NFL Power Rankings Week 12: Are the Green Bay Packers the Best By the Numbers?

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MINNEAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 21: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers throws against the Minnesota Vikings at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on November 21, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

The Green Bay Packers have found their stride, and the rest of the league may have a long two months ahead. Aaron Rodgers threw for 301 yards and four touchdowns Sunday as Green Bay steamrolled Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings; Greg Jennings snagged three of the scoring passes himself. Clay Matthews registered a sack, giving him 11.5 already, and Tramon Williams intercepted his fourth pass of the season.

The Packers have won their last two contests by a combined 66 points and now stand at 7-3, ready top challenge the Falcons for NFC supremacy next week in Atlanta. That game could determine who has home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.

Meanwhile, the New England Patriots managed to take down the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, keeping pace with the New York Jets at 8-2. Those two teams look more and more every week like the class of the AFC, and are ticketed for a big showdown on Dec. 6 in Foxboro.

These head-to-head matches of top-tier teams are a great way to see firsthand who is better. But when such determinate games are not available, a good secondary guide is to turn to the numbers.

Who eats up yardage on offense? Whose defense is stingiest? Who is dominating the turnover battle? Who has benefited from an easy schedule, and whose has been a nightmare? Statistics can answer all of these questions and more clearly show us who the best teams in the league are.

Therefore, let's look strictly at the numbers accrued by each team this season, and decide who we think is the best. Forget projections of future improvement--if a team is still underachieving by now, maybe that is not going to change. We will use simple math to weight the performance of each team in a variety of categories, then see who comes out looking a bit better than we thought.

A Quick Note: How We Build These Rankings

PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 21: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs with the ball against Justin Tuck #91 of the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field on November 21, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Nick Laham/Getty Images

As I said, these rankings will reflect the statistical composites of each team, based on how much given stats impact the squad's chances of winning. Each team will get ratings based on their ability to, for instance, win the turnover battle or gain yardage efficiently through the air.

For each category, we will award up to six points based on how the team has performed relative to the rest of the league. Then, we can weight each category so that really crucial stats (like special teams touchdown differentials and turnover efficiency) are worth more than less impactful ones like field goal percentage. Thus, some categories can actually be worth more than six points to elite teams: Michael Vick's Eagles, for instance, dominate the turnover battle and earn 7.5 points in that category.

I'll itemize each team's performance in each of our categories to make clearer where certain teams are vulnerable, and where they are excellent.

32. Arizona Cardinals

KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 21: Tim Hightower #34 of the Arizona Cardinals carries the ball as Kendrick Lewis #23 of the Kansas City Chiefs defends during the game on November 21, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Turnovers: 2.5 pts

Passing yards/attempt: 2.2 pts

Rushing yards per attempt: 4.6 pts

Opponents' passing yards per attempt: 2.3 points

Opponents' rushing yards per attempt: 3.3 points

Third down conversion percentage: 2.6 points

Opponents' third down conversion percentage: 3.9 pts

Strength of Schedule adjustment: -2.0 pts

Total: 19.4 pts

31. St. Louis Rams

ST. LOUIS - NOVEMBER 21: Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams scrambles against the Atlanta Falcons at the Edward Jones Dome on November 21, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Falcons beat the Rams 34-17. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

TO: 5.0

Pass YPA: 2.2

Rush YPA: 3.45

Opp Pass YPA: 3.45

Opp Rush YPA: 3.3

3D Conv. %: 3.9

Opp 3D Conv. %: 5.2

SoS Adj: -4.0

Total: 22.5

30. Seattle Seahawks

NEW ORLEANS - NOVEMBER 21: Head coach Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks points to his offense during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Louisiana Superdome on November 21, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

TO: 3.75

Pass YPA: 3.3

Rush YPA: 2.3

Opp Pass YPA: 3.45

Opp Rush YPA: 4.4

3D Conv. %: 3.9

Opp 3D Conv. %: 5.2

SoS adj: -3.5

Total: 22.8

29. Jacksonville Jaguars

JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 21: Maurice Jones-Drew #32 of the Jacksonville Jaguars breaks out for a big run that would lead to the winning touchdown during a game agaisnt the Cleveland Browns at EverBank Field on November 21, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florid

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

TO: 2.5

Pass YPA: 4.4

Rush YPA: 4.6

Opp Pass YPA: 1.15

Opp Rush YPA: 3.3

3D Conv. %: 3.9

Opp 3D Conv. %: 2.6

SoS adj: 1.0

Total: 23.45

28. San Francisco 49ers

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Jabar Gaffney #10 of Denver Broncos is tackled by Patrick Willis #52 and Shawntae Spencer #36 of San Francisco 49ers during the NFL International Series match between Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers at Wembley Stadium

