1. New England (5-0, Last week’s ranking: 1) – See what happens when teams decide to double Randy Moss. Memo to future opposing teams: this isn’t Oakland.

2. Indianapolis (5-0, Last week’s ranking: 2) – Joseph Addai misses one game…no problem. Kenton Keith, that’s right, the same guy that played in the Canadian Football League last year torches the Buccaneers with 121 yards on the ground and two touchdowns.

 

3. Dallas (5-0, Last week’s ranking: 3) – I do believe the Cowboys have found themselves a kicker. After having to redo the game-winning 53-yard kick against the Bills, Nick Folk drills the ball straighter and farther to keep Dallas undefeated. And let’s not forget about the efforts of Jason Witten. The former Tennessee standout, who caught 9 balls for 103 yards and one TD, can now be considered one of the best TEs in the league, if he isn’t already.

 

4. Pittsburgh (4-1, Last week’s ranking: 5) – The Steelers missed four of their top players yet still beat a good Seattle Seahawks team.

 

5. Green Bay (4-1, Last week’s ranking: 4) – The Packers might regret letting Chicago off the hook later in the season.

 

6. Tennessee (3-1, Last week’s ranking: 6) – I’ll give him a pass this week, but Vince Young can’t be that ineffective and expect to win against tougher competition.

 

7. Jacksonville (3-1, Last week’s ranking: 11) – I don’t care if the Chiefs are struggling with their running game, the Jaguars’ defense did a great job in limiting Larry Johnson to only 12 yards rushing.

 

8. Washington (3-1, Last week’s ranking: 12) – Losing his two top receivers didn’t concern Jason Campbell. The second-year starter continues to impress with his composure and patience to take what the defense gives him.

 

9. Tampa Bay (3-2, Last week’s ranking: 8) – Despite facing the injury-riddled Colts, the Bucs were simply overmatched.

 

10. Seattle (3-2, Last week’s ranking: 7) – The Seahawks could be in a bit of trouble if receiver Deion Branch misses any time because of a sprained right foot.

 

11. Houston (3-2, Last week’s ranking: 15) – Talk about some clutch kicking. Kris Brown makes five fields goals against the Dolphins, including the game winner and three from more than 50 yards out. That kind of performance gets you more money.

 

12. Baltimore (3-2, Last week’s ranking: 13) – Matt Stover kicks all nine of the Ravens’ points to beat the 49ers, but why should fans still be worried? Maybe it’s because that offense looks so inept.

 

13. Detroit (3-2, Last week’s ranking: 9) – This team clearly doesn’t like playing teams from the NFC East.

 

14. San Diego (2-3, Last week’s ranking: 14) – Hey, they still have a lot of work to do, but at least the Chargers resembled the team from last year after whipping the Denver Broncos.

 

15. Carolina (3-2, Last week’s ranking: 19) – It’s too bad Steve Smith doesn’t play quarterback.

 

16. Arizona (3-2, Last week’s ranking: 20) – With Matt Leinart gone due to a broken collarbone for about two month, we’ll quickly see if Kurt Warner can bring back the glory days.

 

17. Chicago (2-3, Last week’s ranking: 17) – Charles Tillman’s two forced fumbles against Green Bay may have saved Chicago’s season.

 

18. N.Y. Giants (3-2, Last week’s ranking: 21) – We could be witnessing Eli Manning’s finest season. While he’s not dazzling fans with flashy stats, his toughness and ability to rebound from tough stretches are becoming more evident. 

 

19. Denver (2-3, Last week’s ranking: 10) – I’ve been on Jay Cutler for a couple of weeks, but this blowout loss to San Diego had little to do with him. It’s pretty hard to put up points when your receivers are dropping like flies.

 

20. Oakland (2-2, Last week’s ranking: 23) – The Oakland Raiders are in first place in the AFC West. Say that five times and tell me if you believe it.

 

21. San Francisco (2-3, Last week’s ranking: 16) – This 49ers nosedive will get uglier as long as Trent Green continues to be under centre.

 

22. Cincinnati (1-3, Last week’s ranking: 18) – Do you think the Cincinnati players were gathering around Paul Brown Stadium listening to “We Are Family” during their off week?

 

23. Philadelphia (1-3, Last week’s ranking: 22) – The return of Brian Westbrook would do wonders for the reeling Eagles.

 

24. Kansas City (2-3, Last week’s ranking: 25) – We’re five weeks into the season and Larry Johnson is without a touchdown. Again, he’s killing fantasy owners.

 

25. Cleveland (2-3, Last week’s ranking: 26) – There is no shame in the effort Cleveland gave at New England. It’s true, the team made a lot of mistakes, but the teams were only separated by 10 points in the fourth quarter before the Patriots pulled away.

 

26. New Orleans (0-4, Last week’s ranking: 24) – I wouldn’t blame Drew Brees if he ripped into his receivers after that pathetic display against Carolina.

 

27. Buffalo (1-4, Last week’s ranking: 27) – I will simply say this about the debacle against Dallas: For Dick Jauron and defensive coordinator Perry Fewell to call a defense which allowed Patrick Crayton wide open for an eight-yard gain before Nick Folk’s heroics is inexcusable.

 

28. N.Y. Jets (1-4, Last week’s ranking: 28) – It really is time to make the switch to Kellen Clemens, coach Mangini.

 

29. Atlanta (1-4, Last week’s ranking: 29) – I think I jinxed Joey Harrington!

 

30. Minnesota (1-3, Last week’s ranking: 30) – This is exactly what the Vikings needed after a bye week – travel to Chicago and face a team with renewed optimism.

 

31. Miami (0-5, Last week’s ranking: 31) – It’s time to hang it up Trent Green. How many more blows to the head can you actually absorb?

 

32. St. Louis (0-5, Last week’s ranking: 32) – "I never thought we'd be 0-5," Rams cornerback Fakhir Brown said following his teams loss to Arizona. "I just can't believe it right now." If that’s the case Fakhir, then try not to wake up from this nightmare any time soon.