by Nick Ferraro
1. Chicago Bears – The Bears are visited by the Niners and Dolphins in the next two weeks. They’ll be 8-0 going into a road game at the Giants.
2. Indianapolis Colts – The Colts put the Skins away nicely Sunday. Their high-powered offense gets its toughest test of the season next Sunday in Denver.
3. Denver Broncos – The defense is crushing people, but the offense will need to actually put points on the board with the Colts on their way to town.
4. New England Patriots – New England does a nice job disposing of weak teams quickly. They get a test next week on the road in Minnesota.
5. New Orleans Saints – The first-place Saints have very few easy spots left on schedule.
6. New York Giants – The Giants are playing well on both sides of the ball.
7. San Diego Chargers – If Merriman’s appeal doesn’t fly, the Chargers go from having one of the league’s best front seven to not having enough players to field a front seven.
8. Minnesota Vikings – The Vikings were impressive against the Seahawks. The defense is led by the league’s best tackle tandem in Pat and Kevin Williams.
9. Atlanta Falcons – A passing game in Atlanta is bad news for the NFC.
10. St. Louis Rams – The Rams are underrated, but can change a lot of minds with a win Sunday against the Chargers.
