NFL Rating Game
1. NEW ENGLAND (10-3)
Last week: 3rd
After ripping Texans, they get
another test in 49ers.
2. DENVER (10-3)
Last week: 4th
They’ve been unstoppable for the past eight games.
3. HOUSTON (11-2)
Last week: 1st
Can they rebound from Patriots’ loss against Colts?
4. ATLANTA (11-2)
Last week: 2nd
Lopsided loss to woeful Panthers wasn’t good at all.
5. SAN FRANCISCO (9-3-1)
Last week: 5th
They’re headed to huge
showdown with Seahawks.
6. GREEN BAY (9-4)
Last week: 7th
They should be home free if they can trip the Bears.
7. INDIANAPOLIS (9-4)
Last week: 8th
They’ve got to be pinching
themselves at this point.
8. BALTIMORE (9-4)
Last week: 6th
After back-to-back losses, they get the Broncos now.
9. SEATTLE (8-5)
Last week: 12th
Bills are next after thorough crushing of lowly Cards.
10. CINCINNATI (8-6)
Last week: 11th
Don’t count them out in the race for AFC North title.
11. N.Y. GIANTS (8-5)
Last week: 13th
Is statement win on road against Falcons in the cards?
12. CHICAGO (8-5)
Last week: 9th
Once 7-1, they’re starting to see the season slip away.
13. WASHINGTON (7-6)
Last week: 14th
They were thinking big, but RGIII injury really hurts.
14. DALLAS (7-6)
Last week: 15th
Big game with Steelers could make or break season.
15. PITTSBURGH (7-6)
Last week: 10th
After big win, they laid an egg against the Chargers.
16. MINNESOTA (7-6)
Last week: 16th
They’re trying to hang in there in NFC playoff race.
THE SECOND HALF
17. St. Louis (6-6-1) Last week: 18th
18. Tampa Bay (6-7) Last week: 17th
19. Miami (5-8) Last week: 19th
20. N.Y. Jets (6-7) Last week: 23rd
21. San Diego (5-8) Last week: 24th
22. New Orleans (5-8) Last week: 20th
23. Buffalo (5-8) Last week: 22nd
24. Cleveland (5-8) Last week: 27th
25. Detroit (4-9) Last week: 21st
26. Carolina (4-9) Last week: 28th
27. Arizona (4-9) Last week: 25th
28. Tennessee (4-9) Last week: 26th
29. Philadelphia (4-10) Last week: 29th
30. Oakland (3-10) Last week: 31st
31. Kansas City (2-11) Last week: 30th
32. Jacksonville (2-11) Last week: 32nd
GAME TO WATCH
San Francisco (9-3-1)
at New England (10-3)
7:20 p.m. Sunday, Gillette Stadium (ESPN)
Last week, the Patriots had a possible AFC title game preview with the Texans and blew Houston’s doors off on both sides of the ball in a 28-point romp. Six days later, it’s a possible Super Bowl XLVII preview against the 49ers — again in a primetime setting. It’s no secret that the Patriots love to shine in big-stage games.
MICK’S PICKS
Saints (-31/2) over Bucs
Packers (-3) over Bears
Giants (+11/2) over Falcons
Rams (-3) over Vikings
Dolphins (-7) over Jaguars
Broncos (-21/2) over Ravens
Colts (+9) over Texans
Chargers (-3) over Panthers
Seahawks (-51/2) over Bills
Lions (-6) over Cardinals
Steelers (-2) over Cowboys
Raiders (-3) over Chiefs
Patriot (-51/2) over 49ers
Titans (-2) over Jets
Last week: 7-7-1 (.500)
Season totals: 92-95-5 (.492)
TV SCHEDULE
Sunday’s Games
Noon: Bucs at Saints (Fox)
Noon: Broncos at Ravens (CBS)*
(*not available in New Orleans area)
3:25 p.m.: Steelers at Cowboys (Fox)
7:20 p.m.: 49ers at Patriots (NBC)
Monday’s game
7:30 p.m.: Jets at Titans (ESPN)
Sheldon Mickles