Why is going undefeated in the NFL so tough? Remember the 2007 Patriots fighting off near-losses throughout the second half of their historic 16-0 season? Since beating the Giants to move to 5-0 and staking claim to the unofficial title of "best team in the league," the Saints have faced each of their opponents' best shots, and taken them in difficult wins over the Dolphins, Falcons, Panthers and Rams.

Why is going undefeated in the NFL so tough? Remember the 2007 Patriots fighting off near-losses throughout the second half of their historic 16-0 season? Since beating the Giants to move to 5-0 and staking claim to the unofficial title of "best team in the league," the Saints have faced each of their opponents' best shots, and taken them in difficult wins over the Dolphins, Falcons, Panthers and Rams. The bull's eye only gets bigger.
THIS WEEK: at Bucs (1-8)

The guy gets so overshadowed by the massive attention deservedly thrust in his QB's direction, but seriously, what a catch by Reggie Wayne to beat the Patriots. And what a night by Wayne, a game-high 10 catches for 126 yards and 2 TDs.

The guy gets so overshadowed by the massive attention deservedly thrust in his QB's direction, but seriously, what a catch by Reggie Wayne to beat the Patriots. And what a night by Wayne, a game-high 10 catches for 126 yards and 2 TDs. And really, what a season so far — second only behind Randy Moss in receiving yards in the NFL, as Wayne has racked up three games with 10-plus catches, four 100-yard games and has reached the end zone in all but two games.
THIS WEEK: at Ravens (5-4)

Seriously, can we just skip the rest of the season and cut to the Drew Brees-Brett Favre NFC title game matchup that we all want to see? THIS WEEK: vs. Seahawks (3-6)

Seriously, can we just skip the rest of the season and cut to the Drew Brees-Brett Favre NFC title game matchup that we all want to see?
THIS WEEK: vs. Seahawks (3-6)

With all the love shown to this year's comeback kids Carson Palmer, Chad Ochocinco and Cedric Benson, beating the Steelers in Pittsburgh showcased Cincy's emerging physical defense, which left Ben Roethlisberger plenty of places on his body to ice this week.

With all the love shown to this year's comeback kids Carson Palmer, Chad Ochocinco and Cedric Benson, beating the Steelers in Pittsburgh showcased Cincy's emerging physical defense, which left Ben Roethlisberger plenty of places on his body to ice this week. The Bengals now rank second in the NFL in both rushing and scoring defense (yes, the Bengals?!?!) while the team's much-hyped offense ranks just 17th in points per game.
THIS WEEK: at Raiders (2-7)

The true shame of the Bill Belichick controversy is that his much-discussed fourth-down call gone bad has distracted us from noticing how much of the game the Patriots dominated at Indy.

The true shame of the Bill Belichick controversy is that his much-discussed fourth-down call gone bad has distracted us from noticing how much of the game the Patriots dominated at Indy. Pity the defense that held Peyton Manning to just 14 points in the first three quarters before giving up a trio of fourth-quarters TDs. The new-look Pats D still ranks third in fewest points allowed and has forced two or more turnovers in five straight games — something they only did four times in all of 2008.
THIS WEEK: vs. Jets (4-5)

All three of the Steelers' losses have come with safety/turnover machine Troy Polamalu on the sidelines nursing a bad knee. This is not a coincidence. THIS WEEK: at Chiefs (2-7)

All three of the Steelers' losses have come with safety/turnover machine Troy Polamalu on the sidelines nursing a bad knee. This is not a coincidence.
THIS WEEK: at Chiefs (2-7)

The bye week in Week 7 seems to have energized the aging Ravens defense, which gave up 23.3 ppg in their 3-3 start but have allowed just 24 points total in the team's last three games. That's by the numbers.

The bye week in Week 7 seems to have energized the aging Ravens defense, which gave up 23.3 ppg in their 3-3 start but have allowed just 24 points total in the team's last three games. That's by the numbers. But by the eye test, Baltimore's defenders are again flying around the football and wreaking havoc on almost every play. This week will be the ultimate test.
THIS WEEK: vs. Colts (9-0)

Before all your catcalls to drop the Broncos big-time after their third straight loss, here's the deal: Denver had basically dominated a first half against the Redskins that would have finished 17-7 or 17-10 if not for giving up a fluky field goal for touchdown.

