The Patriots are king. The Panthers are running away with the NFC South. The Bengals took a bad loss. The Packers and Broncos have issues. The Falcons are among a pack of NFC teams that could go either way.
1. Patriots (9-0)
Previous rank: 1. Result: Won 27-26 at Giants. Next: Sun. vs. Bills.
Faced with their toughest test of the season, the Patriots found a way to beat the Giants.
2. Panthers (9-0)
Previous rank: 2. Result: Won 27-10 at Titans. Next: Sun. vs. Redskins.
QB Cam Newton annoyed Titans players and fans by dancing after seemingly every positive play. But someone has to stop him if they want it to end.
3. Cardinals (6-2)
Previous rank: 6. Result: Won 39-32 at Seahawks. Next: Sun vs. Bengals.
QB Carson Palmer overcame two strip-sacks to rally the Cardinals to victory. They are three games ahead in the NFC West.
4. Vikings (7-2)
Previous rank: 5. Result: Won 30-14 at Raiders. Next: Sun. vs. Packers.
That's five Ws in a row. RB Adrian Peterson is looking dominant, the defense is legit and suddenly they are in control of the NFC North.
5. Bengals (8-1)
Previous rank: 3. Result: Lost 10-6 vs. Texans. Next: Sun. vs Cardinals.
One bad loss is enough to bring out the doubters predicting another one-and-done in the playoffs.
6. Broncos (7-2)
Previous rank: 4. Result: Lost 29-13 vs. Chiefs. Next: Sun. at Chargers.
QB Peyton Manning had his worst game since his rookie season, or maybe his worst ever. They'll go with Brock Osweiler this week as Manning recovers from and rib injuries.
7. Steelers (6-4)
Previous rank: 11. Result: Won 30-9 vs. Browns. Next: Bye.
They've managed to stay afloat through injuries and now are firmly in the playoff race.
8. Bills (5-4)
Previous rank: 15. Result: Won 22-17 at Jets. Next: Mon. at Patriots.
Good win at Jets sets up rematch with Pats.
9. Giants (5-5)
Previous rank: 7. Result: Lost 27-26 vs. Patriots. Next: Bye.
They blew a fourth-quarter lead for the fourth time this season and for the fourth time coach Tom Coughlin said they need to "just finish the game."
10. Jets (5-4)Previous rank: 8. Result: Lost 28-23 vs. Bills. Next: Sun. at Texans.
They've lost three of four games. The defense is slipping.
11. Packers (6-3)
Previous rank: 9. Result: Lost 18-16 vs. Lions. Next: Sun. vs. Raiders.
What is going on with their offense? QB Aaron Rodgers appears to be losing confidence.
12. Falcons (6-3)Previous rank: 12. Result: Bye. Next: Sun. vs. Colts.
They are now three games behind the Panthers in the NFC South. They have to stay ahead of all those 4-5 teams in the East and West.
13. Colts (4-5)
Previous rank: 14. Result: Bye. Next: Sun. at Falcons.
The Falcons catch a break with QB Andrew Luck on the shelf. Though considering their recent history against backup QBs, maybe you should pick up Matt Hasselbeck for your fantasy team.
14. Eagles (4-5)
Previous rank: 13. Result: Lost 20-19 vs. Dolphins. Next: Sun. vs. Dolphins.
The Dolphins knocked QB Sam Bradford from the game. Backup Mark Sanchez threw a pick in the end zone.
15. Washington (4-5)Previous rank: 19. Result: Won 47-14 vs. Saints. Next: Bye.
The off week allows Washington extra time to pretend QB Kirk Cousins really is that good.
16. Seahawks (4-5)
Previous rank: 10. Result: Lost 39-32 vs. Cardinals. Next: Sun. vs 49ers.
They are losing some of their mystique at home. They also are on the outside of the Wild Card race.
17. Chiefs (4-5)Previous rank: 20. Result: Won 29-13 at Broncos. Next: Sun. at Chargers.
Three Ws in a row puts them back in the Wild Card race.
18. Texans (4-5)
Previous rank: 21. Result: Won 10-6 at Bengals. Next: Sun. vs Jets.
They've allowed 10 points or less in three of their victories. That's not sustainable but it's good enough to be tied in the AFC South.
19. Bears (4-5)Previous rank: 22. Result: Won 37-13 at Rams . Next: Sun. vs. Broncos.
They have to be taken seriously with Jay Cutler healthy and effective.
20. Raiders (4-5)
Previous rank: 17. Result: Lost 30-14 vs. Vikings. Next: Sun. at Lions.
They rallied from a 13-0 deficit against the Vikings but then did nothing.
21. 49ers (3-6)
Previous rank: 23. Result: Bye. Next: Sun. at Seahawks.
They've got an outside shot at a Wild Card if they can go on a run.
22. Buccaneers (4-5)
Previous rank: 24. Result: Won 10-6 vs. Cowboys. Next: Sun. at Eagles.
QB Jameis Winston was bailed out by a defensive holding call against the Cowboys that wiped out his lost fumble at the goal line. He's finding a way to win ugly, just like he did for Florida State.
23. Rams (4-5)
Previous rank: 16. Result: Lost 37-13 vs. Bears. Next: Sun. vs. Broncos.
Can we stop pretending they are any good? They finally benched QB Nick Foles.
24. Dolphins (4-5)Previous rank: 26. Result: Won 20-19 at Eagles. Next: Sun. vs. Cowboys.
They are a dangerous team when the defense shows up.
25. Jaguars (3-6)
Previous rank: 28. Result: Won 22-20 at Ravens. Next: Sun. at Ravens.
They needed a blown call by refs to get in position to kick the winning field goal against the Ravens.
26. Saints (4-6)Previous rank: 18. Result: Lost 47-14 at Washington. Next: Bye.
Not even Drew Brees can overcome this awful defense. The sad performance against Washington cost DC Rob Ryan his job.
27. Lions (2-7)
Previous rank: 32. Result: Won 18-16 at Packers. Next: Sun. vs. Raiders.
They ended a 14-year losing streak at Lambeau Field and coach Jim Caldwell survives another week.
28. Titans (2-6)
Previous rank: 25. Result: Lost 27-10 vs. Panthers. Next: Thurs. at Jaguars.
So much for gaining momentum from that overtime W at the Saints.
29. Chargers (2-7)Previous rank: 26. Result: Sun. vs. Chiefs. Next: Bye.
Nothing like coming out of a bye with a five-game losing streak.
30. Browns (2-8)
Previous rank: 27. Result: Lost 30-9 at Steelers. Next: Bye.
QB Johnny Manziel threw for 372 yards against the Steelers but took six sacks.
31. Cowboys (2-7)
Previous rank: 30. Result: Lost 10-6 at Buccaneers. Next: Sun. at Dolphins.
QB Tony Romo is set to return and they still aren't out of it in the NFC East.
32. Ravens (2-7)
Previous rank: 31. Result: Lost 22-20 vs. Jaguars. Next: Sun. vs. Rams.
Blown call or not, they just aren't very good.
About the Author
