How do you spell Quarterbacks? Four top fifteen teams are finding out.

Week 13 Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers (11-0)-Aaron Rodgers’ QB rating was a lowly 116.6 against the Lions on Thursday. That’s his third lowest rating of the season. His worst so far was a 111.4 stinker against Chicago in week three.=
2. Baltimore Ravens (8-3)-Nine sacks is scary, and five on third-down is terrifying. The combined records of the teams the Ravens have beaten this year add up to 52-35 (counting the Steelers twice), and that includes the 2-9 Rams. These guys are playoff ready.+3
3. San Francisco 49ers (9-2)-The only two current division leaders the 49ers have played this year (Baltimore and Dallas) account for their two losses. A showdown with Pittsburgh is their only remaining game versus a contender before the post-season.-1
4. New Orleans Saints (8-3)-With Peyton Manning out of commission (and assuming Aaron Rodgers has evolved into some sort of creature incomparable to humans), is Drew Brees the best QB in football? He made a good case for himself with five touchdowns against the Giants last week.-1
5. Houston Texans (8-3)-Third-string quarterbacks can get by when they have a rushing attack and defense like Houston’s. They host Atlanta in next week’s best matchup.-1
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3)-The perpetually bruised, battered and still-smashing-Steelers scored all of their thirteen points in the second quarter of an ugly win in Kansas City. They can just about wrap up a playoff spot if they take down the Bengals at home this week.=
7. New England Patriots (8-3)-Hell has completely defrosted now that the Patriots two-game losing streak is a thing of the past. New England pounded their third straight opponent last week, and will now set their sights on a first-round bye if not home field advantage in the AFC playoffs.+1
8. Cincinnati Bengals (7-4)-Cincinnati shutout the Browns’ in the fourth quarter to keep them at least a game up on the rest of the AFC teams looking to nab the last playoff spot. They get their rematch against the ailing Steelers this week.+2
9. Atlanta Falcons (7-4)-Remember when Roddy White chased down Nate Clements and forced him to fumble his interception last year? I think Chris Owens did when he chased down Percy Harvin last week. The hustling Falcons are currently the sixth seed in the NFC.+2
10. Oakland Raiders (7-4)-Sebastian Janikowski, Shane Lechler and the Oakland Raiders kicked the Bears while they were down to keep their AFC West lead over Denver. Can you recollect a fellow named Darren McFadden? He’s been inactive throughout Oakland’s three-game win streak. +3
11. Chicago Bears (7-4)-Caleb Hanie made some big mistakes in a loss to the Raiders, but threw several excellent passes as well. Brian Urlacher and Matt Forte are more vital to this team’s success than quarterback play anyway.-4
12. Detroit Lions (7-4)-The Packers made it clear to the Lions that they won’t be winning the NFC North anytime soon. Atlanta has tie-breaker over them, and if they got stomped (yeah, I said it) by New Orleans this week, a playoff spot will become a bit less attainable.-3
13. Dallas Cowboys (7-4)-Their four-game win streak hasn’t been accomplished against the NFL’s most impressive teams, but wins are wins. If they handle Arizona and the Giants lose to the Pack, their first showdown with NY won’t even threaten their grasp on first place in the NFC East.+1
14. New York Giants (6-5)-After being destroyed by the second most recent Super Bowl champion Saints and their second best scoring offense, the Giants will have to face the defending Super Bowl champion Packers and their league best offensive assault.-2
