NFL Power Rankings Week 14: Colts Cruise Back To the Top

While the Saints comeback and win over the Washington Redskins in overtime normally would be the story of the week in the NFL, it holds no water compared to the suddenly very interesting division races in the AFC and NFC East.

The Giants got past the Cowboys, and Tony Romo had a fantastic day of 392 yards and three touchdowns to pull within one game for the division, putting them in prime position with four game remaining. Sunday's win gave them a sweep over Dallas for the season, which gives them the tiebreaker.

The Philadelphia Eagles also kept pace, making it a strong three-way race for the division with four games left,and just one game separating the division leader from the third place team.

As for the AFC East, the Miami Dolphins squeaked by the New England Patriots, 22-21, to even the season series and pull one game away from a tie for the division. Needless to say, even without discussing the Cardinals, Vikings, Bengals, Colts, and Saints, this figures to be a very interesting stretch run.

Read on to see where your team ranks in Week 14's NFL Power Rankings:


1. Indianapolis Colts (12-0)

They took care of a red hot Tennessee team when many (including this writer) doubted them. While the Saints proved yet again that they are worthy of the top spot, the Colts' performance was more convincing.

2. New Orleans Saints (12-0)

Yes, they're undefeated, and yes, they were on top last week. But narrowly escaping the Washington Redskins has to count against them somehow.

3. Minnesota Vikings (10-2)

Minnesota showed up for the first series and then proceeded to get dominated in every facet of the game for the final three quarters. They still might be a better team than the Cardinals, but they sure didn't even show a glimpse of that fact on Sunday night.

4. San Diego Chargers (9-3)

Every week we think they'll show their "true colors," but all they do is continue to show how dominant they can be against lesser teams. As great as they've been playing, they still need to stay focused to wrap up the division.

5. Cincinnati Bengals (9-3)

They handled the Lions fairly well and allowed it to look close near the end. They'll get a true test when they travel to Minnesota to face an angry Vikings squad.

6. Arizona Cardinals (8-4)

Just when you thought this team was a champion in a trash division and nothing more than an average playoff contender, they completely dismantle a very good Vikings team. They may not find their way back to the Super Bowl, but they definitely showed that they have the talent to give it a good run.

7. Philadelphia Eagles (8-4)

After a dominant performance on both sides of the ball against Atlanta, the Eagles have put themselves in prime position for a shot at the division.

8. Green Bay Packers (8-4)

The Packers have proven themselves with four straight wins, as strong contenders for the playoffs. While a shot at the division is almost certainly out of the question, another shot at the Vikings in the playoffs may not be.

9. Dallas Cowboys (8-4)

Getting swept by the Giants means that this team, no matter how good they can look at times, is very close to missing out on the playoffs. With tiebreaker losses to the Giants and the Packers, winning out now becomes very important.

10. Denver Broncos (8-4)

Two straight dominant wins are showing us that their four straight losses may have been a blip on the radar. The division is still within reach, and if they keep playing like this, earning a bye is still a real possibility.

11. New England Patriots (7-5)

Despite a great effort by Tom Brady, the once elite New England defense buckled and gave up a game-winning field goal. Don't look now, but the Patriots are now fighting for the division with Miami.

12. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-5)

They need to make up their mind on what kind of team they want people to believe they are. But really, the important thing is, regardless of a decent record, do they really stand a chance against the other contenders in this conference? I say no.

For the teams fighting for the playoffs, as well as the bottom dwellers, go here.