The defense definitely looked a little more leaky against the Falcons, but that improved D still shut down Matt Ryan when it mattered most and picked him off three times. New Orleans doesn't play a team with a winning record again until a monster Monday night showdown at the end of November — Week 12 when the Patriots come to town, with the Saints possibly sitting at 10-0.

The defense definitely looked a little more leaky against the Falcons, but that improved D still shut down Matt Ryan when it mattered most and picked him off three times. New Orleans doesn't play a team with a winning record again until a monster Monday night showdown at the end of November — Week 12 when the Patriots come to town, with the Saints possibly sitting at 10-0.
THIS WEEK: vs. Panthers (3-4)

Speaking of perfect teams thus far, the Saints' mirror-images in Indy have silently won their last 16 regular-season games dating back to last season. Of course, this year's competition has been right up there with the Big 10's non-conference schedule — the 4-3 Cardinals are the only winning team to face Peyton Manning.

Speaking of perfect teams thus far, the Saints' mirror-images in Indy have silently won their last 16 regular-season games dating back to last season. Of course, this year's competition has been right up there with the Big 10's non-conference schedule — the 4-3 Cardinals are the only winning team to face Peyton Manning. Still, check out which team leads the entire NFL in scoring defense — never woulda thought the Colts, would ya?
THIS WEEK: vs. Texans (5-3)

While trying not to get too loopy — the inner contrarian notices that the Vikings haven't beaten anyone better than 4-3 this season — it's impossible to overstate the effect Brett Favre has had on this year's Vikings.

While trying not to get too loopy — the inner contrarian notices that the Vikings haven't beaten anyone better than 4-3 this season — it's impossible to overstate the effect Brett Favre has had on this year's Vikings. They've changed one player, and gone from 12th in the NFL in scoring to 2nd — averaging a TD per game higher in '09. "But wait, what about the Vikings defense that has allowed 28 ppg over its last three games, forcing just one turnover?" Darn it, tell "cynical voice" to cram it . . . Brett Favre just beat the Packers, for the second time. Don'tcha know?
THIS WEEK: Bye

It was bound to happen. The skeptics were waiting patiently the past few weeks for the Broncos to come back to reality. But don't kick too much dirt on 'em, it's never a good idea to overreact to one game — win or loss.

It was bound to happen. The skeptics were waiting patiently the past few weeks for the Broncos to come back to reality. But don't kick too much dirt on 'em, it's never a good idea to overreact to one game — win or loss. They faced a Ravens team sporting "mad dog" syndrome, coming off three straight tough losses and a bye week to think about it. Now the SB champs come to town Monday, so get ready to either jump on or off the bandwagon next week.
THIS WEEK: vs. Steelers, Mon. (5-2)

Quick quiz: Name the only team in the league with each of the NFL's two remaining unbeaten teams remaining on its schedule. Tom Brady and those Patriots, sweet. Perhaps no other team in football could be better cast to potentially take down both undefeated teams.

Quick quiz: Name the only team in the league with each of the NFL's two remaining unbeaten teams remaining on its schedule. Tom Brady and those Patriots, sweet. Perhaps no other team in football could be better cast to potentially take down both undefeated teams. Regardless, with their weak December opposition, the Pats should be a lock for 11-12 wins and a playoff spot when the dust settles this season.
THIS WEEK: vs. Dolphins (3-4)

Hope Ochotweeto got his rest, because we're about to find out exactly where the Bengals stand. This week: Ravens. Next week: Steelers. Yes, the Bengals have a chance to take control of the juicy AFC North.

Hope Ochotweeto got his rest, because we're about to find out exactly where the Bengals stand. This week: Ravens. Next week: Steelers. Yes, the Bengals have a chance to take control of the juicy AFC North. Best not to doubt Cincy, considering it has wins over Green Bay, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Chicago.
THIS WEEK: vs. Ravens (4-3)

You know, despite being 5-2 defending Super Bowl champs, some Steelers fans privately wonder about their hot-and-cold offense — which can look super cool one drive and super sad the next.

You know, despite being 5-2 defending Super Bowl champs, some Steelers fans privately wonder about their hot-and-cold offense — which can look super cool one drive and super sad the next. Still, after early season struggles Pittsburgh has put up 27-plus points in four straight games, though its defense scored two of those TDs vs. Minnesota in Week 7.
THIS WEEK: at Broncos, Mon. (6-1)

That 30-7 beatdown of previously-spotless Denver serves as a warning to the rest of the NFL: Ray Lewis and the Ravens D may be back. This week, Broncos players will sport the aches and pains to prove it, as the Ravens were back to the hammering hits and physical play that has marked this defense for the past decade.

