1. Pittsburgh (12-1)
• Maybe it’s not all about Roethlisberger. The rookie QB throws fewer TD passes (0) than RB Jerome Bettis (1), and the Steelers still win.
2. New England (12-1)
• Sure, the Pats only beat the Bengals by a touchdown. But they qualified for the playoffs against Corey Dillon’s former team.
3. Philadelphia (12-1)
• Todd Pinkston looked silly last night. But not quite as silly as T.O. acts on a regular basis. This team is the class of the NFC.
4. Indianapolis (10-3)
• Peyton Manning needs just two more TD passes to tie Marino’s record. The Colts also clinched a playoff berth after beating the Texans.
5. San Diego (10-3)
• The Bolts inch ever closer to the postseason. It’s their best season in a decade, but who will be under center next year — Brees or Rivers?
6. Atlanta (10-3)
• T.J. Duckett scored four TDs against the Raiders yesterday. No joke. And in his rookie coaching season, Jim Mora got his first division title.
7. Buffalo (7-6)
• Generating five turnovers and eight sacks and holding the Browns to a mere 17 total yards, the defense was nothing short of dominant.
8. N.Y. Jets (9-4)
• No, they didn’t show up against the Steelers. Yes, they’re still in line for a playoff spot in the incredibly stacked AFC.