NFL Power Rankings Week 14: Are the Patriots on Top After Monday Night Massacre?

NFL Power Rankings Week 14 are up and ready for your reading pleasure. 

We are thick in the midst of playoff run time. Some teams are sliding off right a the wrong time. Could it be that the Colts miss the playoffs? It would have sounded ludicrous at the start of 2010 but is now somewhat plausible. 

How much did the Jets loss hurt them in the power rankings? There is only one way to find out. Each week we take a look at your favorite teams and amaze you with critical insights like the Bears are good and the Panthers are bad. So continue to read if you don't mind getting your mind blown. 

The Bottom Feeders: No. 32-21

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 29: Fans of the San Francisco 49ers hold up signs and cheer during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on November 29, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 27-6.

32(32). Panthers (1-11) lost to the Seahawks 

That's it, the Panthers have officially lost to everybody. 

31(31). Bengals (2-10) lost to the Saints 

Suffice it to say, there will be some retooling in the off season. It looks like you don't even need that Ochocinco guy. 

30(30). Bills (2-10) lost to the Vikings

This time around the Bills never even made it a game. It may be that they are content to take their two wins and slink into the off season. 

29(29). Lions (2-10) lost to the Bears 

Last week it's the Patriots, then they have to play the Bears. I would feel bad for them if I thought they could actually beat a lesser team. 

28(28). Broncos (3-9) lost to the Chiefs 

Goodbye Josh McDaniels. Hello Tim Tebow? Probably not, Denver is not a real "think outside the box" kind of team. 

27(27). Cardinals (3-9) lost to the Rams 

I wish I knew how to fix this team. Ah, yes. Get an entirely different team. It might help to sign or draft someone to actually throw the ball. They are called quarterbacks and are invaluable. 

26(22). Redskins (5-7) lost to the Giants 

No matter what they do and who they sign in the off season, Washington is bound to be on the outside looking in it seems. 

25(21). 49ers (4-8) lost to the Packers 

Like the 49ers were really going to win in Lambeau with Troy Smith in tow. You can't blame them for trying I guess. 

24(26). Cowboys (4-8) beat the Colts 

See what happens when you actually try Dallas? You win some games. Now go back and try again next year. 

23(25). Seahawks (6-6) beat the Panthers 

It is amazing a team actually won this game. We are all losers for watching it. 

22(24). Vikings (5-7) beat the Bills 

Memo to NFL general mangers. Firing your head coach mid-season may work. 

21(20). Titans (5-7) lost to the Jaguars 

A few weeks ago this team was a contender. Now they have a fork stuck right in the middle of them. Yes, the Titans are done. 

20. Texans (5-7) Lost to the Eagles

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 02: Arian Foster #23 of the Houston Texans celebrates after he scored a 3-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 2, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Last Week's Ranking: 17

Why the move down: 

The Texans just can't get it done late in the game. They were done by the Jaguars in the fourth a few weeks back and now the Eagles. Granted the Jags game took a miracle for the Jaguars to close out. In this one it took one of the best in the game to forge a little fourth quarter magic. 

We all knew that calling the Texans a playoff team at the start of the season was a bit tenuous. Yet, we bought in. But issues with consistency throughout the game has us thinking otherwise now. 

19. Buccaneers (7-5) Lost to the Falcons

Larry French/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 28: Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers passes against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens led the Buccaneers at the half 17-3. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Ima

Last Week's Ranking: 15

Why the move down: 

It is hard to knock this young team for almost getting over on what could be the best team in the NFL. They have showed so far this season that they should be taken seriously. What was more remarkable about this game is that we got to see a match up that will play out for many years. 

Josh Freeman is the real deal and Matt Ryan can be flawless. This game will play out in fierce competition for a few years. Enjoy. 

18. Browns (5-7) Beat the Dolphins

Marc Serota/Getty Images

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 05: Running back Peyton Hillis #40 of the Cleveland Browns carries against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Miami, Florida. Cleveland defeated Miami 13-10. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Last Week's Ranking: 23

Why the move up: 

The Browns have showed that with some hard work and little bit of timely defense anyone can be beaten at home, especially the Dolphins. 

The Mike Adams interception Sunday helped gain the win but the real star is the Browns ability to stay close. They have all season. These are a bunch of guys that believe in themselves and the team concept. With Colt McCoy gaining experience this year and Peyton Hillis emerging as a star, this team could be great next season. 

