The Broncos take the top spot, the Patriots fall to the Niners, and the Raiders bagel the Chiefs.  What more could we want in December?

Hate ‘em?  Love ‘em? Agree? Disagree?  Leave it in the comments.

#1 [2]. Denver Broncos, 11-3: The defense for the Broncos continues to show why football won’t just be an offense happy league forever.

#2 [3] . Houston Texans, 12-2: If anything, the Texans showed that they will compete and beat most teams in the AFC playoffs.  A rematch against the Patriots is eagerly awaited.

#3 [7]. San Francisco 49ers, 10-3-1: Stomping on the white-hot Pats is nice.

#4 [1]. New England Patriots, 10-4:  They came close in a comeback.  If this were the Super Bowl, I’d pick the Pats to complete the comeback.

#5 [4].  Atlanta Falcons, 12-2: That’s the way to show you’re ready to play in January (and February?).

#6 [5].  Green Bay Packers, 10-4: Jay Cutler has been a liability all year, but that doesn’t mean that the Packers defense didn’t have anything to do with turning away the Bears.  Keep an eye on these guys.

#7 [9]. Seattle Seahawks, 9-5:  For the second week in a row, the Seahawks are showing that they will be dangerous in the playoffs.

#8 [8]. Indianapolis Colts, 9-5: They didn’t win the division by beating the Texans, but they aren’t out of the picture yet.

#9 [12]. Washington Redskins, 8-6: Kirk Cousins showed that Mike Shanahan’s team is more than just RGIII.

#10 [10]. Baltimore Ravens, 9-5:  After firing Cam Cameron, the Ravens will have a slight transition time.  Let’s hope that this week was the only week they needed.

#11 [13]. Cincinnati Bengals, 8-6: This defense is special and defense wins championships.

#12 [15]. Minnesota Vikings, 8-6: Everyone is focusing on Adrian Peterson nearing Dickerson’s rushing record, but to go along with it, the Vikings may be making a postseason appearance.

#13 [6]. New York Giants, 8-6: After dominating a week ago, the Giants were dominated this week.  They play their best ball in the playoffs, they just need to make sure they make it in.

#14 [11]. Chicago Bears, 8-6: This defense needs to return to form and carry the offense into the playoffs.  It may be too late though.

#15 [18]. Dallas Cowboys, 8-6: Could the Cowboys be getting over their usual December jitters?

#16 [19]. New Orleans Saints, 6-8:  Quite the statement out of New Orleans this week.

#17 [14]. Pittsburgh Steelers, 7-7: These guys will need to win out if they want to silence critics and get into the playoffs.

#18 [20]. Miami Dolphins, 6-8: You know Tannehill will be good not because of his play against any team, but because of his ability to find weaknesses and exploit them.  He made rookie CB Mike Harris look foolish all game.

#19 [16]. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 6-8: If we thought this team was going to be better than they are right now, it is only because Greg Schiano got us to buy into it.  He’s a master at motivation and he will return his team to the top – just not this year.

#20 [24]. Carolina Panthers, 5-9: Cam had a defense to go along with his play for once.

#21 [22]. San Diego Chargers, 5-9: Norv Turner won’t have his job after this season.  He deserves that.

#22 [17]. St. Louis Rams, 6-7-1:  Falling victim to Adrian Peterson is a tough go of it.

#23 [21]. Cleveland Browns, 5-9: Of the 5-9 teams, I really like what Cleveland is doing the most.  That said, it isn’t winning them too many football games.

#24 [29]. Tennessee Titans, 5-9:  Chris Johnson was a terror this week.  Well done to him.

#25 [28]. Arizona Cardinals, 5-9:  ….and that’s win number five just nine losses after win number four.

#26 [25]. Detroit Lions, 4-10:  Calvin Johnson is a major highlight for the season but I think it is becoming apparent that Matt Stafford is just too inconsistent.

#27 [23]. New York Jets, 6-8:  The Sanchize should no longer be with any franchise.

#28 [26]. Philadelphia Eagles, 4-10:  I’m not certain Nick Foles is the answer, but then again I’m not certain about anything with the Eagles.

#29 [27]. Buffalo Bills, 5-9: The Seahawks have a gear that the Bills didn’t even know existed.

#30 [31]. Oakland Raiders, 4-10: Beating the Chiefs isn’t so impressive.  Neither is holding them scoreless.

#31 [30]. Jacksonville Jaguars, 2-12: The defense made Ryan Tannehill look like Tom Brady.

 #32 [32].  Kansas City Chiefs, 2-12:  Even the Jags were able to score against the Raiders.

The Patriots make a statement, the Browns continue to over-perform, and the Chiefs remain the Chiefs.

Hate ‘em?  Love ‘em? Agree? Disagree?  Leave it in the comments.

#1 [4]. New England Patriots, 10-3:  What the Patriots did to the Texans is pure embarrassment.  New England was making an early statement.  We got it.

#2 [2]. Denver Broncos, 10-3: John Fox does wonders with his teams.  Keep in mind this is the same team that made the playoffs with Tim Tebow at quarterback.  Give Fox a weapon like Manning and 10+ wins is more than a mere possibility every year.