15. Denver Broncos (6-5)-It will be a real shame if Denver misses the playoffs. This is the best story in the NFL by far.=
16. New York Jets (6-5)-A series of unfortunate events for Antonio Chromartie made last week a tough win for the Jets. They still need a lot of help to get back into the playoff mix.=
17. Tennessee Titans (6-5)-The Titans will be rooting against the same teams as the Jets next week. They’ll also be rooting against the Jets.=
18. Buffalo Bills (5-6)-Stevie Johnson was the biggest turkey of the NFL’s Thanksgiving week. The formerly fairytale Bills are now in the midst of spooky-story-like freefall.=
19. Philadelphia Eagles (4-7)-For some reason, the Eagles appeared to be able to trounce New England early on in last week’s game. That image didn’t last long, and the Eagles may have to start looking towards 2012.=
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7)-Both teams had four turnovers while Tampa Bay was driving for the win in Tennessee. It’s only fitting that Josh Freeman fumbled his team’s chances away on the Bucs’ final snap.+1
21. Arizona Cardinals (4-7)-What a game for Beanie Wells, and what a rookie season for Patrick Peterson. The Cardinals are 3-1 since ending their six-game slide.+5
22. Cleveland Browns (4-7)-Whoever makes the schedules for NFL teams must really have it in for the Browns. Four of their final five games are against Baltimore and Pittsburgh.+3
23. Miami Dolphins (3-8)-Though they lost to Dallas, Miami has really turned their season around. That’s largely due in part to Matt Moore who has thrown eight touchdowns and only two interceptions over his last six games.-1
24. Washington Redskins (4-7)-Washington’s six-game losing streak is over, and it took an impressive fourth-quarter comeback to make that happen. I didn’t want to bump them up five spots this week, but the Chargers’ awfulness left me no choice.+5
25. Seattle Seahawks (4-7)-The possibility of a magical run to the playoffs vanished with last week’s stunning loss. They square off against the Eagles on Thursday (both teams made the playoffs last year… and are 4-7 now… and have bird names).-5
26. Kansas City Chiefs (4-7)-Kansas City’s goose is just about cooked at 4-7. Their remaining opponents are either fighting for a playoff spot or named the Green Bay Packers. Time to do some spoiling. And I recommend letting Kyle Orton be responsible for that.-3
27. San Diego Chargers (4-7)-Adios, Norv Turner. I hear Penn State is hiring.-3
28. Carolina Panthers (3-8)-Cam Newton added to his statistically splendid rookie season, but there’s only one statistic we use to judge quarterbacks in this league. Here’s a hint: it starts with a “W”, and Newton only has three of them.-1
29. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-8)-The Jaguars look to embarrass the Chargers even further by beating them on national television this week. If you’re ever going to work late on a Monday and miss the game, this is the week to do it.-1
30. Minnesota Vikings (2-9)-It looked to me like Percy Harvin crossed the goal line on third-down during the Vikings last drive. Regardless, how can Leslie Frazier not challenge that play? What could there possibly be to lose for a team that’s five games out of third place?=
31. St. Louis Rams (2-9)-I know I brought it up last week, but seriously, how did they beat New Orleans? Did they roofy Sean Payton or something?=
32. Indianapolis Colts (0-11)-Can they beat Jacksonville to get their first win of the season? The Jaguars are the Colts’ week 17 opponent, but I’m asking now because they won’t beat any of the teams they play before them.=