Before all your catcalls to drop the Broncos big-time after their third straight loss, here's the deal: Denver had basically dominated a first half against the Redskins that would have finished 17-7 or 17-10 if not for giving up a fluky field goal for touchdown. But really, backup QB Chris Simms (3-for-11 with an INT) was so uncomfortably bad that it's fair to say he cost the Broncos a win. Denver put up 17 points and 269 yards vs. the Redskins in the first half with Kyle Orton, but 0 points and 36 yards with Simms.
THIS WEEK: vs. Chargers (6-3)

What a difference a month makes in today's roller coaster NFL. After losing to AFC West rival Denver 34-23 in Week 6, San Diego was 2-3 and already 3½ games behind the Broncos. Four wins later, the Chargers are tied with the Broncos for first in the division with the tiebreaker on Sunday.

What a difference a month makes in today's roller coaster NFL. After losing to AFC West rival Denver 34-23 in Week 6, San Diego was 2-3 and already 3½ games behind the Broncos. Four wins later, the Chargers are tied with the Broncos for first in the division with the tiebreaker on Sunday. Here's a cool stat: The Chargers are one of the only two teams this season to score 20 or more in every game, joining the Saints. Just imagine how explosive they'd be with a younger LT.
THIS WEEK: at Broncos (6-3)

Nearly getting shut out a week after their biggest win of the season and as everyone was piling back on the bandwagon again ... it was just so Cowboys, wasn't it? Looking back now, wins over the 2-7 Chiefs, 3-6 Seahawks and a pair of struggling 5-4 teams (Falcons and Eagles) ain't all that and a bag of chips.

Nearly getting shut out a week after their biggest win of the season and as everyone was piling back on the bandwagon again ... it was just so Cowboys, wasn't it? Looking back now, wins over the 2-7 Chiefs, 3-6 Seahawks and a pair of struggling 5-4 teams (Falcons and Eagles) ain't all that and a bag of chips. The good news is that they have the Redskins and Raiders before a tough December of three division games, plus matchups vs. the Chargers and Saints.
THIS WEEK: vs. Redskins (3-6)

Kurt Warner and the gang are temporarily off Power Rankings Probation after finally putting together consecutive wins, albeit over 4-5 Chicago and 3-6 Seattle. While still hoping for more consistency from the Cards, they can be 8-3 if they handle their business against the Rams and improving Titans — potentially setting up a Week 12 shootout against Brett Favre in Minnesota.

Kurt Warner and the gang are temporarily off Power Rankings Probation after finally putting together consecutive wins, albeit over 4-5 Chicago and 3-6 Seattle. While still hoping for more consistency from the Cards, they can be 8-3 if they handle their business against the Rams and improving Titans — potentially setting up a Week 12 shootout against Brett Favre in Minnesota.
THIS WEEK: at Rams (1-8)

The Packers needed to play desperate — they simply could NOT afford consecutive losses to Brett Favre (at home), the then-winless Bucs and Dallas (at home) or Curly Lambeau himself may have risen from the dead to rip the front office.

The Packers needed to play desperate — they simply could NOT afford consecutive losses to Brett Favre (at home), the then-winless Bucs and Dallas (at home) or Curly Lambeau himself may have risen from the dead to rip the front office. Now with the season saved, they can get on with trying to figure out how to protect Aaron Rodgers, who was sacked four more times vs. Dallas.
THIS WEEK: vs. 49ers (4-5)

Suddenly Matt Ryan's running game has changed hands from All-Pro Michael Turner to street free agent Aaron Stecker. We're about to see where Ryan is in his development, and judging by his recent slump (10 INT in last five games) the soph could be in trouble.

