NFL Power Rankings: Stock Watch for League's Top Teams

The playoff picture is becoming more clear each week, and the league's top contenders are beginning to separate themselves.

The Packers may remain the sole undefeated bunch, but in addition to Green Bay, there are other dangerous teams hoping to make their mark as well.

So, here is a stock watch for some of the NFL's top contenders.

Green Bay Packers (11-0), Stock: No Change

If it was possible to raise the Packers' stock, then it would definitely increase.

That said, they've been No. 1 all season, and that won't change unless they lose two or three straight in addition to not repeating as Super Bowl champions.

The pass defense may still be their weakest link. However, leading the league with 22 interceptions and second with 71 pass deflects, it's better to give up yards than points.

Aaron Rodgers is the expected NFL MVP front-runner, but you can tell that the Cheese don't care about anything other than winning a Super Bowl. Otherwise, the Packers would have slipped up on the road against Detroit, a game that most felt could have cost them perfection.

There are two divisional games remaining, against Chicago and Detroit later on, but both are at home on the frozen tundra.

Houston Texans (8-3), Stock: No Change

In spite of all their injuries, the Houston Texans are still a legit top team.

Their defense is arguably the best in the game, and their rush offense also ranks in the Top Five. Had Houston not been a top team, it would not be 8-3 after having so many big injuries.

Nonetheless, the Texans are relying on old-school football by running the ball and playing defense to win.

They have some tough games remaining in Atlanta and Cincinnati, but worst-case scenario, the Texans finish 11-5 and are the AFC's No. 3 seed.

With two RBs (Arian Foster, Ben Tate) on pace to go over 1,000 rush yards and a sick pass rush, Houston will be a tough out in January.

New England Patriots (8-3), Stock: Up

It seems the Patriots are beginning to get into a solid rhythm.

After losing games at Buffalo (early on), at Pittsburgh (only by eight points) and at home versus the Giants (wake-up call), New England has bounced back.

Sure, the team's remaining schedule is weak, but none of that will matter once the postseason begins.

Last season, the Pats straight-up choked against the Jets in the playoffs. This year will be different, however, because their pass defense will have gained confidence, and the weather conditions will be in their favor.

Additionally, New England can run the ball a lot more effectively than most believe—the run game goes overlooked due to the Patriots' stout passing game.

Not to mention, their special teams has improved since 2010.

Baltimore Ravens (8-3), Stock: Up

Baltimore got a sound win over San Fran on Thursday, but sweeping the season series over Pittsburgh is more important because of AFC playoff implications.

However, with choke losses to Jacksonville, Seattle and Tennessee, the Ravens haven't won more than three consecutive games all year.

Until that consistency increases, the playoffs may turn out to be a disappointment.

The 2011 AFC playoffs may very well run through Baltimore, but don't be surprised if the Ravens choke once more in games at Cleveland, at San Diego or at Cincinnati. It'll be interesting to watch because they've played up and down to their opponents so far.

But that won't fly in the postseason, where Baltimore has yet to prove it can win when it matters most.

San Francisco 49ers (9-2), Stock: Down

The 49ers ran into a brick wall on Thursday against Baltimore, period.

But, with four divisional games remaining, San Francisco will finish no worse than 13-3 (the Steelers may be its next loss).

So, worst-case scenario is that Frisco gets the NFC's No. 2 seed.

However, until the offense can become more of a threat to score and be explosive, we're looking at a one-and-done team.

High-flying offenses such as New Orleans and Dallas can most definitely take them down in the playoffs, and even if the 49ers make it to the NFC title game, can they really upset the Packers?

A bend-but-don't-break defense paired with a methodical offense won't be enough.

But, it'll be intriguing to watch them play under Jim Harbaugh in the postseason—the man known as Captain Comeback will definitely make them a playoff force. 

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.