NOTES: Top 3 risers-1. Ari, Wash+5 3. Bal, Oak, Cle+3… top 3 fallers-1. Sea-5 2. Chi-4 3. Det, KC, SD-3… The hold steadys-#1GB, #6Pit, #15Den, #16NYJ, #17Ten, #18Buf, #19Phi, #30Min, #31Stl, #32Ind… Best collective division-AFC North-9.5 avg… Worst collective division-AFC South-20.75 avg.

The Colts find a way not to lose.

Week 12 Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers (10-0)-The Packers end their season with six games against playoff hopefuls. Their defense needs to improve if they want to get back to the Super Bowl.=
2. San Francisco 49ers (9-1)-Arizona became the eighth team held under twenty-one points against San Fran’s league best defense. No team has scored more than twenty-seven against them, and that was in week 2.=
3. New Orleans Saints (7-3)-The Saints have watched next week’s opponent Giants lose two heartbreakers since New Orleans took down Atlanta. They look to bury Big Blue this week.=
4. Houston Texans (7-3)-Jacksonville’s inept offense should give Matt Lienart a little leeway if he makes some mistakes in his return to a starting role. Foster and Tate are sure to pitch in as well.=
5. Baltimore Ravens (7-3)-If there’s a team destined to end the 49ers’ win streak, it has to be Baltimore on Thanksgiving. They only beat good teams, right?+5
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3)-Though Baltimore took over first place in the AFC North by beating the Bengals, Pittsburgh looks a bit safer with that pesky third team a bit farther behind them.-1
7. Chicago Bears (7-3)-The Bears have surged their way into great position to make the post-season. If David Garrard doesn’t hear his phone ring now, it’s clearly been on vibrate for the past four months.=
8. New England Patriots (7-3)-BREAKING NEWS: Sources claim Philadelphia Science Program on the verge of molecularly fusing Nnamdi Asomugha and a tyrannosaurus. If successful, Eagles may be able to stop Rob Gronkowski this week. +1
9. Detroit Lions (7-3)-Don’t be fooled by the score. Detroit was tied at thirty-five with the then 2-7 Panthers late in the fourth quarter. Over or under 300 points scored when they finally play Green Bay on Thanksgiving?+2
10.  Cincinnati Bengals (6-4)-They could’ve been healthier, they could’ve been luckier, and they could’ve won in Baltimore. They continue their season in control of the last AFC Wildcard spot.-2
11. Atlanta Falcons (6-4)-Big days from Atlanta’s core offensive units (Ryan, Turner, White, Gonzalez) kept the Falcons in the playoff mix. Three of their four losses have come against 7-3 or better teams.+1
12. New York Giants (6-4)-Maybe should have held off on those post-Patriot game celebrations… -6
13. Oakland Raiders (6-4)-Tough running and an efficient performance by Carson Palmer kept the Raiders rolling last week. Hosting Chicago this week won’t be as big a challenge with Caleb Hanie under center.=
14. Dallas Cowboys (6-4)-Up until the officials confirmed Dan Bailey’s overtime field goal went through the uprights; this looked like another disaster for the Cowboys. They have somehow found their way into first place.+1
15. Denver Broncos (5-5)-With John Elway, Von Miller, and The Lord by his side, Tim Tebow is poised to have a short but spectacular career.+3
