NFL Power Rankings: Week 12

1. San Diego Chargers (8-2): Right now, the Chargers are playing football as well as anybody in the NFL right now. The defense needs some improvement, but the way Phillip Rivers is throwing the football, and LT is running the football, the Chargers are destined for a deep playoff run. That win against Denver really boosted them, because they now have the inside track to perhaps the toughest division in football. (Note: When Shawne Merriman gets back, look out.)

2. Indianapolis Colts (9-1): As well as the Colts are playing, if they slip up anymore times, they could start to see that precious #1 seed become jeopardized. That being said, the Colts still have the best QB in the NFL right now, and the offense is very strong. However, defense is still a weak spot.

3. Chicago Bears (9-1): Now that they've got a two game winning streak, maybe they can break out this week against the New England Patriots on the road. That game will really test the Bears and their ability to play among the league's best. Big game for Chicago.

4. Baltimore Ravens (8-2): Four games won in a row, and a chance to seal the deal and win the division if they can beat Pittsburgh and Cincinnati over the next two weeks. The only real concerning loss all year is the loss to Denver 3-13 back in week 5, on the road. They seem to be on cruise control, and McNair (the only real concern I've had all year with this team), is holding up without any injuries or health issues.

5. Denver Broncos (7-3): All I can say is they really need to buckle down and win @ Kansas City tomorrow, not trip against the Seahawks, win @ San Diego, and beat a hungry Cincinnati team who in week 16 will be desperate for a win. Schedule is not easy. They really could have used that win against San Diego. Tough loss.

6. Carolina Panthers (6-4): With a nice two game winning streak, a healthy/dominant Steve Smith, and a collapsing New Orleans team combined with an Atlanta team that seems to be running around with its head cutt off, the Panthers look like your NFC South favorites (finally).

7. New England Patriots (7-3): Thanks to a convenient Jets loss, and an easy schedule after the Chicago game, the Pats seem home free for the division title. Only problem is, they seem to be looking at a Wild Card game in the playoffs. If they want a top 2 seed, they need beat Chicago this weekend.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4): Did they slice and dice the Giants or what?

9. New York Giants (6-4): Dallas has won two in row, while they have lost two in a row. The season isn't over, but it seems to have gone from "NFC # 1 seed" talk to "NFC East Champs?" questions. They need to beat the Titans this week. They have to. Otherwise, look for serious problems down in New York.

10. New Orleans Saints (6-4): They need to win @ Atlanta this week, otherwise you can kiss the playoff hopes goodbye. I think they can do it, but they really are in a heap of trouble, and in a two game losing skid. (Atlanta is in a 3 game losing streak).

11. Dallas Cowboys (6-4): With a Giants team in a snag, and a confident Tony "The Tiger" Romo, the Cowboys have a golden opportunity to pry the NFC East out a the Giants hand. (Note: A two game Giant losing skid + a two game Cowboy winning streak = a four game swing. Wow!)

12. Kansas City Chiefs (6-4): They're not going to win the AFC West, but a wild card spot is still up for grabs. It's a good thing Trent Green survived a Raider assault last Sunday because Herm Edwards would have looked real dumb for putting him back in as the starting QB.

13. Cincinnati Bengals (5-5): That win against the Saints was huge. That was a must win for the Bengals without a doubt. The problem, is the division is out of reach, the defense isn't too strong, and a lot of teams will be battling for that 5th and 6th spot in the AFC playoff bracket.

14. Atlanta Falcons (5-5): They complain about how they "don't know" what to do with Michael Vick, but they keep on changing the offensive scheme. They need to find a system, and stick with it. Michael Vick may not be enough to take them to the Superbowl, but he could certainly play a vital role on a Superbowl team with the proper system.

15. Seattle Seahawks (6-4): Right now, they need to get Hasslebeck and Alexander back in full health (Shaun Alexander made his debut last week, and Hasslebeck scheduled to start this week). They better make a smooth recovery, otherwise things could result in a post-season without the Seahawks.

16. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-6): They're hanging on by a shoe string, but they won't die. They've won two crucial games back-to-back, and Big Ben is stepping up more. But the schedule says odds against this Pittsburgh team, with two games left against the red-hot Ravens, a trip to Carolina, and a trip to Cincinnati.

