NFL Power Rankings

NFL power rankings are compiled by analysts from statistical information, past performance, injury reports, strength of previous opponents, and other tangible and intangible factors. Power ranking lists display all 32 teams in the NFL from best to worst, and most are released on Tuesday of each week throughout the season.http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankings

Although the power rankings reflect prevalent tendencies with each team, they can vary slightly from source to source. Sports networks, major newspapers and sports handicapping services all issue their own rankings. It is not uncommon for a team to be ranked number one by one source and ranked lower by another source.http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Akv7YUMNKjO7VE36kC4bp_9DubYF?slug=ycn-7489396http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankings

Value of Power Rankings

Power rankings tend to be more subjective rather than objective, so their value is often perceived to be reflective as opposed to projective. Even so, to casual fans it is often their only analytical source that they consult with prior to that week's games. For professional gamblers, the value of the power rankings is not so much analytical, but rather as tool to gauge popular sentiment, something which can move betting odds just as other more tangible occurrences.http://www.bangthebook.com/nfl-betting/nfl-power-rankings.php

Power rankings can also be compiled in a number of different ways. For example, at CBS Sports, NFL writer Pete Prisco compiles the rankings by himself.http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/powerrankings This is different from the way ESPN does their rankings. At ESPN, four different writers make their own list and the composite rankings from the four ballots are used every week.http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankings