NFL Power Rankings: Ranking League's Biggest Contenders

Week 11 ended with the Green Bay Packers atop the NFL landscape and the San Francisco 49ers nipping at their heels. The Packers and the 49ers are so far ahead of the pack in the NFC, that it's time to consider the 49ers as legit threats to the defending champs. 

With the NFC picture clearing up, the AFC is anything but sunny. With the Denver Broncos victory over the New York Jets, should they be considered threats in the AFC West. Can Tim Tebow lead them to the promised land? 

The crowded AFC has both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans atop the conference, but for how long? With Matt Schaub likely out for the season, and Matt Leinart taking over the helm, are the Houston Texans still a threat in the AFC? How about the Patriots? Where are the Steelers or the Ravens ranked?

All of these questions will be answered in due time through the rankings. 

32) Indianapolis Colts (0-10)

The latest loss has put the Indianapolis Colts in a situation that this organization has not seen since before the days of Peyton Manning. With the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Indianapolis Colts, realistically, have about two more winnable games (vs. Titans, @ Jaguars).  

Note: Enjoy the picture, as this is the best you're going to see from the Colts this season. 

Next Opponent: BYE

31) Cleveland Browns (3-6)

A bounced snap prevented the Cleveland Browns from snagging their fourth win of the season and snapping a two-game losing streak. The Cleveland Browns have not scored more than 12 points in their last four games.The offense is beyond inept and continues to regress as we get further into the season.

Next Opponent: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars  

30) St. Louis Rams (2-7)

The St. Louis Rams barely escaped Cleveland with a win despite the solid running of Steven Jackson. Brandon Lloyd has proven to be a great fit in St. Louis and I expect the camaraderie between him and quarterback Sam Bradford to improve as the season progresses. 

The Rams would be smart to resign Brandon Lloyd in the offseason and continue adding weapons to a shallow receiver corps. 

Next Opponent: vs. Seattle Seahawks 

29) Washington Redskins (3-6)

Another inept offense, led by two average quarterbacks and a delusional head coach. That all equals a five-game losing streak and talks of a coaching change.

The Washington Redskins are a mess and until the quarterback position is addressed, these same issues will continue to derail this once historic franchise. 

Next Opponent: vs. Dallas Cowboys 

28) Minnesota Vikings (2-7)

The Christian Ponder Era is off to a slow start, but optimism remains in Minnesota. The future looks bright for Christian Ponder, but the Vikings front office must remain diligent in surrounding the young quarterback with the necessary weapons. 

The defense, especially the secondary, needs to be addressed. Look for Minnesota to acquire a top flight receiver in free agency and an impact defensive player early on in the 2012 NFL draft. 

Next Opponent: vs. Oakland Raiders

27) Carolina Panthers (2-7)

If Minnesota Vikings fans are optimistic about their future quarterback, then Carolina Panther fans should be downright giddy. 

Cam Newton is enjoying instant success as a rookie, but the team hasn't caught up to his greatness. The interior of their defense sorely needs upgrades and it was evident in their loss to the Tennessee Titans. Chris Johnson gouged the Carolina Panthers defense for 130 yards on the ground despite his season long struggles. 

Next Opponent: @ Detroit Lions 

26) Jacksonville Jaguars (3-6)

Maurice Jones-Drew and a strong defensive performance gave the Jaguars their second win in the last six games. Rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert isn't lighting up the league like his rookie counterparts, but he has shown flashes of potential. 

Blaine Gabbert is a work in progress, but Jaguar fans should be excited their surprisingly sound defense. The Jacksonville Jaguars boast the fifth best passing defense and are ranked fourth overall in total yards allowed. 

Next Opponent: @ Cleveland Browns 

25) Kansas City Chiefs (4-5)

General Manager Scott Pioli must start fresh and it begins with the coaching staff. It seems that head coach Todd Haley has lost his locker room and if that is true, then a change is necessary. 

The Kansas City Chiefs have been ravished with injuries, but the team remains talented. The woeful AFC West gives Chiefs fans some form of hope for this season, but I seriously doubt they could challenge either the Oakland Raiders or the San Diego Chargers. It doesn't get easier with the New England Patriots next on the schedule. 

Next Opponent: @ New England Patriots

24) Miami Dolphins (2-7)

The Miami Dolphins still must address the quarterback position in the offseason, but I love how this team is playing with drive and passion. 

