NFL Power Rankings Week 12: How Far Did Michael Vick Move Philadephia Eagles Up?

NFL power rankings for Week 12 are here, and it is getting harder to figure out who the top teams are this year.

Consider this fact: The 10 best teams have either a 7-3 or 8-2 record this season. That's nearly a third of all the teams in the league.

This goes to show that there are no clear-cut powerhouse teams this season, and the talent level is more evenly matched than in previous seasons. This is why teams are not able to maintain the No. 1 spot for more than two weeks this season, too.

On a side note, sorry Brad Childress, but you really should have known this was coming, and hopefully you can sleep better at night without all the stress and pressure on your shoulders.

Anyway, without delay, I am Daniel Wolf, Bleacher Report's NFL featured content coordinator, and here are the updated power rankings for Week 12.

Follow Bleacher Report's 2010 NFL coverage on Twitter by clicking here.

32. Carolina Panthers (1-9)

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 07: Head coach John Fox of the Carolina Panthers reacts to a call during their game against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Image

Last game: Lost 37-13 to the Ravens

Last week's ranking: 31

John Fox might be joining Childress in the unemployment line sooner than later.

Next game: At Browns

31. Cincinnati Bengals (2-8)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - OCTOBER 24: Head coach Marvin Lewis 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)

Last game: Lost 49-31 to the Bills

Last week's ranking: 30

While we are on the topic of head coaches from the last two slides, add Marvin Lewis' name to the mix, since this Bengals team will most likely get dismantled after this season.

 

Next game: At Jets

30. Detroit Lions (2-8)

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 21: Quarterback Shaun Hill #14 of the Detroit Lions looks for an open receiver against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Lions 35-19. (Photo by Tom Pennington/G

Last game: Lost 35-19 to the Cowboys

Last week's ranking: 29

Quarterback Shaun Hill may have thrown nine interceptions in relief of starter Matthew Stafford this season, but his 80 quarterback rating says he has been a solid backup, too.

 

Next game: Home vs. Patriots

29. Buffalo Bills (2-8)

Last game: Won 49-31 over the Bengals

Last week's ranking: 32

The Bills finally get themselves out of the dead last spot!

Regardless of the fine Steve Johnson will get for his "Why So Serious?" shirt, it was worth every last penny.

 

Next game: Home vs. Steelers

28. San Francisco 49ers (3-7)

Warren Little/Getty Images

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Troy Smith #1 of San Francisco 49ers in action during the NFL International Series match between Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers at Wembley Stadium on October 31, 2010 in London, England. This is the fourth occasion w

Last game: Lost 21-0 to the Bucs

Last week's ranking: 25

Quarterback Troy Smith struggled in start number three and is now 2-1. Can he get back on track in Week 12 to solidify his starting role?

 

Next game: At Cardinals

27. Arizona Cardinals (3-7)

Harry How/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 31: Beanie Wells #26 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Last game: Lost 31-13 to the Chiefs

Last week's ranking: 27

Running back Chris "Beanie" Wells is having a terrible sophomore season with only 270 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

 

Next game: Home vs. Niners

26. Denver Broncos (3-7)

Chris McGrath/Getty Images

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Head coach of the Denver Broncos Josh McDaniels speaks to the media during a press conference prior to the start of a team training session at The Brit Oval on October 29, 2010 in London, England. The Denver Broncos will pla

Last game: Lost 35-14 to the Chargers

Last week's ranking: 26

How hot is your seat, Josh McDaniels?

 

Next game: Home vs. Rams

25. Minnesota Vikings (3-7)

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

MINNEAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 21: Head coach Brad Childress of the Minnesota Vikings on the sidelines against the Green Bay Packers at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on November 21, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Last game: Lost 31-3 to the Packers

Last week's ranking: 24

The Vikings, like the Bengals, will most likely get dismantled as a team after this season now that Childress is out.

 

Next game: At Redskins

24. Cleveland Browns (3-7)

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 21: Colt McCoy #12 of the Cleveland Browns warms up during a game agaisnt the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on November 21, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Last game: Lost 24-20 to the Jags

Last week's ranking: 21

Colt McCoy is the next Browns quarterback to go down with an ankle sprain. What is going on in Cleveland? All three quarterbacks on the roster have had some form of ankle sprain this season.

 

Next game: Home vs. Panthers

23. St. Louis Rams (4-6)

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

ST. LOUIS - NOVEMBER 21: Steven Jackson #39 of the St. Louis Rams rushes 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)

Last game: Lost 34-17 to the Falcons

Last week's ranking: 23

With quarterback Sam Bradford getting most of the attention on the Rams, running back Steven Jackson has quietly provided consistency in the run game, as he has done his entire career. Jackson is on pace for 1,300 yards on the ground this season.

