NFL Power Rankings Week 13: Can The Chargers Crack The Top 10?
NFL Power Rankings Week 13 features the continued rise of several NFC teams towards the top.
The Falcons outlasted the Packers in a thrilling game in Atlanta, while the sandy conditions in Chicago helped the Bears slow down Michael Vick and the Eagles.
Despite sustaining losses in Week 12, Green Bay and Philadelphia figure to be factors in the NFC race all the way until the end of the regular season.
Turning to the AFC, San Diego inflicted some more pain on the wounded Indianapolis Colts Sunday night.
After their annual September swoon, the Chargers are beginning to look like one of the better teams in the NFL.
How high will the Bolts rise this week?
Let's find out.
Here's a look at how all 32 teams stack up in the NFL power rankings Week 13.
The Bottom Of The Pack
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No. 32 Carolina Panthers
Mike Goodson has been a revelation, but his performance is about the only thing going right in Carolina.
No. 31 Arizona Cardinals
Derek Anderson's post-game meltdown helped us forget about exactly how awful the Cardinals have played this season.
Anderson's play is only small part of the problem in the desert. The defense has been bad against the pass and was gashed on the ground last night by the Niners' backup running backs.
No. 30 Cincinnati Bengals
Carson Palmer is playing like a quarterback who knows his job is safe.
It might be time for the Bengals to draft another young passing prospect.
No. 29 Detroit Lions
How long will the Lions keep playing hard?
Several mental missteps in the Thanksgiving Day loss to the Patriots' suggests the spirit has already been broken.
No. 28 Denver Broncos
Josh McDaniels just keeps digging himself into a deeper hole.
No matter how many yards Kyle Orton throws, Denver will have a difficult time winning games thanks to a horrible defense.
No. 27 Buffalo Bills
The Bills get an "A" for effort, but at some point you actually need to win close games.
No. 26 San Francisco 49ers
Frank Gore is done for the year, meaning Brian Westbrook will get a chance to show he can still play.
Can Troy Smith manage to lead the 49ers to a win over a good team? Don't count on it.
No. 25 Dallas Cowboys
Sure, the Cowboys seem to be playing harder with Jason Garrett.
Until the secondary gets better, Dallas will struggle to get wins on a weekly basis.
No. 24 Washington Redskins
The Redskins have been hit hard by injuries at running back and don't have enough weapons at receiver.
It could be a rocky finish to the season for Donovan McNabb.
No. 23 Minnesota Vikings
The feeling of dread has lifted in the Twin Cities, for the moment at least.
With the injury to Adrian Peterson and a difficult schedule down the stretch, don't expect the Vikes to crack the top 20.
No. 22 Oakland Raiders
Bruce Gradkowski looked awful in his return to the starting quarterback role, and the Raiders' defense still can't stop the run.
No. 21: Cleveland Browns
The Browns don't really need a passing game with Peyton Hillis continuing on his run towards the Pro Bowl.
Another win could help Cleveland crack the top 20.
20. Tennessee Titans
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Why They Are Here
Rusty Smith looked like an inexperienced rookie Sunday, becoming one of the few quarterbacks to be shut down by Houston's defense this season.
Staying Power
Thankfully, Kerry Collins is likely to return in Week 13. At least the Titans have a fighting chance with him under center.
Where is Randy Moss?
19. Seattle Seahawks
3 of 21
Why They Are Here
Seattle has looked good at times, but the margin for error remains painfully slim. Pete Carroll's team absolutely needs to win games at home to sneak into the playoffs.
Staying Power
With the worst secondary in the NFL, Seattle will need Matt Hasselbeck to stay healthy and get some sort of contribution from the running game.
That might be too much to ask.
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18. Miami Dolphins
4 of 21
Why They Are Here
Finally, Miami found a running game.
Too bad it didn't happen until Week 12, when Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown broke lose against the Raiders.
Staying Power
Tyler Thigpen has won one game in his 12 career starts in the NFL, so it's obvious Chad Henne gives the Dolphins the best chance to win.
If Henne makes the most of his second chance in Miami, the Dolphins will have a good chance to finish with a winning record.
17. St. Louis Rams
5 of 21
Why They Are Here
Injuries have left the Rams with no-name collection of journeyman wide receivers, but that hasn't stopped rookie Sam Bradford from putting up impressive numbers in recent weeks.
Staying Power
St. Louis looks like the best team in the pathetic NFC West, but in many ways the Rams have overachieved this season.
Steven Jackson could be the key to the team's playoff hopes down the stretch.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars
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Why They Are Here
Until things fell apart in the second half against the Giants Sunday, Jacksonville looked to be on the verge of pulling off another impressive win.
A balanced offense has helped the Jags get involved in the AFC playoff race.
Staying Power
As long as David Garrard stays healthy, the Jags have a chance to claim the vulnerable AFC South this season.
Meanwhile, Jack Del Rio appear to have saved his job.
15. Houston Texas
7 of 21
Why They Are Here
Houston still can't stop anybody, but the offense gives the Texans a chance every week.
Arian Foster has been the best running back in the NFL this season.
Staying Power
Gary Kubiak breathed a sigh of relief when the NFL opted not to suspend Andre Johnson.
The Texans will need Johnson and all the points they can muster going against the big-play Eagles in Week 13.
It might take an AFC South title to ensure Kubiak's future in Houston.
14. Indianapolis Colts
8 of 21
Why They Are Here
Peyton Manning is starting to show signs of stress as he continues to play with less than a full deck.
Until Austin Collie and Joesph Addai get healthy, points will no longer come easily for the Colts.
