Both of them now start for New Orleans the 49ers' next opponent and they have played well this season, although Mitchell again is hurt. Drakeford has made an interception in each of the Saints' last three games. Mitchell was the Saints' leading tackler until he suffered a dislocated shoulder near the end of a September 27 game against Indianapolis.The biggest drop in the rankings should come as no surprise. The Eagles drop out of the top 10 and fall all the way to No.16 after losing to the Raiders. Consequently, Oakland spent very little time at dead last and jumped seven spots to No.25.

Buffalo's postToronto hangover is now a month old. They lose this one with San Diego, Denver and New England still looming and that's it for the playoffs. In the interests of (our) civic pride, it'll be a relief to see them (not) win again.Two potential advantages to the Niners, who didn't have much use for either of their first two picks last year because of a roster clogged with tale