After watching Drew Brees dismantle the Patriots on Monday night, are the Saints the best team in the NFL?

Granted, the Colts — Peyton Manning specifically (of course) — have shown poise in rallying the past five games, but at some point, you have to think their luck will run out, and historically, that has happened in the playoffs. The Patriots have shown they couldn’t keep up; I still don’t think the Vikings are quite as good as their 10-1 record, and the jury is still out on the surging Chargers.

Consider this: The Saints beat the Patriots with defense. Yes, Brees and the offense were outstanding, but many expected this game to not be a blowout. I would love to see them play in the Colts in the Super Bowl — that would be a quarterback duel, for sure.

– After more concussions this week, Roger Goodell needs to implement the rumored policy that if you suffer a concussion, you sit the next game. Ben Roethlisberger said he felt fine but was held out, but he’s sending the wrong message on an injury you can’t visibly see. Goodell has a responsibility to the players, and the players’ families, to ensure their well-being — not just now, but in their 40s and 50s when they need to function outside the NFL. If players complain about sitting, Goodell needs to say “too f—ing bad.” At least Kurt Warner had the intelligence to not push it after his concussion.

– Still waiting for Brett Favre to fall apart. Starting to think it might not happen. And if it doesn’t, wow.

– Vince Young and Alex Smith are redeeming themselves as NFL quarterbacks. Young is simply too talented and Smith too smart not to do well. Granted, that’s been said for other QBs who blew their second chances, but Young and Smith’s second chances are occurring in the perfect situation — Young because he felt no pressure after the Titans’ 0-6 start, and Smith because he has a coach who is believing in him, finally.

– With five weeks left, here are my predictions for the 12 playoff teams: Colts, Patriots, Chargers, Bengals, Broncos, Steelers, Saints, Vikings, Cowboys, Packers, Cardinals, 49ers