Suddenly Matt Ryan's running game has changed hands from All-Pro Michael Turner to street free agent Aaron Stecker. We're about to see where Ryan is in his development, and judging by his recent slump (10 INT in last five games) the soph could be in trouble. Jay Glazer said Monday that Turner's high ankle sprain may not keep him out 4-6 weeks as originally feared. With tough games against the Giants, Eagles, Saints and Jets coming soon, team trainers will be working overtime on Turner's bad wheel.
THIS WEEK: at Giants (5-4)

Where's Barry Manilow when you need him ... "Oh, Andy. You passed and you passed 'til you blew it. What's wrong in the red zone, Andy?" Fans outside Philly can't fathom how maddening it is to watch the same song-and-dance every week since 1999 with Andy Reid's Eagles — poor clock management, blown timeouts due to issues getting in the plays, no short-yardage offense ruining drives, failed replay challenges and forgetting to run the football.

Where's Barry Manilow when you need him ... "Oh, Andy. You passed and you passed 'til you blew it. What's wrong in the red zone, Andy?" Fans outside Philly can't fathom how maddening it is to watch the same song-and-dance every week since 1999 with Andy Reid's Eagles — poor clock management, blown timeouts due to issues getting in the plays, no short-yardage offense ruining drives, failed replay challenges and forgetting to run the football. Seriously, wouldn't a few runs have helped a injury-riddled defense starting a bunch of no-names in SD? And 1-9-1 the past two years in games decided by 8 points or less. Oh, Andy.
THIS WEEK: at Bears (5-4)

The Dolphins sure like giving their star-studded new part-owners a show at home games, with three of Miami's five home games coming down to the last drive (plus a wild loss to the Saints in Week 7).

The Dolphins sure like giving their star-studded new part-owners a show at home games, with three of Miami's five home games coming down to the last drive (plus a wild loss to the Saints in Week 7). Can the Dolphins take their show on the road? They'll have to with away games in four of the next five weeks.
THIS WEEK: at Panthers (4-5), Thurs.

The next three weeks will be huge for Houston, which goes back-to-back-to-back against each of the division rivals by hosting the Titans and Colts before a Week 13 visit to Jacksonville.

The next three weeks will be huge for Houston, which goes back-to-back-to-back against each of the division rivals by hosting the Titans and Colts before a Week 13 visit to Jacksonville. If Matt Schaub can win two of those, the Texans have a good shot at the playoffs with a manageable final four games.
THIS WEEK: vs. Titans (3-6), Mon.

The bye week after the horrible 0-3 start may have saved Carolina's season, as it reminded them that John Fox built this team on running and defense. They are 4-2 since, and have been peaking the last three weeks with solid wins over Arizona and Atlanta sandwiching a tight loss at New Orleans.

The bye week after the horrible 0-3 start may have saved Carolina's season, as it reminded them that John Fox built this team on running and defense. They are 4-2 since, and have been peaking the last three weeks with solid wins over Arizona and Atlanta sandwiching a tight loss at New Orleans. And lo and behold, Jake Delhomme has now gone three straight games without tossing an interception.
THIS WEEK: vs. Dolphins (4-5), Thurs.

What a perfect bye week for the Giants. Both Dallas and Philly suffered road losses to keep the G-Men alive in the NFC East, plus the crosstown-rival Jets continued a fade that may overshadow that of Tom Coughlin's team recently.

What a perfect bye week for the Giants. Both Dallas and Philly suffered road losses to keep the G-Men alive in the NFC East, plus the crosstown-rival Jets continued a fade that may overshadow that of Tom Coughlin's team recently. But the coach had better hope he has things figured out with four straight games against winning teams.
THIS WEEK: vs. Falcons (5-4)

Memo to Maurice Jones-Drew and Jacksonville's RB coach (the one who apparently planted the seed in MJD's ear to down himself at the one instead of scoring a come-from-behind TD late against the Jets): If you're trailing, get the lead, period.

