13. New York Giants (16)
It’s almost a crime to have the Giants this high in the rankings but considering the production of teams around them there wasn’t really anyone else deserving. The Giants are a good team but certainly have their issues. A pass rush would be helpful—makes you really wonder why they spent all that money on Oliver Vernon.
14. Washington Redskins (15)
The Bengals talent is far better than what their record indicates—especially with Tyler Eifert back in the lineup. This is a game the Bengals should have won, so to come away with a tie would be closer to a win for the Redskins, and a loss for the Bengals.
15. Houston Texans (20)
While they certainly haven’t looked the part, the Texans are a 5-3 football team. It really comes down to whether or not they are playing at home or on the road. They have a 5-0 home mark and a 0-3 road mark. If this continues they will be an 8-8 team—a mark that would indicate the true level of play we’ve seen from this team.
16. San Diego Chargers (13)
Phillip Rivers got knocked around like a rag doll all day long. It happens to the best of them when facing the Broncos defense. The team got a split against the Broncos and has far outplayed their 3-5 record. If the loss to the Broncos doesn’t derail their season, they could end up making a run at a 9-7 or 10-6 mark this year.