The NFL Top Ten

Top ten in the NFL

1. INDIANAPOLIS (10-0 SU, 7-3 ATS)
It's no longer a question of whether the Colts have the overall best performing team in the league. Now it's a matter of whether they are perfect. As in 16-0 perfect, then 18-0 perfect and on to 19-0 perfect. With a quarterback like Peyton Manning controlling games the way he does, the countless options this offense can turn to and a harder-hitting defense its ever had, Indy could become the first team since the 1972 Miami Dolphins to go undefeated.

2. DENVER (8-2 SU, 7-2-1 ATS)
This team was nowhere near being a top 10 team, let alone one of the top two. However, here it is sitting on deck to Indy as we head into Turkey weekend. The offense ranks fourth in the league with a tally of 367.5 yards per game, thanks to the league's second-best rushing game. The defense ranks fifth in points scored and second in rushing yards allowed. It’s incredible what rankings can do.

3. NEW ENGLAND (6-4 SU, 4-6 ATS)
The Patriots had to hold on for their win against the Saints last week, and life is still an uphill battle in struggling with injuries. Seriously, look at the reversal on words with this one: New England is in first place in the AFC East, it has its longest win streak of the season and the team is still being led by a two-team Super Bowl MVP who is having a career passing year at quarterback. Here's the double reverse: the AFC East is weak, the streak is only two games and Brady is benefiting statistically because his cohorts are dinged up and have been all season.

4. SEATTLE (8-2 SU, 6-4 ATS)
Last week, I told you the conversation was about whether the Panthers were the best team in the NFC. I stayed firm on my thoughts that Seattle was the team on the senior circuit that was the most impressive. Well, here we are a week later and the Seahawks have another win under their belts. The Panthers are left scrambling after being stifled by this year's version of the Monsters of Midway. Seattle is above and beyond the many expectations critics had for this team, and it's only getting better. Something tells me this team will not be rolling out any red carpet when Indy gets to town.

5. CHICAGO (7-3 SU, 6-3-1 ATS)
Rex Grossman is questionable, but let's hope for Chicago's sake that Lovie Smith is not thinking of making a change. After all, if it ain't broke … you know the rest. Under thee guidance of Kyle Orton, The Bears have won six straight, are a surprising 7-3 and lead the NFC North. This could cause a dilemma and even make Orton a little nervous with the "starter" waiting in the wings. Chicago has the right formula - a top-ranked defense, a solid offensive line that protects young Orton and an effective running game to balance the attack.

6. PITTSBURGH (7-3 SU, 6-4 ATS)
Ben Roethlisberger is expected to return Monday night in Indianapolis, which would be a huge lift for a Steelers offense that hasn't been operating well, hasn't been completing many passes and didn't necessarily show much effort in losing to Baltimore last Sunday. But Black and Gold fans don't get too excited with Big Ben back under center – let's not forget this is Peyton's Place the Steelers are visiting, and a vicious slide could ensue from here for Pitt.

7. CAROLINA (7-3 SU, 5-5 ATS)
The Panthers went to Chicago and underestimated Chicago’s defense. But if there is one thing I know about this team and this coach – this Sunday won't come soon enough. The Panthers' visit to Buffalo will provide an opportunity for redemption for the offensive line that allowed eight sacks to the Bears in a 13-3 loss. This should be a solid chance for the Carolina rushing game to also redeem itself, against a Buffalo defense that's giving up nearly 150 yards per game on the ground.

8. CINCINNATI (7-3 SU, 5-4-1 ATS)
Thrice this team has had an opportunity to make good on its claim to fame as much improve team and also that it belongs in the same talk of the upper echelon. Look over there in its loss column, and you'll see how many times it failed! Losses to Jacksonville, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis leave question marks as to whether this team can handle the rough-and-tumble postseason. The positive spin is the Bengals' three losses have come against solid playoff contenders, while the pessimistic approach is their seven wins have come against teams with a combined record of 23-45, and only one of those teams (Chicago) has a legitimate chance of entertaining the postseason.

9. TAMPA BAY (7-3 SU, 5-5 ATS)
Is Chris Simms coming alive? Two straight weeks, two huge comeback wins, and suddenly it doesn't look as if Jon Gruden's bunch needs as much defense as it might have thought. This may be the game of the season for the Buccaneers, as they ace the team they should be thanking for last week's knock off of Carolina. Carolina's loss coupled with Tampa's stunning win in Atlanta, and now the NFC South has become interested.

10. DALLAS (7-3 SU, 6-3-1 ATS)
Dallas is still finding ways to win. It is dominating in games where it is playing scrubs, like Detroit last week. Thursday's result figures to have much to say about the NFL's postseason picture, with both teams entering Week 12 at the top of their respective divisions. As mentioned, Denver has the league's second-ranked rushing attack, and it will try to penetrate a stop unit that is allowing less than 100 yards per game. Dallas is also an impressive fourth in the league with points allowed, giving up just 16.4 points per game.
Dropped out: Atlanta