NFL Power Rankings Week 13: Bears Lumber Near Top, Colts Tumble
The NFL power rankings in Week 13 are hardly recognizable from last week.
There are tons of changes thanks to some impressive victories (or troubling defeats, depending on which team we're talking about) which led to major changes from a week ago.
The Bears are once again the "it" team for defeating Philadelphia pretty handily. And the Colts are now officially "reeling" after a third loss in four weeks.
So where do these teams fall and rise?
Check out our power rankings.
No. 32 to 21
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No. 32: Carolina Panthers (1-10)
Last Week's Rank: 32
Going on the road and nearly defeating a pretty good Browns team is impressive, but it doesn't keep them from the worst spot on the power rankings: the winless Bills spent weeks at number 32 despite several close calls.
No. 31: Cincinnati Bengals (2-9)
Last Week's Rank: 31
The Bengals kept it respectable on the road with a short week against the Jets, but they were never close to snapping their seven-game losing streak.
No. 30: Denver Broncos (3-8)
Last Week's Rank: 30
Embattled head coach Josh McDaniels and the Broncos deserve some credit for never giving up: they were down by 20 at the start of the fourth quarter and had a chance to win the game at the end.ย
No. 29: Arizona Cardinals (3-8)
Last Week's Rank: 28
That was a pretty pathetic performance at home on the Monday Night Football stage: only their win over New Orleans keeps them a spot above the equally pitiful Broncos.
No. 28: Detroit Lions (2-9)
Last Week's Rank: 29
Although their second half collapse against New England was pretty bad, for 40 minutes or so, the Lions looked like a pretty good club.
No. 27: Buffalo Bills (2-9)
Last Week's Rank: 24
Obviously they really should be 3-8, had Steve Johnson hung on to that perfect pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick. It's too bad, because a win over Pittsburgh to make it three in a row might have pulled Buffalo into the top 20.
No. 26: Dallas Cowboys (3-8)
Last Week's Rank: 23
Losing to the Saints by a field goal isn't a scarlet letter.....even if they were horrible in the first half.
No. 25: Tennessee Titans (5-6)
Last Week's Rank: 19
Being forced to play a rookie from Florida Atlantic wasn't the only reason this team was shut out by Houston. They have plenty of other problems.
No. 24: Washington Redskins (5-6)
Last Week's Rank: 18
In the last month, they were crushed by Philly at home, lost to the three-win Vikings at home, lost to the one-win Lions, and beat a Tennessee team that is in shambles right now in overtime.ย
No. 23: Minnesota Vikings (4-7)
Last Week's Rank: 26
Needing all 60 minutes to barely defeat that fairly bad Redskins doesn't make Leslie Frazier Bud Grant....and it doesn't mean the Vikings are a playoff team.
No. 22: Cleveland Browns (4-7)
Last Week's Rank: 22
A missed field goal, at home to defeat the worst team in professional football doesn't mean very much. Oh if they only played in the NFC West...
No. 21: San Francisco 49ers (4-7)
Last Week's Rank: 27
Regardless of how bad the Cardinals are, San Fran's win last night, without their best offensive player Frank Gore for most of the game, was impressive.
No. 20: Seattle Seahawks (5-6)
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Last Week's Rank: 20
Week 12 Result: 42-24 vs. Kansas City
Losing to the division leading Chiefs isn't so bad. Neither is losing at home, or by three touchdowns.
What IS so concerning is the way they lost.
Pete Carroll's defense surrendered 503 yards of total offense, got almost no pressure on Matt Cassel, and allowed the Chiefs to convert 11-of-17 third down attempts.ย
Across the ball, the offense had 12 rushes for 20 yards, turned the ball over three times, and only ran 51 plays.
Having said all that, this team is still in first place.
No. 19: St. Louis Rams (5-6)
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Last Week's Rank: 25
Week 12 Result: 36-33 win at Denverย
The Rams have a slight edge over Seattle thanks to their win earlier this season. But the Rams might be a better horse to bet on in this NFC West crawl.
