THE NFL RATING GAME
(does not include Saturday game)
1. DENVER (11-3)
Last week: 2nd
After nine straight wins, they’ve made it to the top.
2. HOUSTON (12-2)
Last week: 3rd
Colts win was a nice
bounce-back from loss to Pats.
3. ATLANTA (12-2)
Last week: 4th
Likewise, they rebounded nicely from a bad setback.
4. SAN FRANCISCO (10-3-1)
Last week: 5th
Second straight huge road test awaits them in Seattle.
5. NEW ENGLAND (10-4)
Last week: 1st
After two tough games, they get break at Jacksonville.
6. GREEN BAY (10-4)
Last week: 6th
They are gaining more steam
after bad loss to Giants.
7. SEATTLE (9-5)
Last week: 9th
If they defeat 49ers, they’ll be thinking division title.
8. INDIANAPOLIS (9-5)
Last week: 7th
They’re OK … the loss to Texans wasn’t a disgrace.
9. BALTIMORE (9-5)
Last week: 8th
They’re reeling with three straight late-season losses.
10. CINCINNATI (8-6)
Last week: 10th
The AFC North title isn’t out of the question just yet.
11. WASHINGTON (8-6)
Last week: 13th
Thanksgiving win over Cowboys gave them new life.
12. DALLAS (8-6)
Last week: 14th
Three straight wins have put them in NFC East hunt.
13. MINNESOTA (8-6)
Last week: 16th
They’ve been a little
inconsistent, but are right there.
14. N.Y. GIANTS (8-6)
Last week: 11th
Season could slip away if they don’t get by Ravens.
15. CHICAGO (8-6)
Last week: 12th
Can they halt their epic slide from a 7-1 mark to 8-6?
16. PITTSBURGH (7-7)
Last week: 15th
The season is in jeopardy with two straight setbacks.
THE SECOND HALF
17. Miami (6-8) Last week: 19th
18. St. Louis (6-7-1) Last week: 17th
19. New Orleans (6-8) Last week: 22nd
20. Tampa Bay (6-8) Last week: 18th
21. N.Y. Jets (6-8) Last week: 20th
22. Carolina (5-9) Last week: 26th
23. San Diego (5-9) Last week: 21st
24. Buffalo (5-9) Last week: 23rd
25. Arizona (5-9) Last week: 27th
26. Tennessee (5-9) Last week: 28th
27. Cleveland (5-9) Last week: 24th
28. Detroit (4-10) Last week: 25th
29. Oakland (4-10) Last week: 30th
30. Philadelphia (4-10) Last week: 29th
31. Kansas City (2-12) Last week: 31st
32. Jacksonville (2-12) Last week: 32nd
GAME TO WATCH
San Francisco (10-3-1)
at Seattle (9-5)
7:20 p.m. Sunday, CenturyLink Field (NBC)
Remember just two years ago when the Seahawks managed to win the NFC West despite a 7-9 record? Well, both of these teams have come a long way in a short period of time, and the late-season race to see who’s best in the West brings them to raucous CenturyLink Field for what should be a fun evening.
MICK’S PICKS
Saints (+3) over Cowboys
Packers (-121/2) over Titans
Raiders (+81/2) over Panthers
Dolphins (-41/2) over Bills
Bengals (+31/2) over Steelers
Patriots (-141/2) over Jaguars
Colts (-7) over Chiefs
Redskins (-61/2) over Eagles
Rams (+3) over Bucs
Ravens (+21/2) over Giants
Texans (-71/2) over Vikings
Broncos (-13) over Browns
Cardinals (+51/2) over Bears
Chargers (+21/2) over Jets
Seahawks (+1) over 49ers
Last week: 7-7-0 (.500)
Season totals: 99-102-5 (.493)
TV SCHEDULE
Sunday’s games
Noon: Saints at Cowboys (Fox)
Noon: Bengals at Steelers (CBS)*
(*not available in New Orleans area)
3:05 p.m.: Browns at Broncos (CBS)**
(**available only in New Orleans area)
3:25 p.m.: Giants at Ravens (Fox)
7:20 p.m.: 49ers at Seahawks (NBC)
Sheldon Mickles