Here’s how I see the league breaking down, heading into week eight of the season.

Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section!

* Home games are capitalized

Top Shelf Contenders

1. New Orleans (6-0)

Great teams find ways to win in the clutch and that’s exactly what the Saints did last Sunday. This team is for real.

Next week: ATLANTA (4-2)

2. Indianapolis (6-0)

42-6… did you really expect anything else against the Rams?

Next week: SAN FRANCISCO (3-3)

3. Denver (6-0)

The BYE week should have helped them health wise but the real schedule starts this week in Baltimore.

Next week: @ Baltimore (3-3)

4. New England (5-2)

The Patriots are looking like the dominant team of two seasons ago once again… albeit against the Titans and Bucs.

Next week: BYE

5. Minnesota (6-1)

Which Brett Favre will show up next Sunday in Green Bay? My money’s on the one headed to the Hall.

Next week: @ Green Bay (4-2)

6. Cincinnati (5-2)

If Cedric Benson keeps running like he did against the Bears, this team will go a long way in January.

Next week: BYE

7. Pittsburgh (5-2)

The defense that showed up in the second half against the Vikes was unstoppable. Now it’s time to be consistent.

Next week: BYE

8. New York Giants (5-2)

The Giants got beat at their own game by Arizona… Can they rebound against Philly next week?

Next week: @ Philadelphia (4-2)

9. Arizona (4-2)

The Cards are flying high right now thanks in part to their defense. Another division title is likely on the way.

Next week: CAROLINA (2-4)

10. Philadelphia (4-2)

The Eagles reached deep this week and came out on fire on MNF. The real test comes next week against the Giants.

Next week: New York Giants (5-2)

On the outside looking in

11. Dallas (4-2)

12. Green Bay (4-2)

13. Atlanta (4-2)

14. New York Jets (4-3)

15. Houston (4-3)

16. San Diego (3-3)

17. Baltimore (3-3)

18. Chicago (3-3)

19. San Francisco (3-3)

20. Buffalo (3-4)

Bottom of the barrel

21. Jacksonville (3-3)

22. Miami (2-4)

23. Carolina (2-4)

24. Oakland (2-5)

25. Seattle (2-4)

26. Washington (2-5)

27. Detroit (1-5)

28. Cleveland (1-5)

29. Kansas City (1-6)

30. Tampa Bay (0-7)

31. St. Louis (0-7)

32. Tennessee (0-6)