The rating game
1. ATLANTA (6-0)
Last week: 1st
They’re sitting pretty after coming back from a bye.
2. HOUSTON (6-1)
Last week: 2nd
That was a big-time bounce back against the Ravens.
3. N.Y. GIANTS (5-2)
Last week: 5th
Eli just finds a way to win when things look hopeless.
4. SAN FRANCISCO (5-2)
Last week: 4th
They got a break after Thursday slugfest with Seattle.
5. CHICAGO (5-1)
Last week: 6th
That was a tougher-than-expected tussle with Lions.
6. GREEN BAY (4-3)
Last week: 7th
Big win over Texans may have gotten ship righted.
7. NEW ENGLAND (4-3)
Last week: 8th
It would have been real bad if they had lost to Jets.
8. BALTIMORE (5-2)
Last week: 3rd
They took an old-fashioned whipping in Houston.
9. DENVER (3-3)
Last week: 11th
They get extra credit for comeback win before bye.
10. PITTSBURGH (3-3)
Last week: 17th
They’re hanging in tough despite a slew of injuries.
11. MINNESOTA (5-3)
Last week: 9th
They’re starting to show some cracks after fast start.
12. PHILADELPHIA (3-3)
Last week: 12th
The week off for a bye surely helped them, or did it?
13. SEATTLE (4-3)
Last week: 13th
They should be well-rested after tough loss to Niners.
14. ARIZONA (4-3)
Last week: 10th
Yikes! Three losses in a row and now they get 49ers.
15. DALLAS (3-3)
Last week: 20th
It’s hard to figure this bunch out from week to week.
16. SAN DIEGO (3-3)
Last week: 16th
Bad loss to the Broncos had to kill them during bye.
THE SECOND HALF
17. Washington (3-4) Last week: 14th
18. Cincinnati (3-4) Last week: 15th
19. Tennessee (3-4) Last week: 21st
20. Detroit (2-4) Last week: 18th
21. N.Y. Jets (3-4) Last week: 19th
22. New Orleans (2-4) Last week: 25th
23. Tampa Bay (3-4) Last week: 23rd
24. Miami (3-3) Last week: 24th
25. Indianapolis (3-3) Last week: 27th
26. St. Louis (3-4) Last week: 22nd
27. Oakland (2-4) Last week: 29th
28. Buffalo (3-4) Last week: 26th
29. Kansas City (1-5) Last week: 28th
30. Carolina (1-5) Last week: 30th
31. Cleveland (1-6) Last week: 31st
32. Jacksonville (1-5) Last week: 32nd
GAME TO WATCH
New Orleans (2-4)
at Denver (3-3)
7:20 p.m. Sunday, Mile High (NBC)
While the team records aren’t the greatest, it’s Drew Brees vs. Peyton Manning with a chance for them to cruise past the 100,000-yard mark in combined passing yards for their stellar careers. Obviously, that doesn’t happen every week in the NFL, so if they combine for 525 yards it will certainly be something to remember.
MICK’S PICKS
Saints (+6) over Broncos
Patriots (-7) over Rams
Colts (+31/2) over Titans
Packers (-15) over Jaguars
Chargers (-21/2) over Browns
Falcons (+21/2) over Eagles
Lions (-21/2) over Seahawks
Jets (-2) over Dolphins
Bears (-71/2) over Panthers
Steelers (-41/2) over Redskins
Raiders (+2) over Chiefs
Giants (-2) over Cowboys
Cardinals (+61/2) over 49ers
Last week: 6-5-1 (.542)
Season totals: 45-49-3 (.479)
TV SCHEDULE
Sunday’s games
Noon: Falcons at Eagles (Fox)
Noon: Patriots vs. Rams (CBS)
3:25 p.m.: Giants at Cowboys (Fox)
7:20 p.m.: Saints at Broncos (NBC)
Monday’s game
7:30 p.m.: 49ers at Cardinals (ESPN)
Sheldon Mickles