Staff Writer David Weinberg’s weekly rankings. Last week’s rankings in parentheses.
Biggest rise: Carolina (25th to 19th)
Biggest fall: Pittsburgh (8th to 14th)
1. New England (2) — Seven straight wins
2. Denver (3) — Only AFC team that can challenge Patriots
3. Green Bay (6) — Packers hitting their peak at right time
4. Indianapolis (7) — Colts almost a lock for playoffs
5. Houston (1) — Texans undefeated when allowing less than 42 points
6. San Francisco (10) — Frank Gore can still get it done
7. Atlanta (4) — No excuse for losing to Carolina
8. Washington (11) — Kirk Cousins to the rescue
9. New York Giants (14) — David Wilson can do it all
10. Cincinnati (5) — Loss to Dallas hurt, beating Eagles helped
11. Seattle (12) — Dominated and embarrassed Arizona
12. Dallas (15) — Cowboys win despite tragedy
13. St. Louis (18) — Rams still alive in playoff race
14. Pittsburgh (8) — Big Ben’s return wasted
15. Baltimore (9) — Ravens leaking oil
16. Cleveland (20) — Three straight wins for young Browns
17. Minnesota (22) — Adrian Peterson keeps Vikings in playoff hunt
18. Chicago (13) — Jay Cutler gets hurt every week
19. Carolina (25) — Panthers finally play to their potential
20. New York Jets (23) — Jets wisely stay grounded
21. Tampa Bay (16) — Went 0-4 vs. NFC East
22. New Orleans (17) — Hope they got to see Radio City’s Christmas Show
23. San Diego (27) — Too bad they don’t play like that more often
24. Buffalo (19) — Bills can kiss playoffs goodbye
25. Miami (21) — Dolphins not good enough to beat good teams
26. Detroit (24) — Calvin Johnson needs help
27. Tennessee (26) — Couldn’t hold on against Indy
28. Philadelphia (31) — First win since Sept. 30, then another loss
29. Jacksonville (28) — Chad Henne is not the answer
30. Kansas City (29) — Can’t compete on the road
31. Arizona (30) — 58-0? Really?
32. Oakland (32) — Good news is season is almost over
David Weinberg, 609-272-7186
