NFL Power Rankings Week 16: Labeling the League's Contenders & Pretenders

Contender or pretender? We'll run down which team is which with two weeks left in the 2011 NFL season:

Contenders

Packers: Contrary to popular belief, one bad day at the office doesn't result in the death of the 2011 season. They need to get healthy at some key spots (offensive tackle, middle linebacker), but the Packers are still the NFL's top team. 

Saints: With Drew Brees and the offense playing as well as they are right now, the Saints are going to be tough to beat, especially indoors.  

49ers: The 49ers continue to show that they have a championship defense. As long as Alex Smith doesn't turn the ball over, they'll be in every game against any team.  

Ravens: Some of their losses are concerning but the Ravens have typically played their best football against the league's better teams. Getting a first round bye would be a big boost to their Super Bowl aspirations. 

Steelers: Getting Ben Roethlisberger healthy is priority No. 1. Without his ankle close to 100 percent the Steelers could have a quick playoff exit.

Patriots: Tom Brady will have to crank it up to even another level after the season-ending loss of Andre Carter. If anyone can compensate, it's him.  

Falcons: A team with a lot of hype to start the season has finally hit their stride. 

Pretenders

Lions: This team might be a year off. Detroit's been too undisciplined in 2011 to take a serious crack at winning the NFC.

Cowboys: Dallas has been far too up-and-down to think they can make noise against the NFC's top teams. 

Giants: You just never know which Giants team is going to show up. The good one can play with anyone but the bad Giants come out at some of the most inopportune times. 

Broncos: They'll likely be a playoff team but the Broncos don't have enough right now—on either side of the ball—to compete with the big boys in the AFC. 

Jets: There is playoff experience here but don't underestimate the loss of Jim Leonard. That injury was crippling to the defense. 

Week 16 Power Rankings

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