1. Houston Texans: Battled the elements to pass a road test, climb back to top of rankings.

 2. Atlanta Falcons: Rushed for 46 yards, allowed 148. That will end an undefeated season.

 3. Chicago Bears: Forté has had at least 20 touches in only 3-of-8 games.

 4. Green Bay Packers: Losing ORT Bulaga yet another blow to injury-riddled Pack.

 5. San Francisco 49ers: Kaepernick vs. the Bears’ defense is not an ideal matchup.

 6. New England Patriots: Welker has had his fair share of big drops this season.

 7. Baltimore Ravens: Dominating in all three phases makes us forget about the injuries.

 8. Denver Broncos: Seven sacks, safety, punt-return TD; they barely needed Manning.

 9. Pittsburgh Steelers: Escape with win but season hinges on Big Ben’s shoulder.

10. Seattle Seahawks: Russell Wilson has more TDs than Schaub, Eli, Romo and Stafford.

11. New York Giants: Loss to Cincy a reminder of four-game skid at this time last year.

12. Indianapolis Colts: Luck vs. Brady — who plays better vs. shaky opposing DBs?

13. Minnesota Vikings: Adrian Peterson for Comeback Player of the Century.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: One of NFL’s hottest teams got help from opportunistic “D.”

15. Dallas Cowboys: Now is the time to make a run: next four games are vs. losing teams.

16. New Orleans Saints: Fans wondering where has Chris Ivory been? Huge 56-yard TD.

17. Detroit Lions: Just when we thought they were back, Lions get swept by the Vikes.

18. Miami Dolphins: Showed their youth by laying an egg against an inferior Titans team.

19. Cincinnati Bengals: Dalton throws four TDs, “D” rattles Eli; who saw that coming?

20. San Diego Chargers: Another back-breaking Philip Rivers interception, another loss.

21. Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson vs. Julio Jones will be a fun matchup to watch.

22. St. Louis Rams: Two fake punts, a great effort by Bradford, but just a tie to show for it.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Have 14 sacks in nine games; Babin had 18 himself last season.

24. Washington Redskins: Home game vs. Vick-less Eagles a chance to snap losing skid.

25. New York Jets: Brass seems to understand that not even Tebow can save the offense.

26. Tennessee Titans: Locker’s return sparks big win; team responds to owner’s frustration.

27. Buffalo Bills: C.J. Spiller’s gaining 7.3 yards per carry, but only 9.7 carries per game.

28. Oakland Raiders: Can’t compete without key starters like McFadden, Seymour.

29. Carolina Panthers: Chudzinski’s offense continues to struggle; ranked seventh in ’11.

30. Cleveland Browns: Bye crucial to get Richardson rest, Weeden a chance to review.

31. Jacksonville Jaguars: If GM, coach, QB change, Jags will have had two lost seasons.

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Game effort but Cassel pick means they remain league’s worst.