NFL Power Rankings Week 13

Power Rankings Week 13

Courage, determination and perseverance were all the qualities that described the head spinning Week 13. Playoff hopes are on the line and some teams have finally gotten a clue, now playing with full force heart in order to see the postseason light. This week we saw come from behind victories, dominant performances, a Chiefs squad overcome a tragedy to come together in the face of adversity, and a case of deja vu arise in St. Louis.

The Colts rebounded with a huge last second touchdown to shock the Lions, the Niners struggled in Colin Kaepernick’s third start in a game that echoed the previous matchup against the Rams, the Chiefs won an emotional contest to overcome the loss of Jevon Belcher, and the Seahawks bested the Bears in the Windy City.

If you thought Week 13 was something out of the ordinary, next week should prove to bring even bigger thrills. Let’s take a look at the Power Rankings heading into the last quarter of the season, Week 14.

1. Houston Texans

Record: 11-1 Rank Last Week: 1

How do you define a team that has defied the odds and rebuilt their franchise over the course of a decade to reach the point of dominance? The Houston Texans have been a team climbing the NFL ranks for a long time coming and it seems now that this could be the year they reach the Superbowl. With an easy win over the Titans this weekend, the Texans clinched a playoff berth for the second straight year. Matt Schaub led a versatile passing attack on Sunday while Arian Foster carried the ground game. The league’s best team is in a prime position to go all the way this year…who’s to stop these longhorns from winning the most coveted game in the world? Next Week @ Patriots (Monday Night Football)

2. Atlanta Falcons

Record: 11-1 Rank Last Week: 2

The Falcons made a huge statement on Thursday night by manhandling Drew Brees and the Saints. Atlanta has been on and off from week to week lately, but this win was the icing on the cake as Matt Ryan was overly consistent in the passing game, while the Falcons defense stepped up and picked off Brees a whopping 5 times. With this marque win and a Buccaneers loss over the weekend, Atlanta clinched the NFC South and a playoff berth. Now, the Falcons need to concentrate on the playoffs given their disastrous results in the past during crunch time. Next Week @ Panthers

3. Denver Broncos

Record: 9-3 Rank Last Week: 4

John Elway is already rubbing his hands together with glee thinking he’s got another potential playoff gem of a team in the works. The Broncos took care of a rising Buccaneers team on Sunday to clinch the AFC West and a playoff spot. Peyton Manning was again very Manning-esque throwing 3 touchdowns, keeping his team ahead of the Josh Freeman aerial attack. Denver is a much improved team this year thanks to Manning and now the stars are aligning just in time for a Broncos team looking to make a statement come playoff time. Next Week @ Raiders (Thursday Night Football)

4. New England Patriots

Record: 9-3 Rank Last Week: 5

Even when Tom Brady doesn’t have a consistent day passing, the Patriots have all the necessary weapons to get the job done. Wes Welker had a big day in the receiving corps going for over 100 yards and a touchdown, while the Pats defense gave Ryan Tannehill all he could handle. New England clinched the AFC East with ease and now this team is looking to make up for their epic loss in the Super Bowl last season. Bill Belichick will certainly make sure that his team is ready when the playoffs come to town. Next Week vs. Texans (Monday Night Football)

5. Indianapolis Colts

Record: 8-4 Rank Last Week: 9

Don’t call it a comeback, a miracle, or even a lucky break because the Indianapolis Colts re-defined their destiny with a tremendous come from behind victory to defeat the ailing Detroit Lions. With under 3 minutes left in the game, Andrew Luck led a 12 point comeback, tossing a 14 yard touchdown pass to Donnie Avery with 4 seconds left to best the Lions in the Motor City. Luck threw 4 touchdown passes, yet had 3 interceptions, but his perseverance and leadership kept the Colts in a close contest and now Indy is pushing hard for a wild card spot that they will likely snag if they continue their raucous gameplay. Big things are happening for these Colts. Next Week vs. Titans

6. Baltimore Ravens

Record: 9-3 Rank Last Week: 3

Consistency is the name of the game and the Baltimore Ravens just haven’t been persistent as a unit. Joe Flacco struggled in the passing attack, while the Baltimore defense gave up too many big plays to the Charlie Batch led Steeler offense. Baltimore has seemed to have problems this season with keeping a lead, and that  was the case this weekend, allowing the Steelers to stay in the game and drive down the field to win it off a Shaun Suisham field goal. If the Ravens aren’t careful they could see their top spot in the AFC North disappear with the rising threat of the Steelers and the Bengals. John Harbaugh needs to get his ducks, or should I say Ravens in a row. Next Week @ Redskins

