NFL Dirty dozen

Based on current level of play:

Top 6

1. (tie) Indianapolis (7-0); New England (8-0): Let them decide it on the field. Indianapolis goes first on the list right now because Belichick ran it up against the Redskins.

3. San Diego (4-3): Close to being back to where it was supposed to be.

4. Pittsburgh (5-2): Good, but not at Colts-Patriots level.

5. Dallas (6-1): See above. The best of the NFC and maybe as good as Chargers and Steelers.

6. (tie) Green Bay (6-1), New York Giants (6-2). Both are having unexpected success. Blame the Giants’ uninspired performance against Miami on jet lag and mud.

Bottom 6

27. Houston (3-5). Current level of play is a 1-5 streak since a 2-0 start. Injuries have hurt.

28. Oakland (2-5). Mike Williams’ drop may have cost a win in Nashville, so he was cut.

29. New York Jets (1-7). Finally going with Kellen Clemens. About three games too late.

30. Atlanta (1-6). Maybe a week off will help. Probably not.

31. St. Louis (0-8). Steven Jackson returned. Then he got hurt again. That’s the way it’s going.

32. Miami (0-8). Might soon be time for QB John Beck, who the Dolphins hope is the future. Emphasize “hope.”

Dave Goldberg, Associated Press