NFL Sunday

NFL rankings

1. Colts: Winning the close ones, as their last four victories are by a total of 10 points

2. Saints: Took a break from the narrow wins by beating up on a bad Tampa Bay team

3. Vikings: Looked impressive in having the Seahawks taken care of before halftime

4. Patriots: Avenged their Week 2 loss to the Jets with a victory that was never close

5. Cardinals: Survived scares from the Rams and quarterback Kurt Warner's health

6. Chargers: Slow start is a distant memory and they're now in control of the AFC West

7. Cowboys: Offense broke out of its two-game slump in Thanksgiving victory

8. Bengals: Just when you think it's safe to believe in them, they lose to the Raiders

9. Eagles: Donovan McNabb helped show this team can actually win a close game

10. Broncos: Earned a much-needed win over the Giants to stay in the playoff picture

Fantasy tips

SLEEPER: Justin Forsett vs. the Rams

NOT THIS WEEK: Steve Smith vs. the Jets

FREE AGENT PICK UP: Rock Cartwright

Local watch

Getting a chance: Former Ute Paul Kruger got some playing time in the Ravens' defensive rotation against the Colts last week. The rookie recorded one tackle in limited duty.

Game of the week

Patriots at Saints

Two years after their unbeaten season, the Patriots get a chance to spoil the Saints' perfect year. If New England doesn't play spoiler on Monday night, New Orleans has a pretty clear path to a 16-0 regular season.

Team on the rise

Jaguars

They certainly aren't impressive on a weekly basis, but you can't argue with a 6-4 record. They've won three straight and are in playoff contention.

Team on the decline

Steelers

The reigning Super Bowl champs seem to be wearing down. Losing Troy Polamalu has been a killer, and so has inconsistent play in all three phases.

TV schedule

REDSKINS (3-7) AT EAGLES (6-4)

11 a.m., Ch. 13

The Redskins have looked feisty the last couple of weeks, but the Eagles can't afford a slip-up here. They still have to play the Falcons, Giants, 49ers, Broncos and Cowboys.

Prediction: Eagles, 24-17

COLTS (10-0) AT TEXANS (5-5)

11 a.m., Ch. 2