Sam Bradford does not look like a rookie and he was almost flawless in Denver on Sunday, throwing for three touchdowns and 308 yards.
And although the defense yielded tons of passing yards to the Broncos, St. Louis defense was clutch when it mattered. The Broncos were just 1-for-9 on third down and committed two turnovers.
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No. 18: Oakland Raiders (5-6)
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Last Week's Rank: 16
Week 12 Result: 33-17 loss vs. Miami
Last week's blowout at Pittsburgh can be excused; Sunday's home loss to Miami really can't.
Sure the Dolphins are a borderline playoff caliber team, but the Raiders continuously shot themselves in the foot.
Aside from surrendering big plays in the second half, the Raiders were unable to score touchdowns deep inside Miami territory, committed three turnovers, and they only ran 45 offensive plays.
Oakland may not be out of the race in the AFC West, but if they play this mediocre at home against Miami, how are they going to go to San Diego and Kansas City and win in order to have a shot at the division title?
No. 17: Houston Texans (5-6)
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Last Week's Rank: 21
Week 12 Result: 20-0 win vs. Tennessee
The Texans are probably better than the Titans anyway, but they were certainly aided by the absence of both Kerry Collins and Vince Young. There was no way Chris Johnson was going to get a fair shake in those circumstances.
Houston's offense did a pretty good job against a good Titans defense. And they learned that Andre Johnson might have a future in the MMA.
This team is hardly perfect, but Arian Foster's duel threat capability does give them a weapon that translates well both at home or on the road in the cold.
They aren't out of the AFC South race yet, but it's a tough, uphill battle, beginning with a short week at Philadelphia against an Eagles team fresh off of a disappointing loss.
No. 16: Jacksonville Jaguars (6-5)
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Last Week's Rank: 13
Week 12 Result: 24-20 loss at Giants
Jacksonville really squandered a great opportunity on Sunday at the Meadowlands.
Yes, a win would have given them sole possession of first place in the AFC South. But more importantly, it would have shown the rest of the league that the Jags are "for real."
They really ouplayed the Giants in every phase of the game, but two turnovers from David Garrard did them in during a second half in which they scored just three points.
And the way that offensive line protected Garrard (or failed to protect him) in the closing minutes, with the game on the line, must have Jack Del Rio livid.
With three more road games in the final five weeks, they better shore that protection up.
No. 15: Miami Dolphins (6-5)
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Last Week's Rank: 17
Week 12 Result: 33-17 win at Oakland
This Dolphins team just won't go away. They're not going to win the AFC East but they can still contend for a wild card and have shown tremendous resiliency.
Chad Henne is still suffering with that knee injury (Tyler Thigpen had to relieve him a few times), but he was very efficient and posted his first 300-yard game in a winning effort this season. And the Ronnie Brown-Ricky Williams duo looked like it did back in 2008.
And Miami's defense was tremendous on Sunday against the league's second best rushing attack. They surrendered one offensive touchdown, 16 yards rushing, and just 11 first downs.
With New England and the Jets still on the schedule (both on the road), that type of complete game is going to be necessary to stay in the race.
No. 14: Indianapolis Colts (6-5)
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Last Week's Rank: 10
Week 12 Result: 36-14 loss vs. San Diego
This is the problem with the Colts: when Peyton Manning plays less like Peyton Manning and more like Curtis Painter, they are not going to contend.
A single poor game by Manning (against the Chargers), or a few bad throws (against the Patriots) could be overlooked, but he has thrown nine interceptions in the past month.
When you can't run the ball at all, it's almost impossible to win in those circumstances. It's even worse when your receivers (including All Pro Reggie Wayne) drop multiple passes.
The Chargers have had Indy's number in recent years, but this was a game they couldn't afford to lose.
And the way that the run defense let San Diego dominate the Colts front seven in both the running and passing game was far more worrisome than Manning's interceptions.
No. 13: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-4)
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Last Week's Rank: 11
Week 12 Result: 17-10 loss at Baltimore
Going to Baltimore and winning is a tall order for any team, especially the young Bucs.
But it is important to note that against teams with winning records, Tampa Bay is now 0-4.
