NFL Power Rankings Week 13: Analyzing the Teams with the Most Momentum

Is it possible to be hotter than the Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys or even the Denver Broncos?

Momentum is always great, but it's never more important than in the month of December in the NFL. 

Let's analyze these teams as we head into Week 13. 

Green Bay Packers 

The Packers are all offense, all Aaron Rodgers. Their quarterback will win the MVP this season, and he deserves nearly all the votes.

He's got a talented group of receivers, but his pinpoint accuracy and ability to find the open man actually makes guys like Jordy Nelson and James Jones better. 

The defense isn't top-notch in terms of yardage, but they're leading the NFL with 22 interceptions. That may be the most underrated part of their pursuit of perfection. 

New England Patriots 

We all know about Tom Brady. He's rebounded extremely well from a tough stretch against the Cowboys, Steelers and Giants and is back to his usual tricks. 

Similar to the Packers, the Patriots defense allows major yardage, but they're tied for second in the NFL with 16 interceptions on the year. 

Give Brady a short field, and you can kiss your chance at an upset goodbye. 

With an easy remaining schedule, the Pats have a shot to enter the postseason on an eight-game winning streak. 

Dallas Cowboys 

Tony Romo wasn't perfect against the Dolphins on Thanksgiving, but the Cowboys still escaped with a victory.

That means something.

DeMarco Murray has been the difference in the winning streak. He's alleviated pressure from the up-and-down signal-caller, and the defense has done enough to give the team a chance at victory. 

Two games in the final five weeks against the Giants will determine their playoff fate. 

Denver Broncos 

There's not much more unconventional than the Denver Broncos offense right now. They're running a spread-option system, eerily similar to the one in which Tim Tebow ran at Florida.

I know the option hasn't historically been successful in the NFL, but at least they're running a system in which their quarterback is familiar. 

The defense is playing inspired football, allowing an average of 15 points during the four-game winning streak.

Not surprisingly, Denver is the best rushing team in football.

Their remaining schedule isn't a cinch, but they should have a chance to play for the AFC title in the final few weeks.  

Week 13 NFL Power Rankings 

1. Green Bay Packers
2. Baltimore Ravens
3. New Orleans Saints
4. San Francisco 49ers
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