1. Indianapolis Colts (1) – I have no doubt that if the Colts and Saints played today, Peyton Manning would, somehow, some way, pull out a last-minute victory.
2. New Orleans Saints (2) – That’s not to say that I think the Saints are a lesser team, nor Drew Brees an inferior passer. I just think that the Colts’ defense finds a way to get the ball back to their leader, and their leader finds a way to get the ball into the end zone. Every time.
3. Minnesota Vikings (3) – Hell is coming to breakfast for my beloved Bears. Last week I predicted that Brett Favre Interceptionfest 2009 would begin against Seattle. That worked out well – he only threw four touchdowns and no picks. Week by week, the old sombitch keeps proving that I’m an idiot… but I swear to God, one of these weeks, he’s going to Favre it and throw some picks. Is it this week? Does Zack Bowman have a three-pick game in him? Ha!
4. New England Patriots (5) – I am tingling with anticipation of Saints-Patriots this weekend. I hope New Orleans wipes the floor with them, but I am getting a sneaking suspicion about it.
5. San Diego Chargers (5) – They’re on cruise control, sailing to another AFC West championship thanks to a nice hot streak, and playing in the league’s worst division. Oakland, Kansas City and Denver will all have losing records to conclude the season (How about them Broncos!), so just like last year, the Chargers only need a total of 8 wins for the crown. By my math, they’re one away from that right now. Perhaps they win 10 or 11 just for kicks.
6. Arizona Cardinals (8) – The Cards have the division wrapped up, but if Kurt Warner is less than perfectly healthy in the playoffs, a return trip to the Super Bowl is completely out of the question.
7. Dallas Cowboys (9) – Well done, holding the Redskins to 6 points. But scoring 7 spells “uh oh” in Big D.
8. New York Giants (not ranked) – Welcome back to the party, my darling Super Bowl pick. Do me a favor – no more four game losing streaks to make me feel bad about the world. Okay?
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (7) – Is somebody going to scramble that egg you laid in Kansas City? Speaking of scrambled eggs, how’s Big Ben’s brain this morning?
10. Tennessee Titans (not ranked) – Welcome home, my lovelies! Your incredible free-fall start to the season notwithstanding, I am officially on the bandwagon, and of the opinion that you are back on course not only to go to the playoffs, but to meet the Giants in the Super Bowl, as I predicted! Okay, maybe not… but hot damn are these Titans playing some solid football right now.