NFL Power Rankings Week 12: Vick's Eagles on Top, Cowboys, Bills, Packers Rising
I'm starting to get the feeling that the top 10 teams in the NFL are interchangeable right now.
Take your pick: New England, Pittsburgh, the Jets, Baltimore, Green Bay, Philadelphia, the Giants, Atlanta, New Orleans, Chicago.
Any clear cut favorites?
It's one big smorgasbord of wins and losses. We will probably have a better idea of things after the Week 12 action.
Top Five Matchups To Watch in Week 12
1. Philadelphia at Chicago
2. San Diego at Indianapolis
3. Atlanta at Green Bay
4. Tampa Bay at Baltimore
5. Jacksonville at New York Giants
Top Five Quarterbacks in Week 12:
1. Philip Rivers
2. Ryan Fitzpatrick
3. Drew Brees
4. Jon Kitna
5. Mark Sanchez
Top Five Running Backs in Week 12
1. Adrian Peterson
2. Chris Johnson
3. Arian Foster
4. Peyton Hillis
5. LeGarrette Blount
Top Five Wide Receivers in Week 12
1. Malcom Floyd
2. Dwayne Bowe
3. Brandon Lloyd
4. Steve Johnson
5. Mike Wallace
And now what you've all been waiting for: My absurd but fun Week 12 Power Rankings.
Don't like my list? I want to hear from you! Share yours in the comments section below. Let's discuss people! Have any mock headlines? Share those too.
32. Carolina Panthers 1-9
1 of 32
Previously Ranked: 32
Week 11: 37-13 loss to Baltimore
They may have lost by 24 points, but they sure made Baltimore work for the win. I kid. Brian "Stay at Home Dad" St. Pierre made things very difficult for an already short-handed Panther team by throwing two pick-sixes. The lone bright spot for Carolina was Mike Goodson, who went over 100 yards for the second straight game.
The Panthers are as bad as it gets.
Next up: at Cleveland
Over/Under total offense for the Panthers is 200 yards. I'll take the under, what do you got?
31. Arizona Cardinals 3-7
2 of 32
Previously Ranked: 31
Week 11: 31-13 loss at Kansas City
The Cardinals have now lost five straight. In those five games, they've given up 154 points, an average of 30.8 per game.
Next up: San Francisco on Monday Night Football
30. Detroit Lions 2-8
3 of 32
Previously Ranked: 30
Week 11: 35-19 loss at Dallas
The Lions D lacked ferocity in the second half for the third straight game. After hearing that, you won't be surprised to hear the Lions have lost all three.
Next up: New England on Thanksgiving Day
Should be a great game to watch on Turkey Day. The Lions should play better on the big stage.
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29. Minnesota Vikings 3-7
4 of 32
Previously Ranked: 27
Week 11: 31-3 loss to Green Bay
Does Favre now drive Chilly to the airport?
Next up: at Washington
Kill me now.
28. Cincinnati Bengals 2-8
5 of 32
Previously Ranked: 28
Week 11: 49-31 loss to Buffalo
Cincinnati led by 17 at halftime and still somehow managed to lose by 18 points. Hmmmm...
Next up: at New York Jets on Thanksgiving night, NFL Network
The T.Ocho show will have great ratings on Thanksgiving night in New York.
27. San Francisco 49ers 3-7
6 of 32
Previously Ranked: 19
Week 11: 21-0 loss to Tampa Bay
Does anyone have the balls to fire Mike Singletary? Just when you thought the Niners had turned it around, Troy Smith reverts back to the Troy Smith that Baltimore cut earlier this season.
Next up: at Arizona on Monday Night Football
I'll be navigating through my NBA League Pass during this one, and I don't even know who's playing. Nobody likes bad football.
26. Denver Broncos 3-7
7 of 32
Previously Ranked: 25
Week 11: 35-14 loss at San Diego
Not much went Denver's way on Monday night. Can't let Philip Rivers throw four touchdowns and allow a 100-yard runner. Just can't.
Next up: St. Louis
The Rams are ripe for the pickin'.
25. St. Louis Rams 4-6
8 of 32
Previously Ranked: 24
Week 11: 34-17 loss to Atlanta
Stick a fork in 'em cause they're done. The Rams' 34-17 loss is their fourth in six games. On the bright side, Seattle lost in New Orleans, which keeps them only one back of the division lead. Winning the division would be nice, but let's be honest, the Rams aren't winning a playoff game.
Next up: at Denver
Three Rams' corners missed time against Atlanta due to cramping! The game was played indoors at a cozy 72 degrees. They are going to have some serious problems playing at Mile High.
24. Cleveland Browns 3-7
9 of 32
Previously Ranked: 23
Week 11: 24-20 loss at Jacksonville
The Browns let another one slip away. They could be close to .500 if they knew how to finish a game. And if things couldn't get any worse, Colt McCoy may miss some time with a high-ankle sprain. #TOTALBUMMER
Next up: Carolina
This shouldn't be close, but then again it's the Browns.
