. 

18. Philadelphia Eagles (2-4):  If they find a way to beat the division-rival Cowboys this week, I'd say Michael Vick and Co. still have a legitimate chance to win the NFC East, despite a nearly crippling start.  

17. Dallas Cowboys (3-3):  A truly enigmatic bunch. Maybe DeMarco Murray will be the answer. I hate Felix Jones.  

16. Tampa Bay Bucs (4-3):  Their running back situation is a mess with veteran Earnest Graham done for the season and LeGarrette Blount fighting to return to the field. 

15. Chicago Bears (4-3):  This team did go to the NFC Championship last season; I think they are a little under-appreciated. RB1 Matt Forte is one of the best all-around players in the game. 

Embed from Getty Images

14. Houston Texans (4-3):  If Andre Johnson returns and stays healthy, they're probably a top 12 team. Arian Foster is a friggin' freak. My top running backs in the world: Foster, Adrian Peterson, Forte, LeSean McCoy, Darren McFadden, Michael Turner, Ahmad Bradshaw and Fred Jackson. 

13. Baltimore Ravens (4-2):  Against the usually underwhelming Jaguars, John Harbaugh's Ravens put together one of the worst offensive performances (by a good team) in the history of professional football. Their offensive line is playing poorly, their receiving corp (with the exception of Boldin) is extremely thin, and I actually think Ray Rice is one of the most overrated players in the league. 

I'd say this team could potentially miss the playoffs, but their schedule is one of the lightest. That, and their demonstrative defense, will likely save them. 

12. Atlanta Falcons (4-3):  Big, season-sustaining win over the Lions this week. 

11. Cincinnati Bengals (4-2):  I believe in this young group. Damn, did they rip off the Raiders in that trade or what?

10. Buffalo Bills (4-2):  After a stunning 3-and-0 start, the Bills have dropped two of their last three, and I'm not quite sure they'll hang around for a playoff spot. I have the Patriots, Steelers, Texans, Chargers, Jets and Ravens (hopefully this last spot goes to the Bills, Bengals or Chiefs) going forward.

9. San Diego Chargers (4-2):  They blew an 11-point lead against the Jets because, simply put, they're an inferior overall team. 

Embed from Getty Images

8. New York Jets (4-3):  With Nick Mangold back at center their offense has begun to click, and under-performing players like Plaxico Burress and Shonn Greene are now emerging. When Mark Sanchez has protection and his receivers get separation, he's actually a very effective NFL quarterback. 

7. Detroit Lions (5-2):  After a 5-and-0 start they've dropped two in a row, and the Matthew Stafford injury situation is a blatantly obvious concern. 

6. New York Giants (4-2):  These NFC East teams (Giants, Eagles, Cowboys) are notoriously enigmatic. Nonetheless, the Geeee Men have been finding a way to get it done. I think Eli Manning is the fifth or sixth best quarterback in the game right now and, like Sanchez, he can be a real jaw-dropping performer when given ample time to throw. Ahmad Bradshaw is one of my absolute favorite players, and Hakeem Nicks is an awesome weapon at the wide receiver position. If their linebackers and corners play well, they should win the division. 

5. San Francisco 49ers (5-1):  They haven't proven what the top four teams have. 

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2):  It's been a down year for Rashard Mendenhall, but this team truly knows how to win. I'm a big Mike Tomlin guy. 

3. New Orleans Saints (5-2):  I'll be shocked if the Saints and Packers don't meet in this season's NFC Championship game. 

2. New England Patriots (5-1):  Throughout the year I've been pointing to their defense as a glaring weakness, but they've definitely improved their collective play in recent weeks. They did a very nice job defensively against two teams with talented, individual offensive players: the Cowboys and Jets. 

1. Green Bay Packers (7-0):  Aaron Rodgers is the best player in the NFL. Seriously, how does he throw on the run like that? How does he fire heat-seeking missiles 25 yards down the field, fading away off his back leg? Even further, how are those bullets accurate? It doesn't seem possible based on what I've seen in my 20 years as a serious football fan. 

Maybe he's an alien. 

Story Notes:

-Greatest Gainer: Cincinnati Bengals from 19 to 11. 

-Biggest Losers: Oakland Raiders from 10 to 20 and Washington Redskins from 11 to 21. 

-Aaron Rodgers is apparently not from this planet. 

Ripping "NBARank" to Shreds, Part II: How is Greg Oden Still Getting Love?

