Here’s how I see the league breaking down at this point in the season. Feel free to weigh in with your thoughts in the comment section… especially if you disagree!

1. New Orleans (4-0)

The Saints are playing dominant football these days, on both sides of the ball no less, and it’s showing in their impressive wins against the Eagles and Jets. Next week: BYE

2. New York Giants (4-0)

Eli Manning might be on the mend for a few weeks with his foot injury, but overall the Giants are still one of the best teams in the league right now, thanks in part to their tremendous defense. Next week: OAKLAND (1-3)

3. Minnesota (4-0)

Their defense was a bit suspect late in the game last week against the Packers, but the addition of Brett Favre on their offense has more than made up for any deficiencies and then some. Next week: @ St. Louis (0-4)

4. Indianapolis (4-0)

Peyton Manning has the offense rolling once again and their defense has played well when called upon. Adding Donald Brown in the run game hasn’t hurt either. Next week: TENNESSEE (0-4)

5. San Francisco (3-1)

Save a last second miracle at Minnesota, the 49ers would be undefeated right now and sitting real pretty in the NFC West, but 3-1 isn’t half bad given the expectations. Next week: ATLANTA (3-1)

6. New York Jets (3-1)

The Jets showed their mortality and youth last week against the Saints, but the fans of Gang Green have to be pleased with Rex Ryan’s start to the season thus far. Next week: @ Miami (1-3)

7. Denver (4-0)

I still have reservations about their offense, but the Broncos have to be ecstatic about the play of their defense under Mike Nolan through the first four games. Next week: NEW ENGLAND (3-1)

8. New England (3-1)

The Pats got a bit lucky last week against the Ravens, but they’ve shown they’re still a team to be reckoned with this season and Tom Brady’s solid return is a big part of that. Next week: @ Denver (4-0)

9. Baltimore (3-1)

As I said above, the Ravens could have very well been 4-0 if not for a bit of bad luck, but then again, they couldn’t make the plays needed to win so that’s why they’re here and not higher. Next week: CINCINNATI (3-1)

10. Cincinnati (3-1)

The Bengals have been one of the biggest surprises this season, and a big part of their success has been the play of their defense. They’ll have a real test this week though with a division rival. Next week: @ Baltimore (3-1)

11. Chicago (3-1)

The Bears started the season out rough in Green Bay, but they’ve settled down significantly and the wins have naturally come along as a result. Next week: BYE

12. Philadelphia (2-1)

Donovan McNabb’s injury has set them back somewhat, but the tremendous level of talent has shined through, especially in their blow out of Kansas City in week three. Next week: TAMPA BAY (4-0)

13. San Diego (2-2)

Their defense hasn’t been able to stop anyone thus far, but Philip Rivers and Co. have kept them in every game, coming close to a huge comeback last weekend in Pittsburgh. Next week: BYE

14. Atlanta (2-1)

The Falcons have not put forth a consistent effort as of yet, but coming off a BYE week, I suspect they’ll be ready to show they’re capable of sticking with the Saints in the NFC South. Next week: @ San Francisco (3-1)

15. Green Bay (2-2)

The Packers held tough last week on the road in a big game against the Vikings, and even though they lost that game, Aaron Rodgers showed he has the ability to be solid in the clutch. Next week: BYE

16. Pittsburgh (2-2)

After losing a tough game in Cincinnati in week three, the Steelers bounced back last week at home against the Chargers with a hard fought win. That said, they still have some question marks, especially on defense. Next week: @ Detroit (1-3)

17. Jacksonville (2-2)

The Jaguars have been another surprise this season, winning a huge game last week at home against the Titans to get to .500 on the season, and a big lift emotionally. Next week: @ Seattle (1-3)

18. Houston (2-2)

I like what the Texans bring to the table offensively but their defense has been horrible, causing them to lose winnable games. If they can fix that, they could make a run into the post-season. Next week: @ Arizona (1-3)

19. Miami (1-3)

The Dolphins had a bad start to the season, but showed they still have some fight left in them last week in their big win over Buffalo and they’ll be looking to keep things rolling on Monday night against the Jets. Next week: NEW YORK JETS (3-1)

20. Dallas (2-2)

America’s team has played poorly when it mattered in two of their games thus far, but overall they have too much talent, especially on defense, to stay near the bottom of the pack in the NFC. Next week: @ Kansas City (0-4)

21. Detroit (1-3)

Some might not like this pick, but the Lions have shown themselves to be a competitive team the past two weeks, and I think they’ll keep things on the upswing as the season goes on. Next week: PITTSBURGH (2-2)

22. Arizona (1-2)

The Cardinals haven’t done much through the first quarter of the season, but given the amount of talent they have, it’s difficult to imagine them staying down for long. Next week: HOUSTON (2-2)

23. Washington (2-2)

The Redskins have been extremely disappointing thus far, andwhile Jim Zorn’s head coaching career is likely headed towards a rough ending, Washington did well to win last week. Next week: @ Carolina (0-3)

24. Buffalo (1-3)

The Bills are one of those teams that frustrates the hell out of me most weeks, as they seem to have turned the corner one week only to lose badly the next. Next week: CLEVELAND (0-4)

25. Seattle (1-3)

The Seahawks have enough talent to stay competitive, but mistakes in key spots have doomed them in their three losses so far this season. Next week: JACKSONVILLE (2-2)

26. Oakland (1-3)

JaMarcus Russell has been as ineffective as they come at QB, and his poor play has doomed the Raiders in almost every instance. Might be time to see what their backup has to offer. Next week: @ New York Giants (4-0)

27. Carolina (0-3)

The Panthers winless streak all boils down to mistakes on both sides of the ball. If they can fix them soon, they might be able to right the ship in time to make a playoff push, but it’s not looking good at this point. Next week: WASHINGTON (2-2)

28. Tennessee (0-4)

I’m still at a loss as to how the Titans are still looking for their first win, but like almost every other winless team, they’re making mistakes across the board in key spots. Next week: INDIANAPOLIS (4-0)

29. Tampa Bay (0-4)

The Bucs defense has been atrocious thus far, giving up a ton of points and putting pressure on their offense to keep them in the game, which is looking unlikely at best right now. Next week: @ Philadelphia (2-1)

30. Cleveland (0-4)

Eric Mangini has a lot of trouble on his hands these days, with both of his QBs playing poorly and his defense giving up big plays at all the wrong moments. Next week: @ Buffalo (1-3)

31. Kansas City (0-4)

The Chiefs have one of the least talented teams in the league and it shows week after week when they get crushed by better teams. At this rate, they could easily join the Lions as the only teams to go winless in a season. Next week: DALLAS (2-2)

32. St. Louis (0-4)

It’s hard to pick between Kansas City and the Rams for this spot, but given the way the Rams have lost (big time blowouts), I think they’re about as bad as they come in the NFL right now. Next week: MINNESOTA (4-0)

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