1. New England (6-0, Last week’s ranking: 1) – We all wondered what Tom Brady’s stats would look like if he had wide receivers comparable to Peyton Manning. Well, we don’t have to wonder any more as the Pats’ QB is playing out of his mind.

2. Indianapolis (5-0, Last week’s ranking: 2) – The Colts, who have clearly played a tougher scheduled than the sizzling Patriots, have an important showdown on Monday night when they travel to face the Jacksonville Jaguars. Still, it’s hard to envision Indianapolis letting this one get away with the critical Week 9 matchup against the Pats looming at the RCA Dome.

3. Pittsburgh (4-1, Last week’s ranking: 4) – The bye week should have done a world of good for several injured Steelers, including wide receiver Hines Ward.

4. Dallas (5-1, Last week’s ranking: 3) – The Cowboys secondary is a mirage. The only two legitimate offenses Dallas has faced this season were the Giants and Patriots, who combined to rack up 83 points. Against New England, the Cowboys were given an execution lesson in every facet of the game.

5. Green Bay (5-1, Last week’s ranking: 5) – Brett Favre has seen better days and was fortunate his two-interception performance against Washington didn’t cost Green Bay a win.

6. Jacksonville (4-1, Last week’s ranking: 7) – This team seems to be improving every week, but unless they can beat the Colts next Monday, it will remain a second-tier club.

7. Tampa Bay (4-2, Last week’s ranking: 9) – Jeff Garcia, who put up 274 yards and one TD against a tough Titans’ defense, doesn’t get style points but who cares? The veteran QB has the Bucs in great position to make the playoffs.

8. Tennessee (3-2, Last week’s ranking: 6) – The Titans can’t rely on the defense every week. Vince Young, hamstring injury and all, needs to start making plays on a consistent basis. I think I’ve heard that somewhere before. Ah, that’s right; it was in this space last week.

9. Baltimore (4-2, Last week’s ranking: 12) – I still have little faith in the Ravens, who could only muster one TD against the defensively-challenged Rams. But you can only find so much fault in a win.

10. San Diego (3-3, Last week’s ranking: 14) – Now that’s the L.T. we’ve been waiting for all year. If Philip Rivers can get his head on straight, we can start to see real San Diego Chargers.

11. Carolina (4-2, Last week’s ranking: 15) – Even the 43-year-old Vinny Testaverde knows the formula in Carolina: throw the ball to Steve Smith and watch him do major damage.

12. N.Y. Giants (4-2, Last week’s ranking: 18) – With San Francisco, Miami and Dallas on the schedule for the next three games, the Giants have an excellent chance to push the Cowboys in the NFC East.

13. Washington (3-3, Last week’s ranking: 8) – Turnovers and dropped passes killed the Redskins in Green Bay. It’s a recipe that will dismiss any talk of the post-season if this continues.

14. Detroit (3-2, Last week’s ranking: 13) – What kind of offensive game plan will coordinator Mike Martz have against a tough Bucs’ defense? Which ever strategy he takes, it better be a good one.

15. Seattle (3-3, Last week’s ranking: 10) – It’s been a while since we’ve seen the Seahawks offensive line look that shaky.  I bet their ruing the day they decided not to franchise former OG Steve Hutchinson.

16. Houston (3-3, Last week’s ranking: 11) – The Texan’s lack of running game could keep them on the outside looking in.

17. Arizona (3-3, Last week’s ranking: 16) – Another week, another injured quarterback for the Cardinals. At this rate, they may have to dust off the number to Neil Lomax.

18. Kansas City (3-3, Last week’s ranking: 24) – Larry Johnson, who finally scored his first touchdown along with 119 rushing yards against the Bengals, still holds the key to the Chiefs’ hopes this season.

19. Cleveland (3-3, Last week’s ranking: 25) – Who could’ve envisioned that after six games the Cleveland Browns would have the seventh ranked offense in the NFL.

20. Philadelphia (2-3, Last week’s ranking: 23) – Donovan McNabb’s only hope for a successful season is to see Brian Westbrook on the field every week.

21. Chicago (2-4, Last week’s ranking: 17) – Devin Hester is a football freak.  It’s just too bad the rest of his team can’t follow suit.

22. Denver (2-3, Last week’s ranking: 19) – With the bye week, the Broncos have had two weeks to prepare for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Unfortunately, I don’t think it will make a difference.

23. Minnesota (2-3, Last week’s ranking: 30) – Why is Brad Childress limiting Adrian Peterson’s carries? This kid is one of the best running backs to come out of college in years.

24. Oakland (2-3, Last week’s ranking: 20) – It’s the same old story – Raiders face San Diego; L.T. continues to torment his California rival.

25. San Francisco (2-3, Last week’s ranking: 21) – Only a lackluster division is keeping the 49ers within striking distance.

26. Cincinnati (1-4, Last week’s ranking: 22) – The sky is falling before your very eyes, Marvin Lewis.

27. New Orleans (1-4, Last week’s ranking: 26) – One win over an overrated Seattle team isn’t going to change this rating just yet.

28. Buffalo (1-4, Last week’s ranking: 27) – First, a memorable collapse in front of a nationally televised audience and now Willis McGahee returns to Buffalo for the first time since being traded to Baltimore. There really isn’t a shortage of topics for Bills fans to discuss these days.

29. N.Y. Jets (1-5, Last week’s ranking: 28) – When Thomas Jones rushes for two more yards than Chad Pennington passes, you know it’s time to make a quarterback change.

30. Atlanta (1-5, Last week’s ranking: 29) – The season can’t end soon enough for Arthur Blank.

31. Miami (0-6, Last week’s ranking: 31) – I don’t think this is what Cam Cameron imagined when he decided to take over the Dolphins’ coaching reigns. The only bright spot is the emergence of Ronnie Brown.

32. St. Louis (0-6, Last week’s ranking: 32) – Why Marc Bulger is willing to come back to this monstrosity it beyond me.