Through 8 weeks, the NFL standings are starting to take shape. Just two teams remain undefeated and a handful of others look Super Bowl quality. Are there any hotter quarterbacks than Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and Grandpa Brett Favre?  I guess it is no coincidence that their teams rank near the top. Here are this week's rankings and the image of the week ("Start spreading the news," New York!):

1) Indianapolis Colts -- The Colts survived a week 8 dog fight against the San Francisco 49ers. Expect the same against the Houston Oilers this week.

2) New Orleans Saints -- Their offense and defense play very FAST, especially on the Superdome turf. The Saints, though, cannot sleep this week on the Carolina Panthers (ask Arizona).

3) New England Patriots -- Yes, the Minnesota Vikings may have scored a big week 8 road victory and have a better record than New England, but I just do not think they are better. QB Tom Brady is starting to look like his old self, and he and the Pats just had a bye week of rest -- expect them to now kick it into extra high gear.

4) Minnesota Vikings -- Grandpa and the Vikes just keep winning games. While I question the difficulty of their schedule thus far, 7-1 is 7-1. Enjoy the bye week.

5) Pittsburgh Steelers -- It is a good thing the Steelers are now healthy coming off their bye week, because a week 9 trip to a motivated Denver bunch will not be easy.

6) Philadelphia Eagles -- When QB Donovan McNabb goes, this team goes. The Eagles gave the New York Giants fits in week 8 and showed their Super Bowl potential. Philadelphia welcomes Dallas this Sunday night. Game on.

7) Baltimore Ravens -- The Ravens looked every bit like their 2009 AFC Championship game selves in week 8 against Denver. However, the road does not get easier, as Baltimore travels to Cincinnati this week.

8) New York Giants -- They remain in the top 10, but another loss this week and the Giants will be replaced on this list. Their struggling defense better improve quick with a potent San Diego offense visiting this week.

9) Cincinnati Bengals -- Will the Bengals this week repeat their victorious performance against the Ravens? With a triumph, Cincinnati will officially become a player.

10) Dallas Cowboys -- Here they are, America. Are the Cowboys for real, though? Their week 9 visit to Philadelphia will sure tell us.

11) San Diego Chargers -- Well, the "handful" of other Super Bowl quality teams ends here. Despite great talent, San Diego holds a meager 4-3 record entering its week 9 showdown with the Giants. The loser will officially be against the playoff ropes.

12) Take your pick. (I'm serious.)

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