While the Packers and 49ers go on their merry ways with the NFL's best records and the top two spot in the Daily News power rankings, things are all muddled in the AFC. There are four teams with 7-3 records. Which one of them is the best team in the conference?

The Texans, No. 3 in our rankings based only on the season so far, had been playing the best football in the weeks before their bye but they're going to have to carry on without quarterback Matt Schaub. The Ravens have been hot and cold, the Steelers can't beat the Ravens and the Patriots still have that exploitable pass defense.

Thanksgiving Day will help sort a few things out with four of our top 10 teams in action against each other, including the top two, who both hit the road, the Packers in Detroit and the 49ers in Baltimore.

As for the locals, both tumbled in our rankings after upset losses. The Giants slipped out of the top 10 entirely after being bullied by the Eagles.

1. (1) Packers (10-0): Third game in 11 days will make trip to Detroit tough.

2. (2) 49ers (9-1): Harbaugh vs. Harbaugh: Super preview?

3. (3) Texans (7-3): It's up to Matt Leinart now.

4. (4) Ravens (7-3): Lose to the bad teams, beat the good ones.

5. (5) Steelers (7-3): Should roar out of their bye week against KC.

6. (7) Patriots (7-3): Beginning to restore order against that soft second-half schedule.

7. (8) Saints (7-3): Well-rested for Giants on Monday night.

8. (9) Bears (7-3): Cutler injury couldn't have come at worse time. They've been playing very well.

9. (11) Lions (7-3): Finally worth watching on Thanksgiving.

10. (12) Falcons (6-4): They're 16-3 under Mike Smith in games after a loss.

11. (6) Giants (6-4): Is magic wearing off?

12. (10) Bengals (6-4): Two tough losses back-to-back but this team is pretty good.

13. (14) Cowboys (6-4): Got better than they deserved against Skins.