If not for the Chargers' first two heart wrenching losses of the season, they would be 5-3 instead of being under .500 by mid-season. The good news for the Chargers is that LaDainian Tomlinson seems to have re-found his step in Sunday’s loss to the Saints, where he totaled 170 yards and a touchdown on the day.
The Chargers will have an opportunity to redeem themselves after their bye in week ten, when they face a weak Chiefs team.
22. Dolphins 3-4
The Wildcat formation has only gotten the retooled Dolphins so far this season. On the other hand, Chad Pennington has done a terrific job managing and keeping his team in games. If Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams could get the running game back on track, the Dolphins could surprise many before year’s end.
21. Vikings 3-4
After last year’s surge, the Vikings were a favorite to make the playoffs with ease. This season, though, they have struggled to stay above .500 in the NFC North. Their powerhouse of a defense has been on fire as of late, but their unfortunate turnover issues have cost them games. In week nine, can Jared Allen and his wrecking crew stop a red hot Texans team fresh off a three-game win streak?
20. Colts 3-4
The Colts came within a quarter from putting a stop to the Titans' undefeated season on Monday night. Dominic Rhodes has played well in relief of the injured Joseph Addai, but the porous rush defense has still continued to play poorly. Things will not be getting much easier for the Colts as they now have to face the Patriots, Steelers, and Texans over the span of the next three weeks.
19. Jaguars 3-4
Where has the running game gone in Jacksonville? Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew combined for a measly 53 yards on 20 carries in week eight’s loss to the Browns. The Jaguars still have the ability to go over .500 this season, as they face the winless Bengals and Lions over the next two weeks.
18. Saints 4-4
Across the pond, the Saints played a hard fought battle against the Chargers to put them at .500 on the year. Surprisingly, Marques Colston and Jeremy Shockey were not major factors in Sunday’s win. The Saints will have their opportunity to stay in the race for the NFC South as they face the Falcons and Chiefs after their bye this week.
17. Jets 4-3
Brett Favre looked like the Brett Favre of old on Sunday. Facing a 1-5 Chiefs team, Favre continuously threw into double coverage for three interceptions on the day. "Broadway Brett" is now tied for the league lead in interceptions. Can Favre contain himself as he takes on the division rival Bills in week nine?
16. Ravens 4-3
The Ravens' defense shut down the Wildcat formation in week seven and then baffled a weak Raiders offense in week eight. The Ravens are back over .500, but can their top-ranked defense stop a Browns team that is on a roll?
15. Packers 4-3
After a much-needed bye week, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will face their toughest test of the season on Sunday when they face the undefeated Titans. Things would be much easier for Rodgers if running back Ryan Grant could improve on his 3.4 yards per carry average for the season.
14. Broncos 4-3
After a blowout in week seven on Monday Night Football against the Patriots, the Broncos were blessed with a much-needed bye in week eight. The defense is a continual cause for concern, but their backfield will get a little more crowded now that sleeper stud Ryan Torain joins the team in week nine against the floundering Dolphins.
13. Bears
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