Embed from Getty Images

If you feel the need to catch up -- don't blame you if you don't -- check out Part I of this series. Now it's time for round II...

243. Quentin Richardson, SF

An aging player with only one above-average skill: on-ball defense of decent opposing small forwards. Q-Rich isn't even a consistent perimeter shooter anymore. I'll easily take Wesley Johnson (245) over him.  

241. Steve Blake, PG

Has been one of the most overrated players in the NBA for a few years now. He's small, weak and typically tries to make passes he doesn't have the talent to execute. Blake has that "heady, solid" label but he's really just a crappy professional basketball player who makes wide open threes in the corner. 

The Lakers clearly downgraded when they opted for Blake over Jordan Farmar (251), but -- not surprisingly -- the "experts" who voted on this list failed to recognize that. 

Running list of the most overrated: Rautins (471), Collins (383), Thabeet (376), Ross (372), Najera (367), Walton (318), Udoh (300), Mason, Jr. (279), Murphy (263), Blake (241)...

226. Tiago Splitter, C

This ranking has to be based entirely upon last year's preseason hype. What has he done to rank ahead of players like Marco Belinelli (228, coming off his best season), DeShawn Stevenson (229, played well for the Mavs in the playoffs), Martell Webster (231, always a capable scorer when healthy) and Daniel Gibson (237)? 

Running list of the most overrated: Rautins (471), Collins (383), Thabeet (376), Ross (372), Najera (367), Walton (318), Udoh (300), Mason, Jr. (279), Murphy (263), Blake (241), Splitter (226)...

222. Randy Foye, G

This ranking is pretty ridiculous. The argument could be made that Foye is one of the top 50-to-60 offensive players in the game. He's always been an effective slasher (when healthy) and he really improved his three-point touch with the Clippers. 

Players he should absolutely be ahead of: Gordon Hayward (221), Anthony Randolph (220), Corey Brewer (208) and Ricky Rubio (204). 

Embed from Getty Images

221. Gordon Hayward, SG/SF

Can't explain this one. He was a lottery pick who couldn't even crack the rotation on a team in the midst of a down year. I thought NBARank was based on performance, not projection. 

Running list of the most overrated: Rautins (471), Collins (383), Thabeet (376), Ross (372), Najera (367), Walton (318), Udoh (300), Mason, Jr. (279), Murphy (263), Blake (241), Splitter (226), Hayward (221)...

220. Anthony Randolph, F

Can't seem to work his way into rotations or stay healthy. Hasn't shown me anything. 

208. Corey Brewer, SF

The Knicks acquired him at a time when they were desperate for live bodies, and yet they still refused to give him any playing time. Here's another example of a lottery pick who was overvalued by the voters (see Thabeet and Hayward) because he came into the league with a good reputation. 

What is Corey Brewer? A good defensive swingman who struggles to find playing time because he's a low-percentage shooter and poor all-around offensive player. 

Rautins (471), Collins (383), Thabeet (376), Ross (372), Najera (367), Walton (318), Udoh (300), Mason, Jr. (279), Murphy (263), Blake (241), Splitter (226), Hayward (221)...

204. Ricky Rubio, PG

Here's a skinny, weak, unproven point guard who is all hype and no substance. If he can show that he's an impact player against true, tough, athletically-gifted competition, then I'll give him some credit. 

Until then, here's a list of point guards (or swing SGs) who should be ranked ahead of him (not even including the superior players at the other four positions): Delonte West (212), Jarrett Jack (214), Derek Fisher (215), Randy Foye (222), Daniel Gibson (237), Nate Robinson (249), Jordan Farmar (251), C.J. Watson (258), Kemba Walker (267) and T.J. Ford (285). 

Overrated list: Rautins (471), Collins (383), Thabeet (376), Ross (372), Najera (367), Walton (318), Udoh (300), Mason, Jr. (279), Murphy (263), Blake (241), Splitter (226), Hayward (221), Rubio (204)...

186. Beno Udrih, G

Here's a quick, talented guard with excellent shot selection. He's shifty and difficult to check, and his mental toughness is quite admirable. I don't think there's any doubt that he's a top 150 player. 

184. Greg Oden, C

This is directly from ESPN.com: 

We asked 91 experts to rate each player on a 0-to-10 scale, in terms of "the current quality of each player."

And what, may I ask, is the current quality of a player who never actually plays?