16. New York Jets (5-5)-It only took four days for the Jets to slide from being in control of the AFC East into a muck of nine teams between 6-4 and 4-6 vying for the last AFC Wildcard spot.-2
17. Tennessee Titans (5-5)-Chris Johnson was just awful running the ball for the seventh time this season last week. Jake Locker may have stolen Matt Hasselbeck’s job with a promising second half effort.=
18. Buffalo Bills (5-5)-Uhhh… what happened?-2
19. Philadelphia Eagles (4-6)-Technically speaking, the ruling on the DeSean Jackson taunting penalty was illogical. While from a moral standpoint, it may not have been drastic enough. Big win though.+5
20. Seattle Seahawks (4-6)-That’s two in a row for Seattle. Marshawn Lynch has a rushing touchdown in the last six games he’s played.+2
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6)-LeGarrette Blount and the onside-kick-crazy Bucs played their hearts out against Green Bay. But you have to do more than that to take down the Packers.-2
22. Miami Dolphins (3-7)-Whatever had possessed the Bills to be so deadly at the beginning of the season has now infected the Dolphins. They look to overcook Dallas’ turkey on Thursday.+4
23. Kansas City Chiefs (4-6)-Like so many teams over the past few seasons, the Chiefs failed to capitalize on early opportunities against New England, and suffered the consequences.-3
24. San Diego Chargers (4-6)-A ridiculous receiving performance by Vincent Jackson was overshadowed by an even more ridiculous five-game losing streak by the Bolts.-4
25. Cleveland Browns (4-6)-Congratulations to Brown’s fans on the win, and sorry you had to watch the first fifty-five minutes and fifty-seven seconds of that game.+3
26. Arizona Cardinals (3-7)-Arizona controlled the clock for only 15:44 against the 49ers. They also had five turnovers. That’s a giveaway every three minutes and nine seconds of football.-3
27. Carolina Panthers (2-8)-Last week’s loss was the seventh time Carolina allowed twenty-eight or more points this season. While they average over 400 yards a game on offense, the only team they’ve held under twenty points is Jacksonville.+4
28. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-7)-The Jaguars (or anti-Panthers) have scored twenty points only once, but have the NFL’s fifth best scoring defense. Conclusion: these two feline foes should join forces!-3
29. Washington Redskins (3-7)-A pair of receivers in their thirties caught touchdowns in a tough loss to Dallas. Washington’s losing streak is now at six.=
30. Minnesota Vikings (2-8)-They’ve only beaten Arizona and Carolina.=
31. St. Louis Rams (2-8)-Props to whoever fabricated the story about this team trampling New Orleans a few weeks ago. And the one about them having twelve players on injured reserve!-4
32. Indianapolis Colts (0-10)-The quest for imperfection resumes this week!=

NOTES: Top 3 risers-1. Bal, Phi+5 2. Mia, Car+4… Top 3 fallers-1. NYG-6 2. SD, Stl-4… The hold steadys- #1GB, #2SF, #3NO, #4Hou, #7Chi, #13Oak, #17Ten, #29Wash, #30Min, #32Ind… Best collective division-AFC North-11.5 avg… Worst collective division-AFC South-20.25 avg.

