Last week's ranking in parentheses.
1. Patriots 7-1 (1). They're not perfect, but it's beginning to look like it's the Patriots and then a significant step down in class.
2. Cowboys 7-1 (2). Sunday's visit to Heinz Field to face the .500 Steelers looks to be the most difficult game remaining on their schedule.
3. Raiders 7-2 (5). They spent big in free agency on the offensive line the last two offseasons and it's paying off now.
4. Chiefs 6-2 (6). Don't look now, but Andy Reid's team has won 17 of its last 20 games.
5. Seahawks 5-2-1 (7). With Jimmy Graham and Tyler Lockett looking healthy, the offense has a little more punch.
6. Broncos 6-3 (3). Losers of three of their last five, they are struggling offensively and a little against the run.
7. Falcons 6-3 (8). The Chiefs are the only remaining opponent above .500, so Atlanta should finish strong.
8. Giants 5-3 (12). They've won three straight without any running game to speak of.
9. Steelers 4-4 (4). They need to straighten things out before the Ravens or Bengals pass them up.
10. Cardinals 3-4-1 (13). Facing the 49ers and Vikings the next two weeks gives the Cardinals a chance to climb above .500 after their open date.
11. Texans 5-3 (14). They are 11-4 after their open date over the last two seasons and are looking for a boost again.
12. Lions 5-4 (18). They have trailed in the fourth quarter of every game and have five wins to show for it.
13. Eagles 4-4 (10). The 3-0 start created huge expectations. Now, they need to make sure they don't put too much on rookie QB Carson Wentz.
14. Bengals 3-4-1 (15). Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther put his unit on notice heading into the open date. It'll be interesting to see what changes are made coming out of it.
15. Redskins 4-3-1 (16). Robert Kelley has a chance to claim the running-back job if he performs well _ and doesn't fumble like Matt Jones.
16. Vikings 5-3 (11). They have found some kickers to put through a tryout. The problem is, there aren't starting-caliber offensive tackles to work out.
17. Packers 4-4 (9). They're scuffling in Green Bay, and it's fair to wonder if the Packers will straighten out this season.
18. Bills 4-5 (17). Rex Ryan has good reason to be upset after Monday night officiating debacle in Seattle but can't let that affect his team.
19. Saints 4-4 (20). They have won four of the last five to remain within striking distance in the NFC South.
20. Dolphins 4-4 (19). They haven't won on the West Coast since 2010, so the Dolphins will spend 11 days in California with games in San Diego and Los Angeles.
21. Panthers 3-5 (22). There will be less discussion about the hits Cam Newton takes if they do a better job protecting him.
22. Ravens 4-4 (29). They will be alone in first place in AFC North with a victory against the Browns on Thursday.
23. Chargers 4-5 (24). We're beginning to forget Melvin Gordon's disappointing rookie season.
24. Colts 4-5 (27). Andrew Luck stepped up like he's supposed to in a road victory at Lambeau Field.
25. Titans 4-5 (21). Marcus Mariota made a key mistake, but the run defense was shredded in San Diego.
26. Rams 3-5 (25). Have those clamoring for Jared Goff to play considered he just might not be ready?
27. Jets 3-6 (26). Benching of Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson in the first quarter against the Dolphins temporarily turned attention from the brewing Brandon Marshall-Ryan Fitzpatrick drama.
28. Bears 2-6 (28). They are as healthy as they have been since the preseason. Time to make up for lost time _ and lost ground.
29. Buccaneers 3-5 (23). The defense was a mess under Lovie Smith and remains a mess for Dirk Koetter.
30. Jaguars 2-6 (30). They have gone 0-8, 1-7, 2-6 and now 2-6 in the first half of seasons under Gus Bradley. Yuck.
31. 49ers 1-7 (31). Give Chip Kelly credit: Having his players hold all eligible receivers just before halftime was genius. Too bad it's the only way the defense can stop opponents.
32. Browns 0-9 (32). The Browns play in prime time Thursday night. Fill in your own joke on NFL television ratings.
