The New York Red Bulls come in at No. 2 this week in the SBNation.com MLS Power Rankings. The reasoning for the rankings sort of mystifies me, since the Red Bulls were No. 1 a week ago and have since earned the Eastern Conference title.
Regardless, here is what the folks at SBNation.com are saying about the Red Bulls.
The New York Red Bulls seem to have the easiest path of them all as they will open against the San Jose Earthquakes and then host either the Colorado Rapids or Columbus Crew. The Red Bulls might not be the best team on a player-by-player basis, but they are more likely to make the Cup final than any other team. ... Aside from home-field advantage, they are playing the most one-dimensional team to make the playoff field. Stopping Chris Wondolowski is essentially the only real assignment for the Red Bulls defenders. The Red Bulls are expected to be at full health, with Thierry Henry expected to return, and really just need to get back to Red Bull Arena within striking distance. The Red Bulls have lost just once at home since May 20, a 10-game stretch in which they've won seven times. It might not be a fortress like "El Castillo" but it's pretty darn close. They might be the most likely team to make the finals, but they won't be favored to win against at least three of the teams they could face.
In the official MLS Power Rankings, if there really is such a thing, the Red Bulls are No. 3. Real Salt Lake is No. 1, followed by the LA Galaxy.