The Texans enter the top 5, but bad news follows.

Week 11 Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers (9-0)-A typical 2011 Aaron Rodgers performance gives the Packers a guaranteed winning record in as few games as possible.=
2. San Francisco 49ers (8-1)-It’s odd to see the San Francisco 49ers as run-happy, defensive monster, but that’s their new identity. Time for the rest of the NFL (including Green Bay) to beware.=
3. New Orleans Saints (7-3)-Another huge day from Drew Brees combined with an absolute wallop of a fourth-and-one gamble put the Saints in the driver’s seat of the NFC South.+5
4. Houston Texans (7-3)-Houston essentially pitched a perfect game against Tampa Bay by dominating ball control, rushing yards, passing yards, turnovers, sacks, and of course points. Can Leinart keep it going?.+7
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3)-It wasn’t pretty, but the Steelers got the win over the Bengals. After being sacked five times, the bye couldn’t come at a better time for Big Ben.+1
6. New York Giants (6-3)-Eli Manning did some incredible things in a second half clash with San Fran, but a terrible fourth quarter pick gave the 49ers control of the game.-3
7. Chicago Bears (6-3)-With the entire AFC West, Seattle, and the Vikings accounting for six of their last seven games, the Bears have a legit shot to steal the NFC North from the Packers… who they also play.+5
8. Cincinnati Bengals (6-3)-The Bengals lost, but they showed the Steelers that they aren’t backing down from anyone. Cincy gets another shot at Pittsburgh in less than three weeks.-1
9. New England Patriots (6-3)-Ridiculous individual efforts from Rob Gronkowski and Andre Carter placed the Patriots alone atop the AFC East. Their remaining opponents are 21-43 combined.=
10. Baltimore Ravens (6-3)-This team should be 9-0 and owning the AFC North. A loss to the Bengals next week would drop them to a disappointing third place.-5
11. Detroit Lions (6-3)-Detroit was in desperation mode so early that Matthew Stafford had to throw 66 times last week. He needs to be fined for taking his frustrations out on D.J. Moore’s neck.-7
12. Atlanta Falcons (5-4)-If it was fourth and nine from their own 49, I could see where Coach Mike Smith was coming from. But from the 29?+1
13. Oakland Raiders (5-4)-A big game on the ground and six sacks of Philip Rivers positioned the Raiders a game up on the rest of the AFC West. They don’t play against their division until weeks 16 and 17.+4
14. New York Jets (5-4)-The Jets have only four days to get over the countless mistakes that cost them a relatively easy path to the AFC East crown.-4
15. Dallas Cowboys (5-4)-I’m not even sure that the Cowboys themselves realize they’re just a game behind the Giants with two still to play against them… including a tasty one in week 17.+3
16. Buffalo Bills (5-4)-The Bills are starting to look a lot like the Bills. Was getting David Nelson a TD in front of his girlfriend the only thing they practiced last week?-2
17. Tennessee Titans (5-4)-The Titans are above .500 and on the bubble of a playoff berth. Just keep giving that fast guy with the dreadlocks the football.+3
18. Denver Broncos (4-5)-The Broncos knew their quarterback wasn’t Aaron Rodgers (and barely John Skelton). So they decided to man-up and ran the ball 55 times. Cheers to a ‘man win’.+4
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5)-The Bucs have lost four of five, and three in a row. Green Bay looks to add to that this week.-4
20. Kansas City Chiefs (4-5)-When the going gets tough, pretend your remaining schedule is not against NE, Pitt, Chi, NYJ, GB, Oak, and Den.-4
21. San Diego Chargers (4-5)-Like I said last week, they’re just a game out. No big deal.-2
22. Seattle Seahawks (3-6)- Pete Carroll rode the Lynch-wagon 30 times despite Marshawn’s longest run being just eight yards. And the Seahawks beat Baltimore. Run the damn ball and you’ll win. +6
23. Arizona Cardinals (3-6)-It’s too bad the 49ers are doing what they’re doing this year because the Cardinals or the Seahawks could reach 2010’s magical 7-9 with just a 4-3 finish.+6
24. Philadelphia Eagles (3-6)-When they said “Dream Team”, did they mean they would make other team’s dreams come true in the fourth quarter nearly every week?-3
25. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-6)-Not even Peyton Manning’s… uhh… Curtis Painter/Dan Orlovsky’s mighty Indianapolis offense could crack Jacksonville’s sixth best scoring defense.+1
26. Miami Dolphins (2-7)-After two tough losses that dropped them to 0-7, the Dolphins have responded with a nifty two-game win streak.+4
27. St. Louis Rams (2-7)-It was the lucky number seventh time the Rams were held to 13 or fewer points in a game this season that finally produced a win.+4
28. Cleveland Browns (3-6)-If you didn’t predict the Browns would lose 13-12 to the Rams due to a botched 22-yard field goal attempt, you have no business being involved in American Football.-5
29. Washington Redskins (3-6)-Not counting the Colts, the Redskins now have the longest losing streak in the NFL at five games. They haven’t had a lead since October 2^nd.-5
30. Minnesota Vikings (2-6)-No one likes getting bullied… especially not in front of a large group of people. The Vikings torment at the hands of the Pack on MNF raises awareness for such heinous acts.-3
31. Carolina Panthers (2-7)-A sloppy first quarter against the Titans left Carolina in a 14-0 whole less than ten minutes into play. Twelve penalties won’t help anyone’s cause.-6
32. Indianapolis Colts (0-10)-When they return from their bye in week 12, it is guaranteed that they will still be at least two games ahead of the entire LFN (the backwards NFL).=

