The Patriots have looked like contenders all season. The Bengals have earned respect. Time to put the Panthers up there, too, in my view. The good news for the Falcons is that among the rest of the NFC only the Cardinals and Packers are clearly better.
1. Patriots (8-0)
Previous rank: 1. Result: Won 27-10 vs. Washington. Next: Sun. vs. Giants.
The offense was relatively ordinary against Washington and they still won by three scores. They'll have to be better at the Giants.
2. Panthers (8-0)
Previous rank: 4. Result: Won 37-29 vs. Packers. Next: Sun. at Titans.
Your opinion of them depends largely on your opinion of the Packers and Colts. I say they are legit.
3. Bengals (8-0)
Previous rank: 3. Result: Won 31-10 vs. Browns. Next: Mon. vs. Texans.
TE Tyler Eifert has blossomed into a star and that makes all the difference for QB Andy Dalton.
4. Broncos (7-1)
Previous rank: 2. Result: Lost 27-24 at Colts. Next: Sun. vs. Chiefs.
The defense didn't look so dominant when it couldn't get a turnover. QB Peyton Manning looked mortal again.
5. Vikings (6-2)
Previous rank: 6. Result: Won 21-18 (OT) vs. Rams. Next: Sun. at Raiders.
They found a way to win after the Rams knocked QB Teddy Bridgewater from the game. It's not often pretty but they are the hottest team outside of the unbeatens with four Ws in a row.
6. Cardinals (6-2)
Previous rank: 7. Result: Bye. Next: Sun. at Seahawks.
A win at Seattle would leave no doubt they are the class of the NFC West.
[cmg_cinesport url="http://cinesport.ajc.com/embed/ajc-nfl-atlanta-falcons/ap-which-unbeaten-nfl-team-best/"]
7. Giants (5-4)
Previous rank: 15. Result: Won 32-18 vs. Buccaneers. Next: Sun. vs. Patriots.
They finished the Bucs with 13 unaswered points in the fourth quarter. We'll find out immediately if they are for real when the Pats come to town.
8. Jets (5-3)
Previous rank: 14. Result: Won 28-23 vs. Jaguars. Next: Thurs. vs. Bills.
Raiders QB Derek Carr carved up the defense just when it had earned a rep. The Jets lost QBs Ryan Fitzpatrick and Geno Smith to injury during the game.
9. Packers (6-2)
Previous rank: 5. Result: Lost 37-29 at Panthers. Next: Sun. vs. Lions.
QB Aaron Rodgers faltered in the clutch but the defense is the much bigger concern. Is it really possible they won't win the NFC North?
10. Seahawks (4-4)
Previous rank: 12. Result: Bye. Next: Sun. vs Cardinals.
Beat the Cardinals and they pull within a game of them for the NFC West lead.
11. Steelers (5-4)
Previous rank: 16. Result: Won 38-35 vs. Raiders. Next: Sun. vs. Browns.
They won behind QB Landry Jones after Ben Roethlisberger left with an injury. Even when they are not their sharpest they are never an easy out.
12. Falcons (6-3)
Previous rank: 8. Result: Lost 17-16 at 49ers. Next: Bye.
It was surprising to see them take very few shots downfield against the 49ers' patchwork secondary. OC Kyle Shanahan and QB Matt Ryan are getting diminishing returns with the Julio-centric offense.
13. Eagles (4-4)
Previous rank: 17. Result: Won 33-27 (OT) at Cowboys. Next: Sun. vs. Dolphins.
QB Sam Bradford rallied them to the OT victory. They can go on a roll with Dolphins, Bucs and at Lions in next three.
14. Colts (4-5)
Previous rank: 22. Result: Won 27-24 vs. Broncos. Next: Bye.
Where has that been? If this means QB Andrew Luck is back to form they can roll to the AFC South title after the bye.
15. Bills (4-4)
Previous rank: 18. Result: Won 33-17 vs. Dolphins. Next: Thurs. at Jets.
