NFL Power Rankings Week 12: Labeling the League's Contenders & Pretenders

In our Week 12 NFL power rankings, the following four teams fall under the category of contenders and pretenders.

Contenders

New England Patriots: There was a lot of talk a couple weeks ago about the Patriots "dynasty" being on its last legs this season. The team hasn't won a playoff game since 2007, but this is still a bunch that could do some damage in the postseason—especially if the defense continues to make the improvements we've seen over the past couple of weeks. 

San Francisco 49ers: At 9-1, there's no more speculation about whether their start is a fluke or not. With the way the 49ers defense is playing in 2011, they can beat any team in the NFL—including the Green Bay Packers. San Francisco gets a huge test tomorrow as it takes on Baltimore, the AFC's No. 1 seed. 

Pretenders

New York Jets: There's so much to like about the New York Jets, but I'm not sure they'll ever get to where they want to go with the way the team is assembled right now. At quarterback, Mark Sanchez continues to take steps back, and we all know how important that position is in this age of the NFL. That offense is in shambles right now and it doesn't look like there is an easy fix.   

Cincinnati Bengals: At 6-4, the Bengals still sit in the driver's seat for one of the wild-card spots in the AFC. But as we've seen over the past two weeks, the Bengals have had some problems beating the top teams in their own division. There's no moral victories in the NFL, and the Bengals still have two more games with the Ravens and Steelers. Cincinnati is on the rise, but making the playoffs in 2011 is starting to look more daunting.

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. Baltimore Ravens (7-3)	21. Seattle Seahawks (4-6)
6. Houston Texans (7-3)	22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6)
7. Chicago Bears (7-3)	23. Kansas City Chiefs (4-6)
8. New England Patriots (7-3)	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)