7. Green Bay Packers

Record: 8-4 Rank Last Week: 10

Coming off a disastrous game in the Meadowlands, the Green and Gold needed to get back on track against the Vikings in order to remain in contention for the playoffs and they took care of business against the Minnesota Vikings, easily defeating them 23-14. Aaron Rodgers celebrated his 29th birthday by having a great day in the passing game, while James Starks provided Green Bay with its first rushing touchdown in nearly two months. Even with Adrian Peterson running all over the Packer defense, they managed to come out on top, and with a Bears loss over the weekend, the Packers moved to the top of the NFC North for the time being. Hopefully the Frozen Tundra doesn’t melt from underneath this versatile squad. Next Week vs. Lions (Sunday Night Football)

8. San Francisco 49ers

Record: 8-3-1 Rank Last Week: 6

Do you ever get an overwhelming sense of deja vu? For the second time this season, the 49ers played their division rival the St. Louis Rams and for the second time the game went to overtime. Colin Kaepernick got his third start as an NFL quarterback, but things didn’t pan out as well as they did a week ago for the up and comer. Several bone headed plays led to Rams scores, while David Akers missed a field goal in overtime while it was Greg Zuerlein who knocked through the game winner in overtime for the Rams. Kaepernick’s performance has been under scrutiny but if this team is expected to rally here late in the season and maintain their slim NFC West lead, Jim Harbaugh better stick with his young gunslinging quarterback to lead them to the postseason. Sorry Alex Smith. Next Week vs. Dolphins

9. Chicago Bears

Record: 8-4 Rank Last Week: 7

For the second time this season an NFC North foe has been bested by Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks. Jay Cutler led the ferocious Bears against a tough Seattle defense only for Wilson to toss a touchdown pass to Golden Tate with under a minute left to take a slim 3 point lead. Miraculously, Cutler gunned a 56 yard pass to Brandon Marshall down the field with time expiring to set up a Robbie Gould game tying field goal. This however wasn’t enough as the Seahawks needed only one drive in overtime to end it, culminating with a Wilson touchdown toss to Sidney Rice. This loss hurts the Bears more than they can imagine, dropping them into the wild card contention level as the Packers took the lead in the NFC North over the weekend. The Monsters of the Midway are looking forward to getting revenge in two weeks when they face Green Bay again. Next Week @ Vikings

10. Cincinnati Bengals

Record: 7-5 Rank Last Week: 11

It wasn’t pretty but a win is still a win and the Cincinnati Bengals are in a prime position for wild card weekend. Andy Dalton was a little off kilter this weekend throwing 2 interceptions, but the rushing attack of BenJarvus Green-Ellis and the catch and run of A.J. Green helped lift the ‘Cats’ over the Chargers. The fact that Marvin Lewis has been with this franchise so long speaks volumes of his worth and now more than ever he’s making his case for his longevity in the Cincy head coaching seat. Watch out for these dangerous Bengals. Next Week vs. Cowboys

11. Pittsburgh Steelers

Record: 7-5 Rank Last Week: 13

In a “Batch” of surprises that happened over the weekend, a major win for the Steelers was one of them. Charlie Batch was under center for the injured Ben Roethlisberger and he delivered with several big plays to take down their biggest division rival, Baltimore. James Harrison returned to his former self, forcing a fumble from Joe Flacco that led to a Steelers score while the final drive was executed with precision from Batch, who was seen hugging Roethlisberger after the game concluded. This win gave Pittsburgh a huge momentum push heading into the final exciting weeks of the season. Next Week vs. Chargers

12. Seattle Seahawks

Record: 7-5 Rank Last Week: 15

Russell Wilson is proving beyond a doubt that he is more than capable of leading an NFL franchise given his stellar performance at Soldier Field over the weekend. Seattle marched into Chicago needing a win and they managed to contain Jay Cutler’s aerial attack while Wilson outdid himself throughout the afternoon, especially in overtime when he ran for 3 much needed first downs to lead the Seahawks to an overtime victory with a touchdown pass to Sidney Rice. Pete Carroll was seen yet again raising his fists in the air in a triumphant manner beating yet another NFC elite. Now, the Seahawks are poised to chase down the Niners in the West and snag a playoff spot, a pleasure they’ve missed indulging in since the Matt Hasselbeck days. Next Week vs. Cardinals

