1. Houston Texans 11-1 (U1)
Another week another win for Houston, this time over the hapless Titans.
Their season has been consistently excellent, but this Monday’s stellar game
with the Pats is a potential play-off preview, and one that if they lose will
place doubts in everyone’s minds as to whether they can launch a real Super
Bowl challenge.
2. Atlanta Falcons 11-1
(U3)
I definitely dropped the Falcons too soon last week, which was an error.
They comfortably handled their rival Saints, and at 11-1 they deserve their place
in the top two. The play-off concerns will remain until they win there, but I
don’t believe they have some inherent post-season weakness. Next they face off
with Carolina, which is not one they should be losing even with one foot in the
door.
3. Denver Broncos 9-3 (-)
Another win for Denver but no change (it’s tough at the top). Barring an
injury to Peyton they will be a force in the post-season. Next they play
Oakland on Thursday in a game where it would be shocking if they squandered the win.
4. New England Patriots 9-3
(-)
The Pats sail past Miami and really nothing more needs to be said at this
stage. No Gronk? No problem when Brady is at the reigns. Hosting Houston next
will be as tough as they come at this late stage.
5. San Francisco 49ers
8-3-1 (D4)
A surprise loss to the Rams, and for a minute there it almost looked like
an unprecedented double draw! There’s still a lot of debate who should be
starting for SF after Kaep gave up a costly TD to St. Louis late on, but to his
credit helped tie the game up with an impressively long run. I don’t think
there’s a clear cut answer as both have strengths and weaknesses, but with a
play-off spot almost guaranteed at this stage (they could still lose out to
Seattle for the NFC West title) they will be happy to give Colin the
experience. Next up they have an easy match-up vs the visiting Dolphins.
