# Minnesota Vikings (9-1) — Look, the bottom line is that no one could beat this team right now, I mean no one. Brett Favre, at 40 years young, is having the best season of his career. Their only loss came at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. Not even the ‘72 Dolphins would win at Pittsburgh nowadays. They have the “Four Norsemen” on the defensive line, a superb secondary, an emerging star in Sidney Rice, as well as some running back named Adrian Peterson. When you throw all of that together with a great and decisive Brett Favre on top, one word comes to mind… Championship.
# Indianapolis Colts (10-0) — Peyton Manning is the best quarterback I have ever seen play the game. I know I wasn’t around to see old folks like Joe Namath back in their day but being a child of the Joe Montana, Dan Marino, etc.-era, I think I have seen some good ones play. Peyton Manning is the best ever. This Colts team finds ways to win. They don’t need Bob Sanders. Their last four wins have been by a total ten points. I don’t care, they find ways to win and play tough enough on defense.
# New England Patriots (7-3) — This offense is starting to roll on all cylinders. The showdown with the Colts a couple of weeks ago was one for the ages. Too bad the head coach had to choke it away. Regardless, how can you not love a team that is averaging 37.2 points per game over a five game span? I am hoping we get to see the Pats play the Colts again in the playoffs.
# New Orleans Saints (10-0) – Yes they are unbeaten. If you are wondering why I don’t have them stashed at No. 1 or No. 2 in my power rankings, it is because I do not think they would beat the three above teams right now if they matched, anywhere, even in the Superdome. They are scoring a league best 36.9 points per game on the year but the defense is starting to bow. I love what Drew Brees is capable of doing but don’t trust them in the playoffs.
# San Diego Chargers (7-3) – Somebody brought LaDainian Tomlinson back from the grave. Darren Sproles has become a nonfactor in the rushing game for the Bolts and the defense is coming back to life. Shawne Merriman is beginning to turn things around while the secondary is as good as you can get in the NFL. I didn’t even mention Shaun Phillips and Larry English yet either.
# Green Bay Packers (6-4) — I will tell you right now, even though they just lost Aaron Kampman and Al Harris, nobody in the NFC will want to play this team in the playoffs. The offensive line is getting stronger, as it was evident the last two weeks, allowing a total of six sacks to the Cowboys and 49ers combined. The two games before that, they allowed 12 total. So, the offensive line is stepping in the right direction and Aaron Rodgers is beginning to connect with his big-play threat Greg Jennings. This team is tough, do not sleep on them.
# Dallas Cowboys (7-3) — I am concerned about the lack of scoring over the last two weeks but on the flip side, it could be an encouraging sign for the Cowboys. Their defense is good enough to hold the opponents to a low scoring total. Therefore, it increases the odds of the Cowboys winning even if the offense is reaching pay dirt. Let’s see if Tony Romo can learn how to play in December too.
# Cincinnati Bengals (7-3) – A loss to Oakland for the Bengals is not a sign of encouragement. I think it was a let-down loss because the Bengals have been riding a high wave of emotions after sweeping the Steelers. Their offense has not been the same since coming off of a bye week though, averaging 17.3 points per game. With how well their defense is playing though, like the Cowboys, 17 points will get them a win most of the time.
# Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4) — I am concerned about Ben Roethlisberger’s concussion and how it will or will not impact him this coming weekend. I am also concerned about their lack of running the ball. Rashard Mendenhall is one of the most explosive rushers in the league. Get him the damn ball!
