| 1 |  | Fifteen down, one to go. Laurence Maroney ran like a man on a mission, gaining 156 yards on just 14 carries. I know Tom Brady can light it up, but I like this new dimension to the Patriot offense. They know that a team must run effectively if they are to win in the playoffs and they are tuning it up at a good time. | previous rank: 1 |
| 2 |  | Hopefully the Colts will have learned a lesson from a few years ago when they rested their starters in the last week of the season, then got beat by Pittsburgh. I say keep the momentum going and let the starters play for 3 quarters. | previous rank: 2 |
| 3 |  | With a little help from the Bears, the Cowboys earned homefield advantage throughout. With Marion Barber running the ball like he has lately, I don't see why the Cowboys shouldn't go to the Super Bowl. Hopefully, Terrell Owens will get healthy in the next two weeks so they can be at full-strength. | previous rank: 4 |
| 4 |  | Jacksonville made it official on Sunday, although well all knew they would be in the playoffs. Fred Taylor looked magnificent against Oakland, running for over 100 yards on just 7 carries. What MJD couldn't do on the ground, he made up for in receiving, catching 6 passes for 96 yards. Defensively, the Jags remain strong and I really like their chances in the postseason. | previous rank: 5 |
| 5 |  | How often can a team say they lost the game because of their punter? Well, Green Bay did just that. Jon Ryan fumbled the snap on one attempt, had another one blocked and returned for a touchdown, and even kicked one off his shin that traveled just 9 yards. Now the road to the Super Bowl goes through Dallas, and Brett Favre doesn't play particularly well there. | previous rank: 3 |
| 6 |  | San Diego is getting hot at the right time. LaDainian Tomlinson looked lighter on his feet against Denver than he has all season. Defensively, their aggressive style of play is entertaining and effective. But, does every player on the team have to do his own little dance after making a play? No wonder other teams hate the Chargers; they're not very gracious in victory and whine when they lose. | previous rank: 6 |
| 7 |  | Seattle looked sharp against the Ravens, blowing them out 27-6. Their running game finally got going, but I still don't think it will hold up when it counts most. This team will only go as far as Matt Hasselbeck will take them. But, if they continue to play mistake-free football (0 penalties against Baltimore) that could be pretty far. | previous rank: 7 |
| 8 |  | With Willie Parker injured, Najeh Davenport stepped up big. I know Parker is great, but with Ben Roethlisberger playing so well, and a competent back up in Davenport, the Steelers still pose a formidable threat to the AFC. Head coach Mke Tomlin has been taking some heat in the media, but I think he is doing an excellent job. | previous rank: 9 |
| 9 |  | With nothing to lose or anything to gain, the Bucs sat many of their starters in the second half. It still came down to the wire, but Michael Clayton couldn't get both feet down on the 2-point conversion to tie the game. I don't think this team can compete with Dallas, but they might give Green Bay a run for their money. | previous rank: 8 |
| 10 |  | Their comeback in Buffalo was impressive. All credit goes to Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw, who combined for 296 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. With Eli Manning committing 4 turnovers, the Giants have to be concerned about his future with the team. I think they have to win it all for him not to be placed on the trading block next year, and I don't think that will happen. | previous rank: 11 |
| 11 |  | It's simple for the Titans: win and you're in. With the Colts having locked up their playoff position, they will probably rest some guys as the game goes on. The Titans defense needs to play their best game in the first half so the game doesn't get out of control early. Because the Titans have played the Colts so well recently, I think they'll get in. | previous rank: 13 |
| 12 |  | Todd Collins is filling in brilliantly for the injured Jason Campbell, and Clinton Portis is almost willing his team into the playoffs. With all they've been through this season, their focus down the stretch is a testament to Joe Gibbs' coaching abilities. | previous rank: 15 |
| 13 |  | The Browns are letting an opportunity slip from their grasp. Playing from behind is not good for this team; it forces Derek Anderson to throw instead choosing to throw. When the defense knows what's coming, it is hard for him to be effective (48 attempts, 4 interceptions against the Bengals). Now they need to win and need Tennessee to lose to make it into the playoffs. | previous rank: 10 |
| 14 |  | Forty-one pass attempts were way too many for Tarvaris Jackson, but it is nice to see him use his legs. I think the loss to the Redskins shows the inexperience of this team. This late in the season, the value of an experienced veteran in the offensive huddle would have paid huge dividends. If they do get in, they will have to play better defense to advance. | previous rank: 12 |
| 15 |  | New Orleans couldn't take of business at home and will probably miss the payoffs because of it. Defensively they couldn't slow down Donovan McNabb. I liked Sean Payton going for it on 4th and goal but the O-line didn't get it done. Losing Mike McKenzie and Marques Colston in the first half really hurt them. | previous rank: 14 |