NOTES: Top 3 risers-1. Hou+7 2. Sea, Ari+6… Top 3 fallers-1. Det-7 2. Car-6 3. Bal, Cle, Wash-5… The hold steadys-#1GB, #2SF, #9NE, #32Ind… Best collective division-NFC North-12.25 avg… Worst collective division-AFC South-19.5 avg.

New York takes Giant step to enter the top 3

Week 10 Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers (8-0)-Aaron Rodgers continues to dazzle, but the Packers have yet to face a top ten defense. They rank in the bottom half of total points allowed as well.=
2. San Francisco 49ers (7-1)-If it weren’t for a blown ten point lead late in the fourth quarter in week two, we would be talking about two undefeated NFC teams here in November.=
3. New York Giants (6-2)-They didn’t beat an 18-0 juggernaut last week, but Eli Manning once again out-Brady’d the Patriots. A win in San Fran could start Super Bowl chatter.+5
4. Detroit Lions (6-2)-How do they still have two games to play before they finally face Green Bay?=
5. Baltimore Ravens (6-2)-Four of their six wins have come against teams that are currently two or more games above .500. Sweeping the Steelers is exceptional. +2
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3)-Torrey Smith pushed off to make his game winning grab, but there’s no whining allowed in a Ravens vs. Steelers grudge match.-3
7. Cincinnati Bengals (6-2)-The Bengals are currently the number one seed in the AFC. Dalton has fewer picks than Rivers, Brees, Brady, Fitzpatrick, Roethlisberger, and Vick to name a few.+2
8. New Orleans Saints (6-3)-The Saints can take control of the NFC South with a win in Atlanta this week. They rank behind only Green Bay in points per game.+2
9. New England Patriots (5-3)-This week’s opponent, Jets, are the only above .500 team the Patriots have beaten this year. Brady has been sacked multiple times in four straight games.-3
10. New York Jets (5-3)-Mark Sanchez is on pace for a 26 TD, 14 int season that slightly bests Brett Favre’s career averages. The Jets have scored 24 or more points in six of eight games this year.+4
11. Houston Texans (6-3)-The Texans have run the ball 313 times this season. That’s 64 more times than the Jaguars who have the second most rushes. Houston ranks second in time of possession as well.=
12. Chicago Bears (5-3)-The Bears dominated the final twenty minutes to win in Philly. They can tie Detroit in the North by handing them their first road loss of the season this week.+3
13. Atlanta Falcons (5-3)-Julio Jones delivers in ‘Magatron-esque’ fashion as the Falcons continue to surge back to respectability.+4
14. Buffalo Bills (5-3)-The Bills were demolished by the Jets last week. Encores with New York and New England are Buffalo’s only remaining games against above .500 teams.-9
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4)-The Buccaneers have been outscored 196-147 this year. They have yet to win by more than a touchdown.+1
16. Kansas City Chiefs (4-4)-Their momentum was obliterated by the Dolphins last week as Matt Cassel was sacked five times.-4
17. Oakland Raiders (4-4)-Outscored 31-7 in the second half versus the Broncos, the Raiders look to rebound against the ‘Chargeless’ Chargers. Oakland has thrown nine picks in the past two games.-4
18. Dallas Cowboys (4-4)-442 yards should lead to more than twenty-three points, but props to Dan Bailey who hasn’t missed a FG since the Cowboys’ first drive in week two.+3
19. San Diego Chargers (4-4)-Their division is so terrible that ending their three-game losing streak against Oakland this week is not particularly crucial.=
20. Tennessee Titans (4-4)-Chris Johnson is 28^th in the league in rushing yards, and I’m not going to count how many qualified leaders have more yards per rushing attempt.-2
21. Philadelphia Eagles (3-5)-Not to discredit the Bears, but if the Eagles can’t beat them at home, what relevant teams can they even compete with?-1
22. Denver Broncos (3-5)-The Broncos are a game behind every team in their awful division. And have the NFL’s ambassador to heaven on their side.+2
23. Cleveland Browns (3-5)-The NFL has so many awful teams this year that the Browns have a better record than eight of them.=
24. Washington Redskins (3-5)-If it not for a last second touchdown last week, I could have written “The Redskins have averaged an impossible 1.5 points per game over the past two weeks.” Curse you, John Beck!-2
25. Carolina Panthers (2-6)-With an offense capable of putting up big yardage every week, the Panthers exit their bye as one of the NFL’s best spoilers.+1
26. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6)-With an offense incapable of putting up big yardage any week, the Jaguars exit their bye as one of the NFL’s worst spoilers. +2
27. Minnesota Vikings (2-6)-Out of contention in the ridiculous NFC North, the Vikings serve as a record booster for seven playoff contenders in their final eight games.-2
28. Seattle Seahawks (2-6)-This second place team is five games back in their division entering week nine. You have to love the NFC West.-1
29. Arizona Cardinals (2-6)-Evenly-matched, atrocious teams make for great football. Can Patrick Peterson play quarterback?+1
30. Miami Dolphins (1-7)-Matt Moore is my mid-season MVP choice because he had the best mid-season game out of anyone in the NFL. That’s how it works, right?+1
31. St. Louis Rams (1-7)-The Rams have forced safeties on back to back defensive plays as many times as they’ve won games this year.-2
32. Indianapolis Colts (0-9)-[Insert generic insult to this team and their integrity here]=

NOTES: Top 3 risers-1. NYG+5 2.NYJ,Atl+4… Top 3 fallers-1. Buf-9 2. KC,Oak-4… The hold steadys- #1GB, #2SF, #4Det, #11Hou, #19SD, #23Cle, #32Ind… Best collective division-AFC North-10.25 avg… Worst collective division-NFC West-22.5 avg.

Did we really think the Steelers would stink?