17. San Francisco 49ers (5-5): The division in the NFC West is still up for grabs, and with a confident Alex Smith, a crazy legged Frank Gore, the 49ers seem to be poised to push for a playoff berth. With games against St. Louis, New Orleans, Green Bay, and Arizona, the schedule looks to be very manageable. (Two tough games left though: @ Seattle and @ Denver)

18. New York Jets (5-5): I don't think the Jets can make it without a solid QB at the helm. The good news is Schedule. Houston, @ Green Bay, Buffalo, @ Minnesota, @ Miami, and Oakland. I think in that 6 game stretch, a 4-2 run is very conceiveable leaving them with a 9-7 record. Is that good enough for the playoffs? We'll have to see.

19. Minnesota Vikings (4-6): They look fried, but other than a trip to Chicago, the schedule could work to their favor. Arizona, @ Chicago, @ Detroit, N.Y. Jets, @ Green Bay, and St. Louis. But here's the real problem with the Vikings: 24th in the NFL in turnover ratio. Need to cut back on turnovers.

20. Miami Dolphins (4-6): 3 wins straight, and a game against Detroit on Turkey Day. Things could turn their way, but a lot would have to happen for it to happen.

21. Philadelphia Eagles (5-5): Season without Donovan McNabb = disaster. Need I say more?

22. Buffalo Bills (4-6): Great throw by J.P. Losman and an even better catch by Peerless Price. The Bills are barely alive, and need to buckle up to beat a tough Jaguar team on Sunday.

23. St. Louis Rams (4-6): They lost 5 straight just like I always knew. That early season schedule is for sissies.

24. Green Bay Packers (4-6): That 0-35 point loss to the Patriots will be hard to get over, and hopefully they can rebound @ Seattle.

25. Washington Redskins (3-7): Without Clinton Portis, the Redskins have no shot to make any noise. Better luck next year, 'Skins.

26. Cleveland Browns (3-7): Tough loss to the Steel City last week. Woah, that bites.

27. Tennessee Titans (3-7): The Colts, Patriots, and Giants will take them to the cleaners. Season is over, but the best thing for this franchise is to get Vince Young his reps for next year. That will do them a lot of good long term.

28. Houston Texans (3-7): They need to give David Carr more support, right now he's getting nothing.

29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-7): I don't care what you say, Bruce Gradkowski can't be the answer for them at QB long term.

30. Oakland Raiders (2-8): Only reason Al Davis won't fire Art Shell, is beacuse they both are trying to mend an ugly past.

31. Arizona Cardinals (2-8): They suck, and I got nothing else to comment on.

32. Detroit Lions (2-8): They better win on Turkey Day.

NBA Power Rankings: Week 3

1. Utah Jazz (9-1): They are on a roll right now. Deron Williams is playing great, Mehmet Okur is dominating the inside with Boozer, and the rookies are stepping up. The only concern is Andre Kirilenko is hurt, but if they keep winning, it may not be that much of a let down.

2. San Antonio Spurs (7-2): They are playing well, and with an early season win @ Dallas, you know they're feeling good.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers (7-3): With Lebron playing like a true phenom, the Cavs seem to have a good shot at taking the East with a deflated Pistons team, and a Heat team that could suffer from post-championship syndrome (PCS).

4. Los Angeles Clippers (6-2): They're ready for another post season run, only this time knowing what to expect.

5. Dallas Mavericks (5-4): After that abysmal 0-4 start, they've won 5 in a row, and seem to be ready to be playing some basketball. Dirk and co. look to be once again an elite team of the NBA.

6. New Orleans Hornets (7-3): Maybe with an improved Chris Paul, New Orleans can be a mini threat in the west.

7. Los Angeles Lakers (6-3): They're winning, but with Kobe as their Czar, I'm not sure much noise will come out of the Laker-Section of L.A. this year. L.A. will turn into a Clipper town. You watch, it will.

8. Golden State Warriors (7-3): Also winners of 5 straight, the Warriors seem to be playing pretty well. My only concern is that Baron Davis and Jason Richardson won't be complimented well with that crappy Golden State low post.

9. New Jersey Nets (5-4): You think that Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, and Richard Jefferson are enough? They would be if they can get a better interior.

