NFL Power Rankings: Looking at the Tightest Division Races

What would an NFL season be without tight division races in December? 

Boring. 

Needless to say, we've definitely got them in 2011 and some may go down to the final week. 

Let's take a glimpse at these races as we enter the final three games of the season. 

NFC East 

This two-team battle between the Giants and Cowboys has the distinct possibility to go down to Week 17, mainly because these two clubs play each other to end the season. 

New York owns the tie-breaker because of their three-point win in Dallas on Sunday night.

The Cowboys play in Tampa this weekend before hosting the Eagles ahead of their season-determining game with the Giants on New Year's Day.

As for the Giants, they don't leave their stadium. The Redskins come to town this weekend, while they're listed as the away team against the Jets the following week.

New York, already with the leg up, will win this division. 

I love them at home against Dallas to end the year because of their high-powered offense and added balance from Brandon Jacobs. 

AFC North 

It's fitting that the Ravens and Steelers are fighting and clawing for the AFC North crown right now, isn't it?

Joe Flacco's club already swept his nemesis from Pittsburgh and has his team in ideal position to play a home playoff game.

For Baltimore, a trip to San Diego this weekend will unquestionably be a test against a Chargers team that's playing much more efficient football.

After a home contest against the Browns, they'll travel to Cincinnati to face an upstart Bengals club.

Pittsburgh won't be able to coast to a 13-3 record, either.

If they can sneak past a 49ers club that has lost two of three on Monday Night Football, however, that record is certainly attainable. 

We should know who will win this division after this weekend.

If the Ravens win, which I expect them to, they'll finally treat their fans to a home postseason game.

AFC West 

Tim Tebow is the talk of the NFL. Heck, he's the talk of the entire sports world right now.

Sorry, Packers.

His Broncos have a one-game lead and the tiebreaker over the Raiders at this juncture. However, with a game against the Patriots up next, nothing is set in stone just yet.

Oakland desperately needs their running game, specifically Michael Bush, to rebound after consecutive poor showings.

They end the season with two of three at home and face the Lions this week.

I'm not sure "Tebow magic" is powerful enough to overcome New England in Week 15. However, the Broncos will win this division because of their signal-caller's progression, a sound running game and a great defense. 

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. Seattle Seahawks
16. Dallas Cowboys
17. Arizona Cardinals
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