NFL Power Rankings Week 13: How Far Did Bears Rise After Taking Down Eagles?

NFL Power Rankings are out, and the top two teams haven't changed.

Now, all that's left is to wait for next Monday's matchup between the No.2 New York Jets (9-2) and No.1 New England Patriots (9-2). The Jets won the first meeting 28-14 in Week 2, but this isn't the same Patriots team, and it continues to gain confidence while New York has been living on the edge.

The Jets-Patriots matchup is one of many storylines worth examining. It's not the only great game on this week's schedule, either. Pittsburgh and Baltimore are about to renew their rivalry, which has been one of the league's best - and most physical.

Keep watching Denver, where Josh McDaniels still has a job. For now.

The NFL has also handed out fines for Sunday's brawl during the Houston-Tennessee game.

San Diego is coming off a huge win over Indianapolis, but could have lost one of its star players.

There's lots to examine and discuss. Time to dive into this week's rankings: 

Worse Than Watching Daytime TV

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 25: Terrell Owens #81 of the Cincinnati Bengals catches a pass under pressure from Darrell Revis #24 of the New York Jets at New Meadowlands Stadium on November 25, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated the

32. Cincinnati Bengals (2-9)
Last week's ranking: 31 

You know when T.O. has no explanation that the Bengals are truly awful.

31. Carolina Panthers (1-10)
Last week's ranking: 32

The Panthers at least were competitive against Cleveland. And Jonathan Stewart's return was a brightspot. He rushed for 98 yards on 12 carries.

Can a Team Really Be This Bad?

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GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 29: Quarterback Derek Anderson #3 of the Arizona Cardinals walks off the field during the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at the University of Phoenix Stadium on November 29, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christia

30. Arizona (3-8)
Last week's ranking: 30

Derek Anderson's pretty upset, and other players are left speechless about what's happening with this team. Sometimes words can't describe something this awful.

29. Detroit (2-9)
Last week's ranking: 29

Quarterback Matthew Stafford has been out with an injured right shoulder, and said he may begin throwing this week.

Mired in a Mess

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 28: Steve Johnson #13 of the Buffalo Bills reacts after dropping a pass in the end zone during overtime against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ralph Wilson Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Karl Wa

28. Denver (3-8)
Last week's ranking: 25

Owner Pat Bowlen said Josh McDaniels would be back in 2011, but also added that they'll do what's best for the franchise. So just how safe is McDaniels' job?

27. Buffalo (2-9)
Last week's ranking: 27

Sure, Steve Johnson had the drop, but let's go easy on him for just sharing what he was thinking on Twitter. Athletes have said way worse.

Bruised and Battered

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GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 29: Runningback Brian Westbrook #20 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the football on a 8 yard rushing touchdown past Adrian Wilson #24 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter of the NFL game at the University of Phoen

26. San Francisco (4-7)
Last week's ranking: 26

Frank Gore is done for the season, but it's quite a bonus to have a backup like Brian Westbrook.

25. Minnesota (4-7)
Last week's ranking: 28

Let's see how the Vikings build off their first win under interim head coach Leslie Frazier.

All Tangled Up

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CLEVELAND - NOVEMBER 28: Running back Peyton Hillis #40 of the Cleveland Browns scores a touchdown as he runs by defensive end Everette Brown #91 of the Carolina Panthers at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Mat

24. Cleveland (4-7)
Last week's ranking: 21

Peyton Hillis continues to mature, but the Browns needed Phil Dawson's 41 yard field goal to escape with a 24-23 win over lowly Carolina.

23. Houston (5-6)
Last week's ranking: 24

Congrats Texans on shutting out the Titans. You'll have a much bigger challenge on your hands with Philly on Thursday.

Decent, But Nothing More

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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 25: Tashard Choice #23 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates scoring a touchdwon against the New Orleans Saints at Cowboys Stadium on November 25, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

22. Miami (6-5)
Last week's ranking: 22

Chad Henne had a nice outing, but coach Tony Sparano knows his team is hitting a "back against the wall" time.

21. Dallas (3-8)
Last week's ranking: 23

Yes, Drew Brees carved up the defense, but you've got to applaud the Cowboys' effort against the Saints.

20. Tennessee Titans (5-6)

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NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 21: Randy Moss #84 of the Tennessee Titans is introduced before a game against the Washington Redskins at LP Field on November 21, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Last week's ranking: 18

The Titans are going to continue to struggle now that Vince Young is out of the picture, and they've turned to Rusty Smith. Kerry Collins served as his backup Sunday.

