1. New England (2-0, Last week’s ranking: 2) – You’d think spygate happened in San Diego with the way the Patriots manhandled their AFC rivals. In the last two games, quarterback Tom Brady has completed 80 percent of his passes and six touchdowns, while Randy Moss already has matched his TD output (3) from last season.

 

2. Indianapolis (2-0, Last week’s ranking: 3) – He doesn’t get the recognition because of the offense, but Bob Sanders should be one of the early favorites to win defensive MVP. Sanders was awesome against the Titans last Sunday, registering 2 ½ sacks and creative havoc all over the field.

 

3. Dallas (2-0, Last week’s ranking: 6) – Jason Garrett is developing quite the reputation as an aggressive play-caller. Faced with two separate critical calls against the Giants and Dolphins, Garrett directs a pair of risky passing plays resulting in touchdowns to preserve victories.

 

4. San Diego (1-1, Last week’s ranking: 4) – Philip Rivers is looking like a rookie out there. The Pats really showed Rivers isn’t where he needs to be at this stage of his career.

 

5. Chicago (1-1, Last week’s ranking: 5) – Why do teams continually kick to Devin Hester? The Bears’ second-year budding star is simply electrifying in the open field.

 

6. Pittsburgh (2-0, Last week’s ranking: 12) – Don’t make your Super Bowl reservations just yet Steeler fans, the schedule will get tougher.

 

7. Baltimore (1-1, Last week’s ranking: 8) – Kyle Boller helped beat the N.Y. Jets by avoiding turnovers. Now how long can that really last?

 

8. Denver (2-0, Last week’s ranking: 9) – I realize he’s the franchise, but Jay Cutler’s decision-making at times is getting worrisome. He won’t get away with careless throws against better competition.

 

9. San Francisco (2-0, Last week’s ranking: 11) – The 49ers played outstanding defense for the second straight week and the importance of Frank Gore becomes more evident with each game.

 

10. Houston (2-0, Last week’s ranking: 18) – The Texans have been one of the best stories of the NFL, but Andre Johnson’s sprained knee could put a damper on things.

 

11. Seattle (1-1, Last week’s ranking: 10) – That was one ugly botched snapped between Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander. If his teammates didn’t hear him audible the call, then Hasselbeck might be in danger of being labeled a low-talker.

 

12. Green Bay (2-0, Last week’s ranking: 19) – Can Brett Favre really lead his Packers to the playoffs surrounded by all these rookies?

 

13. Cincinnati (1-1, Last week’s ranking: 4) – It’s bad enough the Bengals lose a shootout to Cleveland, but they made Derek Anderson look like Peyton Manning in the process.

 

14. Tennessee (1-1, Last week’s ranking: 14) – Many will credit the Titans for putting up a valiant effort against the mighty Colts, but I’m not that forgiving. There is no excuse of dropping a pass while your team is driving for the winning score, Brandon Jones.

 

15. Washington (1-1, Last week’s ranking: 24) – It’s easy to see why the Redskins liked S LaRon Landry so prior to the draft. Landry’s jarring hit on Kevin Curtis in waning moments of the game opened a lot of eyes, including the Eagles receiver.

 

16. Carolina (1-1, Last week’s ranking: 13) – I know the Texans are an improved team, but how could the Panthers allow them to reel off 34 straights points after taking a 14-0 lead?

 

17. Jacksonville (1-1, Last week’s ranking: 16) – If last Sunday’s game against the Falcons proved anything, it’s that Jacksonville’s offense will struggle to put up points regardless who’s under center.

 

18. New Orleans (0-2, Last week’s ranking: 7) – This can’t be the same team that came within one game of the Super Bowl, can it?

 

19. Detroit (2-0, Last week’s ranking: 22) – So the Lions are 2-0 for the first time in three years. Maybe they can finish better than the 6-10 record they had at the end of that season.

 

20. N.Y. Jets (0-2, Last week’s ranking: 17) – Kellen Clemens deserved a better fate against the Ravens. It’s unbelievable how two receivers – Justin McCareins and Laveranues Coles – can drop potential-tying TD passes in the final two minutes.

 

21. Philadelphia (0-2, Last week’s ranking: 15) – One touchdown in two games and a recovering Donovan McNabb equates to a long season in Philadelphia.

 

22. Minnesota (1-1, Last week’s ranking: 20) – The Vikings’ quarterback situation is a mess.

 

23. St. Louis (0-2, Last week’s ranking: 23) – That Rams’ offensive line is going to get Marc Bulger seriously hurt.

 

24. Arizona (1-1, Last week’s ranking: 26) – Edgerrin James and Matt Leinart were impressive days against the Seahawks. Could a winning season be on the horizon for the Cardinals?

 

25. Tampa Bay (1-1, Last week’s ranking: 29) – I’m sure Jeff Garcia is a sore spot to every supporter of the Philadelphia Eagles.

 

26. Cleveland (1-1, Last week’s ranking: 30) – If anything, Derek Anderson has squashed calls for Brady Quinn for at least one week.

 

27. Oakland (0-2, Last week’s ranking: 31) – This is not a terrible football team. The Raiders have played two strong games and deserved to win at Denver.  

 

28. Buffalo (0-2, Last week’s ranking: 21) – Memo to J.P. Losman: You’re not going to endear yourself to the city of Buffalo by deflecting blame to others.

 

29. Miami (0-2, Last week’s ranking: 25) – How’s that Ted Ginn, Jr. pick working out for you so far, Cam Cameron?

 

30. N.Y. Giants (0-2, Last week’s ranking: 27) – Eli Manning proved his toughness, while the Giants’ defense continued their ineptness.

 

31. Kansas City (0-2, Last week’s ranking: 28) – I feel sorry for every fantasy owner who took Larry Johnson with a high draft pick.

 

32. Atlanta (0-2, Last week’s ranking: 32) – Joey Harrington is sacked 13 times in two games, so what do the Falcons do? They sign pivot Byron Leftwich, a player whose mobility is equivalent to that of an 80-year-old man.