They got healthy and the offense erupted against the Dolphins. But LeSean McCoy banged his shoulder and has to get ready fast for the showdown with the Jets.
16. Rams (4-4)
Previous rank: 9. Result: Lost 21-18 (OT) at Vikings. Next: Sun. vs. Bears.
RB Todd Gurley couldn't get loose against the Vikings and suddenly their offense returns to early-season form. That W at the Cardinals is the one reason to think they are legit.
17. Raiders (4-4)
Previous rank: 10. Result: Lost 38-35 at Steelers. Next: Sun. vs. Vikings.
They lost because they couldn't stop Steelers WR Antonio Brown (17 catches, 284 yards).
18. Saints (4-5)
Previous rank: 11. Result: Lost 34-28 (OT) vs. Titans. Next: Sun. at Redskins.
Their defense is plain bad. The offense should have scored more against Tennessee's banged-up D.
19. Washington (3-5)
Previous rank: 13. Result: Lost 27-10 at Patriots. Next: Sun. vs. Saints.
Washington trailed the Pats 14-0 before running its second play.
20. Chiefs (3-5)
Previous rank: 19. Result: Bye. Next: Sun. at Broncos.
There's still time to go on a run and grab a Wild Card. A win at Denver would turn around their season.
21. Texans (3-5)
Previous rank: 20. Result: Bye. Next: Mon. at Bengals.
They are still just one game behind the Colts in the awful AFC South.
22. Bears (3-5)
Previous rank: 29. Result: Won 22-19 at Chargers . Next: Sun. at Rams.
They are still competitive but now their next three are at Rams, vs. Broncos and at Packers.
23. 49ers (3-6)
Previous rank: 30. Result: Won 17-16 vs. Falcons. Next: Bye.
The truth is they would have blown out the Falcons if not for dropped passes by backs and wide receivers. They are still last in the NFC West.
24. Buccaneers (3-5)
Previous rank: 21. Result: Lost 32-18 vs. Giants. Next: Sun. vs. Cowboys.
They were in the Giants game late before fading. That's what happens to the Bucs against good teams.
25. Titans (2-6)
Previous rank: 31. Result: Won 34-28 (OT) at Saints. Next: vs. Panthers.
Mike Mularkey won his first game as head coach as Marcus Mariotta dazzled. Suddenly there's some reason for optimism around the franchise.
26. Dolphins (3-5)
Previous rank: 23. Result: Lost 33-17 at Bills. Next: Sun. at Eagles.
So much for that early boost behind interim coach Dan Campbell. They are last in the AFC East.
27. Browns (2-7)
Previous rank: 24. Result: Lost 31-10 at Bengals. Next: Thurs. at Steelers.
Johnny Manziel had a few moments. The Browns are strangely reluctant to stick with him and see if their first-round QB can play.
28. Jaguars (2-6)
Previous rank: 25. Result: Lost 28-23 at Jets. Next: Sun. at Ravens.
They squandered a chance for a big W. Nick Marshall lost a fumble late, followed by a pick by QB Blake Bortles.
29. Chargers (2-7)
Previous rank: 26. Result: Lost 22-19 vs. Bears. Next: Bye.
That's five Ls in a row. Can we finally stop saying they are underachievers and just call them bad?
30. Cowboys (2-6)
Previous rank: 27. Result: Lost 33-27 (OT) vs. Eagles. Next: Sun. vs. Eagles.
They still haven't won without injured QB Tony Romo.
31. Ravens (2-6)
Previous rank: 28. Result: Bye. Next: Sun. vs. Jaguars.
The Bengals are running away with the AFC North but they certainly still can get a Wild Card.
32. Lions (1-7)
Previous rank: 32. Result: Bye. Next: Sun. at Packers.
Ownership fired the team president and the GM. Coach Jim Caldwell could be next.
About the Author
