NFL Power Rankings: Identifying the Top Dogs in Each Division

There are some division races still in place, however others are virtually over. That said, no one has yet to clinch a division title, so here are the current front-runners.

NFC North: Green Bay Packers (11-0)

As if there's any doubt that the Packers will win the NFC North, it's simply a matter of time along with the NFC's No. 1 seed.

They still have yet to play the Bears and Lions a second time, however both games are at home in Weeks 16 and 17. And getting home-field advantage is huge for their week pass defense, as the weather conditions will help—until the Super Bowl.

AFC South: Houston Texans (8-3)

The Texans may have dealt with a barrage of injuries this season, but they continue to win. And although the Jaguars are just 3-8, winning at Jacksonville is not easy, just ask Baltimore.

That said, Houston has arguably the NFL's best defense and rushing offense to go with some solid special teams play. If all that remains to play consistently well, the average pass offense won't hurt them.

AFC East: New England Patriots (8-3)

We talk all we want about the Pats' weak remaining schedule, but the fact is they keep winning. And, nothing matters as long as you make the playoffs. In turn, by then their pass defense will have increased confidence along with the weather conditions helping.

Tom Brady is still under center and he still is competitive as ever. New England will be a tough outing in the playoffs and they could still slide into the No. 1 spot if they get some help.

NFC South: New Orleans Saints (7-3)

New Orleans controls their own destiny in the NFC South, but there's a Monday night game against Atlanta at home home in Week 16 that will determine the division's champ.

That said, the Saints offense is so explosive no one will stop them and their defense plays well enough to contribute. In the long run the question is whether their offense can match Green Bay's.

AFC North: Baltimore Ravens (8-3)

Despite sweeping the Steelers, Baltimore ranks lower in the power rankings as they have uncharacteristic losses to Jacksonville (3-8), Seattle (4-7) and Tennessee (6-5). And until they beat Pittsburgh in the playoffs, winning the division won't matter.

However, with games left against Cleveland (twice), San Diego, Indianapolis and Cincinnati the Ravens will most likely finish at least 12-4. It will be enough to win the division, but the hat-trick of Pittsburgh will be needed for any shot at the Super Bowl.

NFC West: San Francisco 49ers (9-2)

The 49ers may have a stout defense, but Thursday proved they need more efficiency from their offense—170 total yards won't cut it against anyone, as well as allowing nine sacks.

So although Frisco will run away with the NFC West, they'll be one and done in the postseason if the offense doesn't become more of a multidimensional threat.

NFC East: Dallas Cowboys (7-4)

Other than the Saints, the Cowboys look to be the only team who can best the Packers in the NFC. Their offense is explosive and their defense can get outstanding pressure on the QB.

Dallas will win the NFC East but, with just one postseason win in the last 13 years, Big D needs to prove they can win in January. Because, just getting there is not enough for America's Team.

AFC West: Oakland Raiders (7-4)

The wide-open AFC West is becoming a race to the finish in Week 17. Oakland and Denver have already played one another twice (split 1-1) and the Broncos are just one game back.

Only problem for Denver however, is not that they're winning, but the Raiders continue to win without RB Darren McFadden. Whenever he returns, Oakland may be the team to beat in the AFC, as their ground game will become that much better.

Can you imagine a Packers-Raiders Super Bowl? 1967 NFL Season, Super Bowl II rematch anyone?

Week 13 NFL Power Rankings (LW = Last Week's Rank) (* = MNF Teams)

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

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.