1. Patriots (5-1)
The Pats handled the Steelers on the road to bolster their case as the class of the AFC. They are 2-0 with QB Tom Brady.
2. Cowboys (5-1)
They return from the bye week looking to get back star WR Dez Bryant.
3. Vikings (5-1)
The defense did its part at Philly but QB Sam Bradford flopped. They still were in it in spite of four giveaways.
4. Broncos (5-2)
Stopped a two-game skid with dominating effort against Texans Monday night. Coach Gary Kubiak returned after missing the loss vs. Chargers because of a health scare.
5. Packers (4-2)
The offense (missing RB Eddie Lacy) was a bit sluggish in a win at Chicago. But QB Aaron Rodgers has to be looking forward to seeing Falcons after what Philip Rivers did to them.
6. Seahawks (4-1-1)
They forged a tie at the Cardinals despite not scoring a touchdown. The offense still is looking pedestrian.
7. Eagles (4-2)
After Washington lit up their D last week the Eagles stymied Vikings QB Sam Bradford. Philly won in spite of two picks by QB Carson Wentz.
8. Raiders (4-2)
A visit to the Jags was just what bad Raiders D needed. The Raiders are 4-0 on the road.
9. Chiefs (4-2)
Their season looked to be in trouble when RB Jamaal Charles went down but Spencer Ware has been his equal. The defense is getting better, too.
10. Steelers (4-2)
QB Landry Jones was pretty good against the Pats so that gives them some hope they can stay afloat until Ben Roethlisberger returns. About that defense, though . . .
11. Falcons (4-3)
Coach Dan Quinn on that stretch play on the failed fourth-down play in OT: “We do what we do.” It probably works if left tackle Jake Matthews doesn’t fall down.
12. Bills (4-3)
The Dolphins lined up in a “big” package against the Bills and ran the ball down their throats. Coach Rex Ryan: "They were the more physical team today, there's no doubt about that. They controlled the game."
13. Washington (4-2)
Washington scored just 17 points in snapping a four-game winning streak with an L at the Lions. At some point the offense has to do its part.
14. Lions (4-3)
They’ve pulled out Ws late in three straight weeks. This time QB Matthew Stafford found WR Anquan Boldin for a TD with 16 seconds left.
15. Cardinals (3-3-1)
Remember when they were supposed to be NFC contenders?
16. Giants (3-2)
They got four INTs at the Rams and still had to pull it out a W at the end.
17. Buccaneers (3-3)
Ex-Falcons RB Jacquizz Rodgers led them to a W at 49ers.
18. Dolphins (3-3)
RB Jay Ajayi has rushed for 200 yards two games in a row. But how far can they get with smashmouth and D?
19. Chargers (3-4)
They don’t have any great pass targets for QB Philip Rivers but they have a lot of pretty good ones.
20. Texans (3-3)
Broncos D constantly harassed QB Brock Osweiler in his return to Denver.
21. Ravens (3-4)
The defense did everything it could to win at the Jets but QB Joe Flacco threw two costly picks.
22. Bengals (3-4)
A home game against the Browns fixed what ails them.
23. Titans (3-3)
The offense finally came to life against the Colts only to see the D get carved up by QB Andrew Luck. They’ve lost 10 in a row to Indy.
24. Colts (3-4)
Colts rebounded from blown game at Houston with yet another W against the Titans.
25. Rams (3-3)
QB Case Keenum threw four INTs vs. Giants, including one in the end zone with less than a minute left.
26. Saints (2-4)
QB Drew Brees put up big numbers to rally them at Chiefs but couldn’t get it done.
27. Jets (2-4)
Benched QB Ryan Fitzpatrick relieved Geno Smith and led them to victory over Ravens. He’s still not the answer.
28. Jaguars (2-3)
Coach Gus Bradley could be in trouble after the third straight home loss featured two players ejected by officials.
29. Panthers (1-5)
They come out of the bye talking about turning things around but not sure if they really believe it.
30. Bears (1-6)
QB Brian Hoyer, filling in for Jay Cutler, broke his arm vs. Packers.
31. 49ers (1-6)
QB Colin Kaepernick was bad against Bucs and so was the defense.
32. Browns (0-7)
Could they get their first W against the Jets on Sunday?
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