NFL Power Rankings: Identifying the League's Postseason Locks

Although no one has yet to lock up a postseason spot, we can tell which of the few teams will be in the playoffs no matter what.

So let's get right to it—here are three teams locked in for the postseason.

Green Bay Packers (8-0)

The Packers show no sign of slowing down, regardless. The defense plays well enough to give the offense numerous opportunities to gain a big lead early, then they coast it out for the W. And although there's still two games left against the Lions as well as one versus the Bears, Green Bay is still a few steps ahead of both.

The schedule favors them also, as the Chiefs and Raiders are left, neither of which can match them offensively in terms of explosiveness, or pit a defense strong enough to slow them down. Worst-case scenario the Cheese finish 13-3 because they don't want to risk any injuries heading into the postseason.

San Francisco 49ers (8-1)

Sure we can make the excuse that San Fran is in the league's worst division, however, the 49ers have only played one divisional game through 10 weeks. So not only are the 49ers legit, but they're closing in on Green Bay.

By season's end, Frisco could very well finish 14-2 thanks to five more NFC West games remaining. With road wins in Cincinnati, Detroit, Washington and Philadelphia, don't be surprised if San Fran takes down the Ravens in Baltimore either. Based on consistency, the Steelers pit as the only team who may knock off San Fran once more before the playoffs.

Houston Texans (7-3)

Unfortunately, the Houston Texans have yet another setback in the injury world. According to Paul Kuharsky of ESPN, QB Matt Schaub has a foot injury.

That said, it shouldn't slow the Texans down who have the NFL's No. 2-ranked rush offense and a top-five defense. Not to mention they still have a two-game lead in the AFC South and a somewhat-favorable schedule remaining.

So fear not, Texans fans, Houston is still a postseason lock. The only question is whether they can hang on for the No. 1 or No. 2 seed and get that restful bye week in January.

Week 11 NFL Power Rankings (LW = Last Week's Rank) (* = MNF Teams)

1. *Green Bay Packers (8-0) (LW 1)	17. Tennessee Titans (5-4) (LW 19)
2. San Francisco 49ers (8-1) (LW 3)	18. San Diego Chargers (4-5) (LW 16)
3. Houston Texans (7-3) (LW 5)	19. Philadelphia Eagles (3-6) (LW 17)
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3) (LW 6)	20. Denver Broncos (4-5) (LW 25)
5. New Orleans Saints (7-3) (LW 7)	21. *Minnesota Vikings (2-6) (LW 22)
6. New England Patriots (6-3) (LW 8)	22. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-6) (LW 24)
7. New York Giants (6-3) (LW 4)	23. Kansas City Chiefs (4-5) (LW 21)
8. Chicago Bears (6-3) (LW 10)	24. Arizona Cardinals (3-6) (LW 27)
9. Baltimore Ravens (6-3) (LW 2)	25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5) (LW 18)
10. Dallas Cowboys (5-4) (LW 15)	26. Seattle Seahawks (3-6) (LW 29)
11. Detroit Lions (6-3) (LW 9)	27. Miami Dolphins (2-7) (LW 30)
12. Cincinnati Bengals (6-3) (LW 11)	28. Carolina Panthers (2-7) (LW 23)
13. New York Jets (5-4) (LW 12)	29. Washington Redskins (3-6) (LW 26)
14. Buffalo Bills (5-4) (LW 13)	30. St. Louis Rams (2-7) (LW 31)
15. Atlanta Falcons (5-4) (LW 14)	31. Cleveland Browns (3-6) (LW 28)
16. Oakland Raiders (5-4) (LW 20)	32. Indianapolis Colts (0-10) (LW 32)

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

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