The Ultimate Source for your Ph.D. in Pigskin

I'm quite annoyed with some of the "pundits" who claim that the Colts are still the best team in the league because they haven't lost since winning the Super Bowl. It's just the ultimate copout. I can't see how anyone watching the Patriots can say that they are not the best team in the league. Obviously, Indianapolis and Pittsburgh are putting together their own legitimate arguments, but it's not even close right now. If I were to handicap games between the Patriots and the other top five teams on a neutral field, the lines would be as follows with New England being the favorite:

Indianapolis - 7.5                                                                                                                                                             Pittsburgh - 9                                                                                                                                                                          Dallas - 10.5                                                                                                                                                                      Baltimore - 12.5

In each of those cases, I was trying to be conservative. For example, I think they're at least two touchdowns better than the Cowboys. I guess we'll find out just how much better they are when they travel to Dallas on October 14th.

1. New England Patriots (3-0) - against a terrible Bengals defense, they may put up 60.

2. Indianapolis Colts (3-0) - Tony Dungy's defense may be the most surprising unit in the NFL.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0) - after a convincing win over the improving 49ers, they've proven they're legitimate.

4. Dallas Cowboys (3-0) - who knew that it would be the offense that would benefit most under Wade Phillips.

5. Baltimore Ravens (2-1) - they're doing just enough to beat bad teams - not a recipe for success in the NFL.

6. Tennessee Titans (2-1) - the game against Indy wasn't as close as the score, but they're 3 points from 3-0.

7. Green Bay Packers (3-0) - enjoying the win more than the record is why we all want to be Brett Favre.

8. Houston Texans (2-1) - no shame in losing to the Colts without your top two receivers, running backs, and center.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1) - the AFC South will be as good as the NFC East of the 80's and 90's.

10. San Diego Chargers (1-2) - I'm starting to lose patience, but they have played the toughest schedule so far.

11. Denver Broncos (2-1) - that was an ugly loss at home, Mr. Shanahan.

12. Seattle Seahawks (2-1) - Team Starbucks can't afford to lose Shawn Alexander to a broken hand.

13. Philadelphia Eagles (1-2) - now that's the Donovan McNabb we've come to know.

14. Cincinnati Bengals (1-2) - just like Seattle, this offense can't afford Rudi Johnson to miss too much time.

15. Chicago Bears (1-2) - the difference between Grossman and Griese - the latter won't lose a game by himself.

16. Carolina Panthers (2-1) - do you think David Carr will wear the gloves when he plays in a dome?

17. San Francisco 49ers (2-1) - this may be too big a drop, but they were severely overmatched in Pittsburgh.

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) - well, at least one of Jon Gruden's offseason quarterback moves is paying off.

19. Detroit Lions (2-1) - with this offensive line, I don't think Jon Kitna will live through the season.

20. Washington Redskins (2-1) - whether this team wins or loses, it's ugly...very ugly.

21. New York Giants (1-2) - he didn't play a great game, but Eli leading the team from behind has to help his psyche.

22. New York Jets (1-2) - you may not like his play, Jets' fans, but you have to love Chad Pennington's guts.

23. Minnesota Vikings (1-2) - as long as the Vikings stick with their current quarterbacks, Adrian Peterson is a waste.

24. Kansas City Chiefs (1-2) - Kansas Citty finally found a real number one receiver in Dwayne Bowe.

25. New Orleans Saints (0-3) - did anyone else notice the reappearance of the paper bags?

26. Arizona Cardinals (1-2) - Matt Leinhart seems to have regressed from last season.

27. St. Louis Rams (0-3) - you know things are bad when Steven Jackson, Marc Bulger and Torry Holt look average.

28. Miami Dolphins (0-3) - they'll get their first win against the Raiders this Sunday.

29. Cleveland Browns (1-2) - they're improving, but it won't be enough to save Romeo Crennel's job.

30. Oakland Raiders (1-2) - it only took Lane Kiffin one week to learn how to creatively use timeouts.

31. Buffalo Bills (0-3) - 24 points in three games!!! Are you @#$&%! kidding me?!?!.

32. Atlanta Falcons (0-3) - imagine how bad it will be in the Georgia Dome when Matt Schaub is introduced this week.

Make sure to catch Jimmy Neil every Friday from 12:30 to 2:00 PM, Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, and Sunday at 4:30, only on 1560 AM or www.1560thegame.com