Memo to Maurice Jones-Drew and Jacksonville's RB coach (the one who apparently planted the seed in MJD's ear to down himself at the one instead of scoring a come-from-behind TD late against the Jets): If you're trailing, get the lead, period. Never, EVER rely on a field goal kicker, even Josh Scobee. Luckily the field goal team came through, giving the Jags hope for a playoff run.
THIS WEEK: vs. Bills (3-6)

Funny, but there hasn't been a lot of tough talk coming from Rex Ryan lately. Oh, you mean the Jets have lost five of their last six games? That would silence anyone. The Jets technically have time to rebound, but in reality the last-second home loss to the beatable Jaguars is a major missed opportunity for New York — especially looking down the road at the final three games of the season vs.

Funny, but there hasn't been a lot of tough talk coming from Rex Ryan lately. Oh, you mean the Jets have lost five of their last six games? That would silence anyone. The Jets technically have time to rebound, but in reality the last-second home loss to the beatable Jaguars is a major missed opportunity for New York — especially looking down the road at the final three games of the season vs. the Falcons, Colts and Bengals.
THIS WEEK: at Patriots (6-3)

How good is Chris Johnson? The guy's already over 1,000 yards in just nine games, averaging an NFL-best 6.4 yards per carry and the two-way threat has amassed over 200 more total rushing/receiving yards than anyone else — which means over 200 more than Adrian Peterson, Steven Jackson, Maurice Jones-Drew and every other stud NFL RB.

How good is Chris Johnson? The guy's already over 1,000 yards in just nine games, averaging an NFL-best 6.4 yards per carry and the two-way threat has amassed over 200 more total rushing/receiving yards than anyone else — which means over 200 more than Adrian Peterson, Steven Jackson, Maurice Jones-Drew and every other stud NFL RB.
THIS WEEK: at Texans (5-4), Mon.

If not for Jay Cutler's five picks in Week 10, the Niners could be staring at five straight losses, so thank goodness he couldn't get along with Josh McDaniels. The 49ers will need more from Alex Smith if they are to get serious about the playoffs.

If not for Jay Cutler's five picks in Week 10, the Niners could be staring at five straight losses, so thank goodness he couldn't get along with Josh McDaniels. The 49ers will need more from Alex Smith if they are to get serious about the playoffs.
THIS WEEK: at Packers (5-4)

Turnovers tell the story for the Bears in 2009. When limiting turnovers to two or fewer, Chicago is 4-1 and averaging 28.2 ppg. Unfortunately, they've committed 3-plus turnovers four times, in which case they are 0-4 and averaging 11.3 ppg.

Turnovers tell the story for the Bears in 2009. When limiting turnovers to two or fewer, Chicago is 4-1 and averaging 28.2 ppg. Unfortunately, they've committed 3-plus turnovers four times, in which case they are 0-4 and averaging 11.3 ppg. If Jay Cutler can control himself, the Bears can be a playoff team. Otherwise, they're done.
THIS WEEK: vs. Eagles (5-4)

Who knew broken ribs were contagious? First QB Matt Hasselbeck, now RB Julius Jones. While coach Jim Mora laments injuries and his reported 17 officiating errors in last week's loss at Arizona, he may want to figure out how to ignite his offense every week.

Who knew broken ribs were contagious? First QB Matt Hasselbeck, now RB Julius Jones. While coach Jim Mora laments injuries and his reported 17 officiating errors in last week's loss at Arizona, he may want to figure out how to ignite his offense every week. The Seahawks have outscored opponents 101-20 in their three wins scoring 28-plus in each, but otherwise averaging two TDs less per game in their six losses.
THIS WEEK: at Vikings (8-1)

The axe finally fell on Dick Jauron, who mastered the art of being respected throughout the NFL, but has never figured out how to get over the hump. Despite heavy preseason hope and hype, the Bills' offense (even with T.O.) is a mess — not surprising after the team's clumsy firing of offensive coordinator Turk Schonert the week before the season opener.

