Week 3 Rankings Graph & Week 4 Rankings Graph

Here is the next edition of Beatpath Powerseats:

Its a bit different than Tunesmith's version found here; as I keep teams ranked according to their W-L records.

Before viewing the Beatpath graph, note the following guidelines:

1. The highest tier indicates team (or teams) with the fewest losses, the teams with the most losses are in the lowest tier.
2. There is no significance between solid lines and dotted lines; they exist only to distinguish intersections.
3. If a team drops into a W-L tier below a team it has beaten, that beatpath will not be drawn. All beatpaths run downward. (For example: this week, MIA's beatpath over NYJ does not get drawn because NYJ's W-L Record still trumps that pathway).
4. Beatpaths that can be traced through opponents will also not be drawn (DEN over OAK for example, since the win can be traced: DEN>CIN>BAL>SD>OAK)
5. Teams currently on a "bye" week are signified by a faded logo-icon. The graph always reflects teams who have had a "bye" week (and every other team) by the number of their losses, not victories.
6. Teams distinguish rank (within their own tier) based on the tier-level of the teams they have defeated or been defeated by. Teams also distinguish rank based on the number of opponents linked below them.
7. Occasionally I will jump a Beatpath from one side of the page to the other (PIT over DET, NYG over DAL, and DEN over DAL this week) to keep things simple.

**Note** I told you it would get more streamlined. We need a couple more weeks though to get teams fully individualized. But i'm liking the progress. I think the lines are getting better with practice. What do you think?

COMMENTARY

Denver - The Broncos are sitting up top, with wins against the highest ranked opponents. According to this power reference, Denver should defeated San Diego next week; though every game can go either way (but it better not!!). Although you can't see it because Atlanta is still sitting above New England with only 1 loss, Denver actually has a pathway through NE over ATL and the whole middle of the tree. The only teams we're not yet linked to through victories are NO, MIN, IND, NYG, PHI, and NYJ. (Three teams that are on our schedule this year NYG, IND, and PHI. These are also coincidentally the teams I think we'll have the hardest time with, and not because the graph says so.)

New Orleans and the New York Giants - The Saints are still sitting up top thanks to their bye week, and the Giants had an easy win over Oakland. These two teams go head to head next week, so one of them will definately be dropping down. Whoever wins will have a dominant league tree, possibly even bigger than the Broncos.

Minnesota and Baltimore -  The Vike's have a tough battle against Flacco and the Ravens next week. If the Ravens can pull off the upset in the midwest, than these two teams will be sitting almost side by side.

Detriot and Green Bay - Detroit needs this win badly to break into the main pack, however the Packers are struggling deep in the middle. I think they had a great game against the Vike's and expect them to vault back up in the next two weeks against the Lions and Browns.

Houston and Cincinnatti - The "Cardiac Cats" have been proving they have what it takes to reach the post season (I honestly expected them to be the toughest team Denver faced in the first 4 games). Their win over the Ravens leaves them one 87 yard tip to Stokely from being completely undefeated. They should knock off the Texans in this game, but both teams can put up huge points. I was expecting Houston to overcome Warner and the Cards last week, but they couldn't squeeze out the last yard to take it overtime.

Cleveland and Pittsburgh - This is going to be a really rough game. Cleveland has been fighting hard, but has little to show for their effort but a meager win over Buffalo. Pittsburgh however, has shown its weaknesses and is a beatable team. With their losses so far, I don't think they can afford to lose a division game right now, even against the Browns.

Kansas City and Washington - With Portis on and off, and the head coach shinnaniggans I wouldn't expect the Redskins to win here, even against the Chiefs. Its going to be a slugfest but it doesn't look like the Skins will be competeing for the playoffs this year. Not with Philly and the Giants dominating the way they are. They likely won't even have a shot at the wildcard. The Chiefs almost pulled off another AFC West upset on the Cowboys, but lost the reigns in overtime. A great battle and I still think they're going to take 2nd in the AFC West over SD and OAK.

Carolina and Tampa Bay - The Panthers are fighting their way back up, but don't let their position fool you, they've only acheived their first victory this year. A bye week has saved them from being down in the red. Tampa however has been sitting in the red for a while, but they are showing some signs of life. Can't say who's going to come out on top here, but if the beatpath is accurate, then the Bucs shouldn't move anytime soon.

Arizona and Seattle - A huge division game here, especially since the Cardinals are barely hanging with the 49ers. This is Seattle's shot to jump into the pack and catch the Niners heels. San Francisco gets a bye week here though, so they don't have anything to lose this week. Arizona must win this game with the Giants coming up the following week.

Philidelphia and Oakland - This is a no brainer. The eagles are going to ball-hawk the heck out of a scrambling Russel, and I don't expect the run game to do much for them. The raiders shouldn't be able to mount much of an attack against a surprisingly decent Philly line. Usually McNabb is running for his life, but the pocket has looked great this year.

Buffalo and the New York Jets - Good division game here with the Bills badly needing a win. Sanchez' beginner's luck must have worn off, because the Jets look very beatable right now. Rex Ryan will keep them in the game though by killing an already stagnant passing game and forcing the Bills to be one dimensional.

Tennessee and New England - So are the Titans the "best 0-5" team now? Just because they were a beast last year doesn't mean they can win a game this year without moving the ball. Chris Johnson can't carry the entire offense all year long. I am NOT a fan of Kerry Collins, and I think the choice to go back to Young was the lesser of two evils. Tom Brady doesn't usually lose many games back to back... so expect the Patriots to grab another W this week.

Chicago and Atlanta - Chicago is coming off a bye week with a pretty good position. Atlanta is also sitting on only 1 loss thanks to their own bye week. One of these teams will have to drop down and I (really hope its the Bears!) can't tell you who's going to lose this one.

Denver and San Diego - You can find info and opinions on this game just about anywhere on this site. Look around, you'll like it. Oh, and GO BRONCOS!!! I'll be visiting family in (Fresno) California for this one, so I will be feeling that home field advantage more than you lucky dawgs sitting at home in Denver. On the plus side I will be watching it with my best friend Matt, a.k.a: MBuddie33 here on MHR.