NFL Power Rankings Week 11

Power Rankings Week 11

Does football get any better than what transpired in Week 11? Two NFL elites nearly saw disastrous results against two of the league’s worst, while a rookie and hardened veteran quarterback lit up the scoreboard, as things are now beginning to take shape in the remaining weeks of the playoff hunt. Who’s got what it takes? Well, Week 11 was a darn good insight into what we might see in the near future.

The Texans and the Falcons had their work cut out for them, battling back against the lowly Jaguars and Cardinals respectively only to snub them in the end, Tom Brady and RG III put up incredible passing numbers to lift their teams to big wins, while the Niners destroyed the Bears on Monday Night Football. Meanwhile,  some teams prepare to play again on a short week, taking center stage on Thanksgiving.

Week 11 was a blast, hopefully Week 12 can provide us some of the same entertainment. So let’s look at the Power Rankings heading into Week 12.

1. Houston Texans

Record: 9-1 Rank Last Week: 1

In a high scoring affair, the Houston Texans got a little too over confident going into a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, only to be surprised by the Chad Henne led offense that nearly saw them upset the best team in the league in overtime. Fortunately for Houston, they prevailed to narrowly defeat those pesky ‘Cats’ from the south. Matt Schaub was a guns blazing quarterback throwing for 5 touchdowns, while the Texans relied mainly on their aerial attack to help them win. These longhorns may not have had the perfect game, yet they still proved they can come back from any situation in a game thrown their way and comeback to win. Next Week @ Lions (Thanksgiving Game)

2. Atlanta Falcons

Record: 9-1 Rank Last Week: 2

No matter how ugly a game can look, the Falcons proved that even with a plethora of turnovers and mistakes that football games can still be won. It seems after suffering their first loss a week ago, the Dirty Birds have been exposed, struggling heavily this week in a contest against the Cardinals. Matt Ryan had one of the worst games of his career, throwing 5 interceptions, struggling to move to ball against the tough as nails Arizona defense. Nonetheless, the Falcons persevered and were able to hang on to snag a big W. Moving forward the Falcons now seem so much less elite than what we’ve seen through 9 weeks and though it wasn’t a pretty win, it was still nonetheless a much needed momentum boost moving forward. Next Week @ Buccaneers

3. Baltimore Ravens

Record: 8-2 Rank Last Week: 4

Speaking of ugly performances, the Baltimore Ravens came into a game against their heated rival Pittsburgh and only managed to put up a measly 13 points, all of which were scored by the special teams unit. Jacoby Jones’s punt return for a touchdown was the biggest highlight of the night, while Joe Flacco was inconsistent and the Ravens offense wasn’t even close to being productive. Thanks to the defense, the Ravens shutdown second stringer Byron Leftwich, in for the injured Ben Roethlisberger, and lifted their high flying spirits to another much needed win in the AFC North. Consider this win a dud because if Baltimore has high hopes for the playoffs, they won’t win games with the way they played Sunday night. Next Week @ Chargers

4. Denver Broncos

Record: 7-3 Rank Last Week: 5

My goodness, it appears the Denver Broncos cannot be stopped at this point. It may be possible that John Elway has found the magical ingredients of a Super Bowl caliber team again. Peyton Manning put on a clinic on the field, throwing for 3 easy touchdowns and 270 yards. This win marked his 148th game as a starting quarterback, tying his boss, Mr. Elway for second on the all time list. Can you imagine the fire that these Broncos are going to bring to the playoffs this year if they keep up their style of gameplay? One can only fathom and fear the stampeding Broncos at the moment. Next Week @ Chiefs

5. Green Bay Packers

Record: 7-3 Rank Last Week: 6

Who said winning football games was easy? Because they certainly lied. In a bitter division rivalry match-up, the Packers went head to head with the high powered offense of the Detroit Lions with the Green and Gold having to claw their way back into a messy off key game. Aaron Rodgers threw touchdowns to Jermichael Finley and Randall Cobb, while the Packers defense did its part in holding Matthew Stafford at bay. This again proved that not performing at your peak level can still garner you a victory, yet if Green Bay wants to see the postseason, they better shape up and play better. That means you Mason Crosby. Next Week @ Giants (Sunday Night Football)

6. New England Patriots

Record: 7-3 Rank Last Week: 8

Does it get any better than what transpired on Sunday? The Patriots made things look all too easy against the reeling Indianapolis Colts, snagging another win and cementing their dominance in the AFC East. Tom Brady couldn’t have looked more like an MVP quarterback, throwing for over 300 yards and 3 touchdowns while the Pats offense rolled over the Colts, with the defense chasing down Andrew Luck all afternoon, giving him all he could handle. This huge win makes you second guess the kind of Patriots team we could be seeing with the playoffs gleaming in the distance. Next Week @ Jets (Thanksgiving Game)

