NFL rating game
1. HOUSTON (8-1)
Last week: 2nd
They passed a big test on the road in Soldier Field.
2. ATLANTA (8-1)
Last week: 1st
Let’s see how they rebound from that loss to Saints.
3. SAN FRANCISCO (6-2-1)
Last week: 4th
They weren’t expecting a long tussle with the Rams.
4. GREEN BAY (6-3)
Last week: 5th
Fresh off their bye, they’re primed to get on big roll.
5. NEW ENGLAND (6-3)
Last week: 7th
After getting scare from Bills, they face young Colts.
6. BALTIMORE (7-2)
Last week: 8th
Big games with AFC North rival Steelers are looming.
7. CHICAGO (7-2)
Last week: 3rd
Offense was horrible after Cutler was lost vs. Texans.
8. DENVER (6-3)
Last week: 9th
They’re getting ready to run away with division title.
9. PITTSBURGH (6-3)
Last week: 10th
Can they survive tough stretch with all their injuries?
10. N.Y. GIANTS (6-4)
Last week: 6th
They need a bye week after laying big egg in Cincy.
11. SEATTLE (6-4)
Last week: 11th
After plugging along, they’re taking break this week.
12. INDIANAPOLIS (6-3)
Last week: 12th
They’re for real if they can beat the Patriots on road.
13. MINNESOTA (6-4)
Last week: 14th
They survived a rough patch and are in playoff race.
14. DALLAS (4-5)
Last week: 18th
After clipping poor Eagles, they get to face Browns.
15. TAMPA BAY (5-4)
Last week: 19th
They have looked like a new team since Saints’ loss.
16. NEW ORLEANS (4-5)
Last week: 21st
Victory over Falcons has lots of people talking again.
THE SECOND HALF
17. Detroit (4-5) Last week: 13th
18. San Diego (4-5) Last week: 15th
19. Cincinnati (4-5) Last week: 22nd
20. Miami (4-6) Last week: 16th
21. Arizona (4-5) Last week: 20th
22. Philadelphia (3-6) Last week: 17th
23. Washington (3-6) Last week: 23rd
24. Tennessee (4-6) Last week: 26th
25. St. Louis (3-5-1) Last week: 27th
26. Oakland (3-6) Last week: 24th
27. Buffalo (4-6) Last week: 29th
28. N.Y. Jets (3-6) Last week: 25th
29. Carolina (2-7) Last week: 28th
30. Cleveland (2-7) Last week: 30th
31. Jacksonville (1-8) Last week: 31st
32. Kansas City (1-8) Last week: 32nd
GAME TO WATCH
Chicago (7-2)
at San Francisco (6-2-1)
7:30 p.m. Monday, Candlestick Park (ESPN)
If you like wild, throw-the-ball-all-over-the-field games with lots of scoring, this one isn’t for you. The 49ers have the ability to put points on the board, but this is expected to be a defensive affair with two of the NFL’s old-style rock-’em, sock-’em defenses vying to see who can flex their muscles more in a battle of division leaders.
MICK’S PICKS
Saints (-41/2) over Raiders
Redskins (-31/2) over Eagles
Packers (-31/2) over Lions
Cardinals (+10) over Falcons
Bucs (-11/2) over Panthers
Cowboys (-71/2) over Browns
Rams (-31/2) over Jets
Colts (+91/2) over Patriots
Texans (-15) over Jaguars
Bengals (-31/2) over Chiefs
Broncos (-71/2) over Chargers
Steelers (+31/2) over Ravens
49ers (-4) over Bears
Last week: 5-8-0 (.385)
Season totals: 66-67-3 (496)
TV SCHEDULE
Sunday’s games
Noon: Browns at Cowboys (CBS)
3:05 p.m.: Saints at Raiders (Fox)
3:25 p.m.: Chargers at Broncos (CBS)
7:20 p.m.: Ravens at Steelers (NBC)
Monday’s game
7:30 p.m.: Bears at 49ers (ESPN)
Sheldon Mickles