NFL Power Rankings: Stock Watch for Teams Making Late Playoff Pushes

We are closing in on an exciting final month of NFL football and, with what's happened thus far, we must expect the unexpected down the stretch.

As for the playoffs, the NFC is much more clear than the AFC. However, nothing is set in stone and anything can happen. Will Green Bay finish undefeated? How long can the Broncos unconventional offense last? Which teams currently out of the picture will sneak into the postseason?

There are many other questions yet to answered.

To that end, here are four teams making a final playoff push in order to earn a spot in the NFL's second season.

Tennessee Titans (6-5)

What's really saving the Tennessee Titans right now are two big wins from early in the season. In Week 2 they upset the Baltimore Ravens and in Week 3 they bested the Denver Broncos 17-14.

That being said, the Titans' situation only proves just how much each game matters, and with games left against the Bills, Colts and Jaguars, Tennessee could finish at least 9-7. In addition, they still have to play Houston who's banged up, so 10-6 is a possibility.

The running game appears to finally be getting back to normal and it's better late than never. As long as the defense can keep playing well enough, Tennessee has a legit shot at the No. 6 seed.

Had they beaten the Bengals at home, their positioning would be much better. But, with such an inconsistent team this year, you can't ask for much more if you're a Titans' fan.

Denver Broncos (6-5)

The Broncos continue to win despite a lack of points coming from the offense. In their last three games Denver has failed to score more than 17 points. However, thanks to The Orange Crush defense coming alive, the Broncos have won four straight.

The unorthodox-type offense being led by Tim Tebow is defying everything we've come to learn about how an NFL offense should operate. Then again, getting the W is all that matters.

Winning the division is perhaps Denver's best shot at qualifying, because they don't have the tiebreaker over Tennessee. That said, getting the No. 6 seed is possible since they do have the head-to-head tiebreak over the Bengals and Jets.

With games remaining against Minnesota, Chicago, Buffalo and Kansas City, the Broncos could very well finish 10-6 (won't beat New England). That said, the Bears and Vikings have a much better run defense than the Chargers, Jets or Chiefs.

These next three games will really test how good the Broncos' defense and passing offense is. If Denver can't run the ball effectively like they have been, there's not much hope, as the passing offense just isn't there on a consistent basis.

New York Jets (6-5)

Of the aforementioned AFC teams, the New York Jets are arguably in the best position. No, they don't have the tiebreaker over Denver and they don't play Tennessee, but their remaining schedule is quite favorable.

The most consistent team remaining on the Jets' schedule is the New York Giants because Washington, Kansas City, Philadelphia and Miami are are all beatable. With Mark Sanchez having gained confidence from his Week 12 performance, New York can make a solid push.

They obviously need some help with the Broncos and Titans losing more than once, but their pass defense continues to dominate and their rush defense is coming around.

That said, based on how inconsistent the Jets have played this season, they could lose each of their remaining games. In any event, if the Jets get confident as they have in previous seasons, it's not out of the question that they finish 10-6, or even 11-5.

Atlanta Falcons (7-4)

Right now the Atlanta Falcons are the NFC's No. 6 seed, but it's not a locked spot as the Lions and and Giants are breathing down their necks.

Vehemently helping The Dirty Birds is their win over the Lions in Detroit and winnable games left against Carolina, Jacksonville and Tampa Bay. The Falcons should finish no worse than 10-6.

The Lions have a tough remaining schedule that favors Atlanta. However, Detroit is quite capable of finishing 11-5 or better since they'll be playing to win, whereas some of their opponents may be playing not to lose.

The Falcons may be in a great position and have an easier schedule remaining than Detroit, but Atlanta has already choked once this season (at Tampa), so nothing is clear just yet.

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.