NFL Power Rankings: Analyzing the Top Teams in Each Conference

The NFC is easily the NFL's best conference—there's no questioning that. 

The AFC has isn't horrible, but they've fallen short in just about all of the recent non-conference matchups. 

Many of the divisions are still up for grabs, so let's identify the top teams in each conference at this juncture. 

NFC 

Green Bay Packers 

They are the best team in football, even with a shaky defense.

One week, Greg Jennings goes off, the next it's Jermichael Finley. This week, Jordy Nelson was the go-to guy that did the most damage.

It seems impossible to stop this club with so many weapons on the outside. 

San Francisco 49ers 

The 49ers handled their business at home against an inferior Cardinals team Sunday.

Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman were outstanding, as usual, and Alex Smith was typically efficient. 

Games against the Ravens and Steelers will be intriguing but won't matter to their playoff positioning. 

They will almost assuredly be the NFC's No. 2 seed. 

I'm begging the football gods for a Packers versus 49ers NFC Championship game.

Chicago Bears 

The Bears have won five straight games and won the turnover battle against the Chargers Sunday night. 

Not a surprise. 

With Jay Cutler likely done for the remainder of the season, they won't be as effective moving the ball downfield. 

Still, Matt Forte and the defense should carry them to the postseason. 

AFC 

Baltimore Ravens 

The Ravens are the AFC's No. 1 seed this week. 

It seems like it changes every Sunday. 

Joe Flacco has done enough in his last two games to lead his team to victory, and Ray Rice is finally getting the amount of touches he deserves. 

With the tiebreaker over the Steelers and Bengals, Baltimore fans should be content with where their team currently stands.

Pittsburgh Steelers 

It's hard to count out the Steelers, especially because of Ben Roethlisberger. He's transformed the Steelers into a pass-happy team with explosive tendencies.

And we all know about the defense. 

They are still legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

New England Patriots

Tom Brady is en route to another AFC East championship.

The Bills and Jets have faltered behind them, and their defense is fresh off a dominating effort against New York last week. 

They should have no problem with the Chiefs tonight and have a favorable schedule remaining. 

Can anyone stop Rob Gronkowski?

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 (5-5)
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)