Last week’s rankings in parentheses.
1. Indianapolis (2): Colts may never give up this spot.
2. Pittsburgh (4): We’ll learn a lot about the Steelers today.
3. Carolina (5): The best team in the NFC just made some noise.
4. New England (1): Tom Brady must find a way to stop the bleeding at Pittsburgh.
5. Kansas City (6): Like the Colts, Chiefs suddenly are impressive on “D.”
6. Atlanta (3): Rip him or not, Falcons are nothing without Michael Vick.
7. Philadelphia (7): Watch Terrell Owens try to outshine Randy Moss in battle of wayward receivers.
8. Cincinnati (9): Carson Palmer could be Pro Bowl-bound.
9. Tampa Bay (15): Jon Gruden has his offense working again.
10. New York Jets (12): This team will get it together soon.
11. New York Giants (17): They should be in playoff chase later this season.
12. Buffalo (10): J.P. Losman and Bills will end up being fine.
13. Jacksonville (11): Hold Peyton Manning to 10 points and lose? That’s tough.
14. Denver (19): Defense must come up big in prime time.
15. San Diego (8): Chargers need to take out frustration on Eli Manning.
16. St. Louis (21): It’s already another nutty Mike Martz season.
17. Seattle (22): Typical Seahawks: Lousy one week, stellar the next.
18. Dallas (16): Think it was a pleasant week at Camp Parcells?
19. Baltimore (13): This season may be on the brink already.
20. Detroit (14): Same old Joey Harrington.
21. New Orleans (18): Saints just have to hang in there on the road.
22. Washington (26): It won’t get better than the win vs. Dallas.
23. Minnesota (20): The NFC’s version of Baltimore for disappointment.
24. Houston (23): No offense, Chris Palmer, but you’re fired.
25. Miami (24): Despite loss, Dolphins on the right track.
26. Tennessee (30): Jeff Fisher will coach this team to some wins.
27. Cleveland (31): Win in Green Bay may go a long way.
28. Green Bay (25): This is getting pathetic.
29. San Francisco (27): Has Derek Smith’s mouth been taped shut yet?
30. Oakland (28): Tick, tick, tick … That’s Time Bomb Randy you’re hearing.
31. Chicago (32): Still not convinced.
32. Arizona (29): Who said Dennis Green was a good coach?
ON THE MOVE
San Diego
The Chargers have a ton of talent. Still, they are in a heap of trouble. After blowing two games in the fourth quarter, the team that went 12-4 last season is 0-2 and facing a tough schedule. The Chargers will be competitive, but they’re in a hole. It’s not over, but it’s not good, either.