10. Detroit Pistons (5-5): People are saying that this Detroit team isn't the same with out Ben Wallace, and I gotta tell you, I can see that difference as well.
11. Orlando Magic (7-3): Dwight Howard is really coming into his own this year, is he not?

12. Miami Heat (4-5): They'll be higher in the rankings later this year, but for the time being, I want to say that It's gonna be interesting to see how the Heat do this year, having to deal with the possibility of a scary Cleveland team in the neighborhood. Dywane Wade is playing just like the All-Star he's always been. The key problem is Shaq. What can he do to help them by sitting on the bench wearing a suite? Maybe the new balls have gotten to his head.

13. Sacramento Kings (5-3): The emergence of Kevin Martin this year adds another dimension to this already potent and loaded Kings team.

14. Houston Rockets (6-4): Yao Ming and T-Mac should be enough for a Rocket playoff berth this year.

15. Denver Nuggets (4-4): Without Kenyon Martin the Nuggets just won't be the same.

16. Indiana Pacers (5-5): They get rid of Ron Artest because he's a thug, and then Stephen Jackson restores order in Indy by getting arrested. Early season distractions lead to late season collapses. Not good for the Pacers.

17. Washington Wizards (4-5): Beating Cleveland is a great moral booster for these guys. With Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison, and Caron Butler playing well the Wizards will be a team to look out for later in the year.

18. Phoenix Suns (3-6): If Amare Stoudemire continues to get better from his injury, look out for Phoenix. They'll be in the mix the whole year.

19. Philadelphia 76ers (4-5): Allen Iverson needs more help than Chris Webber if they are to be any good at all this season.

20. Boston Celtics (4-6): They're not gonna do much this year. Paul Pierce needs a better supporting cast around him.

21. Portland Trail Blazers (5-6): With the Jazz on auto pilot the division, and an eight seed seems like a long ways off for these "Jail Blazers".

22. Atlanta Hawks (4-4): They may not appear to be any good, but Joe Johnson is playing as well as anybody in the league.

23. Chicago Bulls (3-6): That 3 game skid sucks, but I expect a better Chicago team this year that will make some serious noise overall. But right now, they're playing pretty bad. Good thing It's a long season, eh?

24. New York Knicks (4-7): Looks like they'll crack the 20 win barrier.

25. Milwaukee Bucks (3-7): Michael Redd's 57 point game was pretty amazing. His scoring average is over 30 points a game.

26. Seattle Sonics (4-7): I don't see the Ray Allen/Rashard Lewis combo leading them to the playoffs.

27. Minnesota Timberwolves (3-6): Either Kevin Garnett gets help or you let him get a better team, not doing anything to help KG is selfish.

28. Charlotte Bobcats (2-7): They may suck, but you gotta like Adam Morrision's early season success.

29. Toronto Raptors (2-7): They suck.

30. Memphis Grizzlies (1-8): Rudy Gay may look good, but they clearly need Pau Gasol back.

NFL Power Rankings: Week 11

1. Indianapolis Colts (9-0): The Colts just keep winning and winning. Once again, the regular season proves to be no test, so it's really all about the playoffs with this team. Peyton Manning is playing better than any QB in the NFL right now, and he seems more confident than ever.

2. Denver Broncos (7-2): Big game tomorrow against the Chargers. I have a gut feeling that if the Broncos beat San Diego Chargers twice this year, the AFC West is theirs with a 14-2 record.

3. San Diego Chargers (7-2): They better beat Denver tomorrow, because if they do, that game against Denver in San Diego will be ten times easier. Huge game tomorrow. This game will really test the poise, confidence, and mental stability of Phillip Rivers. If the Chargers win tomorrow, they will be feeling like the best team in the NFL.

4. Chicago Bears (8-1): After that horrid loss to Miami, beating the Giants was very impressive. Look, I think we've all figured out the key to the Bears success and their weakness over the last 4 games. If Rex Grossman doesn't play like crap, they win. If he plays like crap, they can't beat any good, decent NFL team. Grossman is the key to this team, not the Defense, since we know every Sunday Brian Urlacher and his clan of Defensive brutes will put the wood to anybody and even score points. How well Rex Grossman will play is always a mystery to us prior to game day. All they ask of Rex is "Don't play like crap." note: I think that 108 yard field goal return for a Touchdown by Devin Hester was pretty sick.


