NFL TOP TO BOTTOM

1. Denver (6-0): Some people picked Broncos to win from the beginning.

2. San Francisco (4-1): When you don’t play, you look good in this league.

3. Jacksonville (4-1): Brunell is getting better; Jaguars knocked off Denver last year.

4. New England (4-1): Just don’t make Patriots play the Broncos.

5. Green Bay (4-2): If Packers get healed up, they’re playing the 49ers for the NFC title.

6. Tampa Bay (5-1): Can Buccaneers avoid further slippage until rematch with the Packers? No.

7. Minnesota (4-2): Vikings barely survived the Arizona sweatbox, but they survived.

8. Kansas City (4-2): It’s a big if, but if passing game takes off, Chiefs will be a factor.

9. Pittsburgh (3-2): This might be a reach, but not if Kordell Stewart keeps coming on.

10. New York Jets (4-2): Best race in football is between Parcells and Dungy for coach of year.

11. Dallas (3-2): Now would be a good time for Cowboy kicker to ask for a raise.

12. Washington (3-2): Redskins have no run defense, don’t need one for Emmitt Smith.

13. Buffalo (3-2): Bills lose Kelly, still win. Better not lose Levy.

14. Miami (3-2): Dolphins aren’t any good, but Johnson squeezes out wins.

15. Detroit (3-3): Lions win every odd week, lose each even week: This is Week 7.

16. Philadelphia (2-3): Just wait until Coach Ray Rhodes gets a major league quarterback.

17. Carolina (2-3): Dom Capers flips out, follows Dave Wannstedt’s lead, benches QB.

18. New York Giants (3-3): Only team to improve when it loses starting quarterback.

19. Seattle (3-3): Easy schedule still makes Seahawks a factor.

20. San Diego (3-3): Offensive explosions last two weeks against Nos. 29 and 30 defenses.

21. Oakland (2-4): What a joke--only anyone who owns PSL is not laughing.

22. Baltimore (3-3): Each player will now be wearing a choke collar.

23. Arizona (1-4): Better to be lucky . . . ah, forget it.

24. St. Louis (2-3): Rams might win lawsuit, but headed for 15th consecutive loss to 49ers.

25. Cincinnati (1-4): Marge Schott must be making up the game plans.

26. Tennessee (1-4): Oilers moved to Tennessee; didn’t promise winning team.

27. New Orleans (2-4): Do you believe in miracles? Two wins for the Saints?

28. Atlanta (0-5): Had last weekend off, and, boy, did Falcons need it.

29. Indianapolis (0-5): Switzer has three wins; Infante has some explaining to do.

30. Chicago (0-6): Who will be employed longer in Chicago, Wannstedt or Mirer?