There were some exciting contests in the NFL during Week 8, which derailed the trick-or-treat plans of many around the country. The Miami Dolphins are still undefeated (4-0) on the road as they beat the Cincinnati Bengals, probably ending the Bengals’ season. The Dallas Cowboys were creamed by the Jacksonville Jaguars and fell to 1-6. Matt Stafford returned to the Lions as they beat the Redskins. The Green Bay Packers shut the New York Jets out in impressive fashion. The San Diego Chargers regrouped and beat the Tennessee Titans in a thriller. The New England Patriots spoiled the return of Randy Moss, injured Brett Favre, and captured the best record in the NFL. New Orleans shocked many of us by doubling up the Pittsburgh Steelers and perhaps salvaged their season. The Colts gave the Texans some payback after losing the first game of the season.

The Rankings

1. New England Patriots (6-1): They have the best record in the NFL and have won five in a row. The defense is coming together and looking similar to their 2001 squad. Logan Mankins rejoins the team now.

2. Indianapolis Colts (5-2): They won in convincing fashion to take the division lead and have now won three in a row. They still need to learn to stop the run.

3. New York Jets (5-2): They were shut out at home after a bye week. That is simply embarrassing. However, the defense showed up and limited the Packers to just nine points.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2): They were sloppy in New Orleans, but the Saints had to wake up sometime. The pass defense needs work.

5. Green Bay Packers (5-3): Impressive shutout victory on the road against the New York Jets. The defense clearly showed up.

6. Baltimore Ravens (5-2): They had a bye week to sort things out. Now they get to face an undefeated road team: Miami.

7. New York Giants (5-2): They had the week off to prepare for Seattle. That should be a good match-up.

8. Tennessee Titans (5-3): Not surprised they lost to the Chargers; it was just a bad match-up. Now they have a bye week to prepare for Miami.

9. Atlanta Falcons (5-2): They’d be higher on the list if the defense could play better. They had a bye week to prepare for the Buccaneers.

10. New Orleans Saints (5-3): Impressive victory over the Steelers. They had trouble with Carolina in the first meeting.

On the bubble: Kansas City, Oakland, Chicago, Seattle, Tampa Bay