NFL Power Rankings: Looking at the League's Top 10 Teams

I have figured out the NFL's top 10 teams. 

I think. 

The Giants lost their division lead to the Cowboys with their loss to the Eagles, the Packers moved to 10-0 after being tested by the Buccaneers and the Bears handed the Chargers their fifth straight defeat but suffered a loss of their own. 

Who are the top 10 teams in the league heading into Week 12?

10. Detroit Lions

As the Lions came out in the third quarter down 27-14 to the Carolina Panthers at home, it looked like they were bound for the "pretender" label. 

Then, Matthew Stafford and Kevin Smith took over. 

Detroit's quarterback was shaky in first half of play, but totally found his groove in the final two quarters and the Lions were able to run the ball effectively. 

Their defense isn't as dominating as we thought it would be at the beginning of the year; that's for sure. 

However, when their offense is clicking, there aren't many units with more explosive capabilities. 

If they continue to get production in their run game—look out. 

Thanksgiving against the Packers should be an early Christmas present for all the offense lovers out there. 

Including myself. 

9. New York Giants

Just like that, the Dallas Cowboys are in first place in the NFC East. 

And after their huge win against the Patriots, the Giants have lost consecutive games. 

They could never get in rhythm against the Eagles last night, mainly because of Philadelphia's pass-rush that ultimately ended the game. 

I still believe New York has one of the more complete teams in the NFC, but their multitude of injuries came back to bite them against their division rival.

I know Eli Manning has been great this season, but New York is averaging under 84 yards on the ground per game.

That must improve.  

The NFC East race will be must-see television in the season's final six weeks. 

Circle December 11th and January 1st on your calendar. 

That's when the Giants square off against the Cowboys. 

8. Houston Texans

Winners of four straight, the Texans are sitting pretty atop the AFC South by a full two games. 

They drop this week mainly because of the Matt Schaub injury. 

I don't know about you, but I'm not trusting Matt Leinart yet. 

Then again, Houston's rushing attack is the best in the AFC, and they'll lean heavily on Arian Foster and Ben Tate. 

Wade Phillips' defense has played outstanding since the Mario Williams injury, so even without their Pro Bowl quarterback, they shouldn't have a problem winning their division. 

It won't be as easy, but they'll get it done and we'll see them in the playoffs. 

7. Chicago Bears

So, Jay Cutler has a fractured thumb and will be out a considerable amount of time, according to the Chicago Tribune. 

Enter Caleb Hanie. 

Outside of the Packers and 49ers, the Bears are the hottest team in the NFC and are able to win in a variety of different ways. 

Like the Texans, they obviously won't be as efficient moving the football, but I'd be surprised if they don't get into the postseason. 

They've won consecutive games without Matt Forte going off, and their defense has continued to force turnovers. 

6. Baltimore Ravens

Well, they held off the Bengals' comeback effort, and Joe Flacco found Torrey Smith on another deep touchdown.

That rookie sure has a knack for making the big play.  

Things are looking up for Baltimore, the top seed in the AFC right now. 

How weird was it that Ray Lewis was a cheerleader on Sunday?

If the Ravens get Ray Rice between 20-25 touches a game—and they should realize how critical he is by now—they are a legitimate Super Bowl contender. 

5. New England Patriots

The Patriots are at home against the Chiefs tonight in a game that should be no issue for them. 

They've seen the Bills and Jets collapse behind them, and their defense against the latter was their best effort of the year. 

With games against the Colts, Redskins and Broncos left on their schedule, is there any reason to believe that New England won't win the AFC East and go into the postseason with tons of momentum?

4. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers travel to Kansas City next week to play on Sunday Night Football and will be looking to keep pace with the Ravens in the AFC North. 

Their final two games against the Rams and Browns could catapult them to the top of the division, but they'll need help from Baltimore's opponents. 

Got to hand it to Ben Roethlisberger this season—he's transformed Pittsburgh into an extremely dangerous passing team and has gotten the most out of his young wideouts.  

With their defense, the Steelers are primed for another run at the Super Bowl. 

3. New Orleans Saints

Some may think this is a little high for a team that has shown some vulnerability on defense, but I have faith in Drew Brees and believe that New Orleans can simply outscore their opponents from here on out. 

Actually, the most intriguing facet of the 2011 version of the Saints is that they are averaging 117 yards on the ground, and we know they were very successful running the football when they won the Super Bowl. 

Darren Sproles = best free-agent signing this offseason. 

2. San Francisco 49ers

Everyone's wondering if the Packers can go undefeated. 

What about the 49ers going 15-1? 

OK, with games against the Ravens and Steelers, it won't be easy, but it's not like either of those two teams are going to walk all over the 49ers. 

That defense is the best in football with what I think is the league's best linebacking tandem—Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman. 

San Francisco's got a young, athletic and powerful offensive line that paves the way for Frank Gore, and Alex Smith seems cool and collected in the pocket. 

Your No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. 

1. Green Bay Packers

No movement at the top. 

The Packers are 10-0 after surviving a scare against the Buccaneers on Sunday. 

I'd like to see more from the defense, but come on, Aaron Rodgers is playing quarterback. That's all that matters. 

When the Packers needed him most, he delivered. 

Surprised? 

I wasn't. 

Week 12 Power Rankings

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