#3 [1] . Houston Texans, 11-2: If the Texans make it to the AFC Championship game against the Patriots, I doubt it will be much of a contest…again.

#4 [3].  Atlanta Falcons, 11-2: I have never been so uncertain of an 11-2 team’s stability nearing the playoffs than I have been about the Falcons.  Until they show they don’t implode in the playoffs I will continue to question it.

#5 [5].  Green Bay Packers, 9-4: Aaron Rodgers wasn’t so mighty against the Lions, but the team got it done in the end.

#6 [6]. New York Giants, 8-5: The Giants continue to do what they do best around this time of year: win.

#7 [8]. San Francisco 49ers, 9-3-1: As much as I like the play of the Niners, I worry that some other teams can still figure out a way to hang with and beat them.

#8 [12]. Indianapolis Colts, 9-4: The Colts could win the division title if they win out.  Think about that a minute.

#9 [15]. Seattle Seahawks, 8-5:  WOW.  I would be shocked and pleased to see the Seahawks make a statement in the playoffs.

#10 [10]. Baltimore Ravens, 9-4:  The division title is still vulnerable and the new offensive coordinator may be a problem.  I don’t know if it is the right time to be making changes, but what do I know?  You only got to 9-4 this way…

#11 [9]. Chicago Bears, 8-5: That’s two in a row for the Bears.  They need Jay Cutler to be a gunslinger, but one with more accuracy.

#12 [14]. Washington Redskins, 7-6: If the Redskins win out to end the season then this season will have been one wild roller coaster.

#13 [7]. Cincinnati Bengals, 7-6: In order to win a championship you have to be able to beat the best teams in the league.  The Bengals haven’t been able to beat some of the average teams in the league.

#14 [11]. Pittsburgh Steelers, 7-6: I’m not certain they get into the playoffs, but they aren’t just going to fade away.

#15 [17]. Minnesota Vikings, 7-6: Christian Ponder is a liability, but Adrain Peterson can carry the team so it goes overlooked a bit.

#16 [13]. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 6-7: This team needs to stop losing, now.  This is not a good time to continue sliding.

#17 [19]. St. Louis Rams, 6-6-1:  The Rams are a developing team that is doing quite well.  Sam Bradford isn’t all he was cracked up to be coming out of college, but he may be coming into his own.

#18 [20]. Dallas Cowboys, 7-6: The Cowboys continue to hang with the rest of the NFC East teams.  It would be impressive to see them sneak into the playoffs.

#19 [16]. New Orleans Saints, 5-8:  The playoffs continue to get more and more unlikely for the Saints.  They’ll be a tough out for any team heading into the final weeks, but the the cinderella story is over this season.

#20 [18]. Miami Dolphins, 5-8: Ryan Tannehill could be something special, but it won’t be this year.

#21 [21]. Cleveland Browns, 5-8: The Browns are playing their best ball right now.  It just took them a few games to do it.

#22 [24]. San Diego Chargers, 5-8: Good job by the Chargers to get a win against Pittsburgh.  Historically significant or not, I don’t think it matters for the Bolts any more.

#23 [26]. New York Jets, 6-7:  The Jets didn’t look bad on Sunday…they didn’t look good either though.

#24 [28]. Carolina Panthers, 4-9: Two words: Cam Newton.

#25 [22]. Detroit Lions, 4-9:  Detroit is really struggling to win even when they beat their opponents in most statistical categories.

#26 [30]. Philadelphia Eagles, 4-9:  At least this team can respond when changes are made.

#27 [23]. Buffalo Bills, 5-8: I would be shocked to see Chan Gailey retain his position for another year.  It’s too bad because the talent on the Bills could really do something special with a mastermind on the sidelines.

#28 [25]. Arizona Cardinals, 4-9:  Ken Whisenhunt must be reeling after each game.  It is tough to begint to fix problems when the task is near impossible.

#29 [27]. Tennessee Titans, 4-9:  Mike Munchak’s team just isn’t good enough, even with a “talent” influx this season.

#30 [29]. Jacksonville Jaguars, 2-11: This team needs to learn how to play a full four quarters.  Also, the run defense is horrendous.

#31 [31]. Oakland Raiders, 3-10: The Raiders are…well they are the Raiders.

 #32 [32].  Kansas City Chiefs, 2-11:  Without another emotional stimuli, I doubt the Chiefs win another game.  The first pick in the draft can’t come soon enough.

Some divisions are clinched, the Giants let the Cowboys and Redskins back into the playoff hunt, and the Chiefs finally win a second game.  As things get settled some surprises still come to us each Sunday.

Hate ‘em?  Love ‘em? Agree? Disagree?  Leave it in the comments.

#1 [1] . Houston Texans, 11-1: The Texans have cemented themselves as the next division champs in the AFC South.  We can now start questioning whether they will create a dynasty like the Colts did for a decade.

#2 [3]. Denver Broncos, 9-3: Back to back division champions with two different quarterbacks?  I put it on the defense for that feat.  Peyton Manning is nice too.

#3 [5].  Atlanta Falcons, 11-1: Beating New Orleans the second time around is good.  The Falcons could finally be a mature team heading into the playoffs.

