NFL Power Rankings: Identifying the League's Postseason Locks

The NFL playoff picture is still muddled as we head into Week 13 of the 2011 season. 

Will both the AFC North and the NFC North send three teams to the postseason? 

Can the Broncos sneak into the playoffs behind the arm and legs of Tim Tebow, or will the Raiders' premier running game clinch a spot? 

Plenty of questions remain, but these three teams are absolute locks for playoff football. 

Green Bay Packers 

Tom Brady was the first ever unanimous winner of the MVP award. Aaron Rodgers will be the second this year. 

He has a ridiculous 127.4 QB rating through 11 games and it seems like he's on the rookie setting in Madden.

The defense is allowing a ton of yardage, but they lead the NFL with 22 interceptions and can get after the quarterback.

After the 49ers loss, they're in a great position to lock up the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC playoffs

New England Patriots 

So odd to think that a few weeks ago some analysts and fans were beginning to question the Patriots after consecutive losses.

Never bet against Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.

Ever.

Because more often than not, they'll come out victorious.

After falling behind 10-0 to the Eagles this week, Brady was at ease and shredded the Eagles secondary. Didn't even look like he was trying. 

Unreal. 

I don't care about the defense.

Brady and the offense are still that good. 

San Francisco 49ers 

Their weaknesses were exploited against a fearsome Ravens defense on Thanksgiving, but 49ers fans are worrying. 

A Monday night matchup with the Steelers is sandwiched by games against the Cardinals, Rams and Seahawks. 

Unless something crazy happens, San Francisco is your No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. 

I'm currently begging the football gods for a Packers-49ers in the conference title game.

Week 12 NFL Power Rankings 

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

*MNF Matchup