| 16 |  | Kurt Warner looked great, completing 36 passes for 361 yards and 3 touchdowns. Anquan Boldin embarrassed the Falcon secondary with 13 catches for 162 yards and 2 touchdowns. Game ball has to go to Neil Rackers, however. He sent the game to OT with a tying kick and then won the game with a 39-yarder. | previous rank: 18 |
| 17 |  | Philadelphia played a great game and Donovan McNabb is trying to prove that he is indeed the man for the job. With rumors swirling about where he might end up next season, he his playing for a big contract. I think the Eagles should hold on to him, but you never what might happen. I will say this: he would fit in nicely with Chicago. | previous rank: 20 |
| 18 |  | Up 14-0 in the first quarter, Buffalo let one slip away. Trent Edwards struggled against the elements, throwing 3 interceptions and fumbling twice. They won't make it this year, but Buffalo is a team we should keep an eye on. I think they'll make it in next year. | previous rank: 16 |
| 19 |  | Detroit ran the ball well, which is something they missed during their losing steak. They were torched for over 400 yards on defense, but returned an interception for a touchdown that proved to be the difference. If they win in Week 17, they'll finish .500, which a big improvement for this squad. | previous rank: 19 |
| 20 |  | This team was essentially built to put pressure on Peyton Manning. It didn't work this week, sacking Manning just once and allowing him to throw the ball all over the field, hitting 8 different receivers. Andre Johnson is proving to be one of the best receivers in the NFL, catching his 8th touchdown of the season, despite missing 7 games. | previous rank: 17 |
| 21 |  | Kenny Watson carried the Bengals to victory, gaining 130 yards rushing. The defense avenged their Week 2 outing against Cleveland, when they were torched for 51 points. Of course, this performance was too little, too late for Cincinnati's season, and for Marvin Lewis' job. | previous rank: 23 |
| 22 |  | For Bear fans, this season was a success. The only thing that could soothe the pain of missing the playoffs was a season sweep of Green Bay, and the defense and special teams made it happen; and Devin Hester didn't even score! What amazed me is that the Bears didn't turn the ball over, even though there was snow and winds blowing up to 37 mph. | previous rank: 24 |
| 23 |  | Failing on third down sealed the loss for Carolina. Despite being out-gained by 200 yards, they only lost by 7 points. Until this team can find their quarterback, they'll continue to hover around .500. Rumor has it that John Fox will be there next season, but I wouldn't be surprised if he is replaced. | previous rank: 21 |
| 24 |  | Denver has now lost four straight against San Diego. Even after last season, I still thought of the Broncos as the class of the AFC West. They were always in the playoff hunt and gave their division rivals fits. Now, with their injuries and their reluctance to change their style of play, they are one of the biggest disappointments in football. | previous rank: 22 |
| 25 |  | Patrick Willis just might be the best middle linebacker in the NFL. Only a rookie, he leads the NFL with 162 tackles. Willis dominated in the game against Tampa Bay, getting 20 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble. Having Mike Singletary on staff has really helped his development. The race for Defensive Rookie of the Year is not even close. | previous rank: 25 |
| 26 |  | It looked like the varsity scrimmaging the JV against the Jaguars. JaMarcus Russell finally got some significant playing time. Unfortunately for him, it was agasint one of the better defenses in the league. Sure, Russell threw 3 interceptions, but he is learning valuable lessons and this should pay off next season. | previous rank: 26 |
| 27 |  | Eric Mangini went against protocol, accepting a penalty that nullified Mike Nugent's 36-yard field goal. Pennington then threw an interception and the play seemed to take the wind out the Jets sails. I liked the call though, especially when you're playing for nothing more than pride and confidence. | previous rank: 27 |
| 28 |  | Brodie Croyle getting injured almost won the game for Kansas City. Damon Huard replaced him and lit the Lions up for 305 yards and two touchdowns. I wondered how much gas Tony Gonzalez had in the tank but his 10 catches tells me he is still one of the top two tight ends in all of football. Dwayne Bowe will be a stud, too. | previous rank: 28 |
| 29 |  | The best player this year on St. Louis may be kicker Jeff Wilkins. He has connected on 20 straight filed goals between 49 and 52 yards. Isaac Bruce quietly took over the number 3 spot in all-time receiving yards. Other than those two remarkable feats, the Rams just plain suck. | previous rank: 29 |
| 30 |  | Miami couldn't parlay momentum from last week's win into an upset of New England; it was over by half time. It is hard to imagine this team getting any better next season, and it's not really anybody's fault. Cam Cameron is a great guy, though. At least he hasn't pulled a Patrino. | previous rank: 30 |
| 31 |  | The losing streak has now reached nine games. Troy Smith's confidence is through the roof, but I wonder where he gets it. This team is terrible. They say Billick will be back next year, and that's a good thing. I think his team is too old to keep up with the rest of the NFL, however. | previous rank: 31 |
| 32 |  | Chris Redman didn't play that bad and Atlanta almost pulled off the upset. I'm not sure any coach wants this job so it will be interesting to see who they hire in the off season.. | previous rank: 32 |
