1. Cowboys (9-1)
Cowboys began game vs. Ravens with four straight punts and then scored on final five possessions. Rookie QB Dak Prescott only seems to be getting better as the pressure builds.
2. Seahawks (7-2-1)
No one wants to face them in the postseason but eventually they may have to go on the road to beat the Cowboys.
3. Patriots (8-2)
Sputtered at lowly San Francisco before pouring it on in the fourth quarter. Four-game substance abuse suspension for DT Alan Branch potentially hurts the run defense.
4. Raiders (8-2)
The Texans stymied Oakland in Mexico City before QB Derek Carr tossed two fourth-quarter TDs. Raiders have won four straight for first time since 2002.
5. Broncos (7-3)
Denver comes out of the bye with manageable games vs. KC, at Jacksonville and at Titans before finishing with Patriots at home, at Chiefs, and Raiders at home.
6. Giants (7-3)
Giants outlasted Bears, who dropped a pair of potential picks by QB Eli Manning. Giants are on their first five-game winning streak since 2010.
7. Falcons (6-4)
The Chiefs didn’t help the idle Falcons with that loss to the Bucs. Falcons should have little trouble with the Cardinals in the Dome especially if CB Desmond Trufant and RB Tevin Coleman (above) are back from injury.
8. Chiefs (7-3)
Took a bad loss at home to the Bucs. The defense can only take them so far.
9. Lions (6-4)
The Lions have trailed in the fourth quarter of every game. They beat the Jags in spite of 14 yards rushing and two fumbles.
10. Washington (6-3-1)
After Washington blew out the Packers Sunday night, coach Jay Gruden complained about the quick turnaround to face the Cowboys on Thanksgiving. Catching the Cowboys in the NFC East isn’t likely but a wild card is in play.
11. Dolphins (6-4)
The Dolphins had 10 punts and an interception on their first 11 drives at the Rams before putting together two scoring drives for the W.
12. Vikings (6-4)
The Vikings held on to beat the Cardinals and end a four-game L streak.
13. Eagles (5-5)
Their defense stifled the Falcons but couldn’t duplicate the formula at Seattle.
14. Steelers (5-5)
They went old school to grind out a W at Browns.
15. Bills (5-5)
It wasn’t pretty but W at Bengals keeps them on fringes of wild-card race.
16. Texans (6-4)
Texans defense held the Raiders to 122 yards through three quarters before finally spitting the bit.
17. Ravens (5-5)
They actually played a pretty good game in loss at the Cowboys.
18. Buccaneers (5-5)
I’m not sure how good they are but give them credit for not folding and staying in NFC South hunt.
19. Colts (4-5)
At least they can always count on beating the Titans.
20. Panthers (4-6)
They lost several players to injury in W vs. Saints, including star LB Luke Kuechly (concussion).
21. Packers (4-6)
Blowout loss to Washington makes two straight road beat downs. The defense finally is fading amid injuries.
22. Cardinals (4-5-1)
QB Carson Palmer (above) and the Cards entered the season with Super Bowl hopes but now are longshots to make the playoffs.
23. Titans (5-6)
After big win vs. Packers, Titans fell back to earth with 11th straight loss to Colts.
24. Chargers (4-6)
They are pretty much playing out the string after the bye.
25. Saints (4-6)
In a twist, defense played well enough to win at Carolina but QB Drew Brees didn’t do much until it was too late.
26. Rams (4-6)
Rookie QB Jared Goff didn’t have a turnover in his debut but that’s about all that went right.
27. Bengals (3-6-1)
There will be no postseason collapse this time because there will be no postseason.
28. Jets (3-7)
Hope they enjoyed the bye because Pats are up next.
29. Bears (2-8)
QB Jay Cutler could be out with another injury.
30. Jaguars (2-8)
Their drought without a winning season goes back to 2007.
31. 49ers (1-9)
The offense is so bad coach Chip Kelly is slowing down the tempo.
32. Browns (0-11)
QB Josh McCown will start against the Giants after rookie Cody Kessler left Seelers game with a concussion. Good luck with that.
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