7. San Francisco 49ers

Record: 7-2-1 Rank Last Week: 9

What a night for the young quarterback Colin Kaepernick who systemically shredded the Bears defense for 243 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Niners defense stepped up big time, sacking Jason Campbell more times than he could count and the game was all but over by the half. Now, with this dominant performance from San Francisco under their belts, who knows how high these Gold Diggers can fly. I wonder if Jim Harbaugh will consider starting Kaepernick much more often moving forward? Something to think about San Fran. Next Week @ Saints 

8. Chicago Bears

Record: 7-3 Rank Last Week: 3

What a mess. The Chicago Bears looked absolutely disorganized in the Monday night contest against the Niners. Jason Campbell was a train wreck under center, barely giving the Monsters of the Midway a chance to win. The only highlight of the night for the Chicago Bears was a tremendous catch by Brandon Marshall late in the game. This one was all but over by halftime and now the Bears miss Jay Cutler more than ever. The NFC North race is now up for grabs. Next Week vs. Vikings

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Record: 6-4 Rank Last Week: 13

The swashbuckling swordsmen are making their case for the playoffs, snagging another much needed win this weekend over the Carolina Panthers. A year ago this team was reeling from week to week, struggling to win games, but now this newly revived Bucs squad is in the playoff hunt, itching for a wild card spot. Josh Freeman’s overtime pass to Dallas Clark was a thing of beauty given Freeman’s struggles throughout the afternoon. Who’s to stop these pirates from raiding some of the more NFL elites? The true test comes next week against their top division rival in the South. Next Week vs. Falcons

10. New Orleans Saints

Record: 5-5 Rank Last Week: 14

Don’t call it a comeback, but the Saints have risen to the occasion and have won the past 5 of 6 games to keep their playoff hopes alive. Who would have thought New Orleans had it in them the whole time? Well, nothing changed this weekend as Drew Brees and the Saints offense rolled over the Raiders in fine fashion. The defense has vastly improved and now look more dangerous than ever especially with Jonathan Vilma getting back to his tackling roots. Watch out cause the Saints are marching in. Next Week vs. 49ers

11. Pittsburgh Steelers

Record: 6-4 Rank Last Week: 7

Sometimes it’s true that one man can make a difference. Ben Roethlisberger was ruled out this week for the Sunday night showdown with Baltimore, leaving the snapping duties to Byron Leftwich, who proved he is incapable of leading an NFL team. A fast start had promising implications early in the game, but those implications soon faded away as Leftwich had trouble all day moving the ball downfield, with the Steelers only putting up a measly 10 points. This Roethlisberger injury better not hinder a team that needs its QB 1 with the playoffs looming ahead. Next Week @ Browns

12. Seattle Seahawks

Record: 6-4 Rank Last Week: 11

On the verge of grabbing a wild card spot, the Seattle Seahawks need to fly together now if they expect to get the ball and score…in a playoff game. Russell Wilson might be better able to hold his tongue than Matt Hasselbeck. Next Week @ Dolphins

13. New York Giants

Record: 6-4 Rank Last Week: 12

The G-Men find themselves needing to dig out of a giant hole coming off the bye week if they expect to hold their slim NFC East division lead. A win against the Green and Gold will certainly be a step in the right direction. Next Week vs. Packers (Sunday Night Football)

14. Dallas Cowboys

Record: 5-5 Rank Last Week: 18

It’s incredible to think that the Dallas Cowboys always have to come from behind to win their football games, but yet again they proved that even a 13 point deficit doesn’t faze them at all. Tony Romo led the Boys to the comeback win, while Dez Bryant was his biggest target, racking in 145 yards through the air, with a touchdown. Dan Bailey sealed the game in overtime with a field goal giving the Cowboys a win they desperately needed in order to chase down the New York Football Giants. Could Jerry Jones finally see his worries laid to rest given the Cowboys make the postseason? Next Week vs. Redskins (Thanksgiving Game)

15. Indianapolis Colts

Record: 6-4 Rank Last Week: 10

In a thrashing like the Colts have never had in the past several years, the New England Patriots overpowered Indy and made them pay well for the mistakes that occurred so often over the weekend. Andrew Luck took most of the blame in the giant 59-24 loss throwing 3 very costly interceptions, while the Colts defense couldn’t do anything to prevent Tom Brady from running and gunning all over them. This loss was a big eye opener for a Colts team looking to make the playoffs with a rookie quarterback at the helm. Now with a little “Luck” on their side, they very well could. We’ll see if Indy can overcome the odds and prove all their haters wrong. Next Week vs. Bills

