'07 rankings: Purple haze

TOP 12

Cole: Hmmm, that Dallas loss was pretty troubling and watching quarterback Tony Romo nurse his injured right thumb has to be disconcerting to Cowboys fans. … The Packers almost are worthy of jumping over Dallas, but their loss in Big D is still too fresh in my memory. … I'm waiting to hear from those Steelers fans who ripped me a few weeks ago for ranking the Jaguars ahead of the Steelers. I figure you'll all disappear for awhile. … San Diego is probably a bit overrated at this point. I'm not sure if I believe that they can win on the road in the playoffs, but to put up 51 against Detroit despite all the injuries they suffered against Tennessee is pretty impressive.

Robinson: Considering that Tom Brady looks vulnerable to mistakes when he gets hit, it should make the season finale against the Giants' Osi Umenyiora and Michael Strahan interesting. … Indianapolis just keeps chugging along and winning with multiple starters sitting with injuries. But this team can't win an AFC championship game if the offensive and defensive lines aren't healthy. … Wade Phillips might want to make sure none of Tony Romo's girlfriends get playoff tickets. … Brett Favre has the passing records and the ridiculous consecutive games streak. If he can finish his career with a second Super Bowl ring, he's got a heck of claim as the best quarterback in NFL history. … Imagine if Jacksonville had one big-time wide receiver. … LaDainian Tomlinson is looking like his old MVP self just in time for the playoffs. … Speaking of MVPs, is there any doubt that Shaun Alexander is done?

MUDDLED MIDDLE

Cole: From Buffalo through New Orleans in this group, there's pretty decent quality among the teams. The problem comes after that point. The reality of this is that Denver really isn't all that close to the top 17, but who really is? Philadelphia shows up about once every three weeks. Arizona has more talent than it has shown. Detroit just lost its sixth in a row and 10 losses is looming large after such a strong start to the season. Kansas City? Maybe they don't belong at No. 22, but wait until you see my assessment of the next grouping.

Robinson: With the insane conditions, Eli Manning shouldn't take all the blame for the Giants' latest loss. But if they lose out the rest of the way, he's the goat. Period. … Tip your hat to the Redskins. They haven't given up yet. … Seriously, Mario Williams has turned into a beast. Someone find former Texans GM Charley Casserly and shake his hand. … That 0-4 start doomed the Saints. Just like we all thought it would. … The Lions are headed for 6-10. Again. Someone fire Matt Millen already. … Mark it down: Javon Walker's career in Denver is in serious jeopardy.

BOTTOM OF THE PACK

Cole: One word summarizes every team from No. 23 to No. 32: Yuck. Some 49ers fans might complain about the fact that their team just beat Cincinnati and I didn't change the rankings too much. Too bad, both teams are awful. In the Bengals case, they are clearly just mailing it in at this point, which makes you wonder if coach Marvin Lewis will be around next season. He should. The Bengals probably aren't going to do much better, but you never know. … Congrats to Miami for finally winning a game and avoiding the awful possibility of going 0-16. Still, the Dolphins are just awful. Really awful.

Robinson: Isn't it about time the Panthers made DeAngelo Williams their featured back? … San Francisco's win over Cincinnati was a nice bandage, but it's getting ugly in San Francisco between Mike Nolan and Alex Smith. Both had better produce in 2008, or they might both be done with the 49ers. … What a disaster for Herm Edwards in Kansas City. I guess that means no more HBO in training camp. … The Falcons look like they've simply given up, just like Bobby Petrino did. … Ditto for the Ravens. … Congrats to Miami. They're still the worst team in the NFL by far, but at least a guy like Jason Taylor isn't going to have to live with 0-16 for the rest of his life.