Chris McGrath/Getty Images

TO: 3.75

Pass YPA: 3.3

Rush YPA: 3.45

Opp Pass YPA: 3.45

Opp Rush YPA: 4.4

3D Conv. %: 2.6

Opp 3D Conv. %: 5.2

SoS adj: -2.3

Total: 23.85

27. Carolina Panthers

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 07: Steve Smith #89 of the Carolina Panthers sits on the bench against the New Orleans Saints during their game at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

TO: 2.5

Pass YPA: 2.2

Rush YPA: 3.45

Opp Pass YPA: 4.6

Opp Rush YPA: 4.4

3D Conv. %: 2.6

Opp 3D Conv. %: 5.2

SoS adj: -1.1

Total: 23.85

26. Denver Broncos

DENVER - NOVEMBER 14: Wide receiver Brandon Lloyd #84 of the Denver Broncos celebrates the Broncos 49-29 win over the Kansas City Chiefs as he leaves the field at INVESCO Field at Mile High on November 14, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmon

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

TO: 3.75

Pass YPA: 5.5

Rush YPA: 1.15

Opp Pass YPA: 2.3

Opp Rush YPA: 3.3

3D Conv. %: 3.9

Opp 3D Conv. %: 3.9

SoS adj: 0.5

Total: 24.3

25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 21: Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks to pass the ball against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 21, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

TO: 5.0

Pass YPA: 4.4

Rush YPA: 4.6

Opp Pass YPA: 4.6

Opp Rush YPA: 2.2

3D Conv. %: 5.2

Opp 3D Conv. %: 2.6

SoS adj: -4.2

Total: 24.4

24. Oakland Raiders

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 07: Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland Raiders runs against the Kansas City Chiefs during an NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 7, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

TO: 3.75

Pass YPA: 3.3

Rush YPA: 5.75

Opp Pass YPA: 3.45

Opp Rush YPA: 2.2

3D Conv. %: 2.6

Opp 3D Conv. %: 6.5

SoS adj: -2.4

Total: 25.15

23. Detroit Lions

ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 14: Leodis McKelvin #28 of the Buffalo Bills strips the ball away from Calvin Johnson #81 of the Detroit Lions at Ralph Wilson Stadium on November 14, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo won 14-12. (Photo by Rick Stewart/

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

TO: 5.0

Pass YPA: 2.2

Rush YPA: 2.3

Opp Pass YPA: 3.45

Opp Rush YPA: 2.2

3D Conv. %: 3.9

Opp 3D Conv. %: 5.2

SoS adj: 1.6

Total: 25.85

22. Minnesota Vikings

MINNEAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 21: Quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings looks for an open receiver while playing the Green Bay Packers at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on November 21, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

TO: 1.25

Pass YPA: 3.3

Rush YPA: 4.6

Opp Pass YPA: 3.45

Opp Rush YPA: 4.4

3D Conv. %: 3.9

Opp 3D Conv. %: 2.6

SoS adj: 2.8

Total: 26.3

21. Indianapolis Colts

FOXBORO, MA - NOVEMBER 21: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots on November 21, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots defeated the Colts 31-2

Elsa/Getty Images

TO: 5.0

Pass YPA: 3.3

Rush YPA: 2.3

Opp Pass YPA: 4.6

Opp Rush YPA: 1.1

3D Conv. %: 6.5

Opp 3D Conv. %: 3.9

SoS adj: -0.1

Total: 26.6

20. Dallas Cowboys

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 21: Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys scores against Chris Houston #23 of the Detroit Lions at Cowboys Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

TO: 3.75

Pass YPA: 4.4

Rush YPA: 2.3

Opp Pass YPA: 2.3

Opp Rush YPA: 3.3

3D Conv. %: 5.2

Opp 3D Conv. %: 3.9

SoS adj: 1.7

Total: 26.85

19. Cincinnati Bengals

ATLANTA - OCTOBER 24: Terrell Owens #81 of the Cincinnati Bengals against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 24, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

TO: 3.75

Pass YPA: 3.3

Rush YPA: 3.45

Opp Pass YPA: 4.6

Opp Rush YPA: 3.3

3D Conv. %: 3.9

Opp 3D Conv. %: 3.9

SoS adj: 1.2

Total: 27.4

18. Buffalo Bills

CINCINNATI - NOVEMBER 21: Steve Johnson #13 of the Buffalo Bills runs for a touchdown during NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bills won 49-21. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

