NFL writer David Elfin of The Washington Times ranks the teams (Last week’s ranking in parentheses):
1. Bears (1) — Winning by average margin of 30.5 points at home.
2. Colts (2) — Overcame Denver’s D, but Pats are Peyton’s Kryptonite.
3. Patriots (3) — Primed for visit by unbeaten Colts.
4. Falcons (5) — Is Vick finally becoming a QB?
5. Giants (7) — 3-0 in NFC East with two road W’s.
6. Broncos (6) — Can rebound from loss to Colts by avenging AFC title game defeat.
7. Chargers (8) — Watch out. Tomlinson’s back in gear.
8. Ravens (11) — Billick’s looking pretty smart for taking over play calling.
BIG LOSER 9. Saints (4) — Finally had a stinker after stunning 5-1 start.
10. Cowboys (13) — Team responded to new QB Romo in a big way at Carolina.
11. Vikings (10) — Holding last NFC playoff spot thanks to 4-1 conference mark.
12. Eagles (9) — Winless (0-4) in games decided by a TD or less, 4-0 otherwise.
13. Panthers (12) — D needs the bye after getting blown away by Cowboys.
BIG RISER 14. Jaguars (21) — Blown out by Texans, beat Eagles on road without Leftwich. Go figure.
15. Chiefs (19) — Sure ‘Hawks were minus stars, but not on D.
16. Bengals (14) — Lewis’ pass defense shredded by usually scatter-armed Vick.
17. Seahawks (17) — Alexander returns with ‘Hawks still atop NFC West.
18. Rams (16) — Couldn’t stop L.T. Think they’ll fare any better against L.J.?
19. Bucs (18) — 2-2 when they score more than 3 points, 0-3 otherwise.
20. Steelers (15) — Champs have lost five of six prior to AFC title rematch.
21. Jets (20) — Offense needs serious bye week tuneup after being held to 2 FGs by Browns.
22. Titans (23) — Imagine: Tennessee has gone almost a month without losing.
23. Bills (22) — It’s bad when local NFL team has FOUR more losses than NHL team on Nov. 3.
24. Texans (24) — Taking 0-3 road record to Meadowlands.
25. Packers (26) — Favre’s top-rated third-down passer in NFC.
26. Redskins (25) — Bet bye week didn’t cure all of their problems.
27. Browns (29) — Maybe former offensive coordinator Carthon was the problem after all.
28. Raiders (31) — Beat Steelers despite gaining just 98 yards.
29. 49ers (27) — At least they get tired Vikes at home.
30. Lions (28) — How are these guys going to tackle Michael Vick?
31. Dolphins (30) — Visiting unbeaten Bears after winless October.
32. Cardinals (32) — So bad, they might find a way to lose during bye week.
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