Power Rankings 12

NFL Power Rankings

After Week 12

NOTE: Previous ranking is noted in the first parenthesis. Current team record noted in the second parenthesis.

1. (2) Seattle Seahawks (10-1) – We have a new number one team, and they were even on a bye this week… With a consistent defense and a great home-field advantage, the Seahawks will be tough to keep out of the Super Bowl this year.

2. (1) Denver Broncos (9-2) – I’ve finally removed the Broncos from the top spot after watching them choke against the Pats Sunday night. They shouldn’t have let their lead slip in the first place, then a terrible special teams play cost them. Peyton also looked human again in this one.

3. (3) New Orleans Saints (9-2) – It wasn’t always pretty against the Falcons, but they got it done once again. You getting excited for these NFC playoffs games yet?

4. (5) Carolina Panthers (8-3) – Cam Newton is getting more and more clutch, as we saw again on Sunday. That’s now seven wins in a row, and they are getting close to securing a playoff birth for the first time in the Cam era.

5. (6) New England Patriots (8-3) – Tom Brady got it done against Manning once again. He overcame the team’s early turnovers to charge back in the second half. The run defense is concerning however.

6. (4) Kansas City Chiefs (9-2) – The offense showed up in a big way (for nearly the first time all year), but the defense disappeared. Two injuries helped cause that, but I was still shocked.

7. (7) Cincinnati Bengals (7-4) –I want to see more touches for Gio out of the bye week. That means rushing at receiving.

8. (9) San Francisco 49ers (7-4) – For the first time in a while, I thought the 49ers looked dominant. If they round back into last season’s form, look out.

9. (11) Dallas Cowboys (6-5) – Back into first place with yet another division win. Romo looked clutch in the fourth quarter, and Dez Bryant broke out once more.

10. (10) Philadelphia Eagles (6-5) – Dallas tied them in the division over the bye week, so we’ll see how Foles and company respond.

11. (14) Arizona Cardinals (7-4) – At the start of the year I said this team would be dangerous and rise in the rankings. It’s turning out to be true. They owned the Colts all over the field on Sunday. Bruce Arians could win Coach of the Year again.

12. (8) Indianapolis Colts (7-4) – Apparently Reggie Wayne makes a big difference, as they have struggled in all phases since his injury, including Sunday afternoon.

13. (12) Detroit Lions (6-5) – Stafford’s four picks doomed them. But…

14. (13) Chicago Bears (6-5) – Apparently nobody wants to win the division as the Bears lost also. Terrible coaching and defense (again) in this one. So…

15. (16) Green Bay Packers (5-5-1) – The Packers gained half a game on both the Lions and Bears. Flynn gave the Packers a lift and Rodgers could return soon. If he does, this is still my choice to win the division.

16. (20) San Diego Chargers (5-6) – Rivers got it done when he needed to, on the road, and against a good team. Impressive!

17. (19) Baltimore Ravens (5-6) – Still in the hunt in the mediocre AFC. Helps when the Jets are a team they are fighting with for a wildcard birth.

18. (15) Miami Dolphins (5-6) – Devastating loss that would have gone a long way towards their playoff standing. In rare news, Mike Wallace made some big plays.

19. (22) St. Louis Rams (5-6) – They ran wild against the Bears, as most teams do. Things are getting cloudy with so many teams around .500.

20. (24) Pittsburgh Steelers (5-6) – Steelers making a major push to get into playoff contention. Didn’t see that coming a month and a half ago.

21. (26) Tennessee Titans (5-6) – Fitzpatrick played great in this one, finally giving them consistency since Locker’s early season injury. This is yet another 5-6 AFC team in the hunt.

22. (17) New York Giants (4-7) – Loss to the Cowboys sealed their fate most likely. It was a spirited effort again, but they just don’t have it this season.

23. (18) New York Jets (5-6) – Yes, this is another 5-6 team in the hunt in the AFC. But this team seems to be headed in the opposite direction as the others.

24. (21) Cleveland Browns (4-7) – Don’t know where Jordan Cameron has been hiding, but Josh Gordon has been emerging.

25. (28) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-8) – Another win, as that’s now three in a row. Glennon (and the defense) are getting it done.

26. (23) Oakland Raiders (4-7) – Raiders had a great chance to join the fun at 5-6, but couldn’t get it done in the end.

27. (25) Buffalo Bills (4-7) – On bye, but still got bumped two spots. Don’t have much going for them right now.

28. (29) Minnesota Vikings (2-8-1) – Had some great chances to close out the Packers in regulation and OT. That’s a game they should have won, not tied.

29. (27) Washington Redskins (3-8) – Being said RG3 shouldn’t be playing this season… I have to agree at this point.

30. (32) Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9) – Winners of 2 of 3, suddenly they are out of the 32 spot.

31. (30) Atlanta Falcons (2-9) – Much better effort against the Saints, but they are still freefalling.

32. (31) Houston Texans (2-9) – Speaking of freefalling, this team is on a downhill spiral that’s now out of control. And with no end in sight…

By: The Sports Guys