#4 [6]. New England Patriots, 9-3:  The Pats are, once again, the division kings of the AFC East.

#5 [9].  Green Bay Packers, 8-4: The NFC North doesn’t feel as close as it actually is because the Packers are playing such good football right now.

#6 [4]. New York Giants, 7-5: In a must win game for the Giants, they failed to distance themselves from the only thing that could stop them from getting into the playoffs: the division race.  *facepalm*

#7 [10]. Cincinnati Bengals, 7-5: The Bengals, they’re so hot right now.

#8 [2]. San Francisco 49ers, 8-3-1: Maybe the Rams just have their number this year, or maybe the Niners are slightly more vulnerable than we all thought.

#9 [7]. Chicago Bears, 8-4: How the Bears let the Seahawks (who hadn’t won a road game all year) come into Soldier Field (SOLDIER FIELD!) and lose is beyond me.  Chicago needs to tighten up for the playoffs.

#10 [8]. Baltimore Ravens, 9-3:  You lose to a division rival missing their top two quarterbacks!  How?

#11 [12]. Pittsburgh Steelers, 7-5: I may have to eat my words, because the Steelers just won a game with their third string quarterback.  If Roethlisberger gets back and the Steelers are still in contention then this team may just get dangerous again.

#12 [13]. Indianapolis Colts, 8-4: Who would have thought this team would be so close to the playoffs in year one of the rebuild?  Last season seems like a distant memory with Andrew Luck under center.

#13 [11]. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 6-6: The Bucs fall and are suddenly much more vulnerable.  Tampa Bay needs Doug Martin to continue to do well or else they will continue to lose games.

#14 [14]. Washington Redskins, 6-6: The Redskins need to keep winning if they hope to make the playoffs.  RGIII is special, but the rest of this team is finally starting to rally as well.

#15 [17]. Seattle Seahawks, 7-5:  One more win and the Seahawks are above .500 with a rookie quarterback.  Well done Mr. Carroll, well done.

#16 [15]. New Orleans Saints, 5-7:  It would be impressive if the Saints had a run to the playoffs just now, but I doubt they do it without Sean Payton.  Their coach is such a mastermind that you have to impressed by home much better they are with him on the sidelines.

#17 [16]. Minnesota Vikings, 6-6: If Adrian Peterson were on any other team or if this team wasn’t in such a tough division, the Vikings would be in the playoffs for sure.  It just won’t happen with Chicago and Green Bay in front of them though.

#18 [18]. Miami Dolphins, 5-7: This won’t be their year to sneak into the playoffs, but the Dolphins are (very) quietly playing decent football.

#19 [22]. St. Louis Rams, 5-6-1:  Fun fact: the Rams are undefeated in division games.  This team continues to outplay their talent each week.

#20 [19]. Dallas Cowboys, 6-6: In a tight race for the NFC East title, I just don’t see Tony Romo overcoming the Redskins and Giants to squeak into the playoffs.  It would be interesting if I was proven wrong though.

#21 [21]. Cleveland Browns, 4-8: Don’t look now, but that’s two in a row for the Browns!

#22 [20]. Detroit Lions, 4-8:  The Lions lost to a strong Indianapolis team.  How this offense is not able to win a shootout escapes me.  They need help despite the large amount of playmakers they have on offense.

#23 [25]. Buffalo Bills, 5-7: Ryan Fitzpatrick completed nine passes, C.J. Spiller had under 100 yards, and the Bills destroyed the Jaguars.  Holding the ball for 42 minutes will win you games.

#24 [24]. San Diego Chargers, 4-8: The Chargers were competitive but failed to score points.  That’s been their story all year long.

#25 [23]. Arizona Cardinals, 4-8:  The Cardinals couldn’t score enough points (one touchdown) to overcome a lone touchdown from the Jets brought about by a third string quarterback.  Sad day.

#26 [27]. New York Jets, 5-7:  I actually like Greg McElroy.  I think the kid has gumption.  Is his play good enough to lead the Jets to a Super Bowl?  Doubtful, but he’s still better than the Sanchize.

#27 [29]. Tennessee Titans, 4-8:  Six turnovers?  You don’t win games like that, especially when your team is struggling.

#28 [26]. Carolina Panthers, 3-9: Outside of Cam Newton this team is really struggling; and even Cam isn’t spot on every Sunday.

#29 [29]. Jacksonville Jaguars, 2-10: The Jags would slide even further, but we know they can be explosive and compete.  They are currently under the “Chad Henne” spell and will only be as good or bad as their quarterback.

#30 [30]. Philadelphia Eagles, 3-9:  This is the worst Eagles record in decades.  A storied tradition in Philadelphia will undoubtedly attempt to be revamped in the offseason but for now the Eagles continue to slide.

#31 [31]. Oakland Raiders, 3-9: The Raiders continue to falter.  They lost to the Browns which makes them one of four opponents to do so this season and firmly places them a tier behind the improving Cleveland team.

 #32 [32].  Kansas City Chiefs, 2-10:  I like that the Chiefs won, but this team still isn’t very good.  Emotion can only carry you so far.