NFL Power Rankings: Identifying the League's Postseason Locks

The immense amount of parity in the NFL today has resulted in many intriguing division races. 

Having said that, there are a few teams that have essentially locked up postseason spots at this point. 

I bet you can guess the first two. 

Green Bay Packers 

The Packers are 10-0 and after surviving a scare at home, they're locked in to the postseason and have a one-game lead on the 49ers for the NFC's No. 1 seed. 

Even if the defense isn't playing at a Super Bowl caliber right now, I've got my money on Aaron Rodgers to lead the Packers to a win against anybody. 

Who do you focus your defensive game plan on when you play Green Bay?

San Francisco 49ers 

The 49ers are 9-1. The second place Seahawks are 4-6.  

Jim Harbaugh has almost lead the 49ers to a divisional crown in his first year as an NFL coach.  

The defense is the best in the league, and is there a better inside linebacking tandem than Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman? 

Frank Gore is finally getting the notoriety he deserves. 

I'm not sure how to label QB Alex Smith. He's like a step above a game manager in my estimation. 

Houston Texans 

Obviously, the Texans aren't as explosive with Matt Leinart calling the shots behind center. 

But frankly, they have the talent in the run game and on defense that it likely won't matter. Arian Foster and Ben Tate formulate the best rushing attack in the AFC.

Great zone-blocking scheme in Houston. Also, are the Titans a real threat?

Yes, Texans fans, you will experience the postseason for the first time in franchise history.

New England Patriots 

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Patriots win out. 

No joke. Look at their schedule. 

Chiefs on Monday, they travel to Philly next week, then games against the Colts, Redskins, Broncos, Dolphins and Bills to end the year. 

The question remains: Can they win at home in the playoffs? 

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