The Dolphins have talent, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The offense has progressed with Matt Moore at quarterback, but it's hard to envision the five-year veteran as the future signal caller in Miami.  

Next Opponent: vs. Buffalo Bills 

23) Arizona Cardinals (3-6)

After their impressive road victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, the quarterback controversy in Arizona has gone from heated to scorching. John Skelton isn't exactly lighting up the scoreboard, but the sophomore quarterback is winning. 

Next Opponent: @ San Francisco 49ers 

22) Philadelphia Eagles (3-6)

The Philadelphia Eagles have hit rock-bottom. Defense coordinator Juan Castillo has taken the brunt of blame as his defense continues to underperform despite the enormous talent base. 

When the offense isn't making big plays, it tends to struggle. With the DeSean Jackson suspension still hanging above the franchise, I don't the expect the Eagles to make a miraculous turnaround this season. The New York Giants should put the nail in the coffin this Sunday. 

Next Opponent: @ New York Giants 

21) Seattle Seahawks (3-6)

The Seattle Seahawks are devoid of talent at key positions, but this team has found a way to win three games. I expected a 1-15 season with the talent at quarterback and a young offensive line. 

The victory against the Ravens was impressive, but Baltimore isn't exactly the model of consistency.  

Next Opponent: @ St. Louis Rams 

20) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers logo should be on a milk carton somewhere. Their abysmal performance against the Houston Texans is baffling to say the least.

Josh Freeman has regressed and the defense, though talented, is playing horribly up to this point. The Buccaneers head to Lambeau field next to play the red-hot Green Bay Packers. 

Next Opponent: @ Green Bay Packers 

19) San Diego Chargers (4-5)

It seems Phillip Rivers and Eli Manning have switched places this season, as they did on draft night. The inconsistent quarterback is surprisingly in San Diego, not New York. 

The San Diego Chargers are still in the running for a division title, but they'll have to pry it out of the Raiders' clenched fists. 

Next Opponent: @ Chicago Bears 

18) Buffalo Bills (5-4)

The Buffalo Bills have slowed down after starting the season 4-1. The blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys was a bit concerning, but expect the Bills to bounce back this week against the Miami Dolphins. 

Next Opponent: @ Miami Dolphins 

17) New York Jets (5-5)

The New York Jets were 'Tebowed.'

Mark Sanchez continues to struggle and it only seems to get worse as the season progresses. The running game is also struggling with injuries and inconsistent play from the offensive line. 

The New York Jets are simply playing themselves out of a playoff bid. The Bills game looms even larger with this embarrassing loss to the Denver Broncos. 

Next Opponent: vs. Buffalo Bills 

16) Denver Broncos (5-5)

Tim Tebow fans loved the outcome of the Broncos-Jets game. As per the usual, Tim Tebow was average for 3.5 quarters, but amazing in the last few minutes. 

The "it" factor everyone talks about is lodged somewhere within Tim Tebow. The guy oozes leadership and intangibles when the game is on the line. 

Also, shout out to the Denver defense for its phenomenal performance as well. 

Next Opponent: @ San Diego Chargers 

15) Atlanta Falcons (5-4)

Head coach Mike Smith made a irrational decision in overtime and it cost his team the game. The Atlanta Falcons now face an uphill battle to the playoffs, with the Saints sitting pretty at 7-3. 

Next Opponent: vs. Tennessee Titans 

14) Tennessee Titans (5-4)

The Tennessee Titans drubbing of Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers was quite impressive. A victory over the woeful Carolina Panthers is nothing to celebrate, but it's how they won that caught my eye. 

Chris Johnson and the Titans running game finally showed up and in a big way. If Chris Johnson is able to sustain this production, the Tennessee Titans can give a Matt Schaub-less Houston Texan team a run for its money. 

Next Opponent: @ Atlanta Falcons 

13) Dallas Cowboys (5-4)

The Dallas Cowboys should win four of their next five games. Only one team out of their next five games possesses a winning a record (New York Giants). 

With Demarco Murray slated to start at running back for the rest of the season, expect the Dallas Cowboys to boast a balanced offense. Rob Ryan has also done wonders with that defense. 

Next Opponent: @ Washington Redskins 

12) Oakland Raiders (5-4)

The Oakland Raiders are currently 5-4 and sit atop the woeful AFC West. Carson Palmer looked comfortable with several Raider receivers in their last win against the San Diego Chargers. Look for Palmer to have a eye-popping night against a below-average Vikings secondary this Sunday. 