23. Houston Texans 4-6
10 of 32
Previously Ranked: 22
Week 11: 30-27 loss at NY Jets
Speaking of teams that can't finish a game. Up four with 55 seconds left and they let Mark Sanchez trot his Jets down the field for six. Is Gary Kubiak next on the chopping block? I don't see him lasting much longer.
Next up: Tennessee
This matchup makes me laugh. I don't know which team is more dysfunctional right now.
22. Seattle Seahawks 5-5
11 of 32
Previously Ranked: 21
Week 11: 34-19 loss at New Orleans
A few things worth nothing here.
1. Matt Hasselbeck had a monster game, 32-44 for 366 yards, one touchdown and a 104.9 QB rating.
2. I bet Pete Carroll wishes he let Marshawn Lynch stay in Buffalo. He fumbled twice against the defending Super Bowl champs. #FAILURE
3. Overall, the Seahawks aren't very good.
Next up: Kansas City
I'm not really sure about this one. Could be a great game, but at the same time it could be a mind-numbing affair, similar to what happened against the Giants.
21. Tennessee Titans 5-5
12 of 32
Previously Ranked: 18
Week 11: 19-16 OT loss to Washington
Does Vince Young's move to the IR mean he's done in Tennessee? It's clear he isn't the future of this team. And I'd like to congratulate Randy Moss for putting up another goose egg. Well done.
Next up: at Houston
The Titans need to win this game if they plan to contend for the division.
20. Washington Redskins 5-5
13 of 32
Previously Ranked: 29
Week 11: 19-16 win at Tennessee
Just when you think the Redskins have nothing left, they go and steal a win in Tennessee. Too bad they're too far back to make a run at this point in the season. McNabb looked good in the win, throwing for 376 yards.
Next up: Minnesota
Favre and McNabb were once must-see quarterbacks, keyword being once.
19. Miami Dolphins 5-5
14 of 32
Previously Ranked: 15
Week 11: 16-0 loss to Chicago
Tyler Thigpen didn't stand a chance against the Bears defense. He was hit by Julius Peppers five times. Regardless, he needs to be better than he was last Thursday.
Next up: at Oakland
I'm pretty sure the Dolphins' season is over already, but if not, a loss at Oakland should do the trick.
18. Buffalo Bills 2-8
15 of 32
Previously Ranked: 26
Week 11: 49-31 win at Cincinnati
What an impressive win for the RED-HOT Buffalo Bills. Ryan Fitzpatrick and Steve Johnson connected for three touchdowns in the second half.
I'm going to say it again: Ryan Fitz is the Bills quarterback of the future; he'll make sure he is by winning a few more games, thus playing the Bills out of the top spot in the draft.
Next up: Pittsburgh
The Steelers had better take the Bills seriously.
17. Dallas Cowboys 3-7
16 of 32
Previously Ranked: 20
Week 11: 35-19 win over Detroit
Jon Kitna had four touchdowns and a 129.7 passer rating. They are a completely different team under Jason Garrett.
Next up: New Orleans on Thanksgiving Day
I don't necessarily think the Saints are a lock in this one. The 'Boys have won two in a row since the regime change. Always great to see Dallas on Thanksgiving.
16. Oakland Raiders 5-5
17 of 32
Previously Ranked: 12
Week 11: 35-3 loss at Pittsburgh
The Raiders had 182 total yards against the Steelers. I would bet that Carolina could do that too. They need to be better next time.
Note to Tom Cable:
Darren McFadden MUST touch the ball more than 12 times for your team to win. Write that down if you think there's a chance you'll forget.
Note to Richard Seymour:
What were you thinking? The last thing your team needs is a distraction! Get it together man. You're better than that.
Next up: Miami
Miami is pretty decent on the road, but I guess it really depends on who starts for the Dolphins at quarterback.
15. Jacksonville Jaguars 6-4
18 of 32
Previously Ranked: 17
Week 11: 24-20 win over Cleveland
How many of you thought the Jags would be leading the AFC South after 11 weeks? If you say that you saw this coming, you're a liar.
Maurice Jones-Drew looks like a top-five running back again. Thank God.
Next up: at New York Giants
We will know who the Jags are after this game. David Garrard needs to learn how to throw the ball quicker if he expects to make it through the entire game in one piece.
14. Kansas City Chiefs 6-4
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Previously Ranked: 16
Week 11: 31-13 win over Arizona
I think it's time we talk about Dwayne Bowe possibly being the best wide receiver in football. He leads the league with 11 touchdowns on only 45 catches. That's pretty sick.
Next up: at Seattle
Don't look past Seattle at home. Can't afford to let any slip at this point, the Raiders are still an unknown.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7-3
20 of 32
Previously Ranked: 11
Week 11: 21-0 win at San Francisco
Mike Williams' urine came back clean, so the Bucs are safe. But I've heard Josh Freeman is pretty good at bringing his team back. Are the Bucs the most underrated team in the NFL?
