Tim's Top 10

After nine weeks, the NFL has taught us a couple things: 8 5 is ocho cinco in espanol...It's Andy Reid's fault...The Bears are who we thought they were...And the Colts are the team to beat. That's why they lead off the first-ever Tim's Top 10:

1. Indianapolis Colts
Yes, I realize the wrath of Callahan is about to come down on me this Sunday. Tough to argue the mastery that Peyton Manning has over his position right now. And with two straight wins at Gillette Stadium, he and the Colts may be ready to take that next step.

2. Chicago Bears
A lot of questions surrounding this team right now, especially when it comes to signal-caller Rex Grossman. Two of the last three weeks he has wandered completely off the plantation, and if he comes close to mirroring that kind of play in the postseason, the run will be over before it begins.

3. New England
Even with a four-pick performance by Tom Brady, the Patriots were within striking distance of the Colts late Sunday night.

4. San Diego
Maybe the most complete team in football. Stingy defense, sensational running game, effective passing attack. The only major question is how Philip Rivers responds to heightened intensity and bigger stakes as we push toward the playoffs.

5. Baltimore Ravens
Super Bowl is not out of the question for this team. It's important to monitor the health of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, however, and it's imperative that the run game shows up consistently.

6. New York Giants
May prove to be the class of the NFC if the current injury bug doesn't derail them. Can't rely on the return of Michael Strahan; it's conceivable that he will miss the rest of the year, or be completely ineffective if he does get back.

7. Denver Broncos
Great defense, ever-solid run game, but still have Jake Plummer calling the shots. It's hard to get fully behind them.

8. New Orleans Saints
Obviously I'm one of the many remaining doubters when it comes to this team. Who do they have on defense again? I say the magic dust wears off in the second half, but they'll still slip into the playoffs.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars
With a ground game and defense like that, this Florida team might actually be more suited for the playoffs than a lot of cold-weather clubs.

10. Kansas City Chiefs
Trent Green gets hurt. No-name QB steps in and has improbable season. Sound familiar?
This couldn't have the same ending, could it?