That 30-7 beatdown of previously-spotless Denver serves as a warning to the rest of the NFL: Ray Lewis and the Ravens D may be back. This week, Broncos players will sport the aches and pains to prove it, as the Ravens were back to the hammering hits and physical play that has marked this defense for the past decade. Oh, and another warning: If they are back, now they have the AFC's top-scoring offense. Yikes.
THIS WEEK: at Bengals (5-2)

The Eagles are like spitting images of their baseball neighbors, the Phillies. Swinging for the fences on offense with loads of weapons, as seen by how they ambushed the Giants. But capable of the big whiff, too (they lost to the Raiders, wow).

The Eagles are like spitting images of their baseball neighbors, the Phillies. Swinging for the fences on offense with loads of weapons, as seen by how they ambushed the Giants. But capable of the big whiff, too (they lost to the Raiders, wow). If Andy Reid can remember to run the ball enough, Philly can be dominant. But we don't trust ya, Big Red.
THIS WEEK: vs. Cowboys (5-2)

Miles Freaking Austin. Wow. It took a while, but the Cowboys finally found their answer to filling the T.O. void and restoring their offensive machine. And best yet, it didn't cost several draft picks in a trade and many more millions of guaranteed greenbacks (Subtle dig alert, Roy Williams).

Miles Freaking Austin. Wow. It took a while, but the Cowboys finally found their answer to filling the T.O. void and restoring their offensive machine. And best yet, it didn't cost several draft picks in a trade and many more millions of guaranteed greenbacks (Subtle dig alert, Roy Williams). Now the 'Boys get a chance to make an emphatic statement in Philly with a shot to take over first place in the NFC East. THIS WEEK: at Eagles (5-2)

It's official: Matty Ice is ice cold, as in slump frigid. Through four weeks, Atlanta was 3-1 while Ryan was completing two-thirds of his passes with 7 TDs and 2 INTs. Now he's struggling to hit any targets, unless you count to opposing players.

It's official: Matty Ice is ice cold, as in slump frigid. Through four weeks, Atlanta was 3-1 while Ryan was completing two-thirds of his passes with 7 TDs and 2 INTs. Now he's struggling to hit any targets, unless you count to opposing players. Ryan's connected on barely half of his passes the past three games, with seven picks in that span. All I'm saying is, it's a good time for the Redskins to come to town.
THIS WEEK: vs. Redskins (2-5)

Well, now that the circus has left town, can the Packers get on with making a playoff run? Maybe, but not until they fix what's seriously broken on the offensive line. Maybe Ted Thompson intentionally got rid of Brett Favre so he didn't get the legend killed behind the line's friendly fire.

Well, now that the circus has left town, can the Packers get on with making a playoff run? Maybe, but not until they fix what's seriously broken on the offensive line. Maybe Ted Thompson intentionally got rid of Brett Favre so he didn't get the legend killed behind the line's friendly fire.
THIS WEEK: at Buccaneers (0-7)

5-0 seems eons ago. Looks like it wasn't the best time for the Giants be hit by the injury bug, as playing without two secondary starters has turned a once ferocious defense into a bunch of pussycats.

5-0 seems eons ago. Looks like it wasn't the best time for the Giants be hit by the injury bug, as playing without two secondary starters has turned a once ferocious defense into a bunch of pussycats. The G-Men had given up 40+ points in a game just twice in their previous 37 games, but now have been so generous twice in their past three. They had better fix things fast, with their next five games against winning teams, including QBs like Philip Rivers, Matt Ryan, Tony Romo and that McNabb fella that just got done torching the DBs.
THIS WEEK: vs. Chargers (4-3)

What a big win for the Dolphins last week against the Jets, a potential season-saver. Now here comes a bigger game, a trip to New England. With a pair of games vs. the Patriots sandwiching some winnable matchups for Miami (Bucs, Panthers, Bills), a Dolphins' split with the Pats could mean a 6-6 or 7-5 record heading down the playoff run in December.

What a big win for the Dolphins last week against the Jets, a potential season-saver. Now here comes a bigger game, a trip to New England. With a pair of games vs. the Patriots sandwiching some winnable matchups for Miami (Bucs, Panthers, Bills), a Dolphins' split with the Pats could mean a 6-6 or 7-5 record heading down the playoff run in December.
THIS WEEK: at Patriots (5-2)

So much for that all-NYC Super Bowl, eh? Now the Giants have dropped three straight, and for the Jets it's four losses in their last five games. Maybe the Jets' defenders should stop talking so much junk about Miami's wildcat offense, considering the Dolphins scored 31 and 30 in two wins over the Jets.

