Week 8

We're halfway through the season and there are some surprises and not-so-surprises.
Although the Cowboys lost this past Monday against divisional rival Washington, they are still a very talented team that could make some waves in the NFC playoffs this year.
Detroit is doing a fantastic job, being ranked near the top in the entire league in defense.
New Orleans and Carolina are floundering, though the Saints are playing a bit more consistently as of late, seems like the Panthers are suffering from poor play.  The Buccaneers are lousy in Lovie Smith's first year as their coach.
San Francisco and Seattle are relatively consistent, but the Cardinals are running away with that division.
In the AFC New England got their stuff together and are now doing what they usually do, winning in championship fashion.
The Bengals have righted their ship and look like they are for real.
Indianapolis is inching their way up the standings, leading Houston by a game.
Manning and the Broncos are as awesome, if not more, than they were last year.  Can they repeat as AFC Champs?  Looks like there is really nothing stopping them, but the game against this Patriots this week could really show us something about both of those clubs.
Others big games going on this week: Dallas and Arizona face-off Sunday in Arlington in what is one of the biggest contests of the season in the NFC, this could have huge implications for homefield advantage for post-season play.  As far as Dallas they have had some injury issues that crept up on them this week, with Romo missing some playing time in their loss to Washington on Monday, and missing some practice this week.
Denver travels to New England for an AFC Championship re-match, and yet another Manning-Brady contest.  This will be a great game to watch.
Sunday nights contest will be Baltimore visiting Pittsburgh, this is one of the more recent rivalries that has manifested itself.  After Rothliesberger's near record-setting performance against Indy this past week, no doubt the Steelers will want to build on their confidence gained.