NFL Power Rankings Week 14: Identifying the Top Dogs in Each Division

I have finally figured out which teams are the best in each NFL division. 

All I needed to do was watch 13 weeks. 

AFC East—New England Patriots 

So they didn't cover the 20.5-point spread. Big deal.

They moved to 9-3, and Tom Brady was efficient as usual, completing 29 of his 38 passes for 289 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.

Although the defense is worrisome, they're still the class of the AFC East, if not the entire conference.

AFC North—Baltimore Ravens 

They win the tiebreaker over Pittsburgh because they beat the Steelers twice. Both clubs are 9-3, and the Ravens handled their business against the Browns.

See what happens when they make Ray Rice the focal point of the offensive attack? 29 carries, 204 yards and a touchdown.

AFC West—Denver Broncos

Winners of five straight, the Broncos are currently the No. 4 seed in the AFC playoffs.

Tim Tebow had his best passing game this season, with only five incompletions, 202 yards and two touchdowns in the 35-32 overtime win over Minnesota. All Cris did was catch touchdowns—all Tebow does is win.

AFC South—Houston Texans 

What a group of resilient guys in Houston. They beat a solid Falcons club with their third-string quarterback and withstood another injury to star wideout Andre Johnson.

Amid the offensive renaissance, the Texans are getting it done with defense and a power running game.

NFC East—New York Giants 

Both the Cowboys and Giants lost on Sunday, but as I've said before, New York has simply fallen victim to a brutal second-half schedule. They have explosive offensive tendencies especially because of the talent in their receiving corp.

Two of the final four are against the 'Boys—games that will determine the division.

NFC North—Green Bay Packers 

The Green Bay Packers are 12-0. Aaron Rodgers led a masterful game-winning drive. Try to stop them, I dare you. Impossible.

NFC South—New Orleans Saints

Everyone wants a Packers/49ers NFC Championship game? I said few weeks ago I thought it'd be a dream matchup.

Scratch that. I want Packers/Saints. Rodgers and Brees are operating their offenses better than any other signal-callers right now. Surgeons.

NFC West—San Francisco 49ers 

The 49ers wrapped up the division on Sunday in Jim Harbaugh's first year at the helm. Good for them.

Their fans haven't seen their club in the playoffs in nine years. With Frank Gore leading a punishing rushing attack and the defense, they'll be a tough out in the postseason.

Actually, everything hinges on the health of Patrick Willis.  

Week 14 NFL Power Rankings
 
1. Green Bay Packers (12-0)
2. Baltimore Ravens (9-3)
3. New Orleans Saints (9-3)
4. San Francisco 49ers (10-2)
5. New England Patriots (9-3)
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3)
7. Houston Texans (9-3)
8. Atlanta Falcons (7-5) 
9. Oakland Raiders (7-5)
10. Cincinnati Bengals (7-5)
11. Dallas Cowboys (7-5)
12. Tennessee Titans (7-5) 
13. Detroit Lions (7-5)
14. New York Jets (7-5)
15. Chicago Bears (7-5)
16. New York Giants (6-6)  
17. Denver Broncos (7-5) 
18. Miami Dolphins (4-8)
19. Seattle Seahawks (5-7)
20. Buffalo Bills (5-7)
21. Kansas City Chiefs (5-7)
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-8)
23. Arizona Cardinals (5-7)
24. San Diego Chargers (4-7)*
25. Philadelphia Eagles (4-8)
26. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-8)*
27. Carolina Panthers (4-8)
28. Washington Redskins (4-8)
29. Cleveland Browns (4-8)
30. Minnesota Vikings (2-10) 
31. St. Louis Rams (2-10)
32. Indianapolis Colts (0-12)

*MNF Matchup