TO: 3.75

Pass YPA: 3.3

Rush YPA: 4.6

Opp Pass YPA: 3.45

Opp Rush YPA: 2.2

3D Conv. %: 5.2

Opp 3D Conv. %: 2.6

SoS adj: 3.0

Total: 28.1

17. Washington Redskins

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 21: Quarterback Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washington Redskins drops back to pass against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on November 21, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Redskins won 19-16 in overtime. (Photo by Grant Halverson

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

TO: 5.0

Pass YPA: 4.4

Rush YPA: 3.45

Opp Pass YPA: 3.45

Opp Rush YPA: 1.1

3D Conv. %: 1.3

Opp 3D Conv. %: 6.5

SoS adj: 2.9

Total: 28.3

16. New Orleans Saints

NEW ORLEANS - NOVEMBER 21: Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints waits during a timeout against the Seattle Seahawks at Louisiana Superdome on November 21, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

TO: 3.75

Pass YPA: 4.4

Rush YPA: 3.45

Opp Pass YPA: 5.75

Opp Rush YPA: 3.3

3D Conv. %: 7.8

Opp 3D Conv. %: 5.2

SoS adj: -4.9

Total: 28.75

15. Baltimore Ravens

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 21: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

TO: 3.75

Pass YPA: 4.4

Rush YPA: 2.3

Opp Pass YPA: 4.6

Opp Rush YPA: 3.3

3D Conv. %: 5.2

Opp 3D Conv. %: 5.2

SoS adj: 0.4

Total: 29.15

14. Kansas City Chiefs

DENVER - NOVEMBER 14: Quarterback Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs heads to the bench against the Denver Bronco at INVESCO Field at Mile High on November 14, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Chiefs 49-29. (Photo by Doug Pensing

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

TO: 5.0

Pass YPA: 4.4

Rush YPA: 5.75

Opp Pass YPA: 4.6

Opp Rush YPA: 3.3

3D Conv. %: 3.9

Opp 3D Conv. %: 5.2

SoS adj: -2.8

Total: 29.35

13. Atlanta Falcons

ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 11: Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons pulls in this touchdown reception against Ed Reed #20 of the Baltimore Ravens at Georgia Dome on November 11, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

TO: 6.25

Pass YPA: 3.3

Rush YPA: 4.6

Opp Pass YPA: 3.45

Opp Rush YPA: 3.3

3D Conv. %: 7.8

Opp 3D Conv. %: 2.6

SoS adj: -0.9

Total: 30.4

12. Tennessee Titans

MIAMI - NOVEMBER 14: Coach Jeff Fisher of the Tennessee Titans shouts against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on November 14, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Marc Serota/Getty Images

TO: 5.0

Pass YPA: 4.4

Rush YPA: 4.6

Opp Pass YPA: 3.45

Opp Rush YPA: 4.4

3D Conv. %: 3.9

Opp 3D Conv. %: 3.9

SoS adj: 0.9

Total: 30.55

11. New York Giants

PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 21: Hakeem Nicks #88 of the New York Giants tries to break the tackle of Dimitri Patterson #23 of the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 21, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty I

Nick Laham/Getty Images

TO: 2.5

Pass YPA: 4.4

Rush YPA: 4.6

Opp Pass YPA: 4.6

Opp Rush YPA: 4.4

3D Conv. %: 3.9

Opp 3D Conv. %: 7.8

SoS adj: -0.7

Total: 31.5

10. New England Patriots

FOXBORO, MA - NOVEMBER 21: Danny Woodhead #39 of the New England Patriots scores a touchdown in the second half despite the defense of Kelvin Hayden #26 of the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Pat

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

TO: 6.25

Pass YPA: 4.4

Rush YPA: 4.6

Opp Pass YPA: 3.45

Opp Rush YPA: 3.3

3D Conv. %: 6.5

Opp 3D Conv. %: 1.3

SoS adj: 2.2

Total: 32.0

9. Houston Texans

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 21: Arian Foster #23 of the Houston Texans runs the ball against the New York Jets on November 21, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

TO: 3.75

Pass YPA: 5.5

Rush YPA: 5.75

Opp Pass YPA: 2.3

Opp Rush YPA: 4.4

3D Conv. %: 5.2

Opp 3D Conv. %: 3.9

SoS adj: 1.5

Total: 32.3

8. Cleveland Browns

JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 21: Peyton Hillis #40 of the Cleveland Browns rushes during a game agaisnt the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on November 21, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