Week 9 Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers (7-0)-The league took a break from the Packers last week. Two battles with the Lions highlight their remaining schedule.=
2. San Francisco 49ers (6-1)-Keeping the ball out of Alex Smith’s hands is working for San Fran. Smith is 24th in the NFL in pass attempts.+25
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)-Now riding a four game win streak, the Steelers try to avenge an embarrassing week one loss to the Ravens.-1
4. Detroit Lions (6-2)-Detroit responded to their game two game slide by clobbering the Broncos. They rest up before visiting the Bears next.+12
5. Buffalo Bills (5-2)-The Bills sacked the life out of John Beck last week. They host the Jets in a huge divisional matchup this week.+25
6. New England Patriots (5-2)-After a big loss in Pittsburgh, the Pats invite the Giants into New England for a Super Bowl XLII rematch.-2
7. Baltimore Ravens (5-2)-After giving Jacksonville their second win of the season two weeks ago, the Ravens nearly fell to the one-win Cardinals.=
8. New York Giants (5-2)-The Giants remaining nine games include four divisional matchups, four against first place teams, and no games against teams that are currently worse than 3-4.+6
9. Cincinnati Bengals (5-2)-An easy win in Seattle shows that the Bengals are somewhat for real. They control their own fate with two games remaining versus both Baltimore and Pittsburgh.+22
10. New Orleans Saints (5-3)-After dishing out one of the biggest blowouts in NFL history, the Saints lost decisively to career backup quarterback A.J. Feeley and the then 0-6 Rams.-2
11. Houston Texans (5-3)-The Texans are leading one of the worst divisions in the NFL, and play only one team better than 4-3 (Cin) the rest of the year.+6
12. Kansas City Chiefs (4-3)-The Chiefs are back on top in the AFC West thanks to a much needed four game win streak.+1
13. Oakland Raiders (4-3)-The Raiders were looking up at San Diego entering their bye week, but Kansas City now leads their division by percentage points.+13
14. New York Jets (4-3)-The Jets can take over first place in the AFC East by winning in Buffalo this week and taking down the Pats at home after that.-11
15. Chicago Bears (4-3)-Matt Forte still leads the league in total yards from scrimmage after a Bears bye last week.-5
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3)-Tampa Bay looks to add insult to injury with another win over New Orleans. They take first place if they do so.-5
17. Atlanta Falcons (4-3)-Atlanta can keep pace with whoever wins the Tampa Bay versus New Orleans game by beating the pathetic Colts this week.-11
18. Tennessee Titans (4-3)-Chris Johnson is averaging well under fifty yards per game. A loss to Cincinnati this week could terminate their playoff chances.+5
19. San Diego Chargers (4-3)-San Diego is reeling. A visit from the Packers this week is not what the doctor ordered.-7
20. Philadelphia Eagles (3-4)-The Eagles embarrassed the Cowboys last week.  They look like the best team that currently has a losing record.-15
21. Dallas Cowboys (3-4)-The Cowboys just can’t seem to keep it together this season. A mild remaining schedule gives them a glimmer of hope.-1
22. Washington Redskins (3-4)-The once surprising Redskins have lost four of their last five games, and host the still surprising 49ers next.+7
23. Cleveland Browns (3-4)-The Browns offense continues not to excite by averaging just 8 points over their last two games.+5
24. Denver Broncos (2-5)-Don’t blame Tim Tebow for the Broncos troubles. This team has just about nothing going for it.+1
25. Minnesota Vikings (2-5)-After their bye week, the Vikings will face the Packers for the second time in three games.-3
26. Carolina Panthers (2-5)-The Panthers have allowed 24 or more points in all five of their losses and less than that in their two wins. They can blame the kicker this week though.+6
27. Seattle Seahawks (2-5)-The Seahawks one upped (or downed) the Browns over the past two weeks by averaging a mere 7.5 points per game.-12
28. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5)-The Jaguars defense sits at a respectable 10^th in the NFL. But their dead last offense is not quite so adequate.-9
29. St. Louis Rams (1-6)-Steven Jackson and the Rams trampled the Saints in one of this season’s biggest upsets to date.-11
30. Arizona Cardinals (1-6)-The Cardinals nearly joined the Rams with a tight loss to the Ravens, but instead extended their losing streak to six.-6
31. Miami Dolphins (0-7)-The Dolphins’ record is at least three games worse than any of their remaining opponents.-10
32. Indianapolis Colts (0-8)-The Colts have allowed 27 or more points in six of their first nine games. They’ve scored 20 or more just twice.-23

NOTES: Top 3 risers-1. SF, Buff+25 3. Cin+22… Top 3 fallers-1. Ind 23 2. Phi-15 3. Sea-12… The hold steadys- #1GB, #7Bal… Best collective division-AFC North-10.5 avg… Worst collective division-AFC South- 22.25 avg.