#5 New Orleans Saints

The Saints, coming off an impressive game against a good Dallas Cowboys team in prime time, have shown why they deserve to be on everyone’s mind at playoff time. The Saints allowed only 17 points to a high- powered Cowboys offense, which created a strong storyline for Saint’s defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, who, only last year, held the same position for Dallas.  The Saints dominated on both sides of the ball with Drew Brees being, well, Drew Brees and throwing 4 touchdown passes.  Plus, a bright spot is their young running back – and former Heisman Trophy winner – Mark Ingram, who had 145 yards and a touchdown. The Saints could make a deep run into the playoffs if they continue to play like this. 

#4 New England Patriots

The Patriots are coming off a bye week as they head into Carolina where they will face a very good Panther’s defense. The Patriots routed an aging Steelers team 55-31, but really need a big win here to show their mettle.  If they can beat the Panther’s team that went to San Francisco and dumped the 49ers, then they can put the NFL on notice.  The Panthers’ defense was dominant against the 49ers and the offense did just enough to win the game. For the Pats, Tom Brady has not been the Tom Brady of the past, which has forced the Patriots to rely on the run game more than ever.  It has also left critics wondering whether Brady is hurt or just aging and losing the talent. However, Brady’s last performance – albeit against a struggling Steeler’s team – was an eye opener as Pittsburgh did, at the time, have the number 2 pass defense in the league. If the Patriots are to have any chance at a deep playoff run, they need Brady to be, well, Tom Brady.

#3 Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks are 9-1 and a strong one at that. Dominating on both sides of the ball throughout the season, they have shown why they should be considered the best team in the NFC. With players like Russel Wilson and Marshawn Lynch on offense and defensive leaders like Richard Sherman and Bobby Wagner, the Seahawks have dominated in their schedule. After losing a tough game to Indianapolis, the Seahawks showed that they can respond to adversity by winning their next 5 games. The Seahawks have done this without their big off-season acquisition, wide receiver Percy Harvin, who has been on the P.U.P. list all season.  Harvin, however, will make his debut this week as the Hawks take on the Vikings.  This should be an easy win for the Hawks as the Vikings have been playing poorly as of late (except, of course, that one game against the Redskins!).

#2 Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos are 9-1 and are averaging 41.1 points per game!  Peyton Manning is having one of the best statistical seasons of his 16-year career. The Bronco’s only loss came from the Indianapolis Colts, which was a very emotional game for Manning. The only bad thing I see about the Broncos this year is the fact that the 9-0 Kansas City Chiefs are in their division. The division could be decided this Sunday night as the Chiefs take on the Broncos at Mile High Stadium in Denver.  This game is crucial for the Broncos. With a team like the Chiefs, who specialize in putting pressure on the quarterback, the Broncos must focus on protecting Manning or they could be in for a very long night.

#1 Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are 9-0 and coming off a bye week. They go into this Sunday night’s battle against the Broncos with not only their perfect record on the line, but also first place in the division as well. This game is by far the hardest one on the season for them so far and is a game where they can really show the NFL that they are for real and mean business. If the Chiefs were to win, they could essentially lock up the AFC West as the Chargers and Raiders are on the outside looking in and the Chiefs will hold a two game lead on the Broncos. For the Chiefs to win, they must get to Peyton Manning, who has been able to pick apart every defense he has played against this year. The Broncos are the perfect challenge for the Chiefs, who have been criticized all year for a soft schedule.  The real question is: Can the Chiefs silence those critics on Sunday?