NFL: Midseason grades

So how is your favorite NFL team doing so far this season?

With the 2009 season hitting its midway point for several teams today, it can be hard to tell from week to week. A team like the Cardinals can drill the Giants in a big Sunday night game, and then get routed by the lowly Panthers the following week. The Eagles can lose to the Raiders, but be 5-1 against the rest of their schedule.

No matter how maddening it can be to follow this league, you can't judge a team on one week, no matter how good or bad it looks. You have to consider a team's entire body of work. So with most teams hitting the midway point in their seasons today, let's hand out some midterm grades today.

Here's how I'd grade each of the 32 teams:

Colts (A+): They've overcome injuries — which continue to pile up — to key players to stay perfect on the year. They've won 16 straight regular-season games, and Peyton Manning is making a strong bid for a second straight MVP award.

Saints (A+): No other team has been as fun to watch this season. Their offense can score from anywhere on the field, and their defense makes a lot of plays and scores points. Drew Brees looks deserving of the MVP award.

Vikings (A-): The Packers' trash is the Vikings' treasure in a 40-year-old quarterback who can still make plays. Brett Favre was the team's missing piece, and Minnesota might just win its first Super Bowl title.

Broncos (A-): Don't worry about last week's blowout loss to the Ravens. The Broncos have defied expectations and are sound in all phases of the game.

Bengals (A-): The Cardiac Cats are another surprise team this season. They've recorded three come-from-behind wins, and quarterback Carson Palmer is looking like the Carson Palmer of old.

Patriots (B+): Tom Brady is looking more comfortable, and the Patriots are coming off a 59-0 win over Tennessee and a 35-7 victory over Tampa Bay. Yep, they're dangerous and explosive again.

Steelers (B+): The Super Bowl champions have gotten everyone's best shot and they've handled it well. They're a couple of missed field goals away from being undefeated.

Cowboys (B+): They have to be considered a serious contender in the NFC after winning three straight games. Tony Romo is making good decisions and making plays.

Texans (B+): They have one of the best passing tandems in the league in quarterback Matt Schaub and receiver Andre Johnson. Their supporting cast is slowly improving.