Rk. Team Comment
1. Carolina Did anyone expect the unbeaten Panthers to average 30 points a game? Didn’t think so.
2. New England No longer perfect, the Pats appear perfectly suited to make another Super Bowl run.
3. Arizona Don’t count out resourceful Carson Palmer in the league MVP race.
4. Cincinnati They’re a different team with TE Tyler Eifert healthy and productive.
5. Denver At this point, it’s all about securing that first-round playoff bye.
6. Minnesota Mike Zimmer has molded a defense in his image — physical and relentless.
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