Best of the best
It was only a matter of time until the Titans came back to earth, but it was a surprise how hard they fell. With a big win over the unbeatens, the Jest moved their way into the top-5, while the other New York squad took over the top spot.
No. 1 New York Giants (Last week: No. 2)
Even without starting tailback Brandon Jacobs, who has been the league's most punishing runner this season, the G-Men put up big numbers against a decent defense. What's most important is they didn't give the ball away at all to a team that had 25 takeaways in its previos 10 games. Eli Manning seems to be saving his best play for last, posting a 127.3 quarterback rating Sunday, completing 78 percent of his passes for 240 yards and three touchdowns. He'll need to be on the top of his game for a rough end of the season stretch that features back-to-back-to-back divisional games, followed by tough defenses in Carolina and Minnesota.
No. 2 Pittsburgh Steelers (Last week: No. 5)
You just keep waiting for that defense to have one bad game that will expose the offense, but it just hasn't happened. The Steelers defense doesn't break. In fact, they don't even bend, allowing just 235 yards and just over two touchdowns per game. Banged up Ben Roethlisberger appears to be returning to form, which may be a sign he's getting healthier. He's only thrown one touchdown in his team's last two wins, but that's better than the zero touchdowns and four interceptions he threw the two games prior. After posting QB ratings of 15.1 and 59.0 in weeks 9 and 10, Roethlisberger has had back-to-back games in the mid-90's.
No. 3 New York Jets (Last week: NR)
With back-to-back road wins against the Patriots and undefeated Tennessee, the Jets legitimized themselves as true contenders in the AFC. Playing in possibly the most competitive division in the conference, the Jets quietly climbed the ladder to the top, often considered an afterthough behind the Pats, Dolphins and Bills. While many are quick to credit Brett Favre for the turnaround, perhaps it's the much-improved offensive line and the performance of Thomas Jones that has turned this team into a force. Jones runs angry and with purpose and currently leads the conference in rushing and his 11 touchdowns (9 rushing, 2 receiving) are second in the league among running backs.
No. 4 Tennessee Titans ( Last week: No. 1)
How the mighty have fallen. Tennessee's offense was exposed as the defense faltered and displayed an inability to come up with the big play when they really needed it. It's not likely the Titans defense will give up that many points the rest of the way and with Detroit, Cleveland and Houston on the horizon, the odd of the Titans bouncing back are excellent. However, this perfomance has to make some people wonder how this team will handle a tough postseason matchup, or even Pittsburgh or Indianapolis at the end of the regular season.
No. 5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Last week: No. 4)
With three straight wins, including a comeback victory against the Lions, the Bucs moved into first place in the very competitive NFC South. With three straight games against division foes coming up starting this weekend, the Bucs have their work cut out for them. However, Jeff Garcia has completed 74 percent of his passes as the offense remains effective, while the defense continues to be dominant.
Worst of the worst
Seattle Seahawks (Last week: No. 5)
Clinton Portis made the defense look even worse than they already have. Didn't think that was possible, did you?
Cincinnati Bengals (Last week: No. 4 worst)
If the Bengals were looking for some relief, they won't find it on the schedule, as Baltimore comes to town this weekend.
St. Louis Rams (Last week: No. 3 worst)
If you needed any more reminders that Trent Green has reached the end of the line, his Week 12 performance should do the trick.
Kansas City Chiefs (Last week: No.5 worst)
Scoring 31 points should be good enough to win...unless your defense gives up 54. This defense could go down as one of the worst in league history.
Detroit Lions (Last week: No. 1 worst)
Well, they keep giving teams a run in the first half, but haven't put anything close to a full game together. Culpepper got benched, but his replacement sustained a concussion, meaning fans will have to put up with him for at least another week.