 

Next game: At Broncos

22. Dallas Cowboys (3-7)

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 21: Head coach Jason Garrett of the Dallas Cowboys leads his team against the Detroit Lions late in the fourth quarter at Cowboys Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Lions 35-19. (Photo by Tom

Last game: Won 35-19 over the Lions

Last week's ranking: 28

Usually when there is a midseason coaching change, it is a bad thing and a team has trouble recovering for the remainder of the season—but not in Big D's case. Jason Garrett is showing some interim magic, is 2-0 and is looking to take over as head coach full-time for 2011.

 

Next game: Home vs. Saints

21. Houston Texans (4-6)

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 21: Head coach Gary Kubiak of the Houston Texans looks on 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)

Last game: Lost 30-27 to the Jets

Last week's ranking: 19

Is Gary Kubiak the next head coach on the hot seat after starting 3-1, but since going 1-5?

 

Next game: Home vs. Titans

20. Miami Dolphins (5-5)

Marc Serota/Getty Images

MIAMI - NOVEMBER 14: Quarterback Tyler Thigpen #16 of the Miami Dolphins passes against the Tennessee Titans at Sun Life Stadium on November 14, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Last game: Lost 16-0 to the Bears

Last week's ranking: 14

The Dolphins are down to Tyler Thigpen and it might be time to start sending some scouts to colleges with top-rated quarterbacks right now.

 

Next game: At Raiders

19. Oakland Raiders (5-5)

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 17: Richard Seymour #92 of the Oakland Raiders stands on the field in between plays of their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on October 17, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Ima

Last game: Lost 31-3 to the Steelers

Last week's ranking: 17

The Richard Seymour saga shouldn't have even happened. Just don't throw punches, period.

 

Next game: Home vs. Dolphins

18. Seattle Seahawks (5-5)

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE - OCTOBER 24: Free safety Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Qwest Field on October 24, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Last game: Lost 34-19 to the Saints

Last week's ranking: 16

Rookie safety Earl Thomas is really turning into a top defender in his first year. He leads the team in total tackles and interceptions, and is second in passes defended.

 

Next game: Home vs. Chiefs

17. San Diego Chargers (5-5)

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

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

Last game: Won 35-14 over the Broncos

Last week's ranking: 22

Is quarterback Philip Rivers becoming the latest MVP candidate? His four-touchdown performance on Monday Night Football might start swaying some voters.

 

Next game: At Colts

16. Tennessee Titans (5-5)

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 21: Quarterback Vince Young #11 of the Tennessee Titans talks with a member of the training staff after leaving a game against the Washington Redskins at LP Field on November 21, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Redskins won 19-

Last game: Lost 19-16 to the Redskins

Last week's ranking: 15

Goodbye, Vince Young. Your time in Tennessee is over and you will be wearing different colors in 2011.

The Titans will most likely be competing with the Dolphins and a few other teams for the top college quarterbacks in next year's draft, unless they can swing a trade for a quarterback like, say, Kevin Kolb.

 

Next game: At Texans

15. Washington Redskins (5-5)

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

ATLANTA - DECEMBER 31: James Davis #1 of the Clemson Univeristy Tigers runs around Jonathan Wilhite #24 of the Auburn University Tigers during the Chick-Fil-A Bowl on December 31, 2007 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Get

Last game: Won 19-16 over the Titans

Last week's ranking: 20

Clinton Portis might be done for the season and Ryan Torain is hurting, so who is next for Mike Shanahan to groom into the next big running back for his offense?

Enter former Clemson star and recently cut Cleveland Brown James Davis, who was just signed to the active roster from the practice squad. 

Remember that Davis is the running back who kept C.J. Spiller on the bench for two seasons.

 

Next game: Home vs. Vikings

14. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4)

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

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

Last game: Won 24-20 over the Browns

Last week's ranking: 18

It is really amazing to watch Maurice Jones-Drew run the football with such power. He is such a tiny guy in a land of giants. It is really fun to watch.

 

Next game: At Giants

13. Kansas City Chiefs (6-4)

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 13: Dexter McCluster #22 of the Kansas City Chiefs in action during the game against the San Diego Chargers on September 13, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Last game: Won 31-13 over the Cardinals

Last week's ranking: 13

Running backs Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles have combined for nearly 1,500 yards rushing already this year. Just think how much more deadly the offense will become once rookie Dexter McCluster comes back from injury. Scary thought.

 

Next game: At Seahawks

12. NY Giants (6-4)

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE - NOVEMBER 07: Wide receiver Hakeem Nicks #88 of the New York Giants runs a pass route against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on November 7, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Giants defeated the Seahawks 41-7. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty I

Last game: Lost 27-17 to the Eagles

Last week's ranking: 7

First receiver Steve Smith is hurt, now the Giants will be without fellow starting receiver Hakeem Nicks for the next three weeks. Looks like fantasy owners are about to hit the jackpot with Mario Manningham getting all their targets now.