5. New York Giants (6-3): They had a chance to prove why they were the best in the NFC and they let a chicken-shit kick ruin everything. Listen, if your gonna miss a kick, don't make it returnable. Plus, now that the Bears get to play easy teams (other than the Patriots), the rest of the way, it looks like the Bears are destined to win the NFC's #1 seeding. Too bad for Eli and co.

6. Baltimore Ravens (7-2): Since everybody else in the AFC north is hiding in a cave with losing records, we know the AFC North belongs to Baltimore.

7. New England Patriots (6-3): They may have lost two straight, but I think a trip to Green Bay will get all the kinks out before the showdown against the Chicago Bears.

8. New Orleans Saints (6-3): With Atlanta and Carolina clipping at their heels a win tomorrow against the Bengals tomorrow is a must win game for them. Especially with a trip to Atlanta coming up the following week.

9. Atlanta Falcons (5-4): Michael Vick can do a lot, but he needs more help in his pursuit for an NFC South Crown.

10. Carolina Panthers (5-4): Yeah, we all know beating Tampa Bay on Monday Night saved their season. Steve Smith's productivity is making Jake Delhomme look like the best QB in the NFC.

11. Seattle Seahawks (6-3): As long as Hasslebeck and Alexander are hurt, the Seahawks won't feel totally safe in the NFC West division race. We may look back at that Week One all field goal victory against the Lions as the biggest game of the year for them.

12. New York Jets (5-4): If they beat the Bears tomorrow, NYJ playoff hopes will remain well alive. (note: they nearly beat the Colts in a three point heartbreaker).

13. Philadelphia Eagles (5-4): With the NFC East still up for grabs, they need to win every game they can win, such as tomorrow's game against the Titans. It may sound easy, but all the more important to win.

14. Kansas City Chiefs (5-4): Let me just say that starting Trent Green tomorrow at QB is more than just taking a chance.

15. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4): They lost to Houston last week, and I can't imagine they'll do much to shake up the Giants.

16. Dallas Cowboys (5-4): I just get the vibe like things just won't work out down in the Big-D.

17. Cincinati Bengals (4-5): Tomorrow's game against the Saints is winnable, and a must win. They can't blow this one away. They have to win. Period.

18. San Francisco 49ers (4-5): I know this sounds Psycho, but if they beat the Seahawks tomorrow, the battle for the NFC West crown could wind up being a two team battle.

19. Minnesota Vikings (4-5): The NFC North is obviously outta reach, but a playoff berth isn't. If they want to run the table, they need to start strong by beating the crappy Dolphins tomorrow.

20. St. Louis Rams (4-5): I told you they were full of crap and an easy early season schedule.

21. Green Bay Packers (4-5): They may not be a playoff team, but Brett Favre is sure making things more interesting then they were thought to be.

22. Miami Dolphins (3-6): They've won two in a row, and if the Vikings aren't careful, it could be three in a row.

23. Buffalo Bills (3-6): They scared Indy and lost by one. Now it's off to Houston, and a chance to win their fourth game of the season.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-6): As we look back on it, Big Ben really was brought back too soon.

25. Cleveland Browns (3-6): They suck, Kellen Winslow Jr. is a wuss, and the whole moral of the "Dog Pound" is down again.

26. Washington Redskins (3-6): Without Clinton Portis, it seems to me like Washinton won't win very more games at all.

27. Houston Texans (3-6): They may suck, but the Bills are beatable.

28.Tennessee Titans (2-7): They suck, but at least Vince Young is getting his reps, and they don't condone stepping on other players necks with cleats on.

29. Oakland Raiders (2-7): Worst sports franchise in California.

30. Detroit Lions (2-7): All they got to root for is a win on Turkey Day, and with an upcoming game against the Cardinals tomorrow and a Turkey Day game against the Dolphins, things could get a little brighter before the power totally shuts off.

31.Tampa Bay Bucaneers (2-7): They suck.

32. Arizona Carinals (1-8): "L" is for Loser and Lions both of which will give them grief tomorrow and the rest of the year.

