1. New Orleans Saints (9-0)
Everyone has a bad day at the office, which is what New Orleans had against the St. Louis Rams last Sunday. But, good teams always manage to win bad games.
2. Indianapolis Colts (9-0)
That was an impressive win against the New England Patriots. With Peyton Manning behind center, even after throwing two picks, 17-point deficits are a walk in the park.
3. Minnesota Vikings (8-1)
Minnesota is 8-1 for the first time since 1998. But unlike ‘98, Brett Favre should be able to keep them from heartbreak. That’s why they signed the NFL’s ultimate trump card.
4. Cincinnati Bengals (7-2)
After sweeping the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday, the fate of Cincinnati rests on their own shoulders. It should be interesting to see the extent of Cedric Benson’s injury. If he can’t go for a while, will it be Larry Johnson or Bernard Scott getting majority of the reps?
Bill Belichick had a lot of explaining to do after 'The Call' against the Colts on Monday night.
BILL BELICHICK! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!?! The call to go for it on fourth-and-2 on their own 29-yard line has been the talk of the week. I would just ask this: why give Peyton Manning the ball on a short field with a chance to win the game?
6. Arizona Cardinals (6-3)
After a shaky start to the season, Arizona is proving to be a quiet contender in the NFC for the second straight year. If they beat St. Louis Sunday, they should have the division all wrapped up.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3)
That was a tough loss to Cincinnati, but it’s no need for Pittsburgh to hit the panic button. They should be able to contend for a wildcard spot. Remember what happened last time they were a wildcard?
8. San Diego Chargers (6-3)
San Diego is red hot. With the Denver Broncos losing three straight, their late-Sunday afternoon matchup at Invesco Field just got a whole lot more interesting and could just put those late surging Chargers in control of the AFC West. Hmm. Sound familiar?
9. Denver Broncos (6-3)
They are starting to cool off big time since starting the season 6-0. Now, there are major questions looming. The biggest being can Denver’s defense bounce back? They seem to be giving up big plays too often, which they can’t do if Kyle Orton is out for an extended period of time with an ankle injury.
10. Dallas Cowboys (6-3)
Dallas finally fell to earth a little bit against the Green Bay Packers. So, Roy Williams wants to be a top flight receiver? Well, first, you have to make big catches to be even considered one. Second, you can’t fumble the ball when you do make a big catch.
11. Philadelphia Eagles (5-4)
Even though Donovan McNabb had a heck of a game throwing the ball, they still lost on the road against San Diego last Sunday. Losers of two straight, they need to get LeSean McCoy acclimated into their offense now if they want to make a run with Brian Westbrook out.
12. Baltimore Ravens (5-4)
Baltimore won an ugly game against the lowly Cleveland Browns and lost Pro Bowl lineback Terrell Suggs in the process to an MCL sprain. Even though they aren’t terrible, something is lacking in this team to picture them as an AFC contender.
13. Green Bay Packers (5-4)
That was an impressive victory against the Dallas Cowboys last Sunday. With all the pressure Aaron Rodgers is facing on a weekly basis, he’s still making plays and keeping them in the NFC playoff picture.
14. Atlanta Falcons (5-4)
So, can we finally stop calling them an NFC contender? Atlanta has yet to beat a top notch team yet, losing to New England, Dallas, and New Orleans. Keep in mind, after they face the New York Giants Sunday, they still have two games against Philadelphia and New Orleans.
15. Houston Texans (5-4)
Following their bye week, Houston has a Monday night match-up against the Tennessee Titans. A couple of weeks ago, that would have been chalked up as a win. But with Tennessee’s offense making plays now, Houston’s defense has to cut out their usual penchant for giving up big plays.
16. New York Giants (5-4)
New York got a much needed bye week after suffering four straight losses. Ever since their scrimmage against the Oakland Raiders back in October, their defense has looked completely lost and their offense has gotten away from the running game a bit.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4)
Jacksonville was supposed to be too young to make a run for the post season, but they just might surprise us all. Maurice Jones-Drew is playing some of the best football of his young career right now and it seems like everyone is doing their part to get them above .500.
18. Miami Dolphins (4-5)*
Ronnie Brown is out for the season, leaving Ricky Williams to handle the load as the main focus of the wildcat. Williams is quietly having a great season and could do a decent job manning the ship.
19. Carolina Panthers (4-5)*
They’ve won four of their last six with Jake Delhomme limiting turnovers. Running back DeAngelo Williams’ massive production has helped too. However, Carolina has to finish the season without start left tackle Jordan Gross.
20. San Francisco 49ers (4-5)
San Francisco won an ugly game against the Chicago Bears thanks to their defense and a decent game from Frank Gore. But, a late run for the playoffs might be hard at this point, seeing as they have Green Bay, Jacksonville, Arizona, and Philadelphia remaining on their schedule.
21. New York Jets (4-5)
The Jets are in free fall at the moment. If they lose against New England this Sunday, they are basically out of the AFC post season race. Hopefully, Rex Ryan won’t cry if that happens.
22. Chicago Bears (4-5)
Things aren’t looking good for Chicago at the moment. Everyone in the city is angry with general manager Jerry Angelo and head coach Lovie Smith and frustrated over the play of quarterback Jay Cutler, who leads the NFL with 17 interceptions through nine games. A loss to Philadelphia on Sunday night would put a dagger in the 2009 season.
23. Tennessee Titans (3-6)
Vince Young has seemed to given Tennessee a spark. Some say he shouldn’t get credit for their winning streak because Chris Johnson has had a tremedous season. Just remember, Johnson was playing well when they were 0-6. You have to give Young his props.
24. Seattle Seahawks (3-6)
It’s been a rough season in Seattle for Matt Hasselbeck and company. Much like last year, injuries have plagued them.
25. Buffalo Bills (3-6)
Buffalo did the inevitable by firing head coach Dick Jauron earlier this week. Now, their hunt for a coach begins since their hunt for a playoff berth died weeks ago.
26. Washington Redskins (3-6)
They had a solid outing against Denver last Sunday. Unfortunately, they have to take their one game winning streak into Cowboys Stadium next Sunday.
27. Kansas City Chiefs (2-7)
New starting running back Jamaal Charles looked good against Oakland, and they got a nice road victory. Hey, it might have been ugly, but a win is a win in the NFL.
28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-8)
Josh Freeman has been impressive in his last two starts, helping their offense show flashes at times. Their defense still hasn’t been very encouraging though.
29. Oakland Raiders (2-7)
JaMarcus Russell is officially out as starting quarterback. Why it took nine games to figure out he’s not the answer is anyone’s guess. Maybe they feel Bruce Gradkowski is just as bad.
30. St. Louis Rams (1-8)
St. Louis gave it all they could against New Orleans but still lost. As always, Steven Jackson was very impressive, rushing for 131 yards and a score.
31. Detroit Lions (1-8)
Matthew Stafford played okay against a tough Minnesota pass rush. Even though things have been rough since Detroit notched their first win in 19 games earlier this season, they get to face number 32 at home Sunday.
32. Cleveland Browns (1-8)
Even though they switched back to Brady Quinn behind center, Cleveland is still a straight up disaster. Last Monday night was proof of that.
*Rankings done prior to Thursday night game