17. Chargers (6-6) Lost to the Raiders

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers drops back to pass in the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium on December 5, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 28-13

Last Week's Ranking: 14

Why the move down: 

Don't worry San Diego fans, it's not like you lost to your hated rivals twice this year. Oops. 

What happened to that second half surge? This is no way to close out the season. Losing to the Raiders at home should kick you from the playoffs but I will let you do that on your own.

The Chargers again resorted to their old ways of turning the ball over. So Rivers throws for close to 300 yards and you still get shellacked. Welcome to the start of the season folks. 

16. Dolphins (6-6) Lost to the Browns

Marc Serota/Getty Images

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 05: Coach Tony Sparano of the Miami Dolphins against the Cleveland Browns at Sun Life Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Miami, Florida. Cleveland defeated Miami 13-10. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Last Week's Ranking: 13

Why the move down: 

Imagine if the Dolphins were aware that you are supposed to win the majority of your games at home. They would really be something out there. They could easily be a ten win team. 

But as it is, there is just something about playing at home that put this team into a funk. That malaise cost them yet another one. This time to the also rans known as the Browns. 

15. Raiders (6-6) Beat the Chargers

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 05: Rock Cartwright #25 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after his team recovered a fumble in the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 5, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Raiders defeated th

Last Week's Ranking: 19

Why the move up: 

They move up because they are the Raiders. Every week I have to move them up or down but never the same direction twice. This team cannot buy a consistent effort. One week they are giving it to the Chargers on the road. The week prior they were getting pummeled by Miami. 

They have no idea who they want to start as quarterback for their team. They can't put together a consistent defensive presence for every game and every quarter. But I can't fault them because as they are, they might be overachieving. 

14. Rams (6-6) Beat the Cardinals

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams prepares to snap the ball during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated th

Last Week's Ranking: 18

Why the move up: 

Sam Bradford is good, real good. That first round pick is looking mighty clever right about now. The knock coming into camp was the Bradford would have nobody to throw to. That is all ancient history. He does what a good quarterback should do. He makes due with what he has. 

This will be a photo finish as Seattle refuses to go away. Even the 49ers can still win this dreadful division. 

13. Colts (6-6) Lost to the Cowboys

Scott Boehm/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 05: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts drops back to pass against the Dallas Cowboys at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

Last Week's Ranking: 10

Why the move down: 

The Colts are like the Titans on a much grander scale. I am not sure if they have hit a snag or have completely fallen off a precipice. When Peyton Manning throws four interceptions in a game, things are not right. That goes to his ever growing total of picks that he has thrown in the last few games. 

The Colts are on dangerous ground. With just four games remaining, they are one game back of the surging Jaguars and as it stands would not make the Wild Card. I didn't see that coming. 

12. Jaguars (7-5) Beat the Titans

Last Week's Ranking: 16

Why the move down: 

Who would have thought back in September that I would have the Jaguars ranked above the much heralded Colts. That, as they say, is why they play the games. 

David Garrard as been a great quarterback this year. But when he isn't at his best. It is nice to have a running back like Maurice Jones-Drew to help you out, as he did Sunday with 187 rushing yards. 

11. Packers (8-4) Beat the 49ers

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 05: Brandon Jackson #32 of the Green Bay Packers breaks away from Isaac Sopoaga #90 of the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field on December 5, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the 49ers 34-16. (Photo by Jonathan

Last Week's Ranking: 12

Why the move up: 

The Packers are a good team. I am not sure if they are great though. It is one thing to beat up on a lesser opponent at home as they did against the Niners. They will do so again next week when they take on the Lions. 

But where are the Packers against much stiffer competition? We will soon find out. We will see of they have a chance to make a deep run in the playoffs, or make them at all. The Packers have the unenviable task of closing out against the Patriots, Giants, and Bears. 

10. Chiefs (8-4) Beat the Broncos

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs is pressured by Mario Haggan #57 of the Denver Broncos during the game on December 5, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Im

Last Week's Ranking: 11

Why the move up: 

Cutting it a little close weren't we Kansas City. A loss to the Broncos would have been disastrous. But as it is, you beat them and hold bragging rights against your rivals for a whole year. 

Now the trick is to win out or at least take two of three games remaining. That is more than doable. You play stiffs like the Rams, Titans, Chargers and Raiders. There is no reason you should not just cruise into the playoffs. 

9. Ravens (8-4) Lost to the Steelers

Geoff Burke/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 05: Derrick Mason #85 of the Baltimore Ravens argues a call with a referee during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. Pittsburgh won 13-10. (Photo by Geoff Bur

Last Week's Ranking: 6

Why the move down: 

We all knew this would be a messy, grind it out game. So, the Ravens took one and the Steelers the other. I really would not want it any other way. 

