NFL Week 8 Rankings

The Fab Five:

1. Saints (7-0): The Saints stayed unbeaten despite a stiff test from the Falcons. Until a team manages to stop their high-powered offense, it's hard to see them falling from the top spot.

2. Vikings (6-1): Yes, they have lost a game, but that loss came against the Steelers at Heinz Field, a tough game for any team in the league. Bottom line: I feel that the Vikings would beat the Colts if they played tomorrow, and that's why they sit at 2.

3. Colts (7-0): They may be undefeated, and have the best defense in terms of points allowed, but I can't ignore their weak schedule. They've only played one team with a winning record so far, the Cardinals at 4-3. In the next four weeks they play the Texans twice, the Patriots and the Ravens. After that stretch, we'll know a lot more about this team.

4. Broncos (6-1): Even the Broncos were given a real shellacking by the Ravens, I can't ignore their previous body of work, including impressive wins against the Cowboys, the Patriots, and the Chagers.

5. Patriots (5-2): I could have gone with a number of 5-2 teams here. Up to this point, very little separates the Patriots from the Cowboys, Eagles and Steelers. Even the Ravens could stake a claim to this spot. Why I went for the Patriots? I have a feeling Tom Brady will warmed up and ready for the big games against the Colts and the Saints next month.

The Fat Five:

32. Buccanneers (0-7): As the only team without a win, the Bucs were a slam dunk for this spot. They had the bye week to think about their beat down by the Pats. Is it time for rookie quaterback Josh Freeman to be handed the keys against Green Bay?

31. Browns (1-7): Rookie GM George Kokinis has been made the scapegoat for the Browns dismal start, as he was shown the door on Monday. I'm not sure the move will keep the fans off head coach Eric Mangini for too long though.

30. Lions (1-6): The Lions lost the battle of the basement against the Rams on Sunday. Rookie QB Matthew Stafford had a bad day, and the Lions couldn't stop Steven Jackson.

29. Chiefs (1-6): Coming off a bye week and the Larry Johnson distraction, the Chiefs should be wary of an angry Jacksonville who lost to the winless Titans.

28. Rams (1-6): The Rams and the Titans both won their first games this weekend, but still stake a claim to this spot. However I can't overlook the Titans' potential (they were 13-3 last year after all), especially if the resurrection of the 2007 version of Vince Young continues.

Photo: Associated Press