Next up: at Baltimore
Two teams that can't afford to lose.
12. Indianapolis Colts 6-4
21 of 32
Previously Ranked: 7
Week 11: 31-28 loss to New England
Peyton Manning led the Colts to two 70-yard touchdown drives, and it still wasn't enough because he threw a pick with the game hanging in the balance. Seems like he only makes mistakes against the Patriots.
Next up: San Diego on Sunday Night Football
Doesn't get any easier for Peyton and his Colts.
11. San Diego Chargers 5-5
22 of 32
Previously Ranked: 13
Week 11: 35-14 win over Denver
The Chargers are lurking. They're getting guys back from injury at just the right time. Should we be surprised by the fact that Philip Rivers threw four more touchdowns? Seems par for the course to me.
Next up: at Indianapolis on Sunday Night Football
Who do you think Tony Dungy thinks is playing better football right now: Philip Rivers or Peyton Manning?
10. Chicago Bears 7-3
23 of 32
Previously Ranked: 14
Week 11: 16-0 win at Miami
If Jay Cutler and da Bears can score 16 points a game from here on out, they'll be tough to beat.
Next up: Philadelphia
This one makes me giddy. If the Bears win, are they top five?
9. New York Giants 6-4
24 of 32
Previously Ranked: 8
Week 11: 27-17 loss at Philadelphia
With all the baseball played in New York, you'd think Eli would know how to slide! Somebody please call Joe Girardi.
On the injury front, the Giants will be without top wideout Hakeem Nicks for the next three weeks. Steve Smith needs to hurry back.
Next up: Jacksonville
A loss here wold be disastrous.
8. New Orleans Saints 7-3
25 of 32
Previously Ranked: 10
Week 11: 34-19 win over Seattle
Marques Colston finally broke out of his 2010 slump by catching eight balls for 113 yards and two touchdowns. The Saints will need him to be at his best from here on out.
Next up: at Dallas on Thanksgiving Day
I hope I'm wrong, but I think it'll be a blowout.
7. New York Jets 8-2
26 of 32
Previously Ranked: 4
Week 11: 30-27 win over Houston
Mark Sanchez led his team to victory in the final seconds once again. That's three times in three weeks. I've got to hand it to him, he's the real deal.
Next up: Cincinnati Bengals on Thanksgiving Day
I wonder what Rex Ryan will have in store for the T.Ocho show.
6. Baltimore Ravens 7-3
27 of 32
Previously Ranked: 3
Week 11: 37-13 win at Carolina
The Ravens scored two touchdowns on defense. Take those away and they only win by 10. Mike Goodson and his 120 exposed a hole in the Ravens defense.
Next up: Tampa Bay
Patience will be a virtue here for the Ravens. Josh Freeman can be beaten, contrary to popular belief.
5. Atlanta Falcons 8-2
28 of 32
Previously Ranked: 5
Week 11: 34-17 win at St. Louis
It's official, the Falcons are really good. I wasn't sure they could win on the road, but after seeing them man-handle the Rams I'm a believer.
Next up: Green Bay
Biggest game of the season for Matt Ryan and the Falcons.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers 7-3
29 of 32
Previously Ranked: 6
Week 11: 35-3 win over Oakland
Want to see something ridiculous? Below are Mike Wallace's numbers in the six games since Ben's return: 24 receptions for 548 yards, 22.83 yards per catch, six touchdowns (29,53,39,15,33,52).
Next up: at Buffalo
Proceed with caution, Chan Gailey has his boys playing inspired football.
3. Green Bay Packers 7-3
30 of 32
Previously Ranked: 9
Week 11: 31-3 win at Minnesota
The Packers look scary good. Hard to believe they are second-best in the NFC North because of the tiebreaker.
Brad Childress can thank Aaron Rodgers for getting fired.
Next up: at Atlanta
Possibly the most exciting matchup of the week.
2. New England Patriots 8-2
31 of 32
Previously Ranked: 2
Week 11: 31-28 win at Indianapolis
You think Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum regrets releasing Danny Woodhead? Would the Patriots have eight wins without him? I honestly don't think so, because he presents a threat that is very difficult to defend.
Next up: at Detroit on Thanksgiving Day
Nothing says Thanksgiving more than Tom Brady's beautiful head of hair.
1. Philadelphia Eagles 7-3
32 of 32
Previously Ranked: 1
Week 11: 27-17 win over the New York Giants
Mike Vick committed his first turnover of the season in the form of a fumble on Sunday night. Finally the "new" Vick made a mistake. The Eagles are the team to beat until I see otherwise.
Next up: at Chicago
The Eagles cannot afford to make mistakes against the Bears. Brian Urlacher and Julius Peppers look almost as unstoppable as Vick does. Going to be a great game all around.
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