Ranking the division leaders

[eastcoastmike]

How would you rank the division leaders in the NFL currently? Here's how I'd do it.

1. Saints - Curbstomping the Patriots and just dominating outright over most of their games makes them to me #1

2. Vikings - Other than a slip-up to Pittsburgh, the Vikings have been dominant so far.

3. Colts - I put them here only because they've had to come from behind a few times and because they should've lost to the Patriots

4. Patriots - No, they haven't won a road game and have lost more than usual. But they still have Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, and I'm still afraid of them due to their track records.

5. Bengals - They've done well and swept all their division games, but I have to ding 'em for a loss to the Raiders.

6. Cardinals - They play in a weak division and they have been unpredictable as to how they'll do, but a great road record and seem built to win on the road in the playoffs.

7. Chargers - No running game, a weaker defense than before, and Norv Turner is still the head coach. A better coach would've won them a Super Bowl by now.

8. Cowboys - Yes, they're 8-3. But Tony Romo has yet to prove he can win in December and Wade Phillips hasn't won a single playoff game EVER. They have the most to prove out of anyone.

[nox]

Can't argue that list, Mike. Good stuff.

[eastcoastmike]

That list was old. Here's my new list:

1. Saints - Still undefeated, and despite a close game, they're still the class of the NFL. Have all the weapons on offense and enough playmakers on defense to go far.

2. Colts - They SHOULD'VE lost to the Patriots, and a couple of their other games they've needed 4th quarter magic, but otherwise, they're still standing tall in the AFC.

3. Vikings - The dud against the Cardinals was not a good showing, but regardless, still at this point a favorite. Adrian Peterson will bounce back, and Percy Harvin is still dangerous.

4. Cardinals - You may question this. But I TOTALLY buy them as a legitimate threat. They're showing last year was no fluke, and an excellent road record along with improvement for the team overall tells me they're built to win in the playoffs.

5. Bengals - Still a very viable squad, and the three-headed offense of Carson Palmer, Cedric Benson, and Chad Ochocinco bounced back quickly from the stunner in Oakland.

6. Chargers - Their running game is starting to come back, but Norv Turner is still the coach and a weakened defense otherwise are dings against them.

7. Patriots - No Richard Seymour equals no pass rush. Bill Belichick is making questionable decisions. Tom Brady and Randy Moss aren't on the same page. Throw in a HORRIBLE road record, and this isn't the same Patriots we all knew.

8. Cowboys - Perhaps the most talented roster in the NFL, but they have no big play threats. They STILL can't win in December. Jason Garrett CLEARLY listens to the press WAY too much. And Wade Phillips is a never-was as a head coach. Clearly the weakest of the division leaders. And soon may not be division leaders.