NFL Power Rankings: Identifying the League's Biggest Posers

Heading into Week 12, Week 11 the posers were displayed to a rather revealing extent. Technically all three of the following are still alive for the playoffs, but don't count on them clinching a spot in the NFL's second season.

New York Giants (6-4)

The Giants are coming off their second straight loss, no longer have the lead in the NFC East and still have to play at New Orleans (this week), home versus Green Bay (Week 13) and two games against the Dallas Cowboys.

Their offense ranks No. 31 in rushing and, the defense ranks No. 18 and No. 21 against the pass and rush respectively. Eli Manning may be a solid QB but he's not anything more than a glorified game manager.

He'll get you the win if a final drive is needed, however he's not good enough to be solely relied on. That said, the Giants are also lacking their usual pass rush, as no one other than Jason Pierre-Paul has been impressive. If he gets double-teamed, there's really no threat to the opposing QB.

Philadelphia Eagles (4-6)

Sure, the Eagles may have won a solid road game over the Giants, but Philly isn't making the postseason so the spoiler role is all they have to hang their hat on. The Eagles can still salvage their season a little bit if they finish around 9-7 or 8-8, because the remaining schedule is favorable.

That said, this week is New England, and with the better-than-advertised Seahawks and rolling Dolphins on the road thereafter, Philly will be officially out of playoff contention before Week 15.

Not to mention they still have to play at Dallas in Week 16, so heading into Week 17 the Eagles will be fortunate to have a 7-8 record. Now, hopefully 2011 will be a lesson in that being dubbed paper champions doesn't win you jack-squat. So, look for Philly to be more legit contenders in 2012.

Buffalo Bills (5-5)

Buffalo started out a fast 3-0 and had everyone loving them, especially after winning over New England in Week 3. However, all seems to have been for naught lately.

The Bills are currently on a three-game losing streak and have scored just 26 points during that stretch while allowing 106. And although they still have one game left against New England to try and take something positive from a poor start to the second half of the season, by that game the Bills will be lucky to have a 8-7 record.

Now that may seem like good odds for the playoffs in the AFC however, they don't have the tiebreaker over Cincinnati and the Jets could be right there with them also. And the Jets will sweep Buffalo this week as they get the Bills at home.

Week 12 NFL Power Rankings (LW = Last Week's Rank)

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

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.