National Football League (NFL)

February 8 - Despite their loss in Super Bowl XLIV, the Indianapolis Colts are the 2009 Rogers Poll champions by fewer than 2 points over the #2 New Orleans Saints, who bested them 31-17 on Sunday. It was the narrowest final margin in the poll's history and only the second decided by fewer than 10 points (the other being the Colts' 2006 championship).

Both the Colts and Saints ended with identical 16-3 records. The Saints, however, lost twice to non-playoff teams (Carolina and Tampa Bay), while the Colts lost only one such game (Buffalo).

The 2009 season marks the seventh consecutive season that an AFC team has won the Rogers Poll championship. The AFC South captured top division honors on the year.

The upper quartile of the league is filled out by the #3 San Diego Chargers (13-4), #4 Minnesota Vikings (13-5), #5 Dallas Cowboys (12-6), #6 Philadelphia Eagles (11-6), #7 Green Bay Packers (11-6), and #8 New York Jets (11-8).

Check out the complete rankings here.

News

The Packers were named the league's biggest surprise of 2009, while the Titans were named the biggest disappointment. The Bills and Seahawks finished exactly as projected. See all the details in the season recap.

Feb 8 – Recap

Indianapolis, at 16-3, has earned the Rogers Poll championship for the most impressive season by a razor thin margin over the Saints, who bested them in the Super Bowl.

Feb 8 – Rankings

The AFC South holds claim to the top division on the season, with a 28-15 mark out of division. They are followed by the NFC South and AFC East.

Feb 8 – Divisions

Miami played the toughest slate in the 2009 season, highlighted by inter-division games against the league's top three teams. They are followed by Tampa Bay, the New York Jets, Carolina, and New England.

Feb 8 – Schedules

Showcase Teams

  • Rogers Polldescription
    #1 Indianapolis Colts (16-3)
    Rogers Poll Champions
    AFC Champions

  • Rogers Polldescription
    #2 New Orleans Saints (16-3)
    Super Bowl XLIV Champions

  • Rogers Polldescription
    #3 San Diego Chargers (13-4)
    AFC West Champions

  • Rogers Polldescription
    #4 Minnesota Vikings (13-5)
    NFC North Champions