The Fine Fifteen

	Matt Hasselbeck ranks fourth in the NFL with a 96.3 passer rating. AP

1. Indianapolis (13-1). Maybe I'm looking for reasons to question this team right now. But did you see Peyton Manning happy-footing it, looking uneasy with all that pressure? Pressure's the way to go against Manning, even though he handles it great some Sundays. He handled it poorly against San Diego.

2. New England (9-5). In the New England locker room after the 28-0 disrobing of the Bucs, Richard Seymour took one look at the AFC East Championship hat he'd just been given and said: "It's a nice hat. I will add it to the others.'' Leave some room for a few more, Richard.

3. Denver (11-3). The Broncos need, and I mean badly need, Darrent Williams to return by playoff time. I don't like Denver against Cincinnati, for instance, with a banged-up Champ Bailey and rookie Domonique Foxworth as the only keepers of the flame against Carson Palmer.

4. San Diego (9-5). One of the craziest seasons in recent history. The five losses are by 4, 3, 2, 3, and 2 points. The Chargers have won at New England and Indianapolis, probably the two best teams in football. They're 4-1 in trips to the Eastern Time Zone. It is patently absurd that they probably won't make the playoffs. But they have no one to blame but themselves after the home loss to Miami last week.

5. Seattle (12-2). I like Matt Hasselbeck's approach right now. When I asked him the other day about how his team is perceived, he said: "You know what? I don't care. That's the way I think I function best -- when I don't care what people think of us.'' Hasselbeck games this year: 14. Hasselbeck interceptions this year: nine.

6. New York Giants (10-4). How about that retooled offensive line? Giants lose their two starting tackles and still rush for 233.

7. Cincinnati (11-3). When Carson Palmer is protected, the Bengals can beat anyone.

8. Carolina (10-4). Dallas at home, at Atlanta. NFC second seed looks out of reach.

9. Pittsburgh (9-5). Steelers have beaten the best the NFC Central has to offer, Vikes and Bears, 39-12 on the last two Sundays, one in a snowstorm, the other in a hermetically sealed Teflon dome.

10. Chicago (10-4). Got Chapstick?

11. Tampa Bay (9-5). I'm sure there were a few of them called, but Jon Gruden and Chris Simms have to make sure the young QB throws the ball downfield a couple of times a game at least. Gotta take those vertical shots or the defense is going to cram the line.

12. Washington (8-6). A tale of three seasons: 3-0, then 2-6, then 3-0.

13. Jacksonville (10-4). It's never pretty, is it coach Del Rio?

14. Atlanta (8-6). A .500 team in NFC games. That's not going to get it done. But at least Jim Mora watches SpongeBob with his kids. He revealed that on FOX Sunday.

15. Dallas (8-6). It's not going to be a very Merry Christmas for one Duane Charles Parcells.