1. Green Bay Packers (7-0): Survived an unexpected scare from upstart Vikings. Now, get a week to rest up for a cross-country trip to San Diego. With Aaron Rodgers on pace for 48 touchdowns, we got the Pack going 16-0. Zip it up and zip it out.2. New England Patriots (5-1): Tight end Rob Gronkowski’s bye week was good enough to keep the Pats in the top 2. Tom Brady and Co. come off a five-day hiatus riding a three-game winning streak.3. San Francisco 49ers (5-1): While the Niners were relaxing by the bay — and coach Jim Harbaugh was practicing his handshakes, no doubt — the two teams ahead of them suffered uncharacteristic losses.4. New Orleans Saints (5-2): Give Drew Brees the “beefy mac.” You won’t like him without it. Right opponent at the right time? Sure. But the high-powered Saints are back in control of tough AFC South.5. San Diego Chargers (4-2): Had a real shot to silence critics with big win, but couldn’t get it done. Then, they complained [read: whined] about the refs.6. Baltimore Ravens (4-2): Is there something bad brewing in the Charm City? Terrell Suggs called out the offensive play-calling after inexcusable loss to the Jags.7. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2): The team once thought to be “too old, slow” finds itself in first place. A win over the Patriots this week would do wonders. Never count the Steelers out.8. Houston Texans (4-3): Was that the Hogs leading the way for Arian Foster and Ben Tate? Texans needed a signature win and got one, stampeding the Titans 41-7.9. New York Giants (4-2): Stay put at No. 9 and getting better, with Justin Tuck and Brandon Jacobs back on the field this week vs. Miami.10. Buffalo Bills (4-2): Get brownie points for trying to work out an extension for QB Ryan Fitzpatrick on their bye. A deal could be done before Sunday.11. New York Jets (4-3): It’s Darrelle Revis’ world, we’re just living in it. That’s three picks in his last two games — and a two-game winning streak for the J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS.12. Detroit Lions (5-2): We have no problem with Ndamukong Suh talking trash, but the Lions need to wake up before the ghost of Wayne Fontes returns.13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3): Not giving up on Baby Bucs just yet, but they need to find some consistency. Plus, how can you not sack Jay Cutler more than two times?14. Atlanta Falcons (4-3): That’s two straight wins for the Falcons. More importantly, their defense looked to finally be clicking, with three sacks vs. Lions.15. Dallas Cowboys (3-3): Tony Dorsett … err, DeMarco Murray (253 yards). If the rookie RB keeps this up, it won’t really matter what Tony Romo does.16. Chicago Bears (4-3): Matt Forte (1,091 total yards) is taking over the Marshall Faulk role in Mike Martz’s offense. Yes, that’s a good thing. A very good thing.17. Tennessee Titans (3-3): That’s back-to-back losses to two potential playoff teams. Has it been all smoke and mirrors? Or can Titans beat a legit opponent?18. Oakland Raiders (4-3): Carson Palmer will have a whole two weeks to prepare as the starter. If he throws three picks again, then the Raiders wasted two high draft picks.19. Philadelphia Eagles (2-4): Coach Andy Reid is a perfect 12-0 after the bye. Birds also get Jason Peters, Trent Cole back this week.20. Cincinnati Bengals (4-2): We’re about to see how deep the Bengals are, as they look for fourth straight win — without their leading rusher, Cedric Benson.21. Carolina Panthers (2-5): Two words: Cam Newton. Still questioning the kid’s abilities. Check out the 25-yard scramble where he made seven Redskins miss.22. Washington Redskins (3-3): Man the life rafts. This team is a sinking ship. Even the once-heralded defense is struggling.23. Denver Broncos (2-4): Is it too early to erect that Tim Tebow statue at Mile High?24. Kansas City Chiefs (3-3): It’s hard to lose when your defense causes six turnovers.25. Cleveland Browns (3-3): This is an ugly football team.26. Seattle Seahawks (2-4): This is an uglier football team.27. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5): Hope they enjoyed their 15 minutes. It’s back to reality this week at Houston.28. Minnesota Vikings (1-6): We don’t usually count moral victories, but potentially finding your franchise QB, Christian Ponder, has to count for something. Right, Donovan?29. Arizona Cardinals (1-5): They are who we thought they were.30. St. Louis Rams (0-6): Who …31. Indianapolis Colts (0-7): Wins …32. Miami Dolphins (0-7): First?