Rautins (471), Collins (383), Thabeet (376), Ross (372), Najera (367), Walton (318), Udoh (300), Mason, Jr. (279), Murphy (263), Blake (241), Splitter (226), Hayward (221), Rubio (204), Oden (184)...

183. Rodrigue Beaubois, G

Two seasons ago I remember being impressed by this resourceful offensive guard; last season I don't remember seeing him on the court. 

177. Ramon Sessions, PG

Here is a high-quality NBA point guard who can really do it all: penetrate, dish, create offense for himself and defend. Like Beno Udrih (186), Sessions is a no-brainer for the top 150. 

175. Josh Childress, SF

The Suns entered into a ridiculously bad contract with this athletic swingman who really can't do anything but score on the fastbreak. I have absolutely no idea why he is in NBARank's top 200.   

Rautins (471), Collins (383), Thabeet (376), Ross (372), Najera (367), Walton (318), Udoh (300), Mason, Jr. (279), Murphy (263), Blake (241), Splitter (226), Hayward (221), Rubio (204), Oden (184), Childress (175)...

Embed from Getty Images

173. Lou Williams, G...and 172. Gilbert Arenas, PG

At this stage in their respective careers -- Williams still young and showing nice development in his game, and Arenas old and fading fast -- there's no question that Lou-Will is superior to Arenas. 

163. Robin Lopez, C

This is when I started to realize that size is more important than skill to the NBARank voters. All Robin Lopez is...is size. He's slow, unrefined and simply a below-average professional center. 

This is definitely one of the top five mistakes of their list. I mean, it's so bad that I have to list all of the players who are clearly better, right?

John Salmons (164), Marvin Williams (165), Ryan Anderson (167), Al Harrington (168), Mike Miller (169), Lou Williams (173), Andris Biedrins (174, I have no idea how Lopez has proven he's better than this guy), Ramon Sessions (177), Shannon Brown (181), Beno Udrih (186), Jeff Teague (187), Charlie Villanueva (191), Toney Douglas (193), Jerryd Bayless (195), Carlos Delfino (200), and the list goes on...

Most overrated list: Rautins (471), Collins (383), Thabeet (376), Ross (372), Najera (367), Walton (318), Udoh (300), Mason, Jr. (279), Murphy (263), Blake (241), Splitter (226), Hayward (221), Rubio (204), Oden (184), Childress (175), Lopez (163)...

162. Corey Maggette, SF

His basketball IQ is highly questionable, but this is a gifted, professional scorer. Another lock for the top 150. 

158. Omri Casspi, SF

I blacked out when I saw this ranking. A scrawny, weak three-point specialist who couldn't outplay Francisco Garcia, Donte Greene or Luther Head for a better spot in the Kings' rotation. Not a chance this kid's in the top 200. 

Most overrated list: Rautins (471), Collins (383), Thabeet (376), Ross (372), Najera (367), Walton (318), Udoh (300), Mason, Jr. (279), Murphy (263), Blake (241), Splitter (226), Hayward (221), Rubio (204), Oden (184), Childress (175), Lopez (163), Casspi (158)...

157. Eric Maynor, PG

Apparently voters got a little too excited about him making a few wide-open threes during the playoffs. Not even in the same league as Udrih or Sessions yet. 

Most overrated list: Rautins (471), Collins (383), Thabeet (376), Ross (372), Najera (367), Walton (318), Udoh (300), Mason, Jr. (279), Murphy (263), Blake (241), Splitter (226), Hayward (221), Rubio (204), Oden (184), Childress (175), Lopez (163), Casspi (158), Maynor (157)...

149. Gary Neal, SG

His controlled, measured form indicates that he'll likely be a good outside shooter for a long time, but I didn't see much else to his game. As an all-around player he feels more like No. 185-225.

Embed from Getty Images

143. J.J. Redick, SG

Another appalling ranking. A streaky perimeter shooter with no other skills. He's not even one of the best, pure shooters in the league; a pure shooter is consistent (i.e. Ray Allen, Stephen Curry, Anthony Morrow and Kyle Korver). 

Players OBVIOUSLY better than Redick: Rashard Lewis (144, though his contract is vomit-inducing), Kris Humphries (145), Nick Young (146), Andray Blatche (147), Jose Calderon (148) and Dorell Wright (152).