NFL Power Rankings: Week 10

1. Indianapolis Colts (8-0): They are now the NFL's only undefeated team thanks to their great performance against the Patriots and the Bears bullshit performance against the lowly dolphins. I don't know about you, but once again it smells like the seemingly annual "Is this the Colts Year?" debate is in full swing, and once again my answer to the question is "Only the Post-Season Can Tell".

2. Denver Broncos (6-2): Finally, they're starting to score some points. Over the last two games they've score a combined 62 points, losing to Indy (31-34) and beating Pittsburgh (31-20). I don't know about you, but seeing the offense click is a very good sign for this team.

3. Baltimore Ravens (6-2): Kind of an up and down year. They win four in a row, drop two in a row, and then win two more in a row. I want to see a little more consistency out of this team. But don't worry, they should have no problem facing the Hapless Titans this weekend.

4. New England Patriots (6-2): Two losses all year against #1 ranked Indy (last week by 7 points) and #2 Ranked Denver (by 10 points). I don't know about you, but don't you think that by playoff time Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, and co. can figure out how to beat these teams in the playoffs? I think they can, and don't be surprised if you see them do it.

5. Chicago Bears (7-1): They may have only one loss all year, but that loss to Miami was repugnant, and now that you mention it, that game that they almost lost to the hellacious Cardinals wasn't much prettier. They both share one key thing in common, and that one thing is that Rex Grossman was playing like a headless-chicken running from a fox in a chicken coupe. As long as Grossman plays well, the Bears play well, and when he plays like chicken shit, the Bears play like chicken shit. Pretty simple math, that applies to all teams. The QB has to play well if his team is gonna have a chance to win.

6. San Diego Chargers (6-2): They've been playing well all year, but now they're gonna get tested a bit, with a game on the road @ Cincinnati tomorrow, and the next week @ Denver. Listen, if San Diego wants to beat Denver next week, they have to start strong by beating the Bengals tomorrow.

7.New York Giants (6-2): I know they're talking Super Bowl out there in New York, and if they Beat the shaky Bears tomorrow night on Sunday Night Football, who says the Giants can't win Super Bowl XLI?

8. New Orleans Saints (6-2): They keep strokin', and keep winnin'. They looked shaky in week(s) 1 and 2, but at the end of the day, they won both games (against Green Bay and Cleveland), and ever since they whooped Atlanta like a Chow, they've been looking like the most confident team in the NFL, playing like they're on a mission.

9. Seattle Seahawks (5-3): Despite the fact that Shaun "The Faun" Alexander and Matt "the Alley Cat" Hasslebeck are both nursing their respective injuries, the Seahawks are hanging around. Listen, don't count these boys out just yet. They still got their can of whoop ass, I just think they may be putting on the shelf until "Slippery" Shaun and "Mad Cat" Matt get back.

10. Kansas City chiefs (5-3): With two games against the Raiders still ahead and a game against the "Dorky" Dolphins tomorrow, the Chiefs have a pretty favorable schedule. The only problem is whether Trent Green or Damon Huard should be the starter, but as I see it, as long as Damon Huard keeps winning, why switch back to Trent? That being said, you hate to see a guy lose his job because some greasy thug had to lay a cheap blow to his head leaving him with a horrible concussion.

11. Atlanta Falcons (5-3): After this weeks "easy" game against the Cleveland Browns, back-to-back games vs Baltimore on the road and New Orleans at home should give them a challenge to really test where they are among the NFL's best teams.

12. Cincinnati Bengals (4-4): They must beat San Diego tomorrow otherwise they are in a heap of trouble. With New Orleans, Baltimore, Indianapolis, Denver, and a Pittsburgh team that nearly beat them still ahead, the schedule does not get any easier for the Bengals.

13. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-3): David Garrard may be playing better than Byron Leftwich, but he's really gonna have to prove himself against the New York Giants, Indianapolis Colts, and the New England Patriots later this year to show he belongs as an NFL starting QB.


14. Carolina Panthers (4-4): Steve Smith is the best WR in the NFL period. If you don't think so, look at the impact he's had on his team. 0-2 without him, 4-2 with him. It's that simple. He averages 14 yards per reception, and he has a couple of TD's. The guy makes the offense flow down there in Carolina.

