If the 11th week of the NFL season taught us anything, it's that we know nothing.
But of course we already knew that.
After 10 weeks of my saying the Steelers were one of the top three teams in the league, they lost to the Jets in overtime.
Ricky Williams was reinstated...again.
And the Dolphins welcomed him back...again.
And who said a field goal has to land on the ground behind the uprights to be good?
The Browns proved that's not the case when a field goal try ricocheted off the rear support beam and landed in the end zone—with the result being three points.
As it stands, the only thing that's all but official in the NFL is that the Dolphins won't be playing football in January.
Beyond that, clarity is hard to come by—but let's give it a whirl anyway...
1. New England Patriots (10-0)
Not much needs to be said here. The pursuit of perfection continues.
2. Dallas Cowboys (9-1)
Romo and Owens are as close to Brady and Moss as you can get.
The Cowboys' one and only loss this season is to the Pats—can you blame them?
3. Green Bay Packers (9-1)
The Packers are off to their best start since the 1962 season, when they opened 10-0 and went on to win the NFL Championship over the Giants.
Brett Favre is playing better than he ever has.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-3)
The Jags were successful in doing something the Colts couldn't—beating the Chargers.
If the Jags' defense continues its stellar play, Jacksonville can probably make itself comfortable in my top five.
5. Indianapolis Colts (8-2)
What's wrong Peyton? Still can't figure out how to score without your top-tier receivers?
6. New York Giants (7-3)
I've been very hesitant to give the Giants this much credit—but they've earned it.
After all, defense does win games.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4)
Three forced fumbles and two interceptions against the Falcons tells me the Tampa defense is firmly behind Jeff Garcia and Earnest Graham.
Look for a strong second half of the season.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3)
Their inconsistency makes them not-so-powerful in my book. The loss to the Jets hurt.
9. Cleveland Browns (6-4)
You have to wonder if Brady Quinn's job is safe. He went from being the talk of the nation to being an afterthought in Northern Ohio.
10. Houston Texans (5-5)
With Andre Johnson back on the field, this is an entirely different team. The Texans are undefeated in games Johnson has played in this season.
11. Detroit Lions (6-4)
What the Lions have done so far is admirable—but 10 wins?
Don't bet on it.
12. Denver Broncos (5-5)
Have the Broncos gotten themselves together in time for a run at the playoffs?
We'll find out next week when they travel to Chicago to play the Bears.
13. Tennessee Titans (6-4)
Might still be a year or two away from being legit contenders in the mighty AFC. Not having Albert Haynesworth on the field is a killer.
14. Seattle Seahawks (6-4)
They're not as good as their record...and their record isn't even that good.
15. Arizona Cardinals (5-5)
The Cards may surpass the Seahawks in my rankings as early as next week—and may pass them in the NFL standings shortly thereafter.
16. Washington Redskins (5-5)
The Skins played the Cowboys tough in Week 11. At 5-5, they have as good a chance as anyone of earning a Wild Card berth.
17. San Diego Chargers (5-5)
The morale in San Diego has to be dropping fast. Fan are wondering where to look for answers—which means at least someone is facing up to the problem.
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