| RANK |
TEAM |
RECORD |
TREND |
COMMENTS |
1
|
Packers |
13-1 |
–
|
So, they finally had a hiccup. Being a Pats’ fan from New England, I can honestly tell you that it was the best thing that could’ve happened to them. Now they can regroup and worry about home-field & the playoffs. (Knox) |
2
|
Saints |
11-3 |
–
|
The surging Saints are currently living under the radar. With Tim Tebow and the Packers getting all of the attention, the Saints are continuing their 6-game winning streak, and Drew Brees is continuing his pursuit of Dan Marino’s passing yardage record. (Brief) |
3
|
Patriots |
11-3 |
|
They seem to have more running backs than defensive backs yet they are 14th in points allowed and are 3rd in the NFL & 1st in the AFC with a +12 turnover ratio. Oh yeah, and Brady and Gronkowski are breaking records. (Knox) |
4
|
49ers |
11-3 |
|
There is no doubt about how big of a win the 49ers scored on Monday Night over the Steelers. The power outages at Candlestick Park did more than darken the stadium lights, they shut down the Steelers’ offense. The 49ers defense is the first since the 1920 Decatur Staleys to play their first 14 games without allowing a rushing touchdown. (Brief) |
5
|
Ravens |
10-4 |
|
They yielded seven sacks against the Chargers last week on their way to getting routed. Their offensive line has some serious issues, and they aren’t giving Flacco nearly enough time to find his talented WR’s. (Knox) |
6
|
Steelers |
10-4 |
|
The men of Steel missed a giant opportunity to not only take the AFC North division lead, but be the AFC’s first seed for the time being. Big Ben should rest his ankle this week, so he’s in top-shape for the playoffs. (Brief) |
7
|
Texans |
10-4 |
–
|
Get-well cards have been plentiful for defensive coordinator Wade Phillips as the Texans hope he returns to the sidelines soon. Yates’ inconsistencies are allowing defenses to stack the box, creating third-and-longs and rushing the pocket. (Knox) |
8
|
Falcons |
9-5 |
–
|
The Falcons embarrassed the Jaguars Thursday Night, winning 41-14 a week after the Jaguars beat the Buccaneers 41-14. So, if the Falcons played the Buccaneers, would the score be 81-7? One more win puts the Falcons in the playoffs for a second straight season. (Brief) |
9
|
Lions |
9-5 |
–
|
Suh is back and Megatron looks unstoppable, as always. If they can control their tempers and win one of their last two games, then they’re in the playoffs. Stafford continues to baffle me with his ability to throw TDs off his back foot. (Knox) |
10
|
Chargers |
7-7 |
|
The Chargers continue their second-half surge, as they now are only one game out of first place in the AFC West. If Phillip Rivers & Co can squeeze into the playoffs, they’re a team that everyone should fear. (Brief) |
11
|
Cowboys |
8-6 |
|
A huge redemption game for the ‘Boys this week vs the Eagles. Romo has thrown 22 TDs/4 INTs in his last 10 games. Dallas is ranked 11th or higher in three of four major yardage categories. Too bad this isn’t a Fantasy Football League. (Knox) |
12
|
Broncos |
8-6 |
|
The Tebowmania movement took a hit this week as the Broncos got pounded by the Patriots, 41-23, at Mile-High. Expect Tebow and the Broncos to rebound this week as one victory in their next two games puts them in the postseason–because Tebow never quits. (Brief) |
13
|
Bengals |
8-6 |
–
|
The Bengals still are alive due to the electrifying talents of A.J. Green, but the late game loss to the Texans has to be haunting their rearview mirrors right now. The red hot Arizona Cardinals visit this week. Can they stay in the hunt? (Knox) |
14
|
Seahawks |
7-7 |
|
The Seahawks have finally come in to their own, as they have taken five of their past six games. Marshawn Lynch (A.K.A. Beast Mode) has been a force for the Seahawks with 100 yards or more in five of his past seven games. Sadly, it may be too little too late for the Seahawks, who need lots to happen if they want to make it to the postseason. (Brief) |
15
|
Jets |
8-6 |
|
Rex Ryan…stop it. Joe Namath…stop it. Let the men play the games. You’re in New York and there’s no need for unnecessary added pressure, with the playoffs on the line, and a game against your roommate, the New York Giants. (Knox) |
16
|
Cardinals |
7-7 |
|
The Cardinals are yet another team that has made a late-season charge. John Skelton & Co have won six of their past seven after starting the season 1-6. They are 2-6 with Kevin Kolb starting, and 5-1 with Skelton. (Brief) |
17
|
Giants |
7-7 |
|
Can we get these wide receivers some Stick ‘Em? How about some pine-tar? Wrap it in a bow and let them open it the day before Christmas. Hakeem Nicks looks like he’s catching knuckleballs out there, and the miscommunications between Eli and his corps is starting to hurt team morale. (Knox) |
18
|
Eagles |
6-8 |
|
Believe it or not, the Eagles, after dismantling the Jets, have a chance at the playoffs. If they win out, the Jets beat the Giants, and the Giants beat the Cowboys in Week 17, the Dream Team is in the playoffs; and certainly is not a force to be reckoned with. (Brief) |
19
|
Raiders |
7-7 |
|
Will the real Oakland Raiders please stand up? There will be heads rolling if this Carson Palmer thing blows up in your face. Heyward-Bey has been stellar; so has the running game. But the defense? C’mon, man! (Knox) |
20
|
Titans |
7-7 |
|
Why, Titans, why? This week, the Titans did the most embarrassing thing that an NFL team can do: they lost to an 0-13 team. That’s all I can say on that matter. (Brief) |
21
|
Chiefs |
6-8 |
|
Congratulations to both Romeo Crennel for the huge win and starting Kyle Orton, who looks as if he appreciated throwing to a real receiving tandem. Romeo…the job is yours to lose at this point. (Knox) |
22
|
Bears |
7-7 |
|
Since Jay Cutler broke his thumb, the Bears are 0-4, and are benching Caleb Hanie this week against the 13-1 Packers. Proven-terrible quarterback Josh McCown will give it a go, in what could potentially be one of the biggest blowouts of the season. (Brief) |
23
|
Dolphins |
5-9 |
|
The red-hot Miami Dolphins have Reggie Bush running between the tackles and look to have a huge morale victory in the hopes of finishing the season strong. This team may be just two players away from division contenders. A QB and a legit pass-rusher would mean a lot. (Knox) |
24
|
Redskins |
5-9 |
|
The Redskins are actually playing good football. I repeat, the Redskins are actually playing good football. In the past three games, they played the Jets close, they nearly upset the Patriots and they shocked the Giants at the Meadowlands. (Brief) |
25
|
Panthers |
5-9 |
–
|
The Panthers went into Houston and laid a whooping on the top ranked defensive unit. If they ever come up with some defensive talent next off-season, look out because there is no stopping Cam. (Knox) |
26
|
Bills |
5-9 |
|
What has happened to the Bills? Since starting the season 5-2, they have lost seven straight games, and with their remaining match-ups against the Broncos and Patriots, the Bills easily could end the season on a nine-game slide. In the event that you didn’t know, that’s really bad. (Brief) |
27
|
Browns |
4-10 |
|
With one win in their past eight games, a concussed QB, and a disgruntled RB, the lone bright spot has been the passing defense. As Sam Cooke once said, “A Change is Gonna Come.” Get your resumes ready people. (Knox) |
28
|
Jaguars |
4-10 |
–
|
The offensively-limited Jaguars got demolished on Thursday Night in Atlanta. The issue with the team’s offense is that Blaine Gabbert tries too hard (and fails) not to make mistakes. (Brief) |
29
|
Vikings |
2-12 |
|
Honestly, you gotta give credit to Adrian Peterson for even trying to play, but why risk the injury with the season in shambles? Both sides of the line need help, and yes, a new head coach is mandatory. I’m sorry, but, Leslie Frazier just isn’t NFL material. (Knox) |
30
|
Buccaneers |
4-10 |
|
The Buccaneers are a glum story. After starting the season 4-2, they’re on an 8-game losing streak. Their defense is the issue; the defense is allowing over nine yards per touch over ‘The Streak,’ the worst in NFL history. (Brief) |
31
|
Rams |
2-12 |
–
|
If the Colts win on Thursday, do the Rams tank their season and trade Sam Bradford for some picks to go along with the possibility of getting Andrew Luck? If not, I would seriously think about moving Steven Jackson for a boatload of help. He doesn’t deserve to be on teams this bad. (Knox) |
32
|
Colts |
1-13 |
–
|
Colts fans rejoice: the Colts have won a game! Yes. You. Can. (Brief) |
