NFL Power Rankings Week 12: Star Watch for MVPs of League's Best Teams

Which players are most responsible for the success of the NFL's top teams? 

Who are the MVPs?

Let's take a look. 

AFC 

Baltimore Ravens 

Ray Rice 

The Ravens have experienced three rather humiliating defeats at the hands of inferior teams this season. However, they've bounced back after each one and that's part of the reason why they're the current No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. 

In the Ravens' losses this season, Rice has seen 13, eight and five carries respectfully. 

This week he was handed the ball 20 times and accumulated 104 yards with two rushing touchdowns. He also caught five passes for 43 yards. 

The complete back and the backbone of Baltimore's offense. 

Houston Texans 

Arian Foster

The Texans offense had their issues when Arian Foster was sidelined with injury and since he's returned, they've been one of the most dangerous units in the AFC. 

Ben Tate has helped supplement Houston's running game, but Foster is the real home-run hitter that even threatens defenses when he catches the football. 

New England Patriots 

Tom Brady

Although Brady has turned in a few shaky games this season, this may be one of his best seasons as a leader because of poor New England defense. 

The trio of Brady, Wes Welker and Rob Gronkowski alone will be the reason why the Patriots will win another AFC East title this season. 

Pittsburgh Steelers 

Ben Roethlisberger

Roethlisberger is still one of the more underrated players in the league in my opinion. Sure, he gets his publicity, but when we think of "elite quarterbacks" we think of Brady, Rodgers and Brees. Big Ben definitely belongs in that group. 

He's the game's best improviser and has turned the Steelers into a dangerous passing team. 

NFC 

Green Bay Packers 

Aaron Rodgers 

Rodgers will win the NFL MVP this season. No debate there. He has had over a 110 passer rating in each of his team's 10 games and no one distributes the football better. 

Best receiving corp in the league. 

San Francisco 49ers 

Patrick Willis 

Frank Gore is easily the offensive MVP, but when I look at this team as a whole, Patrick Willis is the team's most valuable player. 

He has 85 tackles, four forced fumbles and one interception and is the captain on the best defense in the NFL.

Willis is the why we've seen a breakout season from NaVorro Bowman. 

There's nothing No. 52 can't do. 

The complete package. 

Chicago Bears 

Matt Forte/Julius Peppers 

I had to split this one. Forte hasn't been dominating in the Bears' last two victories, but he was the main reason they started the season 6-3 and his presence alone has helped relive pressure from Jay Cutler. 

On defense, Peppers is a matchup nightmare. 

He comes up huge when the Bears need it most and, like Forte, his presence alone is scary enough. 

New Orleans Saints 

Drew Brees

Without Brees, I'm not sure the Saints are .500 football team. 

New Orleans' defense is sub-par and if Brees doesn't turn in a masterful performance, they can lose to any team. 

He almost broke Dan Marino's single season passing yards record a few years ago and he finally does this season.

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)

*MNF football matchup