Most overrated list: Rautins (471), Collins (383), Thabeet (376), Ross (372), Najera (367), Walton (318), Udoh (300), Mason, Jr. (279), Murphy (263), Blake (241), Splitter (226), Hayward (221), Rubio (204), Oden (184), Childress (175), Lopez (163), Casspi (158), Maynor (157), Redick (143)...

142. Rudy Fernandez, SG...and 141. Mike Dunleavy, Jr., SG/SF

Fernandez is notoriously streaky and can never find a consistent role. Dunleavy is always hurt and isn't very impactful even when he does play. 

Most overrated list: Rautins (471), Collins (383), Thabeet (376), Ross (372), Najera (367), Walton (318), Udoh (300), Mason, Jr. (279), Murphy (263), Blake (241), Splitter (226), Hayward (221), Rubio (204), Oden (184), Childress (175), Lopez (163), Casspi (158), Maynor (157), Redick (143), Fernandez (142), Dunleavy (141)...

140 and below to come in the (relatively) near future...

Ripping "NBARank" To Shreds, Part I: Troy Murphy is Better Than Kemba Walker?

Embed from Getty Images

Basketball fans, please tell me you've seen this.

A substantial panel of "experts" ranked the top 500 players in the NBA. Obviously, it's impossible to agree with even a majority of their rankings, but seriously, the list is offensive. I'm appalled.

I walked away from my laptop...steaming...214 times while reading.

KEY: BLACK = OVERRATED, BLUE = UNDERRATED

477. Marcus Banks, PG

Banks is a lightning-quick floor general with good strength and toughness. Never became a consistent outside shooter but here's a list of the bottom feeders who are ranked ahead of him: Darius Morris (473), Andy Rautins (471), Hassan Whiteside (470) and Jon Leuer (465) to name some.

By the way, Rautins is easily one of the worst 10 players in the NBA. He's a small, weak guard who can't get a look at the hoop unless he's the only player on one particular side of the court.

Running list of the most overrated players: Rautins (471)...

463. Jawad Williams, SF

Worked his way into the Cavs' regular season rotation last year, but is ranked behind 50 guys who never even touch the hardwood.

398. Samardo Samuels, PF/C

Is overweight, but surprisingly skilled for his unusual proportions. The raw, valueless DeMarre Carroll (397) is definitely not better than him.

383. Jason Collins, C

As a long-time Nets fan, I can promise you that this big oaf is one of the worst 100 players. List of players he is CLEARLY worse than: Samuels (398), Da'Sean Butler (401), Sundiata Gaines (402), Luther Head (403), Manny Harris (405), Joey Graham (408), Lazar Hayward (409) and Armon Johnson (419) -- just to name some.

Running list of the most overrated players: Rautins (471), Collins (383)...

Embed from Getty Images

376. Hasheem Thabeet, C

I went to UConn while he played for the Huskies, and that's when he was "good." He's been nothing but an embarrassing bust since being drafted No. 2 overall by the Grizzlies, and somehow he's ahead of 123 players? I thought this was a panel of experts...they obviously have Thabeet here because they recognize his name more than many of the lower-ranked guys.

Most overrated: Rautins (471), Collins (383), Thabeet (376)...

372. Quinton Ross, SG/SF

Here's a "defensive specialist" who is undersized, weak, ineffective and has no actual position. He isn't fast, he isn't explosive, he can't make shots of any variety and has no value whatsoever. He's POSITIVELY one of the worst five players in the NBA. He would be a bench player in the 21+ men's league I play in.

Renaldo Balkman (374) is 10 times better than him. 

Rautins (471), Collins (383), Thabeet (376), Ross (372, MOST overrated)...

367. Eduardo Najera, SF

This one really pisses me off. This is another obvious case of name recognition trumping actual basketball value and ability. Najera is another "defensive specialist" who used to be a decent defender, and is now slow, old and totally useless. He couldn't shoot a basketball into the ocean, either. I can't figure out who is more overrated, Najera or Ross.

Alonzo Gee (368) is actually a legitimate NBA player. He can slash, has good ball skills for a small forward and provides tangible value to a roster. He's 400 times better than Najera, who is less than one-dimensional -- if that's even possible. 

Rautins (471), Collins (383), Thabeet (376), Ross (372), Najera (367)...

Embed from Getty Images

318. Luke Walton, SF

Another frustrating case of name recognition. Phil Jackson always loved this guy and even he couldn't find a way to keep Luke in the rotation. He's just...not...good. Slow reactions, horribly inconsistent shooter and thinks he's a far better passer than he actually is. Another player who hurts more than he helps.

