NFL Power Rankings: A Look at the Top Teams in Each Conference

Who would have thought the Houston Texans would be atop the AFC with T.J. Yates behind center? 

What about the Packers? 

16-0 seems like it'll be a a piece of cake, right? 

Let's look at the top teams in each conference as we wrap up Week 14 in the 2011 NFL season. 

AFC 

Houston Texans (10-3)

How about that win for the Texans, behind the leadership of third-string rookie quarterback T.J. Yates. 

Against a stout Bengals defense, Yates was impressive, especially in the second half and on the final, game-winning drive. 

Arian Foster only managed 41 yards on the ground and their defense proved why, statistically, it's the best defense in football. 

Baltimore Ravens (10-3)

Everyone wants to talk about the Patriots and their current five-game winning streak, but the Ravens are quietly piecing together a little run of their own. 

They've handled their business and haven't put a ton of pressure on Joe Flacco.

A trip to San Diego next week for a game on Sunday night won't be easy, but they should win the AFC North now that they've found their true identity and have stuck with it. 

Ray Rice and defense, that's what Baltimore, Maryland does. 

NFC 

Green Bay Packers (13-0)

The Packers have so many weapons and Aaron Rodgers makes all his pass-catchers better, so I don't think the Greg Jennings injury will the a major blow to their offense. 

They're so ridiculously efficient and I honestly don't see another team beating them in the regular season. 

Actually, the Saints are the only club that can stay with them offensively before they reach the Super Bowl. 

San Francisco 49ers (10-3)

The 49ers are coming off a humiliating loss at the hands of the John Skelton and the Arizona Cardinals.

Take away a presence like Patrick Willis and no defense will be nearly as good. It's likely that Alex Smith will win the NFL Comeback Player of the Year this season, but I need to see more from him with the weapons he has. 

Frank Gore must have more than 10 carries against a run defense like Arizona's. 

Simple as that. 

If they follow the Ravens' methodology of playing the game, they'll be fine. 

If not, and Willis is slow to return, they'll miss out on the first round bye and could be stunned in the playoffs.

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

*MNF matchup