They did put up a pretty good fight, however. Trailing by 14, Josh Freeman led the team on a very impressive 13-play, 77 yard drive to cut the lead in half.
And on defense, they forced five punts in five second half possessions by Baltimore.
With two teams ahead of them, they're probably a year away from competing for the NFC South. But they can still contend for a Wild Card spot.
No. 12: San Diego Chargers (6-5)
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Last Week's Rank: 15
Week 12 Result: 36-14 win at Indianapolis
No one is playing better football in the AFC the past month than San Diego. They very well might end up representing the conference in the Super Bowl.
And on Sunday night against the Colts they looked almost flawless: offense, defense and even on special teams.
But we cannot completely overlook what happened in the first six weeks of the season. That's why they remain on the fringe of the "elite" teams.
And until they actually beat the Chiefs head-to-head, they are going to have to remain below Kansas City.
No. 11: Kansas City Chiefs (7-4)
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Last Week's Rank: 14
Week 12 Result: 42-24 win at Seattle
The Chiefs continue to prove their doubters wrong.
The defense has been excellent all season.
And now the offense is earning similar praise. Dwayne Bowe will probably be named an All Pro at season's end. They will most likely finish the season with two 1,000-yard rushers. And Matt Cassel has been fantastic: he's thrown 18 touchdowns and just one interception since Week Five.
But in the interest of full disclosure, much like the Bucs, the Chiefs have beaten up on some bad teams. They have yet to beat a team that had a winning record when they played them.
No. 10: New York Giants (7-4)
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Last Week's Rank: 9
Week 12 Result: 24-20 win vs. Jacksonville
Yes, the Giants won on Sunday against a division co-leader. But beginning with their loss to Dallas, they played 11 consecutive quarters of pretty subpar football.
It wasn't until the fourth quarter that both the Giants offense and defense were playing like playoff units at the same time.
Still, they are just (essentially) a half-game back in the NFC East. And with the talent they have on both sides of the ball, they should be able to finish strong this December...although that's what plenty of people said a year ago, and we know what happened to that Giants team down the stretch.
No. 9: New Orleans Saints (8-3)
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Last Week's Rank: 9
Week 12 Result: 30-27 win at Dallas
Winning in Dallas with a short week because of Thanksgiving isn't easy, although the Saints looked headed for an easy win after 15 minutes of football.
Then the Saints midseason offensive problems started to re-appear. They couldn't run the ball, and they committed two turnovers.
Had Roy Williams not fumbled late in the game, there is a good chance the Cowboys win in a thrilling comeback: Dallas was ahead by four, with the ball, with three minutes remaining.
As it stands, New Orleans won thanks to another great late-game performance by Drew Brees. But if the Saints have hopes of winning the NFC South, they had better play a complete 60 minutes, especially when they have their rematch with Atlanta in Week 16.
No. 8: Green Bay Packers (7-4)
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Last Week's Rank: 3rd
Week 12 Result: 20-17 loss at Atlanta
Say what you would like about the Packers, there is a good chance they'll miss the playoffs unless they win the NFC North. But their four losses are each by a field goal, and each essentially on the final play of the game.
That's a remarkable fact.
Sure this team has plenty of deficiencies: the running game is non-existent, and the special teams cost them greatly against Atlanta.
But Aaron Rodgers has proven he is capable of scoring whenever the club needs points. And in the stretch run that is vital.
No. 7: Philadelphia Eagles (7-4)
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Last Week's Rank: 2
Week 12 Result: 31-26 loss at Chicago
The Bears didn't contain Michael Vick quite as much as the media would have you believe: he made some nice runs, and threw the ball with pretty good efficiency, despite his only interception of the season.
Still, the Eagles offense didn't look very sharp. LeSean McCoy couldn't find room to run, and only an incredible touchdown pass from Vick to Brett Celek made the score close.
Philadelphia's defense really missed Asante Samuel and Ellis Hobbs, which is the main reason why the Bears were able to take chances down the field.
