1. Patriots (4-1)
To no one’s surprise, QB Tom Brady carved up the Browns in his return from suspension. Now the schedule toughens: vs. Bengals, at Steelers, at Bills, vs. Seahawks.
2. Vikings (5-0)
The Vikings are the lone unbeaten in the NFC in spite of a run of injuries to key players. It’s impressive.
3. Broncos (4-1)
It’s been awhile since Denver’s defense looked so out of sorts. Was it just a bad matchup or is there something there that other opponents can exploit?
4. Packers (3-1)
The offense misfired against the Giants. The defense is good enough to carry them to Ws when that happens.
5. Seahawks (3-1)
The bye week gave QB Russell Wilson time to rest his sore knee. The Falcons really need some LBs to get healthy to deal with Wilson and TE Jimmy Graham.
6. Steelers (4-1)
Backed up the blowout of the Chiefs with a beat down of the Jets. They never fade away.
7. Falcons (4-1)
I don't care that the Broncos had at Paxton Lynch (above) at QB. It's impressive that the Falcons went to Mile High and put that D on skates .
Related headlines
This is the most important number for Falcons
Numbers give Falcons 25 percent chance for playoffs
Matt Ryan sizzles while spreading ball around
8. Eagles (3-1)
They outgained Lions 346—244 but were undone by two turnovers in final three minutes.
9. Raiders (4-1)
They are the Falcons of the AFC: sizzling offense, sometime-y defense.
10. Cowboys (3-1)
I liked QB Dak Prescott at Mississippi State but figured he’d be a stash-and-develop guy in the NFL. Instead the rookie has fans calling for him to keep the job when Tony Romo returns.
11. Bills (3-2)
Offense wasn’t clicking at Rams but defense came through with three takeaways.
12. Chiefs (2-2)
They come out of the bye hoping the defense shows resistance at Raiders after Steelers ran through it.
13. Washington (3-2)
Sure, it was the Ravens, but who knew the defense could stifle any opponent?
14. Ravens (3-1)
The D was back to fine form against Washington but it’s a bad sign that the offense could do nothing.
15. Cardinals (2-3)
The bumbling 49ers offered Cardinals a chance to right their season and they took it.
16. Bengals (2-3)
They were down 28-0 at the Cowboys. But the real reason they’ve been a disappointment is that their offense has a tendency to no-show.
17. Texans (3-2)
All-systems failure at Minnesota makes two times in three weeks Texans got run off the field.
18. Rams (3-2)
Coach Jeff Fisher is taking heat for a failed fake punt call. The bigger issue is their inability to finish drives.
19. Buccaneers (2-3)
K Roberto Aguayo missed two FGs before making a game-winner and mercifully ending ugly game vs. Panthers.
20. Lions (2-3)
Outlasted the Eagles to end three-game L streak. Maybe they can get something going with home games vs. rams and Washington on tap.
21. Panthers (1-4)
QB Derek Anderson (above) subbed for Cam Newton and threw late pick in the end zone. Now they are games back of the Falcons in the South.
22. Titans (2-3)
QB Marcus Mariota got back on track with strong game at Dolphins.
23. Colts (2-3)
Colts upped the tempo on offense after fans clamored for it.
24. Jaguars (1-3)
They come out of the bye to face three games in 11 days.
25. Giants (2-2)
Sign of a bad team: offense, defense and special teams are never all good at the same time.
26. Saints (1-3)
Coming out of the bye, can they improve their D like the Falcons?
27. Jets (1-4)
It’s official: the offense isn’t underachieving, it’s atrocious.
28. Bears (1-4)
At least QB Brian Hoyer looked decent against the Colts.
29. Dolphins (1-3)
Coach Adam Gase on his offense: “We’re inept right now.”
30. Chargers (1-4)
Next three games are Broncos, at Falcons, at Broncos. They are finished.
31. 49ers (1-4)
The offense still stinks.
32. Browns (0-5)
The relentless pursuit of awfulness continues.
About the Author
