1. New England (9-0, Last week’s ranking: 1) – Rest time is over. It’s back to work for the best team in the NFL.

2. Dallas (8-1, Last week’s ranking: 3) – You know your offence is rolling when the opposing team’s safety commits to Jason Witten and leaves Terrell Owens one-on-one with another defender. There won’t be the same hype as the Patriots-Colts, but Dallas-Green Bay in Week 13 is as big as it gets in the NFC. 

 

3. Green Bay (8-1, Last week’s ranking: 4) – The Packers did what San Diego couldn’t do – stop Adrian Peterson and watch the Vikings wither away quietly. And what’s this I see? The Packers’ Ryan Grant rushed for a second straight 100-yard game, giving hope to a previously dormant running game.

 

4. Indianapolis (7-2, Last week’s ranking: 2) – I wanted to keep the champs in the top-three but this ranking reflects more on the mounting injuries they are incurring. I still can’t believe how many weird things happened to the Colts against San Diego. The best clutch kicker in the history of the NFL misses a go-ahead 29-yard chip shot and King Manning throws a career-high six interceptions. However, the fact that Manning had his team in position to win despite missing Marvin Harrison and Dallas Clarks only reaffirms his greatness.

 

5. Pittsburgh (7-2, Last week’s ranking: 5) – Ben Roethlisberger continually made plays with his legs as well as his arm to rally the Steelers past the surprising Cleveland Browns. While I still don’t think they measure up to the Patriots, the Steelers are turning up the heat in the AFC.

 

6. Jacksonville (6-3, Last week’s ranking: 11) – With the Titans’ Albert Hainsworth out of the lineup, the job of running the football was a lot easier for Maurice Jones-Drew. Still, rushing for 101 yards against a terrific defensive line is impressive nonetheless.

 

7. Tennessee (6-3, Last week’s ranking: 7) – Vince Young had his best statistical passing day of his career and the Titans still fell to the Jaguars. Somehow, offensive coordinator Norm Chow needs to find balance with his unit if Tennessee wants to make a push down the stretch.

 

8. San Diego (5-4, Last week’s ranking: 8) – Somehow, I don’t think San Diego fans enjoyed the victory over the Colts, but rather just breathed a sigh of relief. A buddy of mine – a huge Chargers supporter – said head coach Norv Turner should start backup Billy Volek next Sunday against Jacksonville. With the way Philip Rivers has played this season, I would tend to agree.

 

9. N.Y. Giants (6-3, Last week’s ranking: 6) – Suddenly, those six straight wins prior to the Dallas loss don’t look as impressive.

 

10. Detroit (6-3, Last week’s ranking: 8) – The Lions rushed for -18 yards – the fewest since 1947 – against the Cardinals and turned the ball over five times. I don’t care which team you play that usually spells defeat.

 

11. Cleveland (5-4, Last week’s ranking: 10) – There is no way I could drop this team a peg after nearly beating the Steelers. Aside from an explosive offense, return man Josh Cribbs is proving to be quite the weapon for the Browns.

 

12. Tampa Bay (5-4, Last week’s ranking: 13) – After a surprising loss by the New Orleans Saints at home to the Rams, the Buccaneers come off the bye week leaders of the baffling NFC South.

 

13. Washington (5-4, Last week’s ranking: 12) – Even though they lost, the Redskins will need similar production from Clinton Portis (30 carries for 137 yards against Philadelphia) if they hope to topple the Cowboys next Sunday.

 

14. Seattle (5-4, Last week’s ranking: 15) – The Seahawks are seemingly the best team in the worst division in the NFL.

 

15. Buffalo (5-4, Last week’s ranking: 16) – The good: Buffalo is 5-1 in its last six games. The bad: The Bills host the Patriots next Sunday night.

 

16. New Orleans (4-5, Last week’s ranking: 14) – How do you win fourth straight games then lose to the previously winless St. Louis Rams at home?

 

17. Arizona (4-5, Last week’s ranking: 22) – The Cardinals were very impressive in limiting the vaunted Detroit offense, and remarkable, are still very much alive for a division title in the NFC West.

 

18. Philadelphia (4-5, Last week’s ranking: 23) – I doubt the Eagles saved their season following a win over Washington, but that still doesn’t diminish the talents of running back Brian Westbrook. This kid can hurt a team in many ways.

 

19. Kansas City (4-5, Last week’s ranking: 17) – It looks like the Brodie Croyle era has begun in Kansas City. I just don’t think Croyle is ready to start a successful career in Indianapolis.

 

20. Carolina (4-5, Last week’s ranking: 19) – This quarterback carousel is ruining Steve Smith’s fantasy year. Why am I saying this? Because Smith is on my team and I’m bitter about it.

 

21. Houston (4-5, Last week’s ranking: 21) – In despite of all the injuries the Texans have endured this year, they can still climb back to .500 with a home victory against New Orleans.

 

22. Denver (4-5, Last week’s ranking: 24) – The Broncos had a good defensive effort in Kansas City, but handling the running attack of the Tennessee Titans next week is a different matter all together.

 

23. Chicago (4-5, Last week’s ranking: 25) – The return of Rex Grossman earned Chicago an important win in Oakland. I wouldn’t get too excited Bears fans, as the maddening one may return as the starter.

 

24. Baltimore (4-5, Last week’s ranking: 18) – You think the Ravens are regretting the day they released Derek Anderson in 2005?

 

25. Minnesota (3-6, Last week’s ranking: 20) – What will the Vikings’ offense look like Sunday without Adrian Peterson, who will miss at least one game due to a torn ligament in his right knee? We don’t have to wonder – it will stink!

 

26. Atlanta (3-6, Last week’s ranking: 28) – Hey, I’ve dogged this team all year, but a two-game winning streak is still a pleasant diversion from an otherwise forgettable season. 

 

27. Cincinnati (3-6, Last week’s ranking: 26) – What can I say about these lousy Bengals. The only reason Shayne Graham’s seven field goals stood up is because Cincinnati was matched up against the offensively putrid Ravens.

 

28. Oakland (2-7, Last week’s ranking: 27) – No receiver had more than 43 yards against the Bears. And you wonder why Randy Moss wanted out of Oakland.

 

29. San Francisco (2-7, Last week’s ranking: 29) – I’m not the biggest Alex Smith fan, but the kid was receiving little protection and getting battered against the Seahawks.

 

30. N.Y. Jets (1-8, Last week’s ranking: 30) – So much for the week of rest. I’m sure head coach Eric Mangini had no rest knowing his team will face the Steelers in its next contest.

 

31. St. Louis (1-8, Last week’s ranking: 31) – How many people were knocked out of their elimination pools for taking the Saints over the Rams. I would imagine there are quite of few disgruntled poolies this week.

 

32. Miami (0-9, Last week’s ranking: 32) – The Dolphins are running out of opportunities to avoid a winless season. They do, however, have another date with the Jets.