16. Minnesota Vikings

Record: 6-4 Rank Last Week: 15

Fresh off the bye week, the Vikings have a lot of ground to cover if they want to catch Chicago and Green Bay in the NFC North black and blue division battle. Next Week @ Bears

17. Cincinnati Bengals

Record: 5-5 Rank Last Week: 19

Andy Dalton should become the superhero, “The Red Rifle,” a nickname he earned while in college, after the tremendous performance he executed on Sunday. Dalton passed for 3 touchdowns, and had a rushing touchdown to boot. A.J. Green had a fabulous one handed catch in the endzone and the Bengals rolled all over the disastrous Chiefs with no worries throughout 4 quarters of gameplay. Cincy is back on track and ready to climb the charts in the wild card hunt. Criminals beware of the Red Rifle. Next Week vs. Raiders

18. Tennessee Titans

Record: 4-6 Rank Last Week: 17

A week of rest might be what the Tennessee Titans just needed in order to save their season moving forward. Next Week @ Jaguars

19. Buffalo Bills

Record: 4-6 Rank Last Week: 23

It was a season saving victory for the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night against the Dolphins as Ryan Fitzpatrick remained mistake free passing for 168 yards while C.J. Spiller ran for 91 yards on the ground. In a divisional game to stay solely out of last place in the AFC East, the Bills prevailed and brought the Dolphins down with them to try and make an effort to catch those division hungry Patriots. If Buffalo can manage to stay relevant and keep pace with their respective division rivals they may have a shot at the playoffs this season, an opportunity the city of Buffalo would relish with joy. Next Week @ Colts

20. Washington Redskins

Record: 4-6 Rank Last Week: 25

Is it possible for one player to have such a huge impact? The answer is yes and his name is Robert Griffin III. In one of the best performances all season from a quarterback, RGIII tossed 4 touchdown passes, throwing for 200 yards and rushing for 84 on the ground. The Eagles didn’t stand a chance all day and suffered the rookie quarterback’s wrath, as the Skins tossed up 31 points on the board, while the Washington defense man-handled Nick Foles, forcing 2 interceptions from him.  The Redskins proved they are anything but finished in the 2012 season with their beat down of Philly. RGIII might be back to his pristine performing ways. Next Week @ Cowboys (Thanksgiving Game)

21. New York Jets

Record: 4-6 Rank Last Week: 26

Through all the drama, desperation, and debacles haunting this falling franchise, a win was just what Rex Ryan needed in order to silence the New York critics for one more week. Mark Sanchez finally had a Sports Center worthy performance while Tim Tebow could only watch from the bench and admire Sanchez’s gameplay. He threw for 178 yards and a touchdown while Shonn Greene was mildly productive on the ground. All there is to say is that this win helped keep the wolves away for the time being and with the scrutiny going on inside the Jets locker room, it will help keep the silence for a few days. Rex Ryan better get his fill of turkey on Thanksgiving considering he’s going into a huge juggernaut match-up this week. Next Week vs. Patriots (Thanksgiving Game)

22. Detroit Lions

Record: 4-6 Rank Last Week: 16

Some say it’s the little things in life that bring you the most happiness and indeed they are correct because the amount of little mistakes made by the Lions cost them a crucial NFC North game could have gotten them back on the right track this season. Matthew Stafford hasn’t been the same gunslinger he was a year ago, but his ability to find Calvin Johnson on Sunday was uncanny, but it wasn’t enough to stop Aaron Rodgers from rallying the Pack back into the game. Now sitting at 4-6 and at the bottom of their respective division, Jim Schwartz better pull a rabbit out of his hat if he wants any chance of making a reappearance in the playoffs. Better start digging Jim. Next Week vs. Texans (Thanksgiving Game)

23. Miami Dolphins

Record: 4-6 Rank Last Week: 20

What was once a promising swim has now turned into treacherous waters for the Miami Dolphins, dropping a much needed win against division rival Buffalo on Thursday night. Ryan Tannehill is slumping back towards being the inaccurate rookie he started out being while the Dolphins just haven’t been very effective in all aspects of the game. Tannehill threw 2 picks while Reggie Bush had just 20 yards on 10 carries. At the moment, these Dolphins appear to be swimming away from Atlantis. Next Week vs. Seahawks

24. San Diego Chargers

Record: 4-6 Rank Last Week: 21

How in the world can Norv Turner turn around this up and down franchise? It’s a wonder to see how well the Chargers started this season only to let themselves slide back to their respective mediocrity. Philip Rivers couldn’t be compared next to Peyton Manning on Sunday and the Chargers yet again find themselves falling from grace in the West. Things need to change in San Diego whether it’s players, personnel, or coaching because I’m sure the San Diego faithful are sick of seeing this team start slow and finish strong, or vice versa every year only to come up just shy of reaching the playoffs. Next Week vs. Ravens