What should really hurt is knowing that Ben Roethlisberger did you at home with a hobbled foot. Please remember this one in case you meet in the playoffs. There is nothing better than bad blood between two great teams. 

8. Eagles (8-4) Beat the Texans

Last Week's Ranking: 9

Why the move up: 

We knew the Eagles were a good team that deserved to be reckoned with. What we didn't know is how they would fight back with Michael Vick at the helm. He had the propensity to blow the game wide open and leave their opponents in the dust. 

For the most part, the playoffs do not work like that. Vick answered those questions vehemently. He and the Eagles did not have their best game. But they got it done. In the end that is all that matters. 

7. Giants (8-4) Beat the Redskins

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 05: Derek Hagan #85 of the New York Giants runs the ball against Reed Doughty #37 of the Washington Redskins on December 5, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Im

Last Week's Ranking: 8

Why the move up: 

After losing to Dallas and the Eagles, a two game winning streak is just what the doctor ordered. The Giants seem to be back on track. 

Their running game was too much for the Redskins to handle. They were able to go wherever they wanted on the field. Now just imagine if Eli Manning had showed up for the game. 

6. Jets (9-3) Lost to the Patriots

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 06: Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets attempts to escape the pass rush of Jermaine Cunningham #96 of the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 6, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Last Week's Ranking: 1

Why the move down: 

Their fall from grace was drastic. So was their loss on Monday Night. If the Jets want to win the Super Bowl, they are going to have to get used to playing against a tough opponent on a big stage. They looked completely at a loss last night. 

Their defense was non-existent. More than that, when Mark Sanchez wasn't busy under throwing his teammates, he was tossing interceptions. That is the type of game that brings a team together or destroys it. We will wait to see which happens. 

5. Bears (9-3) Beat the Lions

Last Week's Ranking: 7

Why the move up: 

With every week that passes, I start to buy in more that the 2010 Chicago Bears are the real deal. Don't get me wrong, I still don't think they will be winning the Super Bowl. Not with their offensive line the way it is. But they are a stacked team nonetheless. 

They will have their mettle tested, as they close out against the Packers, Patriots and Jets. Trust me they saw what the Pats did on Monday Night. 

4. Steelers (9-3) Beat the Ravens

Last Week's Ranking: 5

Why the move up: 

Well if he hadn't already, Ben Roethlisberger may have just won back his home crowd. He went into enemy territory with a damaged foot. When the team was down and they needed him the most, he tossed the winning TD. 

The real credit can go to Troy Polamalu for stunning Baltimore by knocking a fumble out of the hands of Joe Flacco's and recovering it for the Steelers. Beating the Ravens is enough to cheer about for Pittsburgh fans. The way they did it will put a smile on their face until playoff time. 

3. Saints (9-3) Beat the Bengals

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 05: Marques Colston #12 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball during the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Saints won 34-30. (Photo by Andy Lyons/

Last Week's Ranking: 4

Why the move up: 

Talk about your last minute miracles. The Saints could easily be talking about what went wrong Sunday. But the magic is still there. The Saints finished off a last minute drive with a touchdown delivered by Drew Brees with 31 seconds on the clock. 

It is clear that the Saints have their work cut out for them in the playoffs. But for now, I can say that they are about to hit their stride.

The NFL will get a healthy Saints in the playoffs to defend their title. 

2. Falcons (10-2) Beat the Buccaneers

J. Meric/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Last Week's Ranking: 2

Why they stay the same: 

I really would like to put the Falcons down as the best the NFL has to offer.

But their game against Tampa Bay was too difficult for them. It did show some heart as Matt Ryan forged two late drives to fore go the upset. 

But in the end, the number one slot belongs to none other than...

1. Patriots (10-2) Beat the Jets

Elsa/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 06: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates after BenJarvus Green-Ellis #42 scored a 5-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 6, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachu

Last Week's Ranking: 

Why they move up: 

That had to be one of the most complete games I have ever seen. What makes it truly remarkable is that it came against one of the best teams in the league. The one hole in the Patriots game was supposed to be their defense. 

That aspect of their game was one of the best parts of last night.

Every defender swarmed the ball. It was tough for Jets receivers to get alone, not that Mark Sanchez was helping the Jets cause any. Then there was offense. Tom Brady, BenJarvus Green-Ellis and little Danny Woodhead all shined. 

The Pats are back.