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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.