| No. Team | Last week | Record | Comment |
| 1. Chiefs | 3 | 5-0 | Best red-zone offense (8 TDs in 10 trips) |
| 2. Broncos | 2 | 4-1 | Jake Plummer has 8 TD passes, no picks in last four |
| 3. Buccaneers | 1 | 2-2 | Should have beaten Indy in regulation |
| 4. Colts | 5 | 5-0 | Due for a letdown |
| 5. Dolphins | 6 | 3-1 | Allowing 12 points a game |
| 6. Vikings | 10 | 5-0 | Average 30.2 points a game |
| 7. Titans | 4 | 3-2 | WR Tyrone Calico providing big plays |
| 8. Panthers | 8 | 4-0 | Strong on both lines |
| 9. Seahawks | 7 | 3-1 | Turnovers prevent franchise's first 4-0 start |
| 10. Redskins | 12 | 3-2 | Average 11 penalties a game |
| 11. Bills | 11 | 3-2 | Drew Bledsoe plays well when it counts |
| 12. Cowboys | 18 | 3-1 | Ranked No. 1 in total offense, 3 in defense |
| 13. Patriots | 15 | 3-2 | Finding identity as running team |
| 14. Packers | 16 | 3-2 | Club 24-3 when scoring first for Mike Sherman |
| 15. Eagles | 17 | 2-2 | NFL-best 19-6 on road since 2000 |
| 16. Raiders | 9 | 2-3 | Never out with Rich Gannon at QB |
| 17. Steelers | 13 | 2-3 | Tommy Maddox not making plays |
| 18. Giants | 14 | 2-2 | Tied for NFL lead with 15 sacks |
| 19. Browns | 23 | 2-3 | 4-0 when William Green runs for 100 |
| 20. Ravens | 20 | 2-2 | Next three opponents a combined 3-12 |
| 21. Rams | 21 | 2-2 | Marc Bulger is 8-2 as starting QB |
| 22. Texans | 22 | 2-2 | Enjoyed bye with .500 record |
| 23. Falcons | 19 | 1-4 | Boy, they miss Michael Vick more than they thought |
| 24. 49ers | 24 | 2-3 | How long will Garcia-Owens peace last? |
| 25. Bengals | 27 | 1-4 | Poised to make post-bye run |
| 26. Jaguars | 31 | 1-4 | Memo to Jack: Lose the ax |
| 27. Saints | 25 | 1-4 | Have lost 7 of last 8, dating to 2002 |
| 28. Lions | 26 | 1-4 | Close does count in Detroit |
| 29. Jets | 29 | 0-4 | Much better than record would indicate |
| 30. Cardinals | 28 | 1-4 | Predictable offense sputters |
| 31. Bears | 32 | 1-3 | Headed to N.O. for the Ain't Bowl |
| 32. Chargers | 30 | 0-5 | Lost last two by total of nine points |