Randy Moss caught three passes for 23 yards in the loss to Houston, but columnist Dan Shaughnessy didn't hold back in his latest piece for Sports Illustrated.

Writing about Moss, Shaughnessy said: "Moss has become an expensive, high-maintenance decoy. Popular wisdom holds that Moss stretches the field, takes the safeties out of the box, and enables you to run the ball and get one-on-one coverage everywhere else. It has not worked for the Vikings or the Titans.

"Nobody really cares about Randy anymore. He has blown things up in Minnesota, Oakland, New England, and now Tennessee. He is destined to go into the Hall of Fame as a guy who never won a Super Bowl."

19. Seattle Seahawks (5-6)

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SEATTLE - NOVEMBER 28: Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe #82 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts after scoring a touchdown against Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks to take a 34-17 lead at Qwest Field on November 28, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Chiefs de

Last week's ranking: 19

Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel torched his old college coach's team for 233 yards and 4 touchdowns. Now Pete Carroll has to worry about a confident St. Louis team breathing down his team's back in the abysmal NFC West.

18. Washington Redskins (5-6)

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LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 28: Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings is congratulated by teammates after running for a key first down in the fourth quarter FedExField November 28, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Vikings won the game 17-13. (Photo by Win

Last week's ranking: 16

You're left to wonder what if with the Skins, especially after Brandon Banks' 77-yard punt return for a touchdown was negated because Perry Riley was called for a blocking penalty.

"It's disappointing when that happens, especially when you don't think it had anything to do with the play," Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said following Sunday's 17-13 loss to Minnesota. "But a block in the back is a block in the back."

17. Oakland Raiders (5-6)

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OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 28: Jacoby Ford #12 of the Oakland Raiders catches the ball while defended by Chris Clemons #30 of the Miami Dolphins at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 28, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Last week's ranking: 17

You know you're struggling when you get no production at the quarterback position and get outscored 68-20 in your last two games.

16. St. Louis Rams (5-6)

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DENVER - NOVEMBER 28: Running back Steven Jackson #39 of the St. Louis Rams escapes a diving effort by linebacker Mario Haggan #57 of the Denver Broncos on his way to a 20-yard gain during the third quarter at INVESCO Field at Mile High on November 28, 2

Last week's ranking: 20

The young Rams are maturing, and now they're winning big games on the road. Sam Bradford finished with his first career 300-yard game, but Sunday's 36-33 win at Denver also helped the Rams move into a tie for first in the NFC West.

"This was a huge step for this team, taking it to the next level," Bradford said. "It's obviously something we've struggled with earlier in the year. But to finally clear that hurdle, I feel like only things can get better now."

15. Jacksonville (6-5)

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 28: Maurice Jones Drew #32 of the Jacksonville Jaguars in action against the New York Giants on November 28, 2010 at The New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Last week's ranking: 15

Eli Manning led the Giants to a late touchdown, and David Garrard was sacked three times in the final minute. Luckily, the Jaguars are still tied for first in the AFC South.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-4)

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 21: Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lines up against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 21, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Last week's ranking: 13

Rookie defensive lineman Gerald McCoy had just one sack all season, but finished with two in Sunday's loss to Baltimore. Things don't get easier: Now the young Bucs must turn around and face division rival Atlanta.

13. San Diego Chargers (6-5)

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INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 28: Mike Tolbert #35 of the San Diego Chargers runs with the ball during the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Last week's ranking: 14

So Vincent Jackson's return sure didn't last long. The star receiver left with a strained calf in Sunday night's game with Indianapolis, and coach Norv Turner said he'll likely miss this week. Turner didn't much care for Mike Tolbert commenting on Jackson's injury either after the game.

"Mike's becoming a doctor. I don't think he got the thing on Gates' foot, either," Turner cracked. "I don't think he has a real expertise and understanding what Gates' injury is, either."

12. Indianapolis Colts (6-5)

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INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 28: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to throw a pass while pursued by Kevin Burnett #99 of the San Diego Chargers during the NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Charg

Last week's ranking: 10th

Peyton Manning has seven interceptions in his last two games, and the defense couldn't contain Philip Rivers or the Chargers offense Sunday. There's still time, but plenty to fix with the Colts.

