NFL: Saints, Colts, Vikings 1-2-3 in rankings
By Jerry McDonald
Contra Costa Times
1. New Orleans (11-0)
Drew Brees made Pats look like seven-on-seven drill.
2. Indianapolis (11-0)
Can tie Pats' record with 21st consecutive regular-season win.
3. Minnesota (10-1)
With 283rd straight game, Brett Favre surpasses "Wrong Way" Marshall.
4. San Diego (8-3)
No receiving tandem as imposing as Antonio Gates-Vincent Jackson.
5. Dallas (8-3)
OK, 'Boys, let's see you do it in December.
6. Cincinnati (8-3)
Underwhelming in past two without Cedric Benson.
7. New England (7-4)
Went down hard in Big Easy — how do they respond?
8. Green Bay (7-4)
Aaron Rodgers: nine of 14 home starts with passer rating over 100.
9. Philadelphia (7-4)
Donovan McNabb's 143 games are most for a QB in franchise history.
10. Denver (7-4)
Broncos have a history of Arrowhead Stadium face-plants.
11. Arizona (7-4)
Kurt Warner's vision, Matt Leinart's progress a headache.
12. Baltimore (6-5)
Ray Rice averaging 5.8 per carry in road games.
13. Pittsburgh (6-5)
No runner has more than 88 yards rushing against Steelers.
14. Tennessee (5-6)
Has Vince Young arrived? Ninety-nine-yard drive says maybe.
15. Jacksonville (6-5)
Fumbles, not picks, are David Garrard's biggest problem.
16. N.Y. Giants (6-5)
On the ropes, must come off firing vs. Dallas.
17. Atlanta (6-5)
Chris Redman could get chewed by Philly blitz.
18. 49ers (5-6)
Air Alex is 3-yard pass and cloud of dust.
19. Miami (5-6)
Need a second straight unbeaten December.
20. Houston (5-6)
LB Brian Cushing could be top defensive rookie.
21. N.Y. Jets (6-6)
Thomas Jones hits 1,000 yards for fifth straight season.
22. Seattle (4-7)
Matt Hasselbeck has won eight of past 11 vs. 49ers.
23. Chicago (4-7)
Playing out string not what Bears had in mind.
24. Carolina (4-7)
Matt Moore gets his shot; Jake Delhomme watches closely.
25. Washington (3-8)
More competitive of late, but results have been the same.
26. Kansas City (3-8)
Jamaal Charles validating decision to cut Larry Johnson.
27. Buffalo (4-8)
Without pick-six repeat, can't beat Jets in Canada.
28. Raiders (3-8)
Fans pay for billboard instead of tickets.
29. Tampa Bay (1-10)
Did Raiders ruin Bucs forever last December?
30. St. Louis (1-10)
Donnie Avery has five TD catches in past seven games.
31. Detroit (2-9)
"Tough guy" rep means Matt Stafford taking a beating.
32. Cleveland (1-10)
Giving up 159.9 yards, 4.6 per carry on ground.