1. Houston Texans (11-1) The Texans remain atop the list because they are the best one-loss team in football. Although they haven’t been dominant any of the past three weeks, the Texans did fix some of their defensive woes Sunday against the Titans (they had given up 68 points in their prior two games). If the Texans can overcome the key injuries that have decimated their defense, they will still be one of ...

AFC 1. Houston Texans (AFC South Champs) Record: 10-1 Projected Record: 14-2 Week 13 at Tennessee- Win Week 14 at New England- Loss Week 15 vs. Indianapolis- Win Week 16 vs. Minnesota- Win Week 17 at Indianapolis- Win Although the Texans haven’t looked particularly impressive in their past two games, I would still be quite surprised if they didn’t end up with home-field advantage in the AFC. With only one l ...

1. Atlanta Falcons (6-0) The Falcons are not a strong number one. Since they’re the only team in the NFL that’s still undefeated, the Falcons are number one by default. They haven’t really looked all that impressive since blowing out the Chargers in week 3, but they’ve managed to do what it takes to win every single week and for that deserve the number one slot for now. What is concerning about the Falcons, ...

1. Houston Texans (5-0) Five weeks into the season, there’s no question that the Texans have been the most impressive team. Upcoming games against the Packers and Ravens should provide the Texans with their biggest tests thus far. 2. San Francisco 49ers (4-1) Yes, the 49ers aren’t undefeated and the Falcons are, but the 49ers have been far more dominant this season with the exception of one game. The 49ers ...

1. Houston Texans (3-0) Don’t be shocked if the Texans clinch the AFC South earlier than any division has ever been clinched under the current divisional format. Thus far they’ve looked like the best team in the NFL, and the fact that they play in what’s most likely the worst division in the NFL means this one could be clinched before baseball season ends. 2. Atlanta Falcons (3-0) I don’t expect the Falcons ...

1. San Francisco 49ers (2-0) The 49ers are the only team in the league to beat two 2011 playoff teams in the first two weeks of the season. After high-powered offenses like the Lions and Packers struggled to score on this defense, it’s safe to say that the 49ers are the class of the NFL right now defensively. Offensively, Alex Smith had another solid game. The 49ers look like the most complete team in footb ...

1. San Francisco 49ers (1-0) In upsetting the Packers, the 49ers proved that balance on offense is still part of the winning formula. They also proved that their defense is good enough to slow down any offense in the league. I know it’s just one game, but I really think that they’ve got to be Super Bowl favorites following that performance. 2. New England Patriots (1-0) Yes, the Patriots defense looked impr ...