NFL Power Rankings: Looking at Teams Simply Stuck in the Middle

In our Week 12 NFL power rankings, the following five teams have been stuck in the middle:

New York Jets (5-5)

It's easy to see how the Jets' 2011 season could free-fall after the past two weeks. Not only did they squander a chance at taking control of the AFC East, but then the Jets went to Denver and allowed Tim Tebow to write another chapter in his growing NFL legacy.

Buffalo Bills (5-5)

After a 3-1 start that included a dramatic come-from-behind win over the Patriots, Buffalo has lost four of six games and finds itself on the outside looking in at the AFC playoff picture. The 2011 season is still a success for this rebuilding bunch, but the dreams of playing well into January in Buffalo are all but over.

San Diego Chargers (4-6)

Speaking of falling off the radar, the Chargers have dropped five straight games after starting the season 4-1. It seems that the Chargers' typical early season struggles have now extended into the middle portions. They still aren't out of the AFC West race, but I'm not sure they have the leadership at the top to turn the 2011 season around.

Tennessee Titans (5-5)

Losing in Atlanta is nothing to be ashamed of, but the Titans did spoil a chance to put some heavy pressure on the division-leading Houston Texans. With Matt Schaub out, the Texans are still vulnerable. The Titans need to play much better down the stretch to overtake them. 

Philadelphia Eagles (4-6)

Vince Young and the Eagles defense salvaged the 2011 season Sunday night in New York, but the fact remains that the Eagles need to go 6-0 from here on out to have a chance at the playoffs this season. They can blame that fate on their struggles to get out of the middle of the pack. If Philly sticks to their 2011 script, they'll fall next week to the Patriots.

Week 12 Power Rankings

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