NFL writer John Dudley ranks the five most impressive teams from Week 8:

1. Patriots (52-7 over Redskins): Whether you agree with the Patriots passing with a five-touchdown second-half lead or not, this is the best team in the NFL and it has a coach and a quarterback apparently bent on breaking a lot of records.

2. Colts (31-7 over Panthers): Indy geared up for its showdown with New England by dominating a Carolina team that had been playing fairly well.

3. Packers (19-13 over Broncos): Brett Favre reminded everyone on Monday night why we love to watch him play -- because he's fearless and is one of a handful of quarterbacks who can still throw the deep ball.

4. Chargers (35-10 over Texans): San Diego's defense stepped forward to produce two touchdowns and the Chargers stepped back into a share of the AFC West lead after their horrific start.

5. Saints (31-10 over 49ers): Drew Brees circa 2006 re-emerged with four touchdown passes to help the Saints move within a game of the NFC South lead.

Week 8 rankings (record, previous ranking)

1. New England (8-0, 1)
2. Indianapolis (7-0, 2)
3. Dallas (6-1, 3)
4. N.Y. Giants (6-2, 4)
5. Pittsburgh (5-2, 5)
6. Green Bay (6-1, 6)
7. San Diego (4-3, 7)
8. Tennessee (5-2, 8)
9. Jacksonville (5-2, 9)
10. Cleveland (4-3, NR)
11. Detroit (5-2, NR)
12. Seattle (4-3, NR)

-- John Dudley (john.dudley@timesnews.com)