The Patriots have looked like contenders all season. The Bengals have earned respect. Time to put the Panthers up there, too, in my view. The good news for the Falcons is that among the rest of the NFC only the Cardinals and Packers are clearly better.
1. Patriots (8-0)
Previous rank: 1. Result: Won 27-10 vs. Washington. Next: Sun. vs. Giants.
The offense was relatively ordinary against Washington and they still won by three scores.