If Hobbs is probably out for the season, but Samuel will fix some of the problems in the secondary. Too bad Andre Johnson wasn't suspended for his fight on Sunday. Now the Eagles will have to find a way to contain him short-staffed on a short week.
No. 6: Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3)
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Last Week's Rank: 6
Week 12 Result: 19-16 win at Buffalo
Sure the Bills are much improved from where they were a month ago. And several times earlier this season, Buffalo gave division leaders Baltimore, Chicago, New England, and Kansas City major scares.
But the Steelers really folded in the second half last week.
They were up 13-0 at the half, then frittered away their lead.
Steve Johnson's drop made all the hightlights, but there were three times before that play that the Bills could have won the game.
Aside from their dominating win over Oakland, Pittsburgh really has not played that well in the past six weeks. They were beaten soundly by New England and New Orleans and could easily have lost in the last minute to Miami, Cincinnati, and Buffalo.
Fears of another terrible collapse like last season can be put to rest with a win on Sunday night.
No. 5: Baltimore Ravens (8-3)
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Last Week's Rank: 5
Week 12 Result: 17-10 win vs. Tampa Bay
Much like the Packers, the Ravens continue to be in every game until the final play: their three losses come by a combined 13 points.
The defense is once again playing as expected, surrendering just about 14 points per game the past month.
And with a healthy Ray Rice the offense remains on schedule.
Sunday's matchup with Pittsburgh should be one of the year's best shows.
No. 4: Chicago Bears (8-3)
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Last Week's Rank: 12
Week 12 Result: 31-26 win vs. Philadelphia
Maybe the Bears are capable of winning the NFC North.
They manhandled the Eagles for three quarters and did as good a job against Michael Vick as anyone has all season.
And although Jay Cutler made several key throws, it was Matt Forte's running big-play burst that keeps their offense dangerous.
This team is far from perfect, but with a pass rusher like Julius Peppers, a returner like Devin Hester, Forte in the backfield, and Cutler under center, they do have great talent spread across the board.ย
No. 3: New York Jets (9-2)
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Last Week's Rank: 7
Week 12 Result: 26-10 win vs. Cincinnati
Beginning with being shut out at home by the Packers, the Jets have not looked like a great team. And, at home, they really didn't dominate a 2-8 Bengals team. They trailed 7-3 at the half.
But they have now won four straight. No matter how those wins came (ugly comebacks against Cleveland, Detroit, and Houston) they won the ball games.
And just one loss in the last ten games has to be worth something.
So does the fact that there are potential pro bowlers at almost every spot on the field.
Combine that with exceptional special team, and the Jets are very capable of toppling New England next Monday night to take over the top spot in the AFC East, the AFC, and the Week 14 power rankings.
No. 2: Atlanta Falcons (9-2)
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Last Week's Rank: 4
Week 12 Result: 20-17 win vs. Green Bay
The Falcons are certainly the most consistent team in the NFC. They're also the most balanced team in the NFC. And right now they are the best team in the NFC.
Michael Turner is a great back and Matt Ryan has been a remarkable comeback quarterback.
The only concern for the Falcons has to be their secondary play. Although only two resulted in touchdowns, the Packers had five pretty long drives. And Aaron Rogers collected 344 yards and carved them up on that game-tying touchdown drive.
With another game against Drew Brees' Saints, and potential playoff games against the Giants or Eagles, that has to be addressed.
No. 1: New England Patriots (9-2)
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Last Week's Rank: 1
Week 12 Result: 45-24 win at Detroit
The first half did not look very promising for the Patriots, as they fell behind 17-10. And even in the third quarter that young New England secondary let the Lions make several big plays.
But they settled down and are starting to play like a pretty solid unit, one the negates their middle-of-the-road rankings.
That all doesn't matter quite as much as what's going on across the ball.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead are a pretty good tandem.
But Tom Brady is playing arguably better than he ever has; at least in the last month or so.
Consider what he has done in the past three games: 74% completion, 877 yards, nine touchdowns, zero interceptions.
He is making a case for another MVP, something that would be incredible when the team trades away Randy Moss for a draft pick.
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