List of superior players: Maurice Evans (320), Sebastian Telfair (322, wayyyyy better) and A.J. Price (324), to name a few.

Rautins (471), Collins (383), Thabeet (376), Ross (372), Najera (367), Walton (318)...

307. Mike Bibby, PG

I know he's getting older and isn't nearly the player he once was, but this ranking is ridiculous. He's clearly nearing retirement but is still blatantly better than Brandan Wright (305) and Ekpe Udoh (300).

300. Ekpe Udoh

I don't know what to say.

Rautins (471), Collins (383), Thabeet (376), Ross (372), Najera (367), Walton (318), Udoh (300)...

283. Reggie Williams, SF

One of the most prolific collegiate scorers of his generation, Williams has also shown that he can score against legitimate, NBA defenders as a member of the Golden State Warriors. Up to this point, he earns the distinction as my most UNDER-rated player in NBARank.

279. Roger Mason, Jr., G

Directly from my Twitter @RedSoxAuthor:

@NBAonESPN #ShawneWilliams (303) completely outplayed #RogerMason last season and was ahead of him in the #Knicks rotation (279)...? #NBA

There's no logical explanation for Mason being ahead of Williams except: the voters don't follow each team closely enough to truly rank all 500 players. 

Rautins (471), Collins (383), Thabeet (376), Ross (372), Najera (367), Walton (318), Udoh (300), Mason, Jr. (279)...

276. Willie Green, SG

Severely underrated here. This is a proven, high-octane bench scorer with good all-around offensive skills.

272. Earl Boykins, PG

I know he's a little engine that can, but I also know he's inferior to Willie Green, Dahntay Jones (277), Reggie Williams (283) and Earl Watson (295).  

267. Kemba Walker, G

As one of the greatest players in the history of UConn basketball, I don't have to see Kemba play a game in the NBA to know that he's lightyears ahead of Jared Jeffries (264), Troy Murphy (263), Lou Amundson (257) and Keith Bogans (255).  

Kemba has NBA speed, quickness, ballhandling and penetrating skills.  

Embed from Getty Images

263. Troy Murphy, PF

The members of the NBARank panel should be ashamed at themselves for this. This broken-down, has-been "power" forward was the WORST player in the NBA last season. Slow, oft-injured and arguably the worst defensive big man of the past decade, Murphy is a total disaster at this stage of his career.

Seriously, just ask Nets and Celtics fans how this loser played for them last year. Under the definition of "team cancer," there's a picture of this dude's ugly face.

Rautins (471), Collins (383), Thabeet (376), Ross (372), Najera (367), Walton (318), Udoh (300), Mason, Jr. (279), Murphy (263)...

251. Jordan Farmar, PG

I can't say I understand the lack of love for this guy. He's a natural scorer at the point guard position who can also dish out double-digit dimes when given extended playing time. He proved this while Devin Harris was injured (before being traded) last season. Farmar should probably be in the top 200.  

Worst Rankings of the First Half:


3. Willie Green (276)

2. Quinton Ross (372)

1. Troy Murphy (263)

Look out for the second half of my analysis in the coming days...

The 10 Most Impressive Players of a Wild MLB Postseason

Embed from Getty Images

Nellie Cruz, David Freese, Albert Pujols, Ryan Braun and Miguel Cabrera have all been fantastic. Find out who takes the cake in my full-length piece on Bleacher Report. 

MLB Top 100: Is Miggy Coming for King Albert's Throne?

Embed from Getty Images

Just a teaser here. Check out my full story on Bleacher Report. Thanks for reading, as always!

NFL Power Rankings: Jim Harbaugh Brings the 49ers Back From the Dead

Embed from Getty Images

I just realized that I forgot to update my Power Rankings after week 4; so, my profound apologies. Nonetheless, here we go again...

32. Miami Dolphins (0-4):  I guess they could do worse than Matt Moore as a replacement for Chad Henne, but this team is terrible and they have to deal with the Patriots, Bills and Jets.

31. St. Louis Rams (0-5):  We all knew the Danny Amendola injury would hurt them, but will it hurt to the point where they'll never win a game?

30. Indianapolis Colts (0-5):  From the little I saw of Curtis Painter in the past (the foolish throw-away game against the Jets two seasons ago), I was pretty certain that he was one of the worst professional quarterbacks in the world. I'm rethinking that, just a bit, of late.

29. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4):  I have no faith in Blaine Gabbert yet.