So much for that all-NYC Super Bowl, eh? Now the Giants have dropped three straight, and for the Jets it's four losses in their last five games. Maybe the Jets' defenders should stop talking so much junk about Miami's wildcat offense, considering the Dolphins scored 31 and 30 in two wins over the Jets. The rest of the league? Just 12 points per game. Granted, Ted Ginn's kick returns factored in, but maybe it's time to go the anti-Rex Ryan route with the press clippings.
THIS WEEK: Bye

Does this team seem headed for Jay Cutler's annual 8-8 or 7-9 finish? Just two cupcakes remain on Chicago's schedule, and we're entering the cold, Windy City months when the Bears will need to revive their ailing running game. THIS WEEK: vs. Cardinals (4-3)

Does this team seem headed for Jay Cutler's annual 8-8 or 7-9 finish? Just two cupcakes remain on Chicago's schedule, and we're entering the cold, Windy City months when the Bears will need to revive their ailing running game.
THIS WEEK: vs. Cardinals (4-3)

The Arizona Cardinals are officially on Power Rankings probation. From this point forward, unless the team strings either 2-3 wins or losses together, this frustrating Jekyll-and-Hyde team will be placed right in the middle of the rankings, period.

The Arizona Cardinals are officially on Power Rankings probation. From this point forward, unless the team strings either 2-3 wins or losses together, this frustrating Jekyll-and-Hyde team will be placed right in the middle of the rankings, period. More specifically, on weeks they win, the Cards will be No. 16. After a loss, they'll be No. 17. That's it, no more getting duped (for better or worse) on a team with a serious personality disorder.
THIS WEEK: vs. Panthers (2-4)

Houston fans are itching to dive into the deep end of the Texans' pool. At 5-3 with an exciting offense, this year's team represents the best team in Houston since Warren Moon was QB-ing the Oilers.

Houston fans are itching to dive into the deep end of the Texans' pool. At 5-3 with an exciting offense, this year's team represents the best team in Houston since Warren Moon was QB-ing the Oilers. But they must beat the Colts, if not this week in Indy, then in Week 12 at home. Win one of those, and the Texans are staring at a probable 7-4 mark into a soft final schedule stretch.
THIS WEEK: at Colts (7-0)

Doing just enough to lose must be getting old to Mike Singletary, which is a shame because there is no shame in losing by four points at Indy while holding Peyton Manning's Colts to just one offensive TD.

Doing just enough to lose must be getting old to Mike Singletary, which is a shame because there is no shame in losing by four points at Indy while holding Peyton Manning's Colts to just one offensive TD. So now, San Francisco's record looks more dubious: 3-0 vs. NFC West, 0-4 vs. the real NFL.
THIS WEEK: vs. Titans (1-6)

It was kind of like "Old Timers' Day" for the Chargers last week, with LT scoring twice (just TDs No. 2 and 3 for him this season) and Shawne Merriman notching his first two sacks of 2009.

It was kind of like "Old Timers' Day" for the Chargers last week, with LT scoring twice (just TDs No. 2 and 3 for him this season) and Shawne Merriman notching his first two sacks of 2009. Of course, a bunch of old timers could probably beat the Raiders, too. San Diego may be positioned to make a run, but they still have a ton to prove — with their four wins over the Raiders (twice, and not pretty), the Chiefs and the Dolphins on the day they lost their starting QB for the season.
THIS WEEK: at Giants (5-3)

We can hear Jim Mora's dad . . . playoffs? PLAYOFFS?!?! Not with this defense or offensive line. And how nice that T.J. Houshmandzadeh is now contending for the title of "NFL's Angriest Wide Receiver." THIS WEEK: vs. Lions (1-6)

We can hear Jim Mora's dad . . . playoffs? PLAYOFFS?!?! Not with this defense or offensive line. And how nice that T.J. Houshmandzadeh is now contending for the title of "NFL's Angriest Wide Receiver."
THIS WEEK: vs. Lions (1-6)

Man, Dick Jauron was THISFREAKINGCLOSE to loosening the noose around his neck. Leading the Texans at home 10-9 after three quarters, the Bills were 15 minutes away from reaching their bye week with a third straight win to even their record to 4-4.

Man, Dick Jauron was THISFREAKINGCLOSE to loosening the noose around his neck. Leading the Texans at home 10-9 after three quarters, the Bills were 15 minutes away from reaching their bye week with a third straight win to even their record to 4-4. And T.O. had even scored a touchdown! Then some guy with one TD since 2005 scores three times in one quarter. Life can be cruel.
THIS WEEK: Bye

How do you keep Jake Delhomme from throwing interceptions? Make him hand off the ball. A lot. The Arizona win was a John Fox beauty, with his starting QB throwing just 14 passes all day.

