Week 12 NFL Power Rankings: Jets Flying High, Eagles Soar and More

Another week, and another miraculous win for the New York Jets. Are they as good as the Patriots? Can the Atlanta Falcons prove that they’re actually the team for the top spot? Are the New Orleans Saints being underestimated?

Entering Week 12, there continues to be a lot of parity throughout the league. This is a big week for the playoff contenders to separate themselves even further from the pretenders, so let’s take a look at how the teams currently stack up.

1.New York Jets: 8-2, T-First AFC East

While some might argue they’ve been lucky, sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good. Fortunately for the Jets, they’re both.

2.New England Patriots: 8-2, T-First AFC East

After an uncharacteristic blowout loss to the Browns, Tom Brady and the Patriots are on a mission to prove that they’re still very much among the elite teams.

3.Atlanta Falcons: 8-2. First NFC South

The Falcons continue to look like a legitimate postseason contender as this team has talent on both sides of the football.

4.Pittsburgh Steelers: 7-3, T-First AFC North

After a couple of tough losses, the Steelers blistered the Raiders and reminded everybody why they’re so dangerous.

5.Philadelphia Eagles: 7-3, First NFC East

QB Michael Vick is the most explosive player in the league and this team can do just about anything with him under center.

6.New Orleans Saints: 7-3, T-Second NFC South

The reigning Super Bowl champs shouldn’t be taken lightly as they appear to be gaining momentum and are only getting healthier.

7.Green Bay Packers: 7-3, T-First NFC North

Despite the mounting injuries, the Packers have been playing very well and QB Aaron Rodgers has really elevated his play since the beginning of the season.

8.Baltimore Ravens: 7-3, T-First AFC North

Both the running game and the defense haven’t experienced the success that many thought they would, but at 7-3 this team is still right at the head of the pack.

9.Chicago Bears: 7-3, T-First NFC North

The Bears have been overlooked by just about everyone, but it’s clear that this defense should be taken very seriously.

10.San Diego Chargers: 5-5, T-Second AFC West

The Chargers are notoriously slow starters, but they’re officially on a roll and have a very favorable schedule the rest of the way.

11.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 7-3, T-Second NFC South

This isn’t just luck: these Bucs are very much for real.

12.Indianapolis Colts: 6-4, T-First AFC South

Arguably the most banged up team in the entire league, the Colts are going to have a tough time against the postseason contenders across the league. No. 18 can’t do it alone.

13.New York Giants: 6-4, Second NFC East

The Giants are really hurting at the wide receiver position and it seems that there is a great amount of inconsistency within this bunch.

14.Kansas City Chiefs: 6-4, First AFC West

Much like the Chargers, the Chiefs find themselves with a very nice schedule for the remainder of the season and could very wind up in the postseason.

15.Oakland Raiders: 5-5, T-Second AFC West

The Raiders were absolutely smoked last week and it should be interesting to see how they bounce back in Week 12.

16.Jacksonville Jaguars: 6-4, T-First AFC South

If the Colts continue to struggle, the Jags could see their first division title in quite some time.

17.Seattle Seahawks: 5-5, First NFC West

Another team that is a bit up and down, they have an excellent chance to win the division even if they finish just 2-4 over the last six.

18.Tennessee Titans: 5-5, Third AFC South

The Titans are in disarray right now amid the Vince Young/Jeff Fisher clash and WR Randy Moss continues to be an absolute non-factor in the passing game.

19.Houston Texans: 4-6, Fourth AFC South

The Texans have seen their season take an unexpected downhill turn, but there is still time for them to come out of it if they begin to win immediately.

20.Miami Dolphins: 5-5, Third AFC East

After calling just seven rushing plays and putting up a goose egg on Thursday night, the Dolphins’ quest for the playoffs has officially ended.

21.Washington Redskins: 5-5, Third NFC East

The Redskins looked much better against the Titans than they did the Eagles, but that’s expected. QB Donovan McNabb doesn’t have the same swag he once did, and it feels like the running game features a new guy every week.

22.St. Louis Rams: 4-6, Second NFC West

The Rams are a team with a bright future, but unfortunately the future doesn’t start until after this season.

23.Dallas Cowboys: 3-7, Fourth NFC East

Two straight wins for the ‘Boys have some fans hopeful of a resurrection this season, but unfortunately it’s still looking rather than doubtful.

24.Cleveland Browns: 3-7, Third AFC North

The Browns continue to be the best three-win team in the league, but there’s no reward for that.

25.Minnesota Vikings: 3-7, Third NFC North

The Vikings have fired Coach Brad Childress, but it’s doubtful that’s going to prevent Brett Favre from throwing bone-headed interceptions.

26.Denver Broncos: 3-7, Fourth AFC West

Denver is 5-15 over its last 20 games and despite the success Kyle Orton and co. have enjoyed this season, it’s clear that something isn’t working.

27.San Francisco 49ers: 3-7, T-Third NFC West

The 49ers were embarrassed at home, but Coach Mike Singletary continues to believe in the “gameplan”.

28.Buffalo Bills: 2-8, Fourth AFC East

The Bills have reeled off two straight victories and are still playing with serious intensity despite being well out of contention.

29.Arizona Cardinals: 3-7, T-Third NFC West

If the Cardinals win more than seven games this season, it’d be a serious shock.

30.Detroit Lions: 2-8, Fourth NFC North

The Lions are really hurting from the absence of QB Matt Stafford and the poor health of rookie RB Jahvid Best.

31.Cincinnati Bengals: 2-8, Fourth AFC North

These Bengals aren’t just bad; they downright stink in every facet of the word.

32.Carolina Panthers: 1-9, Fourth NFC South

The Panthers started Brian St. Pierre at QB against a ferocious Ravens defense on Sunday. That’s how bad the problems are with the Panthers.