TO: 5.0

Pass YPA: 3.3

Rush YPA: 4.6

Opp Pass YPA: 3.45

Opp Rush YPA: 4.4

3D Conv. %: 5.2

Opp 3D Conv. %: 3.9

SoS adj: 2.6

Total: 32.45

7. Chicago Bears

CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 14: Phil Loadholt #71 of the Minnesota Vikings tries to block Julius Peppers #90 of the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 14, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Vikings 27-13. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Imag

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

TO: 5.0

Pass YPA: 4.4

Rush YPA: 3.45

Opp Pass YPA: 6.9

Opp Rush YPA: 5.5

3D Conv. %: 2.6

Opp 3D Conv. %: 6.5

SoS adj: -1.7

Total: 32.65

6. Miami Dolphins

MIAMI - NOVEMBER 18: Receiver Brandon Marshall #19 of the Miami Dolphins runs as safety Charles Tillman #33 of the Chicago Bears defends at Sun Life Stadium on November 18, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Marc Serota/Getty Images

TO: 3.75

Pass YPA: 3.3

Rush YPA: 3.45

Opp Pass YPA: 4.6

Opp Rush YPA: 4.4

3D Conv. %: 5.2

Opp 3D Conv. %: 3.9

SoS adj: 4.1

Total: 32.7

5. San Diego Chargers

SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 22: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers waits to be introduced prior to the start of the NFL football game against Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium on November 22, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevor

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

TO: 2.5

Pass YPA: 6.6

Rush YPA: 3.45

Opp Pass YPA: 5.75

Opp Rush YPA: 5.5

3D Conv. %: 6.5

Opp 3D Conv. %: 5.2

SoS adj: -2.2

Total: 33.3

4. Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 24: Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings has his jersey grabbed by Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 24, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jim Prisching/Getty Images)

Jim Prisching/Getty Images

TO: 6.25

Pass YPA: 5.5

Rush YPA: 3.45

Opp Pass YPA: 5.75

Opp Rush YPA: 3.3

3D Conv. %: 5.2

Opp 3D Conv. %: 3.9

SoS adj: 0.8

Total: 34.15

3. New York Jets

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 21: Santonio Holmes #10 of the New York Jets celebrates with Braylon Edwards #17 after scoring the winning touchdown against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of their game on November 21, 2010 at the New Mead

Al Bello/Getty Images

TO: 5.0

Pass YPA: 3.3

Rush YPA: 4.6

Opp Pass YPA: 4.6

Opp Rush YPA: 5.5

3D Conv. %: 5.2

Opp 3D Conv. %: 5.2

SoS adj: 1.4

Total: 34.8

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 21: Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball after catching an interception against the Oakland Raiders during the game on November 21, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerh

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

TO: 6.25

Pass YPA: 5.5

Rush YPA: 3.45

Opp Pass YPA: 4.6

Opp Rush YPA: 6.6

3D Conv. %: 3.9

Opp 3D Conv. %: 6.5

SoS adj: 2.0

Total: 38.8

1. Philadelphia Eagles

Nick Laham/Getty Images

TO: 7.5

Pass YPA: 5.5

Rush YPA: 6.9

Opp Pass YPA: 4.6

Opp Rush YPA: 4.4

3D Conv. %: 5.2

Opp 3D Conv. %: 5.2

SoS adj: 1.8

Total: 41.1

What Did We Learn?

PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 21: LeSean McCoy #25 of the Philadelphia Eagles gets tripped up by Barry Cofield #96 of the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field on November 21, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Heiman/Getty Images)

Michael Heiman/Getty Images

Anytime you try to capture the essence of football in numerical terms, you're going to get some results that look a little fishy. The Browns seem a strange member of the top ten, while the Colts at 21 look a little underrated. That's okay. All this is meant to show us, really, is how these teams stack up together in that which is most easily measurable. The rest is impossible to predict, anyway.

Pennsylvania seems to be the Mecca of NFL football at the moment, with the dominant scores the Eagles and Steelers posted in this system. It's probably unfair to count Vick's rushing stats, because they so help Philly's yardage per attempt--but then, it's pretty unfair for those who have to try and stop Michael Vick, too.

Two team to keep close eyes on down the stretch are Miami and Houston, who seem unlikely playoff candidates but have plenty of opportunities to spoil others' parties and (as this system shows) stack up well.

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