1. Rams (6-1) Rivalry-game loss to Saints was mere speed bump
        2. Raiders (5-1) Even better with revitalized rush offense
        3. Packers (4-2) Have NFC's best defense at 264 yards a game
        4. Steelers ) 5-1) Consistent pass games gives Bus more lanes
        5. Bears ) 5-1) Does Mike Brown regret not drafting Mike Brown?
        6. Saints (4-2) Should go on win streak after winning at St. Louis
        7. Chargers (5-2) Need to play well on heels of emotional Buffalo win
        8. Browns (4-2) Couldn't beat Bengals on road; what about Bears?
        9. Ravens (4-3) Proud and loud and not shrinking from any fight
        10. Dolphins (4-2) Know how to win close games
        11. Eagles (3-3) No reason to panic at all
        12. Broncos (4-3) Can't fall any further behind in AFC West
        13. Buccaneers (3-3) Better hope it's not cold in Green Bay
        14. 49ers (4-2) Two losses to teams who are a combined 11-2
        15. Giants (3-4) NFC champs only half game out in weak division
        16. Jets (4-3) See what can happen when offense protects ball
        17. Bengals (4-3) Win at Detroit should help confidence
        18. Colts (3-3) Need to score ton of points to win
        19. Seahawks (3-3) Maybe Holmgren's right about Hasselbeck
        20. Falcons (3-3) Vick says he's ready but he's not needed
        21. Vikings (3-4) Another poor performance in rough season
        22. Patriots (3-4) Best non-winning team in AFC
        23. Titans (2-4) Prospects not good without healthy Eddie George
        24. Jaguars (2-4) Players now fighting among themselves
        25. Cardinals (2-4) And here they'll stay for the season
        26. Cowboys (2-4) Ryan Leaf could destroy any positive growth
        27. Redskins (2-5) Credit due for cutting loose George for Banks
        28. Bills (1-5) “Buffalo West” gets last laugh in San Diego
        29. Chiefs (1-6) Vermeil faces huge rebuilding job
        30. Panthers (1-6) Guess this is where a rookie QB gets you
        31. Lions (0-6) Tantrums on turf; stinking up Silverdome.

DAUGHERTY: Parity looks pretty good to Bengals Bacon was Bengals' sackmaster Smith chasin' Bacon Mark Curnutte's NFL picks Mark Curnutte's NFL power ratings