NFL Power Rankings: Identifying the League's Most Unpredictable Teams

We all know what we're going to witness when we watch the Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots and the New Orleans Saints.  

For the most part, we know we're going to get ferocious defense from the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts are pretty easy to predict as well.

But not everything is a certainty in the NFL, and there are a handful of team's that have proven to be rather unpredictable through 12 games.  

Oakland Raiders

I thought I had the Raiders figured out. 

I really did. 

They were the run-you-over first, pass-second team that had a bend-not-break defense that would win the AFC West. 

Then, they went to Miami and were totally obliterated. Michael Bush finished the game with 11 carries for 18 yards. 

Really? 

Carson Palmer looked like he was making his first start, and the defense couldn't make a play all afternoon.

Maybe it was just a hiccup.

Maybe.  

Darren McFadden's return should help, right?

Cincinnati Bengals

I don't have many negative things to say about a Cincinnati Bengals team that was picked to be among the AFC's worst teams and is instead 7-5 with a rookie quarterback and No. 1 receiver, but I haven't quite figured them out. 

I know they have a good defense, actually a great defense, but looking at their 2011 season, where the real quality win? 

The 24-17 victory in Tennessee? 

Maybe. 

For this team to make the next step, they'll have to either win in this week in Houston or upend the Ravens in the season finale. 

Andy Dalton's exceeded expectations in 2011, but is he as good as everyone is saying? The former TCU standout has 17 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and is completing less than 60 percent of his passes. 

I guess with this AFC North team, I just want to see them play to the level in which many have already placed them.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks won't factor into this year's postseason, but they're definitely one of the more unpredictable teams in my estimation. 

There's not doubt that they're playing better lately, but they do have a 6-3 loss to the Browns and a home defeat at the hands of Rex Grossman and the Redskins. 

Are they just another poor NFC Worst, I mean West, team, or are they on their way to becoming a formidable club again? 

They looked pretty good against the Eagles and did beat the Ravens in Seattle this year. 

If they improve at quarterback, there's not many teams that would welcome a trip to the Pacific Northwest to take them on.

I think. 

Week 14 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 (5-7)
25. Philadelphia Eagles (4-8)
26. Carolina Panthers (4-8)
27. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-9)
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)