Here’s a look at the top and bottom five in the NFL through nine weeks:

1. New England Patriots (9-0)
Previous Ranking: 1
Sunday’s showdown with Indy was another prime example of how good a team has to be for four quarters in order to beat the Patriots. Tom Brady and Co. can turn the game around in an instant and you’re left saying, “I thought we had them down, didn’t we?”

2. Indianapolis Colts (7-1)
Previous Ranking: 2
The Colts beat the Patriots for three quarters, both offensively and defensively. They took away the Pats’ deep ball, flustered Brady and moved the chains, even without stud WR Marvin Harrison. However, obviously no lead (not even a 10 point lead with just over nine minutes to play) is safe when playing New England.

3. Dallas Cowboys (7-1)
Previous Rank: 3
You gotta love the way TE Jason Witten trucked towards the end zone after his helmet popped off in the Cowboys’ win over Philly Sunday night. There was no way in hell he was going out of bounds – what a tough S.O.B.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)
Previous Rank: 4
The Steelers are in a perfect position right now. Nobody is really paying attention to them (although their dismantling of the Ravens on MNF may draw onlookers) and they just keep rolling along. There are going to be some tremendous battles in the AFC come postseason time.

5. Green Bay Packers (7-1)
Previous Rank: 5
Great line by Brett Favre after the Packers win in Kansas City on Sunday: “Maybe we’re the Saints of 2006. Maybe it’s time to start believing, rather than keep wondering about how we’re doing this.” The media does this every year with a surprising team. They question, and question and question how good they are instead of just saying it: The Packers are a good team – there’s no smoke and mirrors.

28. Oakland Raiders (2-6)
Previous Rank: N/A
I think it’s JaMarcus Russell time in Oakland. However, lets not kill the kid if he struggles behind a weak offensive line while trying to pick up the game. Nobody should expect miracles from Russell, but I’m intrigued to see what the kid can do.

29. San Francisco 49ers (2-6)
Previous Rank: 28
Alex Smith looked lost on Sunday without Frank Gore behind him. His receivers didn’t help him, but Smith overthrew open receivers on several occasions. At least Vernon Davis is healthy and playing well again, because this team needs something to hold on to.

30. New York Jets (1-8)
Previous Rank: 30
Kellen Clemons showed on Sunday that he belongs in this league. Jets fans have plenty to look forward to for the rest of the season as far as being somewhat competitive. Or if not competitive, at least every few weeks Leon Washington will return a kickoff for a touchdown; that guy is amazing and often overlooked.

31. Miami Dolphins (0-8)
Previous Rank: 31
BYE Week: 55, Dolphins 10.

32. St. Louis Rams (0-8)
Previous Rank: 32
BYE Week 55, Rams 28.