How do you keep Jake Delhomme from throwing interceptions? Make him hand off the ball. A lot. The Arizona win was a John Fox beauty, with his starting QB throwing just 14 passes all day. Behind a rejuvenated running game and a focused Julius Peppers, you wanna think the Panthers are back in this thing. But their schedule is brutal, meaning at some point Jake Delhomme will be forced to throw the ball more than 15-20 times in a game. Can he handle that?
THIS WEEK: at Saints (7-0)

The opportunity was there for the Jags with an easy schedule, but one mighty mouse of an RB (here's to you, MJD Light) alone cannot win a game. Jack Del Rio may not have enough gum to plug all the cracks in this dam team. THIS WEEK: vs. Chiefs (1-6)

The opportunity was there for the Jags with an easy schedule, but one mighty mouse of an RB (here's to you, MJD Light) alone cannot win a game. Jack Del Rio may not have enough gum to plug all the cracks in this dam team.
THIS WEEK: vs. Chiefs (1-6)

Crazier things have happened, but not much would be wilder than if Vince Young led the Titans on a miracle playoff run after spotting the league six games. But if he can keep his head together, never say never.

Crazier things have happened, but not much would be wilder than if Vince Young led the Titans on a miracle playoff run after spotting the league six games. But if he can keep his head together, never say never. Besides a Week 13 trip to Indy, every game the rest of the way is winnable — as long as the defense matches the intensity it brought in their first win against the Jags. What a story that would be.
THIS WEEK: at 49ers (3-4)

So let's get this straight: Some Detroit fans are getting short on patience and snotty with franchise QB Matthew Stafford. How dare the QB win just one game so far? Folks, this wasn't just an 0-16 team the rookie stepped into.

So let's get this straight: Some Detroit fans are getting short on patience and snotty with franchise QB Matthew Stafford. How dare the QB win just one game so far? Folks, this wasn't just an 0-16 team the rookie stepped into. Last year's Lions were five times worse than any other team. And if Stafford had Calvin Johnson against the Rams instead of a butterfingered WR corps that didn't drop every pass, the Lions may have two whole wins.
THIS WEEK: at Seahawks (2-5)

It was nice, wasn't it? A week away from the Redskins ongoing soap opera. It was getting old, and very suffocating each week. But that wacky Jim Zorn is back this week after a bye week of enjoying his new role of .

It was nice, wasn't it? A week away from the Redskins ongoing soap opera. It was getting old, and very suffocating each week. But that wacky Jim Zorn is back this week after a bye week of enjoying his new role of . . . umm, well . . . being emasculated on his very own sideline. Bingo anyone?
THIS WEEK: at Falcons (4-3)

Ya gotta love JaMarcus Russell. If everyone in the world had his outlook, we'd all be much happier. He told reporters after losing to the Chargers that he felt he "played pretty good." In the year of the QB, the guy throws for 109 yards with zero TDs, one interception and loses yet again .

Ya gotta love JaMarcus Russell. If everyone in the world had his outlook, we'd all be much happier. He told reporters after losing to the Chargers that he felt he "played pretty good." In the year of the QB, the guy throws for 109 yards with zero TDs, one interception and loses yet again . . . eh, no worries, man. Seriously, we all need some "JaMarcus Goggles." This economy? Whatever, It's all good. Wife left you? Fantastic! Dog ran away? Cool, just get another one.
THIS WEEK: Bye

Todd Haley's hard-nosed approach is in the midst of a gut check. The Chiefs are 1-6, coming off a bye week, desperate for a win and with a star RB suspended for once again being a knucklehead.

Todd Haley's hard-nosed approach is in the midst of a gut check. The Chiefs are 1-6, coming off a bye week, desperate for a win and with a star RB suspended for once again being a knucklehead. The Chiefs have a pair of road games against the Jags and Raiders the next two weeks, before hitting a three-game stretch against the Steelers, Chargers and Broncos. Now is the time to back up Haley's advice with a win or two, or the Chiefs could be reeling at 1-11 in the last month of the season.
THIS WEEK: at Jaguars (3-4)

The Rams are off the schneid, and the 17-game losing streak is history. Enjoy the bye week, fellas! Then the Saints come to town to remind us how far the Rams still have to go. THIS WEEK: Bye

The Rams are off the schneid, and the 17-game losing streak is history. Enjoy the bye week, fellas! Then the Saints come to town to remind us how far the Rams still have to go.
THIS WEEK: Bye

What's more amazing, the fact that this team actually won a game or that they already canned its GM after just nine months on the job? May as well hand the keys to Brady Quinn and just roll with the bumpy ride. Good luck in the draft. THIS WEEK: Bye

What's more amazing, the fact that this team actually won a game or that they already canned its GM after just nine months on the job? May as well hand the keys to Brady Quinn and just roll with the bumpy ride. Good luck in the draft.
THIS WEEK: Bye

Man, even on a bye week the Buccaneers still lost — with both the Rams and Titans winning their first games of the year, Tampa remains as the league's only winless crew. Only nine more to go . . . THIS WEEK: vs. Packers (4-3)

Man, even on a bye week the Buccaneers still lost — with both the Rams and Titans winning their first games of the year, Tampa remains as the league's only winless crew. Only nine more to go . . . THIS WEEK: vs. Packers (4-3)