It was a great Week 12 of football that shook up the rankings as many enjoyed their turkey and leftovers with some NFL action. The Falcons and Texans got tough wins, but proved they manage to close out games.
The 49ers have quarterback turmoil they are dealing with, but at least they continue winning.
Ravens keep winning without their main man Ray Lewis and the Bengals are chasing them in the AFC North.
As consistent as always, the Jets find a way to screw up and embarrass themselves on a national stage, while their hometown rival Giants make a playoff push and triumph behind Manning.
Check out where your team lies on my power rankings.
1. Houston Texans (0)
It was a scary Week 12 for the Texans. Maybe they were too busy thinking about eating to realize that they almost lost to the Lions. Have to clean their game up down the stretch as they are about to clinch a playoff berth.
2. Atlanta Falcons
Falcons are another team with a fantastic record that suffered a close call on back-to-back Weeks. If Texans lose in Week 13, Falcons will be bumped up. Barely got past the Saints on Thursday. Important thing is that team knows they are in the playoffs.
3. San Francisco 49ers (+1)
Quarterback battle might create some issues in locker room. Harbough will have to prove to be the leader as he picked Kaepernick to start. Important thing is that Niners have been cruising.
4. Baltimore Ravens (+2)
That Ray Rice play is still hard to believe, but the Ravens took advantage of a sleeping Chargers' defense late in the game. Ravens continue to excel and they might get Ray Lewis back earlier than expected.
5. New England Patriots (+2)
At one point in the season, believe it or not, the Patriots had doubters. Well now they are one win away from a playoff berth.
6. Chicago Bears (-3)
The Bears remembered what it was like to win and they crushed their NFC North rival, Vikings. They bounced backed after scoring just 13 points in combined matchups against the Texans and 49ers. Still in first place in NFC North after Green Bay loss.
7. Denver Broncos (+1)
Does anybody have any questions relating to Peyton Manning's health? Didn't think so. Winners of six straight and about to clinch a playoff berth.
8. Indianapolis Colts (+2)
The Colts are the favorite in the AFC Wild Card. Big win against the Bills as they get back on the winning column. Have tough games ahead. Have to trust Luck though as he has proven he can lead Colts.
9. New York Giants (+2)
Big bounce back victory for the Giants after losing two straight and almost losing a hold of first place in NFC East. Their defense held the Packers to just 10 points, not an easy task. Manning had three TD passes becoming the leading TD thrower in Giants history.
10. Green Bay Packers (-5)
The Packers must not panic. They are still within striking distance of the Bears. Tough schedule ahead as four of five last game are against division rivals.
11. Cincinnati Bengals (+8)
Out of the bunch of teams with 6-5, the Bengals are on the rise. The Steelers can't win without Big Ben and the Andy Dalton has been on a tear at a very crucial point of the season.
12. Seattle Seahawks (0)
The Seahawks hit a bump on the road. Wild Card seems to be only hope for them now as 49ers continue to roll.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0)
The Bucs are fighting and just fell short to the Falcons. NFC Wild Card within grasp however. The combination of Freeman, Jackson and Martin have really boosted the Bucs offense. They are legitimately dangerous.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (-5)
The Steelers don't need prayers or hope, they need Roethlisberger back at the helm. They have a tough Ravens team in Week 13. Steelers have to win to keep division hopes alive.
15. Minnesota Vikings (-3)
The Vikings were crushed by the Bears, but they still remain in the playoff picture as the Wild Card is also within grasp. Time for Adrian Peterson to kick it up a notch and stop fumbling.
16. Washington Redskins (+5)
The Redskins put a hurting on the Cowboys and then almost let it slip. NFC Wild Card is not an exaggeration. Have to play flawless football down the stretch.
17. Detroit Lions (-1)
So close. So close. Can you blame them? The refs blew a touchdown that wasn't and frustration probably took over. Season is down the drain though.
18. Dallas Cowboys (0)
Like always, Tony Romo came short as they had the Redskins on their heels. Cowboys are not a playoff team. Redskins and Giants look better than them.
19. Miami Dolphins (+1)
Can they get any credit for holding on to that second-place spot in the AFC East? 7-9 season looming as they face the Patriots twice and Niners before closing out season.
20. New Orleans Saints (-5)
Well it has been a tough week for Drew Brees and the Saints. Let's keep these guys at 20 and see if anybody else has a worse performance than Brees' five interceptions. Have to wait and see what tricks the Jets have up their sleeves.
21. St Louis Rams (+2)
Only the struggling Cardinals are worse than the Rams in the NFC West. Maybe Bradford can ask organization for actual receivers to give team a chance in 2013.
22. Buffalo Bills (+2)
Bills terrific running game has gone to waste all season long. Could play spoiler as they face Wild Card teams in Colts and Seattle in the following weeks.
23. Tennessee Titans (-1)
Just when it looked like the Titans were going to bounce back and turn their season around, they lost to the Jaguars. Team obviously doesn't deserve to be mentioned in Wild Card race.
24. San Diego Chargers (-7)
The Chargers made it to the highlight reel in Week 12, but they were the ones who gave up the big play. They almost made the Jets look good after giving up the first down on that 4th & 29.
25. Arizona Cardinals (0)
We enter the streak of teams that forgot how to win. What's that? Seven straight for the Cardinals? Fitzgerald is a true soldier. Haven't heard any complaints from the star receiver.
26. Philadelphia Eagles (0)
The Eagles are soaring as low as the Cardinals as teams just find ways to embarrass them. Well, the Eagles embarrass themselves. Great opportunity for Nick Foles to display his talents and learn a little bit.
27. Carolina Panthers (+1)
Okay, Cam Newton might have been a little too excited when he said his best game is yet to come. Dude, take the four touchdowns and have a seat. It was a great performance, Oh, he said that because their playing the Chiefs in Week 13. You better throw three and rush for three TDs.
28. New York Jets (-1)
When you slide into your own lineman's butt and create a fumble, you're season is pretty much over. I still haven't gotten over that play. Accurately depicts the Jets' season.
29. Oakland Raiders (0)
The Raiders have a chance to impress against the Cleveland Browns. Then they face the Broncos in Week 14. Manning might be handing out a few autographs after that game.
30. Cleveland Browns (+1)
They won! That's a 3-8 record. They are better than the Chiefs and Jaguars, plus, I'd take them over the Jets and Eagles any day.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars (+1)
After holding down the last spot of the rankings for months, the Jaguars finally escape and are now the 2nd worse team in the league after capturing their second victory of the year. Baby steps. Baby steps.
32. Kansas City Chiefs (-2)
Can't blame these guys for asking Peyton Manning for autographs following the game. What else is there to do in Kansas City right now?
