The Road to XLI (and X)

Just a little thing called "Lombardi/Quinn" to rank the top 10 teams in the National Football League striving for the Super Bowl and the bottom 5 teams jockeying for the first selection in the April 2007 Draft.

Top 10
#1 Indianapolis - an expected rout of the Texans followed a quality win on the road against the Giants. Next up: a home tilt with Jacksonville... the toughest test to date.

#2 Cincinnati - after a slow start in week 1, the Bengals have looked like the best team in a very tough division. Next up: a road trip to Pittsburgh... will the injury woes finally catch up?

#3 Jacksonville - two impressive home wins over quality opponents, with the defense locking down after that dreadful first quarter against them Cowboys. Next up: The Colts in Indy... time to take the show on the road.

#4 Chicago - more stiffling defense, so what's new? How 'bout Rex Grossman leading the league with a 128.7 passer rating? Next up: A trip to the Metrodome to take on the upstart Vikings for division supremacy.

#5 Atlanta - running game has paced the offense, but the defense is doing its share of heavy lifting too. Next up: Road tilt with New Orleans in the Saints emotional home opener. The Saints run D is tied for 6th in the league... will Vick need to win with his arm?

#6 Seattle - unbeaten and yet not exactly impressive offensively in getting there. The defense is solid, but will Deion Branch and LG Chris Spencer help the offense hit its stride? Next up: The Giants come to town... can they count on Jay Feely to help them win this year?

#7 Baltimore - defense seems to have regained its swagger in two dominant performances. If McNair can get the offense in sync, how far can they go? Next up: A heartwarming trip to their birthplace to meet the Browns... there is no place like home.

#8 San Diego - two dominant performances, but what will happen when they start playing real NFL teams? Next up: Bye Week... no truth to rumor that Marty tried to schedule a scrimmage with USC to gear up for better competition.

#9 Minnesota - two wins against early Super Bowl contenders with a philosophy of playing not to lose. Next up: Da Bears come to town... can the Vikings cruise to 3-0?

#10 New England - struggled in wins over the Bills and Jets. Are the personnel and coaching losses finally catching up? Next up: At home versus the Broncos... will Jake Plummer be the tonic they need?

Bottom 5
#28 Cleveland - high-profile additions don't do much good wearing street clothes come Sunday.

#29 Houston - David Carr is the AFC's top rated passer, but the offensive line is still struggling as evidenced by the 9 sacks he has endured.

#30 Green Bay - offense looked better against the Saints but the defense still can't stop anyone.

#31 Tennessee - when your quarterback choices include not-yet-ready-for-primetime Vince Young and already-hammered-by-primetime Kerry Collins, this should not be unexpected.

#32 Oakland - didn't they learn anything from the 2004 Skins? Your Offensive Coordinator's resume shouldn't have a decade-plus gap in it.