25. Oakland Raiders

Record: 3-7 Rank Last Week: 22

Just when you thought the Black and Silver might be turning things around, they go and trampled during the Mardi Gras parade in Oakland. Carson Palmer was very inefficient in the passing game, one of the only aspects of the Raiders offense that seems to work while the defense couldn’t contain Drew Brees whatsoever. Now, the Raiders ship is beginning to sink here in 2012. It might be time for these pirates to wave the white flag. Next Week @ Bengals 

26. Carolina Panthers

Record: 2-8 Rank Last Week: 24

No matter which way you put it, Carolina might have put too much trust into the young Cam Newton to lead the dying Panthers franchise. In just his second year, Newton has been the polar opposite of his rookie self and hasn’t been able to effectively finish games. This weekend’s game against the Bucs was within reach, but the Panthers just couldn’t muster a great performance in overtime. Time to re-open the playbook and get more creative with the former number one overall pick. Next Week @ Eagles (Monday Night Football)

27. Philadelphia Eagles

Record: 3-7 Rank Last Week: 27

Andy Reid couldn’t be any closer from the firing line than he is right now after a disastrous outing against the Washington Redskins on Sunday. Back up quarterback Nick Foles led the charge but did less charging and more throwing interceptions rather than leading the defenseless Eagles against the dynamo Skins. This game has brought the Eagles to a brand new low and now Reid is going to be fighting for his job for the rest of the season. We’ll see what happens to Reid when the Eagles miss the playoffs yet again this year. Next Week vs. Panthers (Monday Night Football)

28. Cleveland Browns

Record: 2-8 Rank Last Week: 28

It’s unfathomable how Cleveland could let a 13 point lead fizzle away only to have to fight hard in the final minute just climb back into a game which was already won. Brandon Weeden was brilliant early on, but soon faded away as the entire Browns organization watched the Dallas Cowboys battle their way back into a tight ballgame which was sealed when Dan Bailey hit the game winning kick in overtime. The Browns need to take the lead like they did and learn how to keep it moving forward. On a positive note, the Brownies may be looking at a promising future with such versatile players as Trent Richardson and the young defense that continues to get better. There’s been enough heartbreak in Cleveland already but what’s one more year huh? Next Week vs. Steelers

29. St. Louis Rams

Record: 3-6-1 Rank Last Week: 29

Jeff Fischer was rolling his eyes on Sunday at the amount of mistakes the St. Louis Rams made, not to mention how extremely flat they looked against a Jets team that’s got its fair share of problems. Sam Bradford threw a slew of interceptions and the Rams are beginning to crumble here late in the season. Fischer’s first season might be a forgettable one considering this team is on the ropes in the NFC West. Next Week @ Cardinals

30. Arizona Cardinals

Record: 4-6 Rank Last Week: 30

Six losses in a row may be the icing on the cake for a Cardinals team who started with such promising hope this season. In a super effort to take down the elite Falcons, the Cardinals stepped up and performed admirably, picking off Matt Ryan an astonishing 5 times, yet it just wasn’t enough to upset the rolling Falcons as the Cardinals continue to see their season disappearing before their eyes. At least the defense performed outstandingly and with that, the Cardinals can look forward to next week and may still have a shot for the wild card if they count their lucky stars. Hopefully Ken Whisenhunt has already started counting. Next Week vs. Rams

31. Jacksonville Jaguars

Record: 1-9 Rank Last Week: 31

In one of their best efforts all season long, the Jacksonville Jaguars nearly upset one of the best teams in the league letting overtime get the best of them. Blaine Gabbert went down with an injury and Chad Henne provided the color under center for the Jags and out did himself, giving Jacksonville a fighting chance in a game all thought won by the Texans before kickoff. In a back and forth contest, the Jags just couldn’t muster up the strength to hand the Texans their second loss of the season. If Jacksonville has this much spirit and enthusiasm heading into each game who knows how many wins they could put up on the board. Next Week vs. Titans

32. Kansas City Chiefs

Record: 1-9 Rank Last Week: 32

What’s there left to say about a dismantled, disorganized, and disheveled Kansas City Chiefs team already looking forward to the end of the season. Matt Cassel began the game but Brady Quinn finished it as both quarterbacks put up less than stellar numbers while Romeo Crennel might see his first full season as the Chiefs head coach go up in flames as he may not be deemed good enough to stick around the organization for too much longer. After a huge 28-6 loss to the Bengals, the Chiefs don’t have much of anything left in the final weeks of this season. It’s embarrassing that someone in Kansas City mentioned this terrible team in their obituary this week in the Kansas City Star…maybe cause of death was related to the Chiefs gameplay? Next Week vs. Broncos

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