(last week’s ratings in parentheses)
1. San Diego (3): Chargers’ first visit atop the league. They may not leave.
2. Indianapolis (1): Grip on home field was lost on a 60-yard field goal. That’s rough.
3. New England (4): A loss to Detroit would have been a disaster.
4. Chicago (5): Is Brian Griese really the answer?
5. Dallas (6): Cowboys officially are dangerous.
6. Baltimore (2): Ravens still will cruise to division crown.
7. Seattle (7): Very fortunate to leave Denver with a victory.
8. New Orleans (10): There will be NFL playoffs in New Orleans. Amazing.
9. New York Jets (11): Who would believe Denver is behind the Jets in December?
10. Cincinnati (12): Raiders aren’t going to stop this runaway train today.
11. Jacksonville (13): Jaguars saved season with win over Dolphins.
12. Kansas City (8): Losing to the Browns is not a good way to start December.
13. Denver (9): Broncos must find a way to win three more games.
14. Philadelphia (17): Jeff Garcia has a good thing going.
15. Carolina (14): It’s just not going to happen for the Panthers this year.
16. New York Giants (15): What, no controversies this week. Really?
17. Atlanta (20): Huge comeback gives Falcons real life.
18. Tennessee (22): Can you have a better two-week span?
19. Miami (16): The Joey Harrington train finally derailed.
20. Buffalo (18): Bills just lousy enough to lose more than they win.
21. San Francisco (19): 49ers are thumping back to Earth.
22. Pittsburgh (24): Once in a while, this team awakens.
23. Cleveland (25): Maybe win over Chiefs will help Crennel keep his job.
24. St. Louis (21): Rams are getting worse as the season progresses.
25. Minnesota (23): Remember when this team was known for offense?
26. Houston (28): Gary Kubiak’s offense isn’t exactly an aerial showcase.
27. Arizona (30): Matt Leinart is getting it done.
28. Washington (26): That was a bad loss to the Falcons.
29. Tampa Bay (27): This team continues to move backward.
30. Green Bay (29): Remember when Lambeau Field used to be an advantage for the Packers?
31. Detroit (31): A victory over New England would have made a bad season livable.
32. Oakland (32): Raiders show Texans who’s the boss of the cellar.
Note: Rankings compiled before Thursday’s game between Cleveland and Pittsburgh.
ON THE MOVE
Denver
Three weeks ago, the Broncos were fighting for a top spot. Now they are fighting for survival. After three stunning losses, all winnable games, Denver is 7-5 and on the outside looking in for a wild-card spot. This team is in a major tailspin. It must find a way to avoid its first four-game losing streak in seven years against the Chargers, who are riding a six-game winning streak.
