NFL Power Rankings - Week 14

Here are my NFL Power Rankings through Week 14, with last weeks rankings in parentheses:

Week: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

1. New York Giants (11-2) (1)

The Giants are the best team in the NFC, but they will miss Plaxico Burress come playoff time, and I don't think they are a lock to make the Super Bowl anymore. I think Carolina and Dallas could both be capable of taking them down once the playoffs come around. If Philly was to sneak in the playoffs, they could have a shot at it too.

2. Tennessee Titans (12-1) (2)

The Browns were no match for the Titans, but Houston should give the Titans some problems and could spring an upset. Chris Johnson is going to be they key for the Titans in the playoffs. He's their most dynamic offensive player and he's going to have to do big things for them to advance.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3) (3)

The Steelers keep winning and winning ugly, which leaves me unimpressed and wondering how good they really are. Lucky for them, the AFC is weak this year, and they might be able to get to the Super Bowl winning ugly. They have two potentially huge games left which should give us a great idea of who the favorites are in the AFC: at BAL & at TEN.

4. Carolina Panthers (10-3) (5)

Carolina came away with the big win against TB, which pretty much locks up a playoff spot for them, although it wouldn't hurt to beat DEN this week to clinch it for sure. At this point, I think they have the best chance to knock off the Giants, but it would really help them if they could get home field in the NFC, because they aren't the greatest road team. That could be a chore though with DEN, at NYG, and at NO to finish the season.

5. Dallas Cowboys (8-5) (4)

The Cowboys completely blew their game against the Steelers this week. They are catching a lot of heat for losing the game, but since ATL lost to an NFC team, Dallas actually moved into the last playoff spot. So they are still very much in the thick of things, but if they make the playoffs they are certainly going to have to earn it: NYG, BAL, AT PHI.

6. Indianapolis Colts (9-4) (9)

The Colts have won 6 in a row and should be able to push that total to at least 8 with DET and JAX coming up the next two weeks. They finish up with TEN, but that game might be meaningless for both teams at that point.

7. Baltimore Ravens (9-4) (10)

The Ravens continue to impress me and have a huge game coming up against the Steelers at home and yes, Ed Reed is a ballhawk.

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-4) (6)

TB's loss to Carolina means that they are not the lock for the playoffs that I thought they would be. They have to go on the road to ATL in Week 15 and if they lose that game could possibly be in a 3 way tie at 9-5 for the last two playoff spots. After that they have SD and OAK at home. Two winnable games, but if they can beat ATL then they can almost guarantee themselves a playoff spot.

9. Atlanta Falcons (8-5) (8)

Huge game for the Falcons in Week 15. If they can beat TB, then they would be tied with Tampa and possibly DAL for the last two playoff spots.

10. New England Patriots (8-5) (11)

The Patriots got a huge come from behind victory against the Seahawks to keep the AFC East divisional champion hopes alive. Week 16 against the Cardinals looks to be the toughest game left of their schedule.

11. Philadelphia Eagles (7-5-1) (17)

The Eagles got an impressive victory over the Giants and have looked good the past two weeks with Brian Westbrook leading the way. They can't afford to slip up at home against the Browns in Week 15. This team is not dead yet.

12. Arizona Cardinals (8-5) (13)

Arizona did the expected and wiped the turf with the Rams. The game I'm looking forward to for them is at New England in Week 16. If they can win that game, then I will put some more belief into them.

13. New York Jets (8-5) (7)

The Jets as you know are struggling right now and are not the lock to make the playoffs that they once looked like they would be just two weeks ago.

14. New Orleans Saints (7-6) (14)

The Saints are still alive in the playoff race, but definitely need to win out, plus get help from a few other teams.

15. Minnesota Vikings (8-5) (15)

The Vikings have won 3 straight, but now they have three straight tough games at ARZ, and then ATL & NYG at home. The Bears certainly still have a chance at the division.

16. Miami Dolphins (8-5) (16)

Would you have guessed that the Dolphins are ranked 10th in total yards? I sure didn't. They are also 13th in defense, so this is a solid and balanced Miami team. They haven't had the strongest schedule though by any means.

17. Washington Redskins (7-6) (12)

The Redskins aren't out of the playoffs chase, but they are certainly playing like they are. They've lost 4 out of their last 5, losing to PIT, DAL, NYG, & BAL, so they seem to have problems with the elite teams. Their schedule is easier the rest of the way with CIN, PHI, & SF.

18. Denver Broncos (8-5) (18)

The Broncos have won 4 of their last 5 and need just 1 more win to clinch the AFC West.

19. Chicago Bears (7-6) (20)

The Bears looked good against JAX at home and now face the Saints in what is basically a playoff game because the loser is definitely out of the playoffs.

20. Houston Texans (6-7) (22)

The Texans are definitely going to be a team to watch next season. They are pretty set on offense with a nice core of talent and if they can add some more players on defense, then they could make some noise next year.

21. Buffalo Bills (6-7) (19)

Buffalo is this year's winner for team that start off hot (5-1) and then fades down the stretch because they really weren't that good. Looking back at those 5 wins(SEA, JAX, OAK, STL, SD) shows that they really weren't that impressive and we should have seen this coming.

22. Green Bay Packers (5-8) (21)

I still can't believe the Packers defense is as bad as it has been. They are 23rd in the NFL after being 11th last season.

23. San Diego Chargers (5-8) (23)

The Chargers are going to do their best to finish at 8-8, but they have definitely been the most disappointing team in the NFL.

24. San Francisco 49ers (5-8) (26)

The 49ers are 3-3 with Mike Singletary as their head coach. If he doesn't keep the head coaching job, then something is seriously wrong.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9) (24)

I think Jacksonville might have a new head coach next season. Also, this team needs some more weapons on offense.

26. Cleveland Browns (4-9) (25)

Anyone wanna guess who the head coach for the Browns will be next season?

27. Seattle Seahawks (2-11) (28)

This has been a lost season for the Seahawks, but their roster doesn't exactly give them hope for the future either. I think this team has peaked and it is time to start over.

28. Oakland Raiders (3-10) (27)

The only reason to pay attention to the Raiders the rest of this season is to see if Darren McFadden finally breaks out with a couple of big games..

29. Kansas City Chiefs (2-11) (29)

Tyler Thigpen is actually having a decent season for the Chiefs: 1,926 yards, 14 TD, 8 INT. He could be a little more accurate though , since he is completing only 54.6% of his passes.

30. Cincinnati Bengals (1-11-1) (30)

The Bengals were competitive for a while this season despite all the losses, but the last three weeks that have just been dominated by better teams.

31. St. Louis Rams (2-11) (31)

The Rams have now lost 9 times this season by more than 2 touchdowns.

32. Detroit Lions (0-13) (32)

I would be shocked if Detroit wins at Indy this week. There best chance for a victory is probably at GB in the final week of the season.