 

Next game: Home vs. Jags

11. Indianapolis Colts (6-4)

Elsa/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - NOVEMBER 21: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts looks on during a time out in the second half against the New England Patriots on November 21, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots defeated the Colts 31-

Last game: Lost 31-28 to the Patriots

Last week's ranking: 5

It is quite evident that Peyton Manning cannot single-handedly win games by himself, but if he could have it that way, then he probably would.

 

Next game: Home vs. Chargers

10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-3)

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

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)

Last game: Won 21-0 over the 49ers

Last week's ranking: 12

Josh Freeman has a 92 quarterback rating and this is only his second season. Wow!

Why aren't we talking about this kid more?

 

Next game: At Ravens

9. Green Bay Packers (7-3)

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

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)

Last game: Won 31-3 over the Vikings

Last week's ranking: 10

The Packers are showing the rest of the NFL that you do not need a top running attack to compete as long as you have a solid quarterback and weapons for him to throw to on the outside.

They have outscored their opponents 76-10 in the last two games to further prove this.

 

Next game: At Falcons

8. Chicago Bears (7-3)

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 14: Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears awaits the start of play against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on November 14, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Vikings 27-13. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Last game: Won 16-0 over the Dolphins

Last week's ranking: 11

The Bears have quietly become one of the better teams in the NFL and are led by their No. 2 rush defense, which only allows 78 yards on the ground per game.

 

Next game: Home vs. Eagles

7. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3)

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 21: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers watches his team warm up prior to the game against the Oakland Raiders on November 21, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Last game: Won 31-3 over the Raiders

Last week's ranking: 8

Ben Roethlisberger definitely has his mojo back after missing the first four games of the season due to a suspension. That is, unless Richard Seymour knocked the mojo back out of him.

Too soon?!

Just kidding, anyway.

 

Next game: At Bills

6. Baltimore Ravens (7-3)

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 21: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens spits out water as he walks down the sidelines against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty

Last game: Won 37-13 over the Panthers

Last week's ranking: 9

Ray Lewis' pick-six from 24 yards out further cements him as a first-time Hall of Fame inductee after he retires.

The man is 35 years old and is playing better than most 22-year-olds in the league right now.

Lewis is 11th in the NFL in total tackles with 83. He is simply a beast of a linebacker.

 

Next game: Home vs. Bucs

5. New Orleans Saints (7-3)

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CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 07: Teammates Drew Brees #9 and Jimmy Graham #80 of the New Orleans Saints celebrate after a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Last game: Won 34-19 over the Seahawks

Last week's ranking: 4

You might be thinking, how can the Saints drop a spot even though they won?

Vick.

Getting back to the Saints, Drew Brees has found a new favorite target (as if he didn't already have enough targets to throw to) in rookie tight end Jimmy Graham.

 

Next game: At Cowboys

4. NY Jets (8-2)

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 11: (L-R) Nick Mangold #74, Mark Sanchez #6 and Santonio Holmes #10 of the New York Jets walk on the field against the Minnesota Vikings at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 11, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets

Last game: Won 30-27 over the Texans

Last week's ranking: 2

How do the Jets fall two spots after winning?

Bear in mind a win is a win, but not when they are last-play victories over three teams with a combined record of 9-21 this season.

Getting back to the Jets, Mark Sanchez has been able to make magic with receiver Santonio Holmes the past three weeks, and they look to be a great pass-and-catch combo if Holmes re-signs after this year.

 

Next game: Home vs. Bengals

3. Philadelphia Eagles (7-3)

Nick Laham/Getty Images

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

Last game: Won 27-17 over the Giants

Last week's ranking: 6

Let's face the facts: Michael Vick is playing the best football of his life right now, and if he can continue this tempo, then he can get the Eagles to the Super Bowl.

The catch is that he may have to face his former team, the Atlanta Falcons, in the NFC Championship Game.

What a storyline that would be!

 

Next game: At Bears

2. New England Patriots (8-2)

Elsa/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - NOVEMBER 21: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots congratulates James Sanders #36 after Sanders intercepted a pass intended for Pierre Garcon of the Indianapolis Colts on November 21, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, M

Last game: Won 31-28 over the Colts

Last week's ranking: 3

Outside of a Week 9 hiccup in Cleveland in a loss that was a classic trap game, the Pats have only lost to the Jets.

The Jets might have the tiebreaker, but the Pats are not squeaking by in last-second touchdown plays to win games each week, either.

And they are winning with six starters on defense who have two years or less NFL experience. This is a defense that will be scary good in the coming years with all the reps they are getting now.

 

Next game: At Lions

1. Atlanta Falcons (8-2)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 11: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons runs off the field after their 26-21 win over the Baltimore Ravens at Georgia Dome on November 11, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Last game: Won 34-17 over the Rams

Last week's ranking: 1

The Falcons maintain their No. 1 spot for a second straight week, and with their two losses coming against tough teams like the Steelers and Eagles, they will have to keep winning to maintain their seat on top of the NFL right now.

 

Next game: Home vs. Packers