As thorough as Tom Coughlin might be, it's doubtful the Giants coach accounted for a perp walk starring his top receiver popping up right in the heart of the season. Still, Coughlin is putting some serious coin in the bank for a run at coach of the year by keeping his team focused, disciplined and -- most importantly, of course -- at the top of this list.
1. N.Y. Giants (11-1) -- If the Giants keep winning maybe Plaxico Burress will be able to hear the crowd cheering from his jail cell. (Last week: 1)
2. Tennessee (11-1) -- You're familiar with the speed of sound and the speed of light? Well, physicists have discovered something faster: The speed of Chris Johnson. (Last week: 3)
3. Tampa Bay (9-3) -- The Bucs are so incredibly boringto watch it's easy to forget that they've won four straight and are 3-1 in what might be the league's toughest division. (Last week: 4)
4. Pittsburgh (9-3) -- The defense has been outstanding, although it should get a good test from the Cowboys this week. (Last week: 5)
5. N.Y. Jets (8-4) -- With two West coast trips in the next three weeks, the Jets needed to put a win in the bank against Denver on Sunday. That loss hurt. (Last week: 2)
6. Indianapolis (8-4) -- The Colts get the Bengals, Lions and Jaguars the next three weeks, then a big showdown against the Titans. Can they run the table? (Last week: 6)
7. Carolina (9-3) -- Must be something about the NFC South, whose best teams are lunch pail-and-thermos types that don't turn any heads but just keep winning. (Last week: 8)
8. Dallas (8-4) -- Pacman Jones is back, and can it be much longer before Jerry Jones deals for Plaxico Burress? (Last week: 10)
9. Baltimore (8-4) -- The biggest reason the Ravens are winning is because rookie QB Joe Flacco, who hasn't thrown an interception in six of his past seven starts, is playing like a veteran. (Last week: NR)
10. Minnesota (7-5) -- That was such a huge win for the Vikings against the Bears on Sunday, considering they get the Lions and a guaranteed win this week. (Last week: NR)
Dropped out: New England (7), Arizona (9).
-- John Dudley