The Ultimate Source for your Ph.D. in Pigskin

This very well may be the "Year of Surprise" in the NFL. At the beginning of the season, not many thought that Green Bay, Tennessee, Tampa Bay, and Detroit would be considered top ten teams. On the other hand, who would have thought that San Diego, Baltimore, Chicago, and New Orleans would be a combined 4-11. Congratulations Mr. Tagliabue, your ideal world of parity has taken shape.

Obviously, this isn't the first time that a couple of teams have dramatically improved in the offseason, but I can't remember a year in which so many teams have either risen from the ashes or fallen from grace in such a quick period of time. Even the Texans can boast that they could be 4-0 if not for key injuries to Andre Johnson and Ahman Green.

This is the reason we love the National Football League. From one season to the next, fans are ever optimistic that it will be "their year." And while fans in Boston and Indianapolis may scoff at those in Nashville and Detroit, they should keep in mind that those franchises had drastic turnarounds of their own. It wasn't until Peyton Manning decided to remain at Tennessee for his senior season that the Colts' Super Bowl destiny was realized. For New Englanders, they can thank a late hit on Drew Bledsoe by the Jets for Tom Brady's emergence as the next Joe Montana.

Now that I think about it, should there really be any surprises in football anymore? Shouldn't we instead be surprised when a  team doesn't go from worst to first or another go from Super Bowl to Super Bums? Personally, I think it makes football just that much more curious and entertaining. And to let you in on a little secret, it makes my job just that much easier.

1. New England Patriots (4-0) - anyone who thinks the Pats will be looking forward to Dallas doesn't know Belichick.

2. Indianapolis Colts (4-0) - with "off years" for LT and LJ, Joseph Addai is the best back in the game.

3. Dallas Cowboys (4-0) - do you think Tony Romo will ever regain his confidence after that fumbled snap in Seattle?

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) - a loss in the desert against a very motivated head coach doesn't count for much.

5. Green Bay Packers (4-0) - the eventual downfall of this team will be their inability to run the ball.

6. Tennessee Titans (2-1) - that 60 Minutes interview made Vince Young look arrogant and petty.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1) - they only moved up because of other teams' misfortunes.

8. Seattle Seahawks (3-1) - their beatdown of San Francisco was impressive.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) - the most ardent Bucs' fan would tell you they never envisioned this great start.

10. Detroit Lions (3-1) - I'm starting to lose patience, but they have played the toughest schedule so far.

11. San Diego Chargers (1-3) - hey Bolts, you've got one more week before I lose all faith in you.

12. Denver Broncos (2-2) - the loss of Travis Henry will hurt this team, especially Jay Cutler, tremendously.

13. Baltimore Ravens (2-2) - you know it's bad when Kyle Boller is your most stable quarterback.

14. Houston Texans (2-2) - injuries are killing what looked like an extremely promising season.

15. Cincinnati Bengals (1-3) - it was only a matter of time before Ocho Cinco's antics began to wear on teammates.

16. Carolina Panthers (2-2) - I'll keep them here until Jake Delhomme comes back.

17. New York Giants (2-2) - Osi Umenyiora just sacked Donovan McNabb again.

18. Kansas City Chiefs (2-2) - Dwayne Bowe is quickly becoming Damon Huard's best friend.

19. Chicago Bears (1-3) - ummmm, maybe you guys should think about Kyle Orton.

20. Washington Redskins (2-1) - who would have thought that Lions vs. Redskins would be such a big game?

21. Arizona Cardinals (2-2) - Matt Leinhart needs to shut up start playing like a starter.

22. Philadelphia Eagles (1-3) - 12 sacks surrendered. Let me say that again, 12 sacks surrendered

23. San Francisco 49ers (2-2) - if this team wants to stay in the playoff hunt, Trent Dilfer will have to play better.

24. Cleveland Browns (2-2) - maybe Dallas' first pick in the draft won't be in the top 10.

25. Oakland Raiders (2-2) - do you think Daunte Culpepper was motivated for that game against the Dolphins?

26. New York Jets (1-3) - what can you say, they got beat by a third-round rookie quarterback.

27. New Orleans Saints (0-3) - they'll get back on track this week against Carolina.

28. Minnesota Vikings (1-3) - Brad Childress is making some questionable decisions: Chester Taylor over AD???

29. Buffalo Bills (1-3) - after Trent Edwards' first performance, J.P. Losman shouldn't feel too comfy in Buffalo.

30. Atlanta Falcons (1-3) - Joey Harrington is slowly resurrecting his career in Atlanta.

31. St. Louis Rams (0-4) - "With the first pick in the 2008 draft, the St. Louis Rams select..."

32. Miami Dolphins (0-4) - could they be the second team in a row to get their first win of the year against Houston?

Make sure to catch Jimmy Neil every Friday from 12:30 to 2:00 PM, Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, and Sunday at 4:30, only on 1560 AM or www.1560thegame.com