NFL rating game
1. HOUSTON (4-0)
Last week: 1st
Monday night win over reeling Jets would be huge.
2. ATLANTA (4-0)
Last week: 2nd
They managed to pull one out against the Panthers.
3. BALTIMORE (3-1)
Last week: 3rd
After a tough opening stretch, they must go to K.C.
4. SAN FRANCISCO (3-1)
Last week: 4th
They played with a purpose after losing to Vikings.
5. PHILADELPHIA (3-1)
Last week: 7th
Apparently, they can only win by one or two points.
6. NEW ENGLAND (2-2)
Last week: 9th
They came alive at the right time to annihilate Bills.
7. ARIZONA (4-1)
Last week: 6th
The Rams weren’t intimidated by their nice 4-0 start.
8. GREEN BAY (2-2)
Last week: 8th
They have work to do if they want to win NFC North.
9. CHICAGO (3-1)
Last week: 10th
That was an impressive defensive showing at Dallas.
10. N.Y. GIANTS (2-2)
Last week: 5th
Just when you think they are rolling, they disappoint.
11. CINCINNATI (3-1)
Last week: 12th
That season-opening loss to Ravens motivated them.
12. SAN DIEGO (3-1)
Last week: 14th
They haven’t been all that impressive in a 3-1 start.
13. DENVER (2-2)
Last week: 18th
A win at New England could set course for season.
14. MINNESOTA (3-1)
Last week: 19th
No one could have seen them in this spot right now.
15. DALLAS (2-2)
Last week: 11th
It’s amazing that this team capped Giants in opener.
16. PITTSBURGH (1-2)
Last week: 16th
They were able to get healthier during the bye week.
THE SECOND HALF
17. Seattle (2-2) Last week: 15th
18. N.Y. Jets (2-2) Last week: 13th
19. St. Louis (3-2) Last week: 30th
20. Detroit (1-3) Last week: 17th
21. Washington (2-2) Last week: 25th
22. Buffalo (2-2) Last week: 20th
23. Tennessee (1-3) Last week: 21st
24. Tampa Bay (1-3) Last week: 23rd
25. Kansas City (1-3) Last week: 24th
26. New Orleans (0-4) Last week: 22nd
27. Oakland (1-3) Last week: 26th
28. Carolina (1-3) Last week: 27th
29. Miami (1-3) Last week: 28th
30. Jacksonville (1-3) Last week: 29th
31. Indianapolis (1-2) Last week: 31st
32. Cleveland (0-4) Last week: 30th
GAME TO WATCH
Denver (2-2)
at New England (2-2)
3:25 p.m. Sunday, Gillette Stadium (CBS)
It doesn’t matter if it’s the fifth week of the regular season or the AFC Championship game, does it get any better than watching Peyton Manning and Tom Brady? They have combined for four Super Bowl wins, three Super Bowl MVP awards, six regular-season MVP honors and 18 Pro Bowls. Enjoy.
MICK’S PICKS
Saints (-3 1/2 ) over Chargers
Redskins (+3) over Falcons
Steelers (-31/2) over Eagles
Packers (-7) over Colts
Giants (-9) over Browns
Vikings (-51/2) over Titans
Bengals (-31/2) over Dolphins
Ravens (-6) over Chiefs
Seahawks (+3) over Panthers
Bears (-5) over Jaguars
Broncos (+61/2) over Patriots
49ers (-10) over Bills
Jets (+8) over Texans
Last week: 8-5-1 (.607)
Season totals: 29-28-2 (.508)
TV SCHEDULE
Sunday’s games
Noon: Browns at Giants (CBS)
Noon: Falcons at Redskins (Fox)
3:25 p.m.: Broncos at Patriots (CBS)
7:20 p.m.: Chargers at Saints (NBC)
Monday’s game
7:30 p.m.: Texans at Jets (ESPN)
Sheldon Mickles