1. Patriots (11-2)
Pats scored four TDs against stout Ravens D. They may not be a juggernaut without TE Rob Gronkowski, and there are at least three legit challengers in AFC, but Tom Brady's Pats will be a dang tough out.
2. Cowboys (11-2)
Scored just seven points in loss at Giants. Is rookie QB Dak Prescott hitting the wall? Can that pass D hold up?
3. Chiefs (10-3)
Very good W against the Raiders. No one has done more with a limited offense/opportunistic defense formula.
4. Raiders (10-3)
Raiders lost control of the AFC West with tough loss at KC. QB Derek Carr had an off night with his big o-line shaky against ferocious pass rush.
5. Steelers (8-5)
RB Le’Veon Bell set franchise record for yards in W at Bills. Steelers are rolling now and that makes them a real threat to the Pats.
6. Falcons (8-5)
The Rams are bad but the Falcons were fantastic. Sans WR Julio Jones, they dominated on the road while punching holes in a pretty good defense. Vic Beasley (above) is beasting.
Related headlines
7. Seahawks (8-4-1)
Another bad loss on the road, this time at Packers, shows why Seahawks need postseason home games. They likely will have to win at least one on the road to get back to the Super Bowl.
8. Lions (9-4)
In beating Bears, Lions set an NFL record with eighth fourth-quarter comeback W. I can’t shake the feeling that they are mediocre and lucky but results are results.
9. Buccaneers (8-5)
Ex-Falcons coach Mike Smith’s D held the Saints without a touchdown in victory. We’ll now the Bucs are for real if they win at Cowboys Sunday night.
10. Broncos (8-5)
Don’t let all of their brawling and trash talking in loss at Titans obscure fact that Broncos are in danger of missing the playoffs. They close with vs. Pats, at Chiefs, vs. Raiders.
11. Giants (9-4)
Washed away ugly L at Pittsburgh with good W against Cowboys. The defense always gives them a chance.
12. Dolphins (8-5)
Dolphins beat the Cardinals to stay in AFC wild-card race but QB Ryan Tannehill suffered a sprained knee that is expected to keep him out a couple of weeks. That’s at Jets and at Bills.
13. Titans (7-6)
Titans are still in the hunt for an AFC wild card after W vs. Broncos. But all the talk was about Denver alleging a cheap shot by ex-Falcons WR Harry Douglas.
14. Washington (7-5-1)
Against the Eagles QB Kirk Cousins had one of those games that make you believe Washington can do something if it gets into playoffs.
15. Ravens (8-5)
If Ravens want to look at the bright side, their offense kept up with the Pats in a road shootout. But they need help now to make the playoffs.
16. Packers (7-6)
Are the Packers back? I don’t think so but that was an impressive win over Seahawks.
17. Vikings (7-6)
The W at the Jaguars was just their second in nine weeks. Give them credit for not folding amid so many injuries.
18. Texans (7-6)
After win at Colts, Texans still are -45 in scoring margin this season. Prime one-and-done candidate if they make the playoffs.
19. Bills (6-7)
Followed collapse at Raiders by getting manhandled at home by Steelers at home.
20. Panthers (5-8)
Good W against the Chargers but still playing out the string.
21. Bengals (5-7-1)
Blew out the Browns in Cleveland so that’s something.
22. Eagles (5-8)
Lost to Washington but QB Carson Wentz played well. He’s someone to build with.
23. Colts (6-7)
Home loss to Texans, plus Titans win, severely damages Indy’s hopes in AFC South.
24. Cardinals (5-7-1)
Disappointing effort in loss at Miami.
25. Saints (5-8)
The only drama left for Saints is watching to see how they rebuild.
26. Jets (4-9)
Beat the 49ers (OT) in San Francisco so that’s something.
27. Chargers (5-8)
Sloppy effort at Panthers shows they are wearing down in final weeks.
28. Bears (3-10)
Best of both worlds: Competed at Lions but lost so draft position doesn’t worsen.
29. Rams (4-9)
Rams were so bad against the Falcons that coach Jeff Fisher (above) got canned.
30. Jaguars (2-11)
Their blunders against the Vikings included a delay of game penalty on a kickoff.
31. 49ers (1-12)
It’s still a three-way race for the No. 1 pick so 49ers have some work to do.
32. Browns (0-13)
Unfortunately for the Browns the QB class looks weak in this draft.
About the Author