15. Minnesota Vikings (4-4): They seemed shocked about that loss to New England last week as they lost to the 49ers last week. But here is their Remaining Schedule: Green Bay, @ Miami, Arizona, @ Chicago, @ Detroit, N.Y. Jets, @ Green Bay, and St. Louis. Looks like a pretty easy schedule to me. They should beat Green bay twice, beat Miami, beat Arizona, lose to the Bears, beat Detroit, and split with New York and St.Louis, theoretically. Thus, in the second half of the season, Minnesota is poised for a nice little 6-2 run and a chance at a wild card berth finishing at 10-6 for the season. I've stated my case for how the Vikings can easily make the playoffs! Beat all the crappy teams!

16. Philadelphia Eagles (4-4): People are jumping off the Eagle band wagon since they have lost 3 games in a row. But those three losses were by a combined 12 points. Two of those games on the road (@ New Orleans and @ Tampa Bay), plus a tough home game vs. the Jaguars. They've been snake bitten alright, but if the can beat Washington tomorrow at home and then Tennessee at home the next week (both winnable games), then they can forget this whole mess and be ready to whoop on the Colts (ok, that game will be tough). But here's the point. They have to win their next two games to stay in the playoff conversation. Period.

17. Dallas Cowboys (4-4): They really need to beat Arizona tomorrow, since the Colts, Giants, Saints, and Falcons are all waiting to take a shot at them.

18. St. Louis Rams (4-4): What did I tell you? After that pussy schedule through week 5, they had to face some real teams, and what did they do? They lose 3 in a row. I don't know about you, but if they lose to a hobbled Seahawks team tomorrow, I'm kissing the Rams goodbye. (Note: They beat Arizona, Detroit, and Green Bay by a combined 12 points. That's only an average of winning by 4 points a contest. That's weak, not to mention the niners beat them as well.)

19. New York Jets (4-4): Things don't get any easier with back-to-back games against the Patriots and the Bears. Jets fans better say their prayers this week and next week. They are gonna need a miracle.

20. Washington Redskins (3-5): No matter how well they play, this hole they've dug themselves will be really hard to get out of.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-6): You can say what you want, but there's no magic season in Pittsburgh this year.

22. Buffalo Bills (3-5): With Willis McGahee hurt, and a game against the Colts tomorrow, do you think the Bills will be happy Monday morning? I don't think so.

23. San Francisco 49ers (3-5): The sound the Santa Clara 49ers doesn't roll of my tounge. I know they're not changing the name, but 49er football not being played in candlestick will need some getting used to. Oh, by the way, look for win tomorrow against the Lions. Yes, the 49ers should be 4-5 after tomorrow's game.

24. Miami Dolphins (2-6): They beat the Bears. How in the world did that happen? Oh, in case you were wondering, they still suck.

25. Green Bay Packers (3-5): Tomorrows game against the Vikings will be interesting, no doubt. Let's see how many more wins Brett Favre can squeeze out of his old leathery hands.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-6): They would really get a boost if they beat Carolina on Monday Night Football. But, I don't see it coming.

27. Detroit Lions (2-6): When they lose to the 49ers tomorrow, the whole city of Detriot will weep. (Actually they just don't give a shit about Lions football in the Motor City).

28. Cleveland Browns (2-6): First off, Michael Vick is going to run all over the Browns tomorrow, and secondly Kellen Winslow his a wuss (yup, he's hurt again).

29. Tennesse Titans (2-6): When Steve McNair and the Ravens comes to face them tomorrow, you know McNair will crush them like a paper cup.

30. Houston Texans (2-6): If you think the Texans have a shot at beating Jacksonville tomorrow, your nuts.

31. Oakland Raiders (2-6): Al Davis needs to sell for the sake of the franchise, but since he's such a greedy sleaze bag, he won't sell until he dies.

32. Arizona Carinals (1-7): You want me to say something about you guys? How about you guys win some football games.

NFL Power Rankings: Week 9

1. Chicago Bears (7-0): Despite all the talks of winning by defense, they still lead the NFL in points.

2. Indianapolis Colts (7-0): This upcoming game against the Patriots is huge for them. Peyton Manning has been awaiting this game with just as much excitement as a 5 year old waiting for Christmas Day. Hopefully for Peyton, he won't find coal in his stocking like in the past.

