1. San Diego (11-2, Last week’s ranking: 1) – The season touchdown record has now been broken three of the last four years. However, I think somehow LaDainian Tomlinson will keep this record for quite some time.

2. Baltimore (10-3, Last week’s ranking: 6) – Going into Kansas City isn’t easy, but the Ravens sure made it look that way. Holding a good Chiefs’ offense to only 10 points on their home turf was really impressive.  

3. New Orleans (9-4, Last week’s ranking: 7) – Drew Brees didn’t just dissect the Cowboys’ defense with the ease of a Pro Bowler, he also made the M.V.P. race with LaDainian Tomlinson a whole lot closer. Is it possible his down field throwing has gotten better than when he was with San Diego? It certainly looks that way from where I’m watching.

4. Chicago (11-2, Last week’s ranking: 5) – Many pundits wondered which position Devin Hester would fit best before the 2006 draft. After setting the NFL record with six returns for touchdowns against the Rams, Hester can play any position he wants as far as I’m concerned.

5. Indianapolis (10-3, Last week’s ranking: 2) – Just when you thought the Colts’ run defense couldn’t get any worse, this unit allows two 100-yard rushers in the first half alone and a mind-blowing 375 total yards on the ground. What must be going through the mind of GM Bill Polian?

6. Cincinnati (8-5, Last week’s ranking: 9) – The Bengals’ defense has really stepped up its play during this four-game winning streak. Defensively, Cincinnati has only allowed four touchdowns during that stretch and will look to continue its stellar play in a crucial matchup against the Colts on Monday Night Football.

7. Dallas (8-5, Last week’s ranking: 3) – Of all the things the Cowboys failed to do against the Saints, the most inexcusable part of the loss was the lack of defensive adjustments at halftime to stop the short passes in the flat that led to big gains. We’ll also see how the new king of Dallas, Tony Romo, handles his first bit of adversity.

8. New England (9-4, Last week’s ranking: 4) – How do you explain this loss to the Patriots’ faithful who had a Super Bowl run in mind. The Dolphins didn’t just beat down the Patriots last Sunday, they embarrassed them.

9. Jacksonville (8-5, Last week’s ranking: 10) – David Garrard had what is the equivalent of an off day against the Colts. When Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor run for a combined 297 yards, the quarterback’s only worry is not to fumble the snap.

10. Seattle (8-5, Last week’s ranking: 8) – The Seahawks will have major problems beating the 49ers this Sunday if they turnover the ball as many times as they did against the Cardinals.

11. N.Y. Giants (7-6, Last week’s ranking: 16) – Despite all the problems the Giants have gone through over the last month, they’re only one game back of the Cowboys. Their win over the Panthers should be a momentum builder for the final last games of the season.

12. Atlanta (7-6, Last week’s ranking: 14) – The injuries to Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood could leave the league’s best rushing team in a big hole against the Cowboys.

13. Philadelphia (7-6, Last week’s ranking: 17) – It’s incredible what a seasoned quarterback can do to lift the spirits of a team that lost its best player only a few weeks ago.

14. Tennessee (6-7, Last week’s ranking: 18) – Even when Vince Young isn’t having a great passing day, he can still kill you. That 39-yard TD run in overtime against the shell-shocked Texans was a thing of beauty.

15. N.Y. Jets (7-6, Last week’s ranking: 11) – With two straight road games coming up, the Jets blew a golden opportunity to keep pace in the wild card race on the heels of a surprising home loss to the Buffalo Bills.

16. Kansas City (7-6, Last week’s ranking: 12) – Even with a home game, it was a lot to asks the Chiefs to beat a hungry Ravens team still in the hunt for the best record in the AFC.

17. Denver (7-6, Last week’s ranking: 13) – Jay Cutler bounced back nicely from a rough first half and showed the poise necessary to succeed in this league. Nevertheless, his 0-2 record isn’t exactly going over well with the Bronco fans.

18. Miami (6-7, Last week’s ranking: 19) – Despite his age, Jason Taylor remains one of the best pass rushers in the league. The 32-year-old defensive end is so versatile, the Dolphins even used him at middle linebacker for a spell against the Patriots.

19. Pittsburgh (6-7, Last week’s ranking: 20) – Where was the Steelers running attack when the games mattered earlier in the year? The Steelers have to leapfrog over too many teams in the AFC in order to gain a playoff spot.

20. Minnesota (6-7, Last week’s ranking: 21) – In spite of losing five of their last six games, the Vikings still have a shot at the post-season. Don’t you just love the NFC?

21. Buffalo (6-7, Last week’s ranking: 23) – Look, the Bills’ win over the Jets was impressive but can we stop with the playoff talk. Fans should just be happy with a .500 season.

22. Carolina (6-7, Last week’s ranking: 15) – It wouldn’t have mattered if Jake Delhomme was healthy enough to play the Giants. This team simply has lost its desire to win.

23. St. Louis (5-8, Last week’s ranking: 22) – I wonder who got the brunt of head coach Scott Linehan’s wrath; the Rams’ coverage unit or special teams coach Bob Ligashesky for continually kicking to Devin Hester.

24. Green Bay (5-8, Last week’s ranking: 27) – A.J. Hawk is going to be one heck of a linchpin for that Packers’ defensive unit.

25. San Francisco (5-8, Last week’s ranking: 24) – This may be a rebuilding year for the 49ers, but that didn’t prevent fans from booing a third straight loss.

26. Arizona (3-9, Last week’s ranking: 29) – Matt Leinart will perform even better next season if Edgerrin James can continue his rushing totals similar to the last two weeks.

27. Washington (4-9, Last week’s ranking: 25) – When will owner Dan Snyder learn that building via free agency is a recipe for disaster?

28. Cleveland (4-9, Last week’s ranking: 26) – Another year, another top-5 pick. I guess some things never change.

29. Houston (4-9, Last week’s ranking: 28) – Vince Young makes mince meat of the Texans with his legs and Reggie Bush is beginning to emerge as quite the talent. So how’s Mario Williams working out for you, Gary Kubiak? You’re new organization deserves all the ridicule it receives for that bonehead pick.

30. Tampa Bay (3-10, Last week’s ranking: 30) – With the way the season has gone, it’s looking more like the end for Jon Gruden.

31. Oakland (2-11, Last week’s ranking: 31) – I never thought I’d say this, but a hobbled Randy Moss means nothing to the Raiders this season.

32. Detroit (2-11, Last week’s ranking: 32) – I feel really bad for the poor, unfortunate college soul who ends up on this embarrassment of a franchise come April.