11. New York Giants (7-4)

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 28: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants in action against the Jacksonville Jaguars during their game on November 28, 2010 at The New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Last week's ranking: 11th

Sunday's game was a must-win for the Giants. Eli Manning was clutch and Ahmad Bradshaw didn't fumble the ball. Now let's see if they can build off this.

10. Kansas City Chiefs (7-4)

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SEATTLE - NOVEMBER 28: Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe #82 of the Kansas City Chiefs is congratulated by quarterback Matt Cassel #7 and Tony Moeaki #81after scoring a touchdown to take a 34-17 lead against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on November 28, 20

Last week's ranking: 12th

The Matt Cassel-Dwayne Bowe combo is looking to be unstoppable. Both had huge days again Sunday. Bowe now has 14 touchdown receptions this season, which broke the team's single-season record of 12 set by Chris Buford in 1962. Cassel also four touchdown passes, which tied a career-high, and has now thrown 127 passes without an interception.

9. Chicago Bears (8-3)

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 28: Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears awaits the start of play against the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field on November 28, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Eagles 31-26. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Last week's ranking: 9

An impressive win over the Eagles was marred by the death of a fan who fell more than 35 feet from a concourse during halftime. The Associated Press reports that the medical examiner ruled the death of Stewart Haverty an accident. Other media outlets had suggested it may have been intentional.

8. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3)

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 28: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws with protection from Maurkice Pouncey #53 and Chris Kemoteatu #68 against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium at Ralph Wilson Stadium on November 28, 2010 in O

Last week's ranking: 8

Keep an eye on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who sprained his right foot Sunday in the overtime win against Buffalo. Roethlisberger said he was being driven backwards and his knee got bent sideways while his foot was planted.

A healthy Big Ben is a must if the Steelers want to have a chance against Baltimore.

7. Baltimore Ravens (8-3)

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BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 28: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens is introduced before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at M&T Bank Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Buccaneers 17-10. (Photo by Larry F

Last week's ranking: 7

A win Sunday over Pittsburgh would give Baltimore a franchise-best ninth straight victory at home.

"The message is simple for us: We haven't lost at home, so let's defend that," linebacker Ray Lewis told the Associated Press. "We take care of that, everything else take care of itself. From our side and their side, there is no talking that has to be done. We've been playing each other a long time and now it comes down to one of those showdown games."

6. New Orleans Saints (8-3)

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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints looks for an open receiver while playing the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on November 25, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Last week's ranking: 6

Tough win over Dallas, but the New Orleans Times Picayune does point out some impressive numbers: In their past six games, the Saints have averaged 417 total yards and scored 30 or more points in four of those games. Their overall record during that span? 5-1.

5. Green Bay Packers (7-4)

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ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 28: Brent Grimes #20 of the Atlanta Falcons tackles Greg Jennings #85 of the Green Bay Packers at Georgia Dome on November 28, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Last week's ranking: 5

The Packers and Bears are battling for NFC North supremacy, but there's a chance both could finish tied with identical records. So what happens then? For those wondering: The first tiebreaker is head-to-head matchups (they've split), then division record (both would be 5-1), then common games (both would be 10-2), then conference record. Green Bay would have an 9-3 record, but Chicago would be 8-4.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (7-4)

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PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 21: DeSean Jackson #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles is introduced before playing against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field on November 21, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Last week's ranking: 3

Let's hope the little discussion between Andy Reid and Desean Jackson doesn't linger and have a negative effect on the Eagles.

3. Atlanta Falcons (9-2)

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ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 28: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after watching a replay during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Georgia Dome on November 28, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Last week's ranking: 4

This franchise is definitely changing. No one got real excited with their ninth win of the season, a big shift since last year's ninth win secured Atlanta's first consecutive winning seasons in franchise history.

2. New York Jets (9-2)

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 21: Brad Smith #16 of the New York Jets loses his shoe after a runback against the Houston Texans during their game on November 21, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Ge

Last week's ranking: 2

Brad Smith stole the show last week with an 89-yard kickoff return and 53-yard touchdown run in a 26-10 victory over Cincinnati. Smith lost a shoe on the kickoff return, and finished with over 200 total yards.

"We call him 'Slash,' " safety James Ihedigbo said. "The guy can do anything he's asked to do."

1. New England Patriots (9-2)

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DETROIT - NOVEMBER 25: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots congratulates teammate Deion Branch #84 after a fourth quarter touchdown during the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on November 25, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. New England defea

Last week's ranking: 1

Tom Brady said this team keeps improving. Now time for them to prove it Monday against Rex Ryan and the Jets.