1. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers get the top spot in a season when nobody seems to want it. The defense will keep this team from slipping too far.
2. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens handled a decent Dolphins team Sunday. They haven’t really impressed us since week one at the Meadowlands. Beating Pittsburgh without Big Ben doesn’t rate. A Thursday night win on the road in Atlanta would be meaningful.
3. New York Giants
4. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have been allowing less talented teams to stay within striking distance. They’ll have no wiggle room Thursday with the Ravens in town.
5. Green Bay Packers
Three straight wins have the Pack riding high. They get a week to figure out how to put the Vikings out of their misery.
6. New York Jets
The Jets have two unimpressive wins in Denver and Detroit sandwiched around a shutout loss at home to Green Bay. Show us something, Gang Green!
7.New Orleans Saints
Rumors of the champ’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. With the Seahawks, Cowboys, Bengals, and Rams coming after the bye, the Saints will be a factor again in the NFC.
8. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have allowed 11.5 points per game following their losses this season. The Bengals come in on a short week after their season ended Monday against Pittsburgh. Should be a layup for Manning and company.
9. New England Patriots
The Pats need to figure things out quickly or they will be embarrassed on Sunday night in Pittsburgh.
10. Philadelphia Eagles
This team is flying under the radar right now, but they are in position to make a move in the division with the Skins and Giants in the next two weeks.