Final 2009 Rankings

by Anthony Calabria (January 10, 2010)

It was another dominating season for the Las Vegas Clowns, capped off by a 4th championship in the finals against New Orleans.  So it’s no surprise that they finish the year where they started, as the #1 team.  In this final edition of Maniak Monthly’s rankings, we will assess each team’s finish, including their prospects for next season.

Yin Conference

1. New Orleans (7-6): Rodgers is only getting better, the running game is solid, and Austin emerged as a star.  Outlook for 2010 (on a scale of 1-10): 8

2. Tampa Bay (9-4): If Favre returns, definitely a title contender, but they have a lot of young stars and should be able to replace him if he chooses to retire again.  Outlook for 2010: 8

3. New York (8-4-1): Finally made it to the playoffs, now they need to get Brown and Slaton healthy and find stability at quarterback.  Outlook for 2010: 7

4. St. Louis (6-7): Faded after a strong start, now they must let either Romo or Clark go.  Smart money’s on them keeping Romo.  Outlook for 2010: 6

5. Philadelphia (6-7): Brees had another amazing season, but was this the end for Westbrook and Owens?  Outlook for 2010: 5

6. Houston (4-9): A disappointing season in Texas has put this team in rebuilding mode.  Some promising young talent in Wells and Jackson.  Outlook for 2010: 4

7. New England (3-9-1): Brady should be back, but not much else and they don’t have many picks to replenish the roster.  On the positive side, they should have plenty of cap space which if used wisely, could help them rebuild quickly.  Outlook for 2010: 3

8. Washington (2-11): Went downhill after 2-1 start, need to find help for Big Ben and improve the running game.  Outlook for 2010: 2

Yang Conference

1. Las Vegas (12-1): It’s hard to see this team getting complacent as they continue to dominate year after year.  Short of a meltdown in the next six months, they’re not going anywhere.  Outlook for 2010: 10

2. Golden State (11-2): Only team to beat Vegas this year should be a title contender once again, with Rice breaking out as a star.  A healthy Turner should be back in top form next season.  Outlook for 2010: 9

3. Springfield (10-3): Armed with a high 1st pick, the Isotopes should find another potent weapon to join stars McNabb, Williams, Boldin, and Jennings.  Outlook for 2010: 8

4. Denver (7-6): Assuming the Katz hold on to one of their QB’s, they could be a sleeper in 2010.  Look for them to add to the running game and give Stewart more opportunities.  Outlook for 2010: 6

5. Detroit (6-7): Somehow managed to stay in playoff contention for most of the season despite subpar offense, will need help everywhere except for D.  Outlook for 2010: 4

6. Seattle (4-9): Probably will search for a passer and need a completely receiving corps, but strong trio of backs in Jackson, Charles, and Moreno.  Outlook for 2010: 5

7. Columbus (4-9): Season opened with great promise but collapsed in a hurry.  They should look to deal from strength and move a QB for help elsewhere.  Outlook for 2010: 4

8. Green Bay (4-9): Some young talent here, but Sanchez will need to grow up in a hurry to make them a contender.  Outlook for 2010: 3