NFL Power Rankings 2012: Patriots Make Top 3, Giants Sink Big Time as Seahawks, Redskins Make Playoff Push

Dec 06, 2012 09:06 AM EST

Check out my Power Rankings entering Week 14.

Teams like the Broncos, Falcons, Patriots and Texans already know they are in the playoffs.

First place teams in danger in the NFC like the Giants and Bears are making the end of the season pretty interesting and worth watching.

With no further ado, check out where each team ranks.

1. Houston Texans
They continue rolling and clinched a playoff berth. The Texans defeated the Tennessee Titans, as they should have. Big game against AFC rival Patriots in Week 14

2. Atlanta Falcons 
They made it closer than what it a close game, but they snapped Drew Brees' consecutive TD streak, which is an accomplishment. They also won the division last Monday and are now gearing toward a playoff run.

3. New England Patriots (+2)
The AFC East is theirs once again. The Pats don't know what losing is anymore winning sixth straight.

4. Denver Broncos (+3)
Who would have thought a 24-point comeback would have ignited an seven-game win streak? The Broncos owned what was a wild, wild west in 2011. Manning is just too good.

5 San Francisco 49ers (-2)
Tough, tough loss in Week 13. At the end of the season, the St. Louis Rams can brag about not losing to the 49ers. Harbough might be regretting starting Kaepernick.

6. Baltimore Ravens (-2)
They loss to Charlie Batch and the Steelers. Joe Flacco was almost non-existent in that game. Ray Lewis could be expected back soon, which will be a great boost for the defense.

7. Chicago Bears (-1)
The Bears relinquished first place after a tough loss to the Seahawks. Their schedule doesn't lighten up as they face divisional rival Vikings this Sunday.

8. Indianapolis Colts 
Did you see that last play as Andrew Luck le the Colts to a late-game comeback? RGIII stole the show the day after, but Luck is definitely performing at a high level and the Colts are cruising in the AFC Wild Card.

9. Green Bay Packers (-2)
The Packers are currently in first place as they own an 8-4 record after beating the Vikings. Great bounce back after suffering a beat down to the Giants. Tough schedule still remains ahead.

10. Cincinnati Bengals (+1)
The Bengals might be the best third-place team in the NFL. They are tied with the Steelers in the AFC North and are winners of four straight games. They will need to surpass the Steelers if they want to get into the playoffs.

11. Seattle Seahawks (+1)
Wilson's stats might not be the most impressive nor are they overpowering, but he does enough to win and has the Seahawks 1.5 games behind first place. They force the 49ers to play well in Week 14 as the Seahawks face the Cardinals which should be an easy win.

12. New York Giants (-3)
It was a close game, but the question is where was the Giants pass rush? It simply wasn't dominant and was confused. They couldn't force turnovers and when they got RGIII to fumble, it wound up on the end zone. One of the toughest schedules to close the season. Might miss the playoffs.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers (+1)
Great emotional win for Batch and the Steel Crew on Sunday. Still alive for the division and keep pace with the Colts in the Wild Card. Offense doing what it can do without Roethlisberger.

14. Washington Redskins (+2)
They are winners of three straight and sitting at .500. RGIII and its running game kept the Giants off-balance all game long. Got a lucky bounce on a fumble, but they made Eli Manning look pathetic on offense.

15. Dallas Cowboys (+3)
In games like Sunday's, Tony Romo gives the Cowboys' fan base hope. They are in second place, tied with the Redskins and just a game behind the Giants, who have a tough schedule ahead. Big game against the Bengals, defense will be tested.

16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3)
The Bucs' running game couldn't get anything and they paid as the Denver Broncos extended their losing streak furthering them from the NFC Wild Card.

17. Detroit Lions
The defense gave up a big play again and this one cost them the game. Matt Stafford had a big game, but it wasn't enough as Andrew Luck was absolutely brilliant. Give the man a Guinness beer.

18. Minnesota Vikings (-3)
They will be without Harvin and that is not good news for a passing game that barely has a pulse. This will apply more pressure on the defense and running game.

19. St. Louis Rams (+2)
The Seahawks love their NFC West rivals, The Rams stuck it to the 49ers and beat them in overtime. Great victories to highlight their season and can possibly be a building block for the 2013 season.

20. Miami Dolphins (-2)
The kept pace with the Patriots, but couldn't get the victory. The AFC is in a three-way tie with the Patriots chilling atop of the standings and into the playoffs.

21. Buffalo Bills (+1)
The Bills had a huge victory against the Jaguars. Nothing to brag about, but at least they didn't lose.

22. New Orleans Saints (-2)
The offense was off and Drew Brees was unlike himself. Season is on life support.

23.  Tennessee Titans 
Did they really have a chance against the Texans? Still have a chance to finish at .500 as they are just 4-8.

24. New York Jets (+4)
When they benched Mark Sanchez the fans went crazy and boy he looked better with the clipboard than with the helmet on. McElroy came up big and gets thanked by getting benched once again for Week 14.

25. Cleveland Browns (+5)
The Browns win. The Browns win. They have won two in a row. Have to watch out with this team in two or three years. Maybe.

26. San Diego Chargers (-2)
Philip Rivers couldn't pull an Andrew Luck and the Chargers gave up the division to the Broncos. Defense di great all season, but offense has a lot of question marks.

27. Arizona Cardinals (-2)
Add another one. While some teams have a winning streak going, the Cardinals are competing with the Eagles for the longest winning streak in the league.

28. Philadelphia Eagles (-2)
Speaking of the Eagles, you have to appreciate Nick Foles' great effort, but it still wasn't enough to get the Eagles over the hump.

29. Oakland Raiders
The highlight of the Raiders Week 13 came after their loss as Jon Gruden has been rumored to possibly coming back.

30. Carolina Panthers 
He just couldn't keep his focus. After having a big game against the Eagles, they couldn't do it against a motivated Chiefs' team.

31. Jacksonville Jaguars 
The Jaguars struggles continue and they might have to get used to it as Luck and the Texans could be controlling the division for years to come.

32. Kansas City Chiefs 
What a win for an emotionally charged Chiefs squad. It shouldn't take tragedy to motivate a team or a community, but it was a great way to dedicate a game to one of their own. 

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