Is the cream rising to the top or are the dregs settling to the bottom? A bit of both this week as there were some interesting developments.

Red’s Top Ten

1. Pittsburgh Stealers – This team did nothing to deserve a bump down this week in winning what should have not been a squeaker over the Titans. But for a pushed S. Gostkowski last second field goal, the Stealers might have been staring at a downward trend with tough upcoming game against the Ravens. Look for a slight upset with the Ravens showing some mettle.
2. Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs come off the clean execution of the Broncos with a bye week against the Jets. A win puts them at No. 1 next week – maybe.
3. Baltimore Ravens. This make or break week for the Ravens as an elite team. If they dispatch the Stealers as Red expects, then it is a wide open race for the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
4. Green Bay Packers. After the uncharacteristic ass-whomping at the hands of the Buccaneers, the Pack showed that it still has what it takes to dominate. Albeit they were dominating the Texans, but you only play who is on the schedule.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Many think this is the most well-rounded team in the league and that even Antonio Brown can’t mess it up. Red isn’t so sure.
6. Arizona Cardinals. Another well-rounded team that is playing up to its potential. Not many gave them a chance against the Seahawks. Red has the Cards finishing 6-3 for an 11-5 season and a NFC West title.
7. Seattle Seahawks. A team that desperately needs some defensive help. Are they No. 1 in line for the J J Watt raffle?
8. Tennessee Titans. Red has to knock them down after relatively poor showing against the Stealers until the 4th quarter. Still a very dangerous team.
9. Buffalo Bills. On any given Sunday, the Bills could be the best team in the league. Unfortunately, not every Sunday is given.
10. Cleveland Browns. Another team that could finish 6-3 and make some noise in the playoffs. You heard it here.

The Best of the Rest

The Saints, 49ers, Colts, Rams and Bears all could make the playoffs. Someone has to.

The Bottom Feeders

1. Atlanta Falcons. There are worse teams, but no other teams lose in worse ways. This week’s fiasco featured Todd Gurley failing to fall down until it was too late and giving the Lions just enough rope to hang the Falcons with.
2. Dallas Cowboys. Will the Cowboys win another game? The Falcons and Giants wins were both gifts. Some other team may be generous enough to hand them a win. Red is really looking forward to the NFC East showdown between the Boys and the Eagles on Sunday night. Not!
3. Houston Texans. It’s a close call for the worst NFL team in Texas these days. Red gives it to the Cowboys. The Texans at least look they are trying to win at times.
4. New Jersey Jets. Red gives the Jets a break this week. Enjoy it boys.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars. They would be the biggest disappointment if disappointment was not already their middle name.