3. New England Patriots (6-1): They're on cruise control right now, and as long as Tom Brady keeps playing well, the Pats are going to be tough to beat in January.

4. Denver Broncos (5-2): They hung in there pretty tight against the colts in a HIGH SCORING game. I know every loss sucks, but they've got to be encouraged that they can run with the colts.

5. San Diego Chargers (5-2): They're second in the NFL in scoring and if Phillip Rivers keeps playing well, you know the Chargers and LT are going to be happy.

6. Baltimore Ravens (5-2): This week's game against the Bengals is huge. If they win, they division is undoubtedly theirs to lose.

7. New Orleans Saints (5-2): They look good, but an end of season collapse does kind of worry me.

8. Atlanta Falcons (5-2): If Michael Vick keeps winning games with his arm, the Falcons will be twice as deadly.

9. New York Giants (5-2): I must say, that 4 game winning streak is pretty impressive considering the hole they were in entering week 4 with a 1-2 record.

10. Cincinnati Bengals (4-3): If Chad Johnson takes a swing at Ray Lewis this weekend, that would be the ultimate sign that Chad Johnson is back.

11. Seattle Seahawks (4-3): It may be true that they can't be nearly as good without Matt Hasslebeck and Shaun Alexander, but with the Raiders coming to town, their is no excuse to lose that game.

12. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-3): Let's hope starting David Garrard is the right move. I'm not sure it is.

13. Minnesota Vikings (4-3): They're playing ok, but with Chicago having a stranglehold on the division, a wild card spot will be very hard to snag.

14. Dallas Cowboys (4-3): If Dallas beats Washington on Sunday, their long time rival, Tony Romo will be fully accepted as the starting QB in Dallas.

15. Kansas City Chiefs (4-3): As long as Trent Green is out, these chiefs just won't be the same. They really could use a win against the Rams this week.

16. Philadelphia Eagles (4-4): They were at one point 4-1 and now they've fallen to earth. Hopefully Donovan McNabb can come out and rescue this team, but even for a great QB like him, that will take some super human effort. They need to go at least 6-2 the rest of the year to have a shot at the post season.

17. Carolina Panthers (4-4): Now that Steve Smith is healthy and playing well, I'm still predicting a playoff berth, but only as a 5 or 6 seeded Wild Card team. That 0-2 start has really set up for them a rough playoff run if they even get there.

18. St. Louis Rams (4-3): They've had an easy schedule all year, and now they get to face a solid Chief team this week. If they beat KC, they'll be able to talk playoffs (maybe).

19. New York Jets (4-4): Without Curtis Martin, any Jet post-season run seems impossible.

20. Green Bay Packers (3-4): Like I said last week, if Green Bay beats winnable Buffalo this week and goes to 4-4, who knows what could happen.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-5): Maybe starting Big Ben against the Raiders wasn't so smart afterall.

22. Buffalo Bills (2-5): They could beat Green Bay this week, bump themselves up to 3-5, but it still won't matter, because they are not making the playoffs.

23. Washington Redskins (2-5): Last year, they looked like a Super Bowl contender, and now they aren't anywhere near the radar. Looks like a real debacle if you ask me.

24. Cleveland Browns (2-5): Would that Winslow kid cut all that "I'm the Best Tight End in the NFL " Bullshit. It's not working, or helping his team.

25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-5): Another playoff caliber team down the drain.

26. San Francisco 49ers (2-5): All I can say is that all they got is Alex Smith, Frank Gore, and Vernon Davis. All who have played well for young guys. But they need more experience to make any noise. Check back on them in 3 years.

27. Tennessee Titans (2-5): I like that they start Vince, but beyond that, nothing.

28. Oakland Raiders (2-5): If they win 3 in a row, maybe they'll win 5 games.

29. Houston Texans (2-5): They should really regret not drafting Reggie now.

30. Miami Dolphins (1-6): How can you write a more dismal script of going from top projected team to laughing stock of the league?

31. Detroit Lions (1-6): Fire Matt Millen

32. Arizona Cardinals (1-7): I think that the record and the whole shabang that has happend to them perfectly spells C-R-A-P.