Staying Power
"Playoffs?"
Despite all of the injuries on both sides of the ball, Indy still has a great chance to claim the AFC South.
Just don't expect a prolonged run in January.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
9 of 21
Why They Are Here
Tampa Bay didn't look good in Week 12 against Baltimore, but the 7-4 record speaks for itself.
If he had slightly better overall numbers, Josh Freeman would get at least a little MVP consideration.
Staying Power
It might take more late-game heroics from Freeman to help the Bucs finish the season on a winning note.
No matter what happens this season, the future looks bright in Tampa.
12. San Diego Chargers
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Why They Are Here
If only the Chargers ever started playing before the month of October.
Another late-season push has Norv Turner on the verge of saving his job while putting enormous pressure on the upstart Chiefs.
Staying Power
Vincent Jackson is back, sort of.
The star receiver got banged up during his first game of the season, raising questions about where his heart really is.
If Jackson stays on the field, San Diego will look like the best team in the AFC West.
Talk about a big "if."
11. Kansas City Chiefs
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Why They Are Here
All the talk about Dwayne Bowe been an underachieving slouch has disappeared.
With 14 touchdown catches on the season, Bowe has made a huge impact for the Chiefs and possibly saved Matt Cassel's career in the process.
Staying Power
Kansas City has a decent schedule down the stretch, which could help make those playoff dreams become a reality.
It's difficult to believe Cassel has thrown only four interceptions all season long.
10. Green Bay Packers
12 of 21
Why They Are Here
Green Bay might be the best 7-4 team in football.
Special teams and turnovers have been a problem for the Packers all year, and that was the case again in the Week 12 loss to Atlanta.
Staying Power
If the Packers want to remain in contention for a NFC North title or a Wildcard spot, Aaron Rodgers will need some help in the running game.
Maybe Green Bay could free Ahman Green from the UFL...
9. New York Giants
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Why They Are Here
The Giants got contributions from both Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw to beat the Jaguars in Week 12, but Eli Manning really needs his starting receivers to return.
It's difficult to imagine the Giants winning the NFC East with Kevin Boss as the most reliable target.
Staying Power
Steve Smith is on the mend, and Hakeem Nicks should be back for the last few games of the season.
As long as the pass-rush keeps producing, the Giants will continue to be a factor in the NFC.
8. Philadelphia Eagles
14 of 21
Why They Are Here
Michael Vick is human after all.
The Bears brought Vick back to earth in Week 12, pounding him into the sandy turf.
He really should learn how to slide.
Staying Power
As long as Vick remains in one piece, the Eagles' offense will be a nightmare to stop.
Andy Reid needs to run the ball more to take the pressure off of his quarterback.
7. New Orleans Saints
15 of 21
Why They Are Here
The magic appears to be coming back in the Big Easy.
Drew Brees found a way to outlast the Cowboys' rally on Thanksgiving and appears poised for a big finish down the stretch.
Staying Power
Reggie Bush was back last week, but Pierre Thomas still wasn't.
It's time Sean Payton needs to finally find a running back he can trust.
Chris Ivory probably isn't the answer.
6. Chicago Bears
16 of 21
Why They Are Here
Jay Cutler might look like a guy who needs to be punched in the face, but you can't ignore his talent.
After struggling with sacks and interceptions early in the season, Cutler has been impressive since the bye week.
He even outplayed Michael Vick in Week 12.
Staying Power
The offensive line is getting better, and Chicago looks more like a complete team with every passing week.
A difficult schedule is all that stands in the way of a playoff spot for Lovie Smith's team.
5. Baltimore Ravens
17 of 21
Why They Are Here
The Ravens' secondary has looked much better in the last two weeks, but it remains to be seen if Baltimore's corners can cover stop elite receivers.
Staying Power
With the defense more vulnerable than usual, the Ravens need continued improvement from Joe Flacco and the offense.
Ray Rice could be the X factor as the season winds down.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
18 of 21
Why They Are Here
The Steelers were lucky to escape Buffalo with a win.
With Ben Roethlisberger banged up, Pittsburgh's offense might have a hard time getting going during the next few games.
Staying Power
The offensive line is hurting and Big Ben has taken some big shots in the last two games.
Until things settle down, Rashard Mendenhall will be asked to shoulder a larger load on the ground.
3. New York Jets
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Why They Are Here
The Jets have managed to make just enough plays to beat their last three vastly inferior opponents.
Along the way, they have made defensive mistakes and sputtered on offense.
Staying Power
What has happened to the running game?
LaDainian Tomlinson puts up yards if he gets enough touches, but he hasn't broken a big run in weeks.
A solid performance by Shonn Greene against the Patriots could inject some life into the Jets' offense.
2. Atlanta Falcons
20 of 21
Why They Are Here
At 9-2, the Falcons have posted impressive wins over the Packers, Saints and Ravens this season.
Somehow, they still don't seem to be getting the credit they deserve.
Staying Power
Atlanta is one of a few teams in this year's NFL capable of finding success on the ground and through the air.
The balanced offense might be good enough to give the Falcons' home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
1. New England Patriots
21 of 21
Why They Are Here:
New England is tied for the best record in the NFL despite relying almost exclusively on young, unproven players.
The improvement in the running game has helped take the pressure off Tom Brady to win games by himself.
Staying Power
By the end of the season, we will no how good BenJarvus Green-Ellis and folk hero Danny Woodhead really are.
New England's young defense figures to give up points against tough competition, so the offensive side of the ball will need to produce.
Get ready for a fantastic finish in the AFC East.
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