The axe finally fell on Dick Jauron, who mastered the art of being respected throughout the NFL, but has never figured out how to get over the hump. Despite heavy preseason hope and hype, the Bills' offense (even with T.O.) is a mess — not surprising after the team's clumsy firing of offensive coordinator Turk Schonert the week before the season opener. Injuries also have riddled the defense, which got shredded last week by the Titans. Here's Jauron's typical final close call: In Week 8, the Bills led the Texans 10-9 into the fourth quarter and were 15 minutes from a .500 record into their bye week and new hope, having allowed just two TDs and 31 points in their prior 15 quarters. Since a fourth-quarter collapse that day, the Bills have given up six offensive TDs and 72 points in the last five quarters.
THIS WEEK: at Jaguars (5-4)

Beating Denver's backup QB was nice. But judging from how they were controlled by Kyle Orton before his ankle injury last week and looking at the murderous schedule coming (including two games against Dallas, plus facing Philly, New Orleans, San Diego and the Giants), the eventual result will likely be the same — Jim Zorn looking for work in January.

Beating Denver's backup QB was nice. But judging from how they were controlled by Kyle Orton before his ankle injury last week and looking at the murderous schedule coming (including two games against Dallas, plus facing Philly, New Orleans, San Diego and the Giants), the eventual result will likely be the same — Jim Zorn looking for work in January.
THIS WEEK: at Cowboys (6-3)

Who needs LJ when you've got Jamaal Charles, whose welcome burst and 100-yard game against Oakland provides a possible building block? But this reconstruction project should be condemned until at least 2011. THIS WEEK: vs. Steelers (6-3)

Who needs LJ when you've got Jamaal Charles, whose welcome burst and 100-yard game against Oakland provides a possible building block? But this reconstruction project should be condemned until at least 2011.
THIS WEEK: vs. Steelers (6-3)

They are the best team money can't buy. JaMarcus Russell and his infamous bling? Benched at home against the sorry Chiefs. Then there's Al Davis' top 10 pick at WR, who may be showing the worst hands in the league west of the Mississippi (Miami's Ted Ginn has the eastern half of the U.S.A.

They are the best team money can't buy. JaMarcus Russell and his infamous bling? Benched at home against the sorry Chiefs. Then there's Al Davis' top 10 pick at WR, who may be showing the worst hands in the league west of the Mississippi (Miami's Ted Ginn has the eastern half of the U.S.A. covered with dropped passes).
THIS WEEK: vs. Bengals (7-2)

Of all the stunningly poor teams in the NFL, Steve Spagnuolo feels like the best guy to turn things around. More evidence appeared in their near stunner against the Saints. That said, how can veteran QB Marc Bulger lose track of his timeouts at the end in embarrassing fashion? THIS WEEK: vs.

Of all the stunningly poor teams in the NFL, Steve Spagnuolo feels like the best guy to turn things around. More evidence appeared in their near stunner against the Saints. That said, how can veteran QB Marc Bulger lose track of his timeouts at the end in embarrassing fashion?
THIS WEEK: vs. Cardinals (6-3)

This is it, Lions fans! This weekend get the rest of your face-paint collection out of storage, because playing the Browns represents your last realistic chance at another win in 2009. They are not going to beat the rest of their opponents: Packers, Bengals, Ravens, Cardinals, 49ers, Bears.

This is it, Lions fans! This weekend get the rest of your face-paint collection out of storage, because playing the Browns represents your last realistic chance at another win in 2009. They are not going to beat the rest of their opponents: Packers, Bengals, Ravens, Cardinals, 49ers, Bears.
THIS WEEK: vs. Browns (1-8)

Some QBs get their teammates noticeably excited to play alongside them. So far, young Josh Freeman seems to have that quality, evidenced by his upset over Green Bay and near-win at Miami.

Some QBs get their teammates noticeably excited to play alongside them. So far, young Josh Freeman seems to have that quality, evidenced by his upset over Green Bay and near-win at Miami. Freeman's passing will only improve, and he can already write in skills such as escapability and leadership into his resume.
THIS WEEK: vs. Saints (9-0)

The offense has scored four touchdowns, all season. Wow. They've been held under 10 points in six of nine games. Double wow. They've also been restricted to under 200 total yards six times.

The offense has scored four touchdowns, all season. Wow. They've been held under 10 points in six of nine games. Double wow. They've also been restricted to under 200 total yards six times. Mega wow. How they won a game, only Dick Jauron really knows.
THIS WEEK: at Lions (1-8)