POWER RANKINGS
Team Ken Murray's comment
1. Philadelphia (1) Donovan McNabb's return is imminent.
2. Green Bay (4) Packers still chasing a first-round bye.
3. Oakland (5) First the playoffs, then salary cap jail.
4. Tennessee (6) It's finally Steve McNair's team.
5. Pittsburgh (9) Steelers will be overlooked - and trouble.
6. Tampa Bay (2) Only 4-4 vs. winning teams.
7. San Francisco (11) Steve Mariucci feels the heat.
8. Atlanta (13) Needs more than Michael Vick's mystique.
9. N.Y. Giants (15) Jim Fassel's job should be safe.
10. Miami (3) Another December fade to black?
11. Indianapolis (7) Giants scored at will.
12. N.Y. Jets (17) Chad Pennington saved the season.
13. Kansas City (16) Dick Vermeil's third year could be magical.
14. Cleveland (20) Tim Couch finally looked like a No. 1 pick.
15. New Orleans (8) Can't shake the dog out of a loser.
16. New England (10) Tom Brady looking like a sixth-rounder.
17. Denver (12) Brian Griese becomes the first scapegoat.
18. San Diego (14) Junior Seau's best days are over.
19. Ravens (18) They've laid a solid foundation.
20. Buffalo (19) Drew Bledsoe is in a serious spiral.
21. Seattle (21) Too little, too late.
22. Minnesota (23) Mike Tice deserves another year.
23. Washington (24) Let the remodeling begin.
24. Carolina (26) Chris Weinke won't return.
25. Jacksonville (22) Tom Coughlin won't, either.
26. St. Louis (25) Marc Bulger could have used these games.
27. Arizona (28) See New Orleans.
28. Chicago (27) Soldier Field will look like a palace after this.
29. Dallas (29) Bill Parcells and Jerry Jones? Who arbitrates?
30. Houston (30) David Carr earned his rookie salary.
31. Detroit (31) Marty Mornhinweg won't get another shot.
32. Cincinnati (32) Paul Brown is turning over.
(Last week's ranking in parentheses.)
THREE PLAYERS TO WATCH
Cowboys RB Emmitt Smith vs. Redskins: This could be the end of the trail for Smith (right), at least as a Cowboy. If it is, it's a perfect way to go out.
Dolphins RB Ricky Williams vs. Patriots: The Dolphins can't ignore their workhorse runner a second week in a row, can they?
Seahawks WR Koren Robinson vs. Chargers: San Diego's pass defense is nonexistent, which means all Robinson has to do to have a big game is catch the ball.
THE HONORS
Game of the week: Falcons at Browns. The magic of Michael Vick against the team that takes every game into the final minute, with playoff berths on the line. What more could you ask?
Dog of the week: 49ers at Rams. Who wants to watch one team rest its regulars and another go through the motions on Monday Night Football?
Upset of the week: Bengals over Bills. Eliminated from playoff contention, the Bills have little to play for. The Bengals want to avoid a franchise-record 14th loss for the second straight week.