28. Denver Broncos (1-4):  And so, after much drama and debate, the Tim Tebow era begins in Denver...anddd I don't foresee much of a change in the standings. What I do foresee, is something like 13-of-21 for 163 yards, 1 td, 1 int and 20-to-35 yards rushing. Yipde do.  

Embed from Getty Images

27. Arizona Cardinals (1-4)

26. Minnesota Vikings (1-4)

25. Carolina Panthers (1-4)

24. Kansas City Chiefs (2-3):  They may be without their best player in Jamaal Charles, but damn it these guys are scrappy. Back-to-back, very surprising victories for Todd Haley's never-say-die bunch.

23. Seattle Seahawks (2-3):  Pete Carroll's squad is just starting to come around, but they'll be on shaky ground if Charlie Whitehurst (Tarvaris Jackson injured) has to play after their Week 6 bye.   

22. Cleveland Browns (2-2):  With a blatantly mediocre talent pool, this team finds a way to stay close and sometimes they create their own breaks in the final five minutes of a nip-and-tuck game.

21. Philadelphia Eagles (1-4):  I didn't think they were world beaters heading into the season (had them 6th overall in my initial power rankings), but I never thought they'd be outside of my top 20 after their first five games. They need to start making stops or they'll continue to lose heartbreakers.

20. Chicago Bears (2-3):  An offensive line in shambles leads to a team in complete disarray.

19. Cincinnati Bengals (3-2):  Every time I think Marvin Lewis is going to lose his job, he finds new life in some way, shape or form. Right now he has a pleasant surprise of a team with a potentially bright future in Andy Dalton, AJ Green, Jerome Simpson, Jermaine Gresham and Rey Maualuga.

18. Tennessee Titans (3-2):  It's hard to have this team any higher than 18 without Kenny Britt.

Embed from Getty Images

17. New York Giants (3-2):  Dear G-Men:

Thanks for costing me my survivor pool with an inexplicable home loss to the broken-down Seahawks. I hate you. Three-and-two and I refuse to put you in the top 15.

16. Tampa Bay Bucs (3-2):  This team isn't a long-term playoff threat. I think we all kind of know that...I wonder if they do.

15. Atlanta Falcons (2-3):  Matt Ryan has been one of the most disappointing quarterbacks in the league this year, and now the low-flying Falcons are dealing with an injury to rookie stud Julio Jones.  

14. Houston Texans (3-2):  Could you have deadlier offense-defense injuries than Andre Johnson and Mario Williams?

13. New York Jets (2-3):  Their losses -- @ Patriots, @ Ravens and @ Raiders -- are understandable, but if they don't show significant offensive improvement over the next few weeks they are in danger of falling out of the top 15, all the way down into the bottom 10.

12. Dallas Cowboys (2-2):  This offense is scary when Tony Romo, Miles Austin, Dez Bryant, Jason Witten and Felix Jones are on the field simultaneously. Let's see if they can stay healthy from here on out.  

11. Washington Redskins (3-1):  I can't believe this is the No. 11 team in the NFL. Sad.

10. Oakland Raiders (3-2):  I think I have a little crush on them this year. They beat my Jets pretty convincingly and I like their overall explosiveness. I still think they'll hang around with San Diego throughout the regular season.

9. San Francisco 49ers (4-1):  Alex Smith is winning games? Maybe it's time for other teams to bring back Tim Couch, JaMarcus Russell, Ryan Leaf, Cade McCown, Akili Smith...

Embed from Getty Images

8. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2):  It seems that they're rounding back into the form we've come to expect and respect.

7. San Diego Chargers (4-1)

6. Buffalo Bills (4-1):  I find it amusing that I have more confidence in them than Philip Rivers' annually-hyped Chargers.   

5. New England Patriots (4-1):  One of the worst defensive units in the game is now without its best player in Jerod Mayo.

4. Baltimore Ravens (3-1):  This spot was a toss-up with the team at No. 3, so I guess you could say that I punished the Ravens for having the bye and only four games played.

3. New Orleans Saints (4-1)

2. Detroit Lions (5-0):  Okay, they're for real...I get it now. I promise.

1. Green Bay Packers (5-0):  Innocent until proven...wait, I think I've already said that about them this season...


Story Notes:

Greatest Gainer: San Francisco 49ers from 20 to 9.

Biggest Loser: New York Jets from 7 to 13. Go Gang Green. Woo.