NFL rating game

1. HOUSTON (10-1)

Last week: 1st

They’ve won last three games by a total of 16 points.

2. ATLANTA (11-1)

Last week: 2nd

Win over Saints should give them lots of confidence.

3. SAN FRANCISCO (8-2-1)

Last week: 3rd

It looks like their defense will carry them a long way.

4. NEW ENGLAND (8-3)

Last week: 5th

Many view them as the
favorite to win the AFC title.

5. BALTIMORE (9-2)

Last week: 6th

Defense carried them in
narrow wins last two weeks.

6. DENVER (8-3)

Last week: 7th

With six wins in a row, they’re turning a lot of heads.

7. CHICAGO (8-3)

Last week: 8th

Are they back on track after ending a two-game skid?

8. GREEN BAY (7-4)

Last week: 4th

Strong five-week stretch
ended with thud vs. Giants.

9. N.Y. GIANTS (7-4)

Last week: 10th

They could be ready to get on serious roll once again.

10. INDIANAPOLIS (7-4)

Last week: 13th

No one could’ve seen rebuilt team doing this so soon.

11. PITTSBURGH (6-5)

Last week: 9th

If they lose again to Ravens, they’ll be in deep trouble.

12. CINCINNATI (6-5)

Last week: 16th

Three wins in a row have them eyeing playoffs again.

13. SEATTLE (6-5)

Last week: 11th

Trip to South Beach didn’t turn out like they planned.

14. MINNESOTA (6-5)

Last week: 12th

They’re sputtering after a 4-1 start had them excited.

15. TAMPA BAY (6-5)

Last week: 14th

Getting back on track will be a Mile High challenge.

16. WASHINGTON (5-6)

Last week: 17th

If they can beat the Giants, they’ll be in playoff race.

THE SECOND HALF

17. Miami (5-6) Last week: 21st

18. Dallas (5-6) Last week: 18th

19. Detroit (4-7) Last week: 19th

20. New Orleans (5-7) Last week: 15th

21. San Diego (4-7) Last week: 20th

22. St. Louis (4-6-1) Last week: 26th

23. Arizona (4-7) Last week: 22nd

24. Tennessee (4-7) Last week: 23rd

25. Buffalo (4-7) Last week: 25th

26. N.Y. Jets (4-7) Last week: 27th

27. Carolina (3-8) Last week: 29th

28. Philadelphia (3-8) Last week: 24th

29. Cleveland (3-8) Last week: 30th

30. Jacksonville (2-9) Last week: 31st

31. Oakland (3-8) Last week: 28th

32. Kansas City (1-10) Last week: 32nd

GAME TO WATCH

Tampa Bay (6-5)
at Denver (8-3)

3:05 p.m. Sunday, Sports Authority Field (Fox)

The Broncos have won six straight and seven of eight after a 1-2 start and are hitting their stride. This is a bigger game for the Bucs, who’ve won four of their past five games.

MICK’S PICKS

Bears (-3) over Seahawks

Packers (-8) over Vikings

Rams (+7) over 49ers

Jets (-51/2) over Cardinals

Panthers (-3) over Chiefs

Lions (-61/2) over Colts

Bills (-6) over Jaguars

Patriots (-71/2) over Dolphins

Texans (-6) over Titans

Broncos (-71/2) over Bucs

Ravens (-8) over Steelers

Raiders (+21/2) over Browns

Bengals (-2) over Chargers

Cowboys (-101/2) over Eagles

Giants (-3) over Redskins

Last week: 5-7-1 (.423)

Season totals: 79-79-4 (.500)

TV SCHEDULE

Sunday’s games

Noon: Patriots at Dolphins (CBS)

3:05 p.m.: Bucs at Broncos (Fox)

3:25 p.m.: Steelers at Ravens (CBS)

7:20 p.m.: Eagles at Cowboys (NBC)

Monday’s game

7:30 p.m.: Giants at Redskins (ESPN)

Sheldon Mickles