Next Opponent: @ Minnesota Vikings 

11) Cincinnati Bengals (6-3)

The Cincinnati Bengals will likely miss the playoffs this season, but their future looks bright. Andy Dalton and A.J. Green have far exceeded expectations with their performances this season despite the lockout hoopla. 

The fact that the Steelers ultimately gave praise to Dalton and the Bengals is a compliment to hang your hat on.  

Next Opponent: @ Baltimore Ravens 

10) Detroit Lions (6-3)

The Detroit Lions should be embarrassed after their loss to the Chicago Bears. The Bears beat them both physically and mentally. 

After the Carolina Panthers, the Detroit Lions face two NFC heavyweights in the Green Bay Packers and the New Orleans Saints. The Lions are talented, but may be a year off from playoff contention. 

Next Opponent: vs. Carolina Panthers 

9) Baltimore Ravens (6-3)

The Baltimore Ravens inexplicable loss to the Seattle Seahawks makes you question the leadership in that locker room. That issue never came up because of the veteran-laden talent on this team, but I'm starting to wonder if the younger players are tuning out the old vets. 

The Ravens now face a must-win game against the divisional rival Cincinnati Bengals in the hopes of keeping up with the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

Next Opponent: vs. Cincinnati Bengals 

8) New England Patriots (6-3)

The New England Patriots' victory over the New York Jets didn't confirm whether the Patriots are contenders, but rather it exposed the Jets for who they really are. 

The Patriots will likely win the AFC East division, but I do not like their chances in the playoffs with such a shaky defense and a one-dimensional offense. 

Next Opponent: vs. Kansas City Chiefs 

7) New York Giants (6-3)

The New York Giants played a great game in San Francisco, but a loss is a loss, no matter how small. Eli Manning is playing great football and he must sustain his excellent play if the Giants have postseason aspirations. 

The Giants continue their brutal stretch with a big divisional game against the slumping Philadelphia Eagles. 

Next Opponent: vs. Philadelphia Eagles 

6) Chicago Bears (6-3)

The Chicago Bears exacted revenge against the Detroit Lions in a blowout victory Sunday. The Bears defense is as stifling as ever and Jay Cutler continues to minimize the turnovers. In addition, the return game, led by Devin Hester, has continued to play at a high level. 

Matt Forte did not have a great game against Detroit, but expect a bounce-back performance against an average San Diego Chargers run defense. 

Next Opponent: vs. San Diego Chargers 

5) Houston Texans (7-3)

The Houston Texans identity remains despite the injury of starter Matt Schaub. This is a run-oriented offense led by stud running backs, Arian Foster and Ben Tate. Granted, the Houston Texans will miss the presence of Matt Schaub.

The running game will suffer a bit with Matt Leinart in the lineup, but expect the Houston Texans to continue pounding the rock. 

Next Opponent: BYE

4) New Orleans Saints (7-3)

The victory over the Atlanta Falcons in the Georgia Dome was quite impressive. The defense played well in key moments and the offense thrived under the leadership of Drew Brees. 

The New Orleans Saints will have a Week 11 bye, but return to face both the New York Giants and the Detroit Lions. 

Next Opponent: BYE

3) Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3)

The Pittsburgh Steelers escaped Cincinnati with a tough victory and sole possession of first place in the AFC North. 

The Steelers have veered away from tradition, as they have now come to depend on Ben Roethlisberger and that explosive arial attack rather than the usual strong running game. This approach will work to an extent, but the Steelers understand a strong running game is needed in the playoffs. 

Next Opponent: BYE

2) San Francisco 49ers (8-1)

The 8-1 San Francisco 49ers are nipping at the heels of the Green Bay Packers for the first seed in the NFC. 

The 49ers' victory over the New York Giants was impressive, considering Frank Gore carried the ball six times for zero yards. Alex Smith played well and silenced many of his critics. The West Coast scheme seems to fit his skill-set and has rejuvenated a once mundane offense. 

The defense is at the heart of their success and should prove overwhelming against the Arizona Cardinals this week. 

Next Opponent: vs. Arizona Cardinals 

1) Green Bay Packers (9-0)

The Green Bay Packers are completely in sync despite a struggling secondary. That wasn't the case against the Minnesota Vikings, as the Packers played their most complete game of the season.

If the Green Bay Packers continue to play at this level, the rest of the league has no hope. 

Next Opponent: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers