NFL Power Rankings Week 14: Projecting Records for All 32 Teams

We've seen a major shift in the power rankings for Week 14 of the NFL season for the second straight week.

Teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue their drop, while the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks continue to rise.

Here are the NFL power rankings for Week 14 with projections for final records for all 32 teams.

32. Indianapolis Colts

Last Week's Ranking: 32

Instead of looking at the negative for the Indianapolis Colts this week, I'm going to focus on the positive.

This week, that positive was replacement quarterback Dan Orlovsky. Not only did he throw for 353 yards and two touchdowns, he did it while completing a ridiculous 81.1 percent of his passes. 

That's like Aaron Rodgers numbers. Even though they lost to the New England Patriots on Sunday, I'm still calling that game a win for the Colts.

They gave a great effort, especially in the fourth quarter, when they scored 21 unanswered points to make it a very close game.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 1-15

This Week's Predicted Record: 1-15

I'm still holding on to that one win, and it's coming against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 17.

31. Jacksonville Jaguars

Last Week's Ranking: 31

You know what really makes me angry about the Jacksonville Jaguars? It's the fact that Maurice Jones-Drew is stuck on that team.

This is a player that is exceptional at what he does. I don't think any other running back in the league could do what MJD does with the lack of talent surrounding him. Even Adrian Peterson and Matt Forte have other explosive weapons around them.

That's not the case for Jones-Drew, and it is starting to get frustrating. Come on, Jacksonville. Get this man some help.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 3-13

This Week's Predicted Record: 3-13

No more wins for Jacksonville, especially not after its 38-14 drubbing at the hands of the San Diego Chargers last night.

30. St. Louis Rams

Last Week's Ranking: 29

I seriously considered dropping the St. Louis Rams down to the last spot on this list because of their awful and horrendous performance against the San Francisco 49ers, but I just couldn't do it.

I'm not sure if it was A.J. Feeley's 58.1 quarterback rating or Steven Jackson's 1.9 yards per carry average, but whatever it was, it wasn't working Sunday. It's been a difficult and trying year for a team that many had high expectations coming into the season.

This team is still young and it has dealt with injuries all year long. While this year has been a complete failure, I still see the Rams being good in the future.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 3-13

This Week's Predicted Record: 2-14

The remaining schedule for St. Louis is very difficult and will cause it to lose its last four games.

29. Minnesota Vikings

Last Week's Ranking: 30

Even with a loss to the Denver Broncos this week, the Minnesota Vikings played better than any of the other teams ranked lower than them.

Kudos to Percy Harvin and his career game of 156 receiving yards and two touchdowns. However, even his stellar performance couldn't undo a few key interceptions from Christian Ponder.

Ponder continues to grow and struggle as a rookie quarterback, but anyone who has watched him play absolutely knows that this kid has what it takes to win in the NFL.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 2-14

This Week's Predicted Record: 3-13

When Adrian Peterson comes back, the Vikings are going to be a tough team to beat. Sure, they will only win one more game, but they will be close in every game they play.

28. Philadelphia Eagles

Last Week's Ranking: 21

It's really pretty incredible how far the Philadelphia Eagles have fallen this year.

Thursday night against the Seattle Seahawks was absolutely devastating. Seattle was able to showcase every single one of the Eagles' flaws.

Philadelphia was dominated on the ground, gave up big plays through the air and struggled with turnovers offensively all game long. What looked like a close game became a massacre rather quickly.

I'm not even sure if Michael Vick returning is going to be able to rejuvenate this team. The Eagles may be too far gone already.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 6-10

This Week's Predicted Record: 5-11

The only win I see Philadelphia getting is against the Washington Redskins in Week 17 in what should be a rather awful game.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Last Week's Ranking: 23

Instead of improving on last year's surprising 10-6 record, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to take step after step in the wrong direction.

Their loss this week to the Carolina Panther was extremely disheartening as Tampa Bay got absolutely destroyed in every facet of the game. This game put the Buccaneers' season at their lowest point.

Even if Tampa Bay had Josh Freeman in that game, I'm not sure if it would have done much better. Freeman has regressed almost as much as the entire team this season.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 6-10

This Week's Predicted Record: 5-11

No one thought the Buccaneers would have finished this season with a losing record, but that is now guaranteed to happen.

26. Buffalo Bills

Last Week's Ranking: 25

Five straight losses for the Buffalo Bills moves drops them way down on the power ranking list this week. 

While there wasn't much to be pleased about in their loss to the Tennessee Titans, it was good to see C.J. Spiller make some big plays. The people of Buffalo have been waiting to see Spiller play like he did on Sunday.

His 35-yard touchdown run in the first quarter showcased everything that made him such an impressive prospect coming out of college. If Spiller can continue to make plays like he did on Sunday, Buffalo's offense will only be that much explosive for the future.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 6-10

This Week's Predicted Record: 6-10

What once looked like an extremely promising season will finish with another losing season.

25. San Diego Chargers

Last Week's Ranking: 25

Not even a blowout victory on Monday night would be enough to move the San Diego Chargers up in the rankings.

First of all, they only beat the Jacksonville Jaguars, so it's not like I'm impressed by the victory. Sure, Philip Rivers finally looked like his old self, but you could probably put Terry Bradshaw out on the field against Jacksonville and he would look good.

I also still have worries about the defensive unit. It simply lacks solid playmakers like the rest of the defenses in the league.

Maybe Monday's win is enough to turn the Chargers season around, but I highly doubt it.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 6-10

This Week's Predicted Record: 6-10

The Chargers' remaining schedule doesn't have any teams like Jacksonville on it, so I see them struggling to pick up some victories.

24. Kansas City Chiefs

Last Week's Ranking: 28

Yes, the Kansas City Chiefs won on Sunday against the Chicago Bears, but it was anything but an impressive performance from this team.

However, major props do need to go out to Dexter McCluster, who showed his great versatility by gaining more than 100 total yards and a touchdown on just 13 touches. His ability to make big plays in the open field could be exactly what this Kansas City offense needs this year.

I am still quite worried about Tyler Palko playing quarterback, but hopefully he can just hand the ball off and throw short passes for the rest of the season to give his team a chance to win.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 4-12

This Week's Predicted Record: 5-11

I wasn't expecting the Chiefs to beat the Bears on Sunday, which is why their record improved by one win this week. With an extremely difficult schedule remaining, I can't see them winning another game this year.

23. Washington Redskins

Last Week's Ranking: 20

Even though the Washington Redskins' playoff chances all but died in their loss to the New York Jets, the emergence of Roy Helu as a possible franchise running back was a huge win for this team.

Sure, their quarterback situation is still in complete shambles, but Helu has looked impressive in back-to-back games. Washington simply needs to continue putting the ball in his hands in any way possible.

If the Redskins can pick up a nice young quarterback in this year's draft, they could be a dangerous team in a few years.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 6-10

This Week's Predicted Record: 5-11

Washington's remaining schedule isn't overly difficult, but Rex Grossman is playing poor enough to lose to worse teams.

22. Cleveland Browns

Last Week's Ranking: 18

After spending the majority of the season waiting for the Cleveland Browns to turn it around, I'm officially giving up on their season. It was a tough decision, but to be honest, it was probably a few weeks too late.

There is no doubting the potential that this team has, but the Browns are still a year or two away from really being a threat in the AFC North. They have young playmakers on both sides of the ball who are still learning to play the game to their full potential.

While their record this year doesn't seem like improvement, this team is absolutely moving in the right direction for the future.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 6-10

This Week's Predicted Record: 4-12

With two games against the Baltimore Ravens and another game against the Pittsburgh Steelers remaining, the Browns are going to be too worn out to win any more games this year.

21. Carolina Panthers

Last Week's Ranking: 24

The Carolina Panthers are going to be an extremely tough team to beat for the remainder of the season.

Cam Newton continues to show his dual-threat ability by scoring three touchdowns on the ground and throwing for another touchdown. That gives Newton 13 rushing touchdowns and 13 passing touchdowns in his rookie season. Production like that is simply unheard of for a rookie quarterback.

Carolina won't be making the playoffs this year, but this is going to be a dangerous, dangerous team for years to come.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 5-11

This Week's Predicted Record: 5-11

With games against the Houston Texans, Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints remaining on their schedule, the Panthers will be close to winning each game, but will ultimately lose to all three of those teams.

20. Arizona Cardinals

Last Week's Ranking: 22

Since their sixth straight loss back in Week 8, the Arizona Cardinals have gone 4-1 in their last five games.

That record is mostly without starting quarterback Kevin Kolb, and not much production from Larry Fitzgerald. The Cardinals are simply finding other ways to win games.

Whether it is Beanie Wells, Early Doucet or Andre Roberts, guys are stepping up and helping the Cardinals win football games. What started as a difficult season has absolutely turned around for this team. The Cardinals are moving in the right direction.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 6-10

This Week's Predicted Record: 6-10

Only one remaining game on the road favors the Arizona Cardinals, but they will still struggle to get more than one win from here on out.

19. Cincinnati Bengals

Last Week's Ranking: 16

It was a hard loss for the Cincinnati Bengals against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. This team's youth may finally be catching up to it.

Andy Dalton and A.J. Green will provide this team with a nice foundation for the future, but they are still missing a few pieces on both sides of the ball to be a legitimate threat to the powerhouses atop their division.

I still love this team as a future contender for the AFC North crown, but it won't be this year, unfortunately.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 9-7

This Week's Predicted Record: 9-7

The Bengals will beat whom they are supposed to beat (Arizona Cardinals and St. Louis Rams), but they'll lose to the two better teams (Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens).

18. Seattle Seahawks

Last Week's Ranking: 26

I'm starting to really love the toughness of the Seattle Seahawks. Maybe it's the fact that I have Marshawn Lynch on my fantasy team or maybe it's the fact that this team has played inspired football the past month, but whatever it is, I'm really liking the Seahawks for the remainder of the season.

On Thursday night, we got to see what Tarvaris Jackson is capable of as a quarterback. He made some big throws on third downs to keep key drives moving.

When Jackson plays like he did against the Philadelphia Eagles, and Lynch runs like the way he has the past four or five weeks, Seattle is an extremely difficult team to beat.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 5-11

This Week's Predicted Record: 8-8

The only loss I see from Seattle for the remainder of the season will be against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 16.

17. Miami Dolphins

Last Week's Ranking: 19

Sunday's win over the Oakland Raiders was the Miami Dolphins most impressive win of the season.

It was absolutely their most complete game as a team. Their defense was back to its stifling ways, and their offense was run efficiently all game long.

I'm fairly confident that if the Dolphins had started Matt Moore earlier in the year, they would be much closer to a winning record than they currently are.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 4-12

This Week's Predicted Record: 6-10

Since early-season predictions had the Dolphins only winning one or two games, I'd say that six wins is rather impressive for this team.

16. Chicago Bears

Last Week's Ranking: 14

First it was Jay Cutler. Now it's Matt Forte. If any other key Chicago Bears player gets injured, the city of Chicago will officially go into panic mode.

Forte was having an MVP-caliber season this year, but thanks to a sprained MCL, it now appears as if he will be lucky to get back on the field. While losing Cutler was a big loss, losing Forte was an even bigger loss. He has basically been the entire Chicago offense this year, and there is no way Marion Barber will be able to replace his production.

Chicago's defense will still give teams problems, but when the offense is only capable of scoring three points like it did on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, it won't matter how good the defense is.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 9-7

This Week's Predicted Record: 7-9

I just can't see how the Bears can win any more games this year without Forte or Cutler.

15. New York Giants

Last Week's Ranking: 11

After some unimpressive losses in the past couple weeks, the New York Giants brought everything they had to the table on Sunday against the undefeated Green Bay Packers.

Unfortunately, their best was only good enough to keep up with Green Bay for 59 minutes instead of the full 60-minute game. That type of last-second loss can break a team, and that's exactly what I think this loss will do to New York.

To see such a large division lead disappear so quickly is never a good thing for a team.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 9-7

This Week's Predicted Record: 7-9

The Giants have three remaining games against division rivals. They will only win one of those games.

14. Oakland Raiders

Last Week's Ranking: 12

Even though I don't think the Oakland Raiders are as bad as their 34-14 loss to the Miami Dolphins might suggest, I still felt it necessary to drop them down a few spots in this week's power rankings.

This offense should start to click more once Darren McFadden returns. However, until that happens, the ugly performances from Carson Palmer and Co. could continue.

I have no doubt that the Raiders are a playoff-caliber team, but they need to correct whatever issues caused them to lose so badly on Sunday.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 10-6

This Week's Predicted Record: 10-6

Even with a difficult loss on Sunday, the Raiders should only lose one remaining game this season, which will be to the Green Bay Packers.

13. Tennesee Titans

Last Week's Ranking: 17

The Tennessee Titans are making a big jump up the rankings this week after a solid victory on Sunday over the Buffalo Bills.

After watching Chris Johnson put together another extremely impressive performance, I think it's safe to say he is officially back to prime form. When he runs like he did on Sunday, the Titans become a very difficult team to beat.

Their defense is continuing to play solid football, and should be able to keep them in most games for the remainder of the season. This is a very complete team that will be competitive in each of its last four games.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 9-7

This Week's Predicted Record: 9-7

The Titans' playoff hopes will come down to a Week 17 matchup against the Houston Texans, but unfortunately they will come up a little short.

12. Detroit Lions

Last Week's Ranking: 10

If the Detroit Lions miss the playoffs after their 5-0 start, is it safe to say this franchise is cursed?

What this team is missing is a sound mind on the field. Clearly Jim Schwartz isn't able to keep his players in line, so it needs to come from somewhere else.

If that means Matthew Stafford needs to fully step up and lead this team to the playoffs, that is what needs to happen. Until this team can stop losing its cool, it will continue to lose football games.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 10-6

This Week's Predicted Record: 9-7

The one thing that could make this season for Detroit would be a Week 17 victory over the Green Bay Packers to ruin their perfect season. Sorry, but it just isn't happening.

11. New York Jets

Last Week's Ranking: 13

The New York Jets are officially back in the playoff picture after a fantastic win over the Washington Redskins this week.

What makes their win so impressive was the performance Shonn Greene had. It seems like Greene has been a major disappointment for this team since he was drafted, but his three touchdowns on Sunday should quiet the critics for at least a few weeks.

I still don't trust Mark Sanchez with the ball, but the defense and run game for the Jets makes them a tough team to beat.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 10-6

This Week's Predicted Record: 11-5

Yes, I'm predicting the Jets to beat all four of their remaining opponents, who happen to have a combined record of 19-29. I know, I'm crazy bold.

10. Denver Broncos

Last Week's Ranking: 15

Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined the Denver Broncos being one of the 10 best teams in the NFL. Never.

Somehow, Denver continues to win football games. It's been the defense that has been so impressive in its current winning streak, as this unit is playing like one of the best in the league.

Of course, it's impossible to go through an article without mentioning Tim Tebow, so there, I mentioned his name.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 9-7

This Week's Predicted Record: 10-6

The Broncos will beat the Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills to sneak into the playoffs.

9. Dallas Cowboys

Last Week's Ranking: 8

For a team with so much potential for greatness, the Dallas Cowboys can be extremely frustrating to watch at times.

How a team with players like DeMarcus Ware, Dez Bryant, Tony Romo and DeMarco Murray can manage to lose to the Arizona Cardinals in overtime is simply beyond me. If this team can ever play up to its full potential, it will be a scary, scary team.

Thankfully for Dallas, every other team in the NFC East is spiraling downward.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 11-5

This Week's Predicted Record: 11-5

The Cowboys should be able to beat the New York Giants twice to win the divisional crown.

8. Atlanta Falcons

Last Week's Ranking: 7

I don't really know how to feel about the Atlanta Falcons loss to the Houston Texans this past week. However, I'm leaning towards the fact the Texans are one of the elite teams in the league.

Atlanta had a chance to tie the game thanks to an impressive catch from Julio Jones late in the fourth quarter. Getting Jones back from injury is going to be huge for this team in the upcoming weeks and in the playoffs.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 11-5

This Week's Predicted Record: 10-6

Atlanta is lucky to have three games remaining against teams with a losing record. It should win all three of those games to lock up a playoff spot.

7. Houston Texans

Last Week's Ranking: 9

The Houston Texans are officially one of the better teams in the AFC.

Even without Matt Schaub, this team continues to win football games. A huge reason for that is an extremely improved defensive unit.

The Texans have been able to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks at will in recent weeks, and that allows the rest of their defense to make plays.

Of course, Houston also has Arian Foster and Andre Johnson on the team, which gives it a major advantage against most teams.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 11-5

This Week's Predicted Record: 12-4

Only one more loss for the Texans this year as they book their first trip to the playoffs in franchise history.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers

Last Week's Ranking: 6

I really hate not being able to move the Pittsburgh Steelers up in the power rankings after their 35-7 thrashing of the Cincinnati Bengals.

However, the five teams ranked above them are still better teams in my eyes. That may not be the case for much longer as Pittsburgh's offense and defense are really starting to hit their stride here.

If they win next week in a similar fashion to this week's victory, I'll have to figure out whom to bump down to make room for the Steelers.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 13-3

This Week's Predicted Record: 13-3

I've predicted Pittsburgh to win out for the past two weeks, and nothing is changing my mind this week.

5. San Francisco 49ers

Last Week's Ranking: 5

Sunday's 26-0 win over the St. Louis Rams is how a good team is supposed to beat a bad team. It was an efficient effort by both the offense and defense.

One player who is really starting to step up for San Francisco is Michael Crabtree. After being basically worthless for the majority of his career, Crabtree is becoming a top target for Alex Smith, and he is actually producing some great numbers.

With Crabtree, Frank Gore and Vernon Davis, the 49ers offense is starting to become as dangerous as the ultra-talented defense.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 13-3

This Week's Predicted Record: 13-3

The only loss for San Francisco for the rest of the season will come to the Pittsburgh Steelers at home in Week 15.

4. Baltimore Ravens

Last Week's Ranking: 4

Very few teams in the NFL have the personnel to match up well against every other team in the league. One of those teams is the Baltimore Ravens.

Not only do they have the ability to score points, but they can do it in a number of ways. Sure, Joe Flacco is no Tom Brady, but he is still plenty talented. Baltimore can also run the ball right down a team's throat if it so desires. Just look at Ray Rice's 204 yards and a touchdown on Sunday.

We also can't forget about Baltimore's ability to score on defense and completely shut teams down if it so desires. 

Simply put, the Ravens, when playing at their highest level, can beat any other team in the league.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 12-4

This Week's Predicted Record: 13-3

I've increased the Ravens' win total again this week as I don't see them falling to a weaker team again this season.

3. New England Patriots

Last Week's Ranking: 2

I'm dropping the New England Patriots from second to third for a couple reasons. The first reason has to do with the New Orleans Saints, so I'll cover that later.

One big reason the Patriots lost their No. 2 ranking is the fact that they almost let the Indianapolis Colts make a comeback in the fourth quarter of their game. Having a 31-3 lead over the Colts isn't that impressive.

Giving up 21 straight points in the fourth quarter to Dan Orlovsky is just plain bad for this team. I know the Patriots' defense has some issues, but come on, letting Orlovsky complete over 80 percent of his passes is simply unacceptable.

That's why New England falls in the power rankings this week.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 13-3

This Week's Predicted Record: 13-3

I still don't see New England losing another game this season.

2. New Orleans Saints

Last Week's Ranking: 3

Like I said in the previous slide, the New Orleans Saints' performance on Sunday night was impressive enough to leap over the New England Patriots in the ranking this week.

It's not just the offense for the Saints that is so impressive. I mean, there is no doubt New Orleans' offense is one of the best—if not the best—in the league.

No, what is impressing me most about the Saints in recent weeks has been their ability to play defense. No longer do we see shootout victories by New Orleans. Now we see straight blowouts because of the defense's ability to slow down teams.

The Saints are an extremely scary opponent and will give any team major fits come playoff time.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 12-4

This Week's Predicted Record: 13-3

I don't really remember why I had New Orleans losing a game last week, but I've changed my mind. The Saints are going to destroy every team left on their schedule.

1. Green Bay Packers

Last Week's Ranking: 1

What is there to say about the Green Bay Packers that hasn't already been said?

This is, without a doubt, the best team in the NFL. When Green Bay got the ball back with less than a minute remaining, it was like it flipped a switch and the New York Giants' defense disappeared off the field.

The Packers moved the ball with such surgical precision on that last drive it made me cry. If the Packers ever decide to play a full game like they played that final minute, no defense in the NFL will be able to contain them.

Their defense still terrifies me, and injuries are starting to catch up to them, but this team is still far ahead of every other team in the league.

Last Week's Predicted Record: 16-0

This Week's Predicted Record: 16-0

The Giants game was their toughest remaining game, so four more wins for a perfect regular season should be a piece of cake.