1. Patriots (7-1)
The Pats come out of the bye week on top of the AFC with a home game against the Seahawks and, after that, at 49ers, at Jets, vs. Rams and vs. Ravens. Don’t see them losing more than one in that stretch.
2. Cowboys (7-1)
Remember when the Cowboys seemed doomed when QB Tony Romo suffered a back injury? Now he’s back practicing but no one cares because rookie Dak Prescott has been so good.
3. Raiders (7-2)
Raiders took control in the AFC West with win vs. Broncos. Now they get a bye week before closing with a challenging schedule.
4. Chiefs (6-2)
They outlasted the Jags at home for their fourth straight W. Chiefs are hoping the offense will improve when QB Alex Smith and RB Spencer Ware return.
5. Seahawks (5-2-1)
The offense finally came to life against the Bills with TE Jimmy Graham looking healthy again. That defense still can crank things up like no other.
6. Falcons (6-3)
Really, the fumble by QB Matt Ryan (above) is the only major thing to fault the Falcons for in the W at Tampa Bay. It was an impressive, spirited effort on a short week.
7. Broncos (6-3)
The Raiders can throw on anybody but they didn’t even need to do that to beat the Broncos, who gave up 218 yards rushing. LB Brandon Marshall: "That's definitely not the mark of a great defense, we can't just get run over."
8. Vikings (5-3)
They lost at home to the Lions for their third straight L after the 5-0 start. The vaunted defense couldn’t stop Detroit in OT.
9. Giants (5-3)
Giants beat the Eagles for their third W in a row and just the second W in last eight meetings vs. Philly. QB Eli Manning nearly blew it with a late INT.
10. Packers (4-4)
QB Aaron Rodgers told Packers fans to relax during a tough stretch last season. After losing at home to the Colts, he called out teammates for their lack of enthusiasm.
11. Steelers (4-4)
QB Ben Roethlisberger returned from injury but the Steelers managed just 69 yards and two first downs through three quarters of loss at Baltimore.
12. Eagles (4-4)
The defense once again looked vulnerable in a loss to the Giants. Rookie QB Carson Wentz’s (above) bad half put them behind.
13. Texans (5-3)
After a bye last week four of Houston’s next five games are on the road, where it’s 0-3.
14. Bills (4-5)
After he was bad against the Pats, Bills QB Tyrod Taylor was fantastic in loss at Seattle. His o-line let him down.
15. Lions (5-4)
Lions won in OT at Minnesota for their fourth comeback W in last five games. That’s not sustainable.
16. Washington (4-3-1)
Washington came out of the bye to learn LT Trent Williams is suspended four games for violating NFL’s substance abuse policy. Those games are against Vikings, Packers, Cowboys and Cardinals.
17. Cardinals (3-4-1)
They underachieved before the bye.
18. Dolphins (4-4)
They overcame deficits three times to beat the Jets.
19. Chargers (4-5)
Second-year RB Melvin Gordon has turned into a reliable force.
20. Saints (4-4)
After 0-3 start, Saints are back in the NFC South race.
21. Ravens (4-4)
The W vs. Steelers forged a tie for AFC North lead.
22. Colts (4-5)
QB Andrew Luck rallied after two early INTs to win at Lambeau.
23. Titans (4-5)
In loss at San Diego QB Marcus Mariota threw a pick six and had a fumble returned for a TD.
24. Bengals (3-4-1)
The Ravens helped out the Bengals by beating the Steelers and tightening the AFC North race.
25. Panthers (3-5)
The offense was anemic at Rams but they still got their second straight W.
26. Buccaneers (3-5)
QB Jameis Winston (above) was OK against the Falcons in spite of having no running game.
27. Jets (3-6)
Dolphins tried to give Jets the game with a botched punt but Jets gave it right back.
28. Rams (3-5)
Rams got the slog they wanted vs. Panthers but still couldn’t win,
29. Bears (2-6)
Skids by Vikings and Packers and return of QB Jay Cutler give Bears at least a bit of hope they can get back in NFC South race.
30. Jaguars (2-6)
Purported franchise QB Blake Bortles isn’t looking like one but his supporting cast is bad.
31. 49ers (1-7)
Each week they lose and Michigan wins reminds them how much they miss Jim Harbaugh.
32. Browns (0-9)
The Browns are the first team since the '64 Broncos to allow at least 25 points in their first nine games.
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