NFL Power Rankings Week 11: Looking at the Latest Playoff Picture

The NFL playoff picture will surely change multiple times in the season's last seven weeks. 

A team will go from the No. 2 seed to out of the playoffs while an outsider will jump into that team's spot—the division races are that close right now. 

Well, except in the NFC West. 

Let's take a look at where everyone stands heading into Week 11. 

NFC 

1. Green Bay Packers 

The Pack were nearly perfect, again, in their 45-7 beat-down of the Vikings on Monday night. I don't care how the defense plays, the offense might be the most dangerous of all-time. 

2. San Francisco 49ers 

The 49ers beat the Giants without Frank Gore gaining a single rushing yard. That says something. The defense is rock solid and Alex Smith wasn't flustered against New York's defensive line. They should wrap up the division soon. 

3. New Orleans Saints

Huge win for the Saints on the road in Atlanta. Drew Brees was fantastic and the defense made the big play when they needed it most. They aren't as consistent as they were last year, but their offense is as dynamic as it has ever been. 

4. New York Giants 

The Giants had a great opportunity to take a two-game division lead into Week 11, but they were stopped inside the red zone by the 49ers elite defense. Eli Manning regressed a bit on Sunday, but he's still one of the best quarterbacks in the NFC and the Giants defensive front has the most sacks in football (29).

5. Chicago Bears 

A month ago, the Bears were 2-3 and couldn't protect Jay Cutler. Their offensive line has dramatically improved and the defense is once again creating crucial turnovers. With great offensive balance and three legitimate stars on defense, the Bears are a dark horse in the NFC. 

6. Detroit Lions 

The Lions have lost of their last three yet they're still in the playoff picture as of today. Matthew Stafford needs to throw the ball more accurately and they need some semblance of a running game. 

AFC 

1. Houston Texans 

The Texans have won four straight without Mario Williams or Andre Johnson. Can they overcome Matt Schaub being out for the year? Matt Leinart takes over. It won't be easy, but they do have two quality runners in Arian Foster and Ben Tate and one of the best all-around defenses in the NFL. 

2. Pittsburgh Steelers 

Pittsburgh picked up the win in Cincinnati in true Steelers form. Ben Roethlisberger improvised and made big plays in the second half, pounded the ball on the ground, and got an interception to close the deal.

3. New England Patriots 

Enormous victory for the Patriots, as they finally figured out Rex Ryan's defense. We expected Tom Brady to bounce back from consecutive losses. What I didn't expect was that good of a performance from the defense. It was easily their best of the year. 

4. Oakland Raiders 

The Raiders running game is scary. Michael Bush filled in wonderfully for Darren McFadden in Oakland's Thursday night win over the Chargers. Run DMC is set to return this week and Carson Palmer looked calm in the pocket his last time out. They are AFC's dark horse. 

5. Baltimore Ravens 

What is up with these Ravens? Big win then embarrassing loss. Right when you think Joe Flacco is ready to take the next step, he takes two back. Five carries for Ray Rice? 

6. Cincinnati Bengals

The loss to the Steelers isn't the end of the world for the Bengals. Losing Leon Hall for the year is probably worse. A.J. Green was also injured against Pittsburgh, but he should play next week. Their defense can carry them to the playoffs.  

Week 11 Power Rankings

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