NFL Power Rankings Week 12: Looking at the Latest Playoff Picture

The NFL playoff picture has some stability heading into Week 12, but something tells me there's going to be a lot more shuffling before the season comes to an end. 

Division races are tightly contested in five of the league's eight divisions, and we all know that the new scheduling back-loads the division games to make for high drama around the holidays. 

What does a snapshot of the playoff picture look like today? 

NFC 

1. Green Bay Packers (10-0) 

The Packers showed a little susceptibility against the Buccaneers on Sunday. Their defense was gashed by LeGarrette Blount and Josh Freeman and they needed Aaron Rodgers to come up big to get to 10-0.

Not surprisingly, No. 12 made the plays when it mattered most.

The entire country will have their eyes fixated on Green Bay's game against the Packers right before they sit down for turkey, mashed potatoes and cranberries on Thursday.

Can the Pack go undefeated? I'm not sure, but it won't matter. I still think they get that No. 1 seed.

2. San Francisco 49ers (9-1) 

Another dominating performance from another steady NFC club.

The Cardinals don't pose much of a threat, but the 49ers must take advantage of their weak division to lock up that No. 2 seed.

Frank Gore had 88 yards on the ground after not gaining a yard against the Giants, and Patrick Willis once again lead the way on defense with an interception. Harbaugh Bowl as the nightcap on Thanksgiving.

Can't wait.

3. New Orleans (7-3) 

The Saints finally got their rest week and face the Giants at home on Monday Night in Week 12.

Like the Packers, their defense can be scored on, but their quarterbacks usually dig them out of any holes they're in. Playing in the Superdome in prime time?

I like New Orleans' chances.

4. Dallas Cowboys (6-4) 

No media firestorm surrounding the Cowboys in quite a while.

That must mean their winning.

DeMarco Murray has been the difference. His presence is keeping opposing defenses honest and Tony Romo is playing his best football of the season. Two enormous games with the Giants remain, and will likely determine the division winner.

5. Detroit Lions (7-3) 

Because they split their season series with the Bears, but have a better win percentage (2-1) than Chicago, (2-2) they currently sit in the No. 5 spot.

Matthew Stafford was back to his old tricks leading Detroit back from a huge deficit on Sunday.

Confidence is returning for the Lions, but this game against the Packers will really show them where they are as a team.

6. Chicago Bears (7-3) 

Winners of five straight, all must be fine in the Windy City, right? Wrong. Jay Cutler broke his thumb against the Chargers and is out six to eight weeks.

Enter Caleb Hanie.

The Bears will likely have to hold off the Falcons for the final playoff spot in the NFC and their next three games are against the AFC West— they'll determine Chicago's postseason fate.

AFC 

1. New England Patriots (7-3)

One of three 7-3 teams in the conference, the Patriots currently hold the tiebreaker over Houston and Baltimore.

They haven't been machine-like in their precision on offense and defense in their last two games, but they've won by over 21 points in each contest and are sitting a full two games up in the AFC East.

Just when we thought they were ready to be overtaken, it looks like the Patriots are going to win another division crown.

2. Baltimore Ravens (7-3) 

So after their win against the Bengals, we're ready to give Baltimore the AFC North title, right?

I'm not just yet.

They need to show me they can bounce back after a huge victory, something they've yet to do this season.

And this time, they're not facing the Jaguars or Seahawks.

They get the 49ers on Thanksgiving.

3. Houston Texans (7-3) 

The Texans are eerily similar to the Bears. They're on impressive win streaks, have Pro Bowl running backs, play sound defense and just lost their quarterback for the remainder of the season.

Caleb Hanie in Chicago, Matt Leinart in Houston.

They have two tough games left against the Falcons and Bengals, but one game left against each team in their division.

4. Oakland Raiders (6-4) 

Oakland won two straight, then lost two straight, and won two straight in their last six games. 

Totally schizophrenic. 

Actually, Carson Palmer looks settled in and we're well aware of their premier rushing attack that should feature Darren McFadden once again this week. 

The division is the Raiders' to win. 

5. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3) 

This is one team I'm not worried about whatsoever. So much experience on both offense and defense and one of the best quarterbacks in the game. 

Even if things don't go their way down the stretch, two games against the Browns and matchups with the Chiefs and Rams should get them to 11 wins.

6. Cincinnati Bengals (6-4)

Can the Bengals rebound from consecutive losses to the Steelers and Ravens?

I think so, but it won't be easy. 

They have the Browns, Pittsburgh and Houston over the next three weeks in a stretch that could determine their season.

Andy Dalton, Rookie of the Year?

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 (7-3)	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. Miami Dolphins (3-7)
10. Detroit Lions (7-3)	26. Kansas City Chiefs (4-6)
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)