13. Washington Redskins

Record: 6-6 Rank Last Week: 16

It was a Griffin style game as the Redskins slightly got the best of Eli Manning and the Giants on Monday Night Football. With this win, the NFC East playoff race opened like Noah parting the Red Sea and now the Skins are gunning for a shot at the postseason. RGIII was again very Griffin-like, passing for 163 yards with a touchdown and rushing for over 70 yards to hand the Giants a devastating loss. Now, Mike Shanahan has his team in a prime spot for a wild card berth, unless things drastically change in the East in the weeks to come. It will be exciting to see what happens with this squad in the final quarter of the season. Next Week vs. Ravens

14. New York Giants

Record: 7-5 Rank Last Week: 8

After landing a tremendous blow to the Packers a week ago, the New York Giants suffered a devastating loss in the nation’s capitol to the Washington Redskins on Monday night. Eli Manning was accurate in the passing game while Ahmad Bradshaw helped in the rushing attack, but it was 9 penalties that cost the Giants a win and now this team holds only a slight lead in the NFC East race. Tom Coughlin better get his Giants together and explain where they were a year ago to where they are now. It’s going to be a tough road ahead, but the Giants have faced much more adversity in the past. We’ll see what they can overcome  in the final weeks of the season. Next Week vs. Saints

15. Dallas Cowboys

Record: 6-6 Rank Last Week: 18

The NFC East is heating up and the Cowboys are creating quite a stir there. Tony Romo executed a perfect performance on Sunday night to hand the Philadelphia Eagles their 8th consecutive loss by throwing for 3 touchdowns, two of which went to Dez Bryant. Romo has now brought the Boys closer to a wild card berth, while all Jerry Jones can do is to keep from smiling too much. The Cowboys are on their high horse racing for the finish line. Next Week @ Bengals

16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Record: 6-6 Rank Last Week: 12

Greg Schiano is up to his usual antics during the kneel down process again, but yet again it still proved ineffective as the Denver Broncos managed to take down this rising Buccaneers squad. Josh Freeman was versatile, Doug Martin was a running machine, but the Bucs just couldn’t take down the Broncos to give themselves a leg up in the playoff hunt. Things are gonna get tougher for these pirates who are now facing adversity head on going into the final weeks of the season. Next Week vs. Eagles

17. Buffalo Bills

Record: 5-7 Rank Last Week: 21

In one of their best performances all season, the Buffalo Bills took care of business against the Jacksonville Jaguars with ease. Ryan Fitzpatrick threw 2 touchdown passes while Fred Jackson ran for 109 yards on the ground. This Bills team is still slowly climbing the ranks in the wild card hunt, but if things don’t pick up soon for this team, it will be yet another cold winter in Buffalo. Chan Gailey better tell his boys to bundle up. Next Week vs. Rams

18. New Orleans Saints

Record: 5-7 Rank Last Week: 14

The party might be ending early in New Orleans this season after hitting in skid in Atlanta on Thursday night football. The Saints winning streak has slowed to a halt and now this team is in a very vulnerable position concerning the playoff race. Drew Brees had a terrible outing, throwing a record 5 interceptions and breaking his streak of throwing a passing touchdown in consecutive games. This loss was an eye-opener for a Saints team thought to be rebounding only to fall flat when it mattered most. Hopefully things can turn around in time for New Orleans, otherwise Sean Payton’s return next season will be much anticipated. Next Week @ Giants 

19. Miami Dolphins

Record: 5-7 Rank Last Week: 17

On the cusp of making a playoff berth, the Dolphins blew a big opportunity to take down their division rival New England and keep pace in the race, but this loss now only sets them back in a hunt that’s all too deadly. Ryan Tannehill again out did himself in the passing game and even in the running game, rushing for a touchdown, while Brian Hartline carried the receiving corps. The Dolphins swim into the sunset might have come to a close, unless this team can bounce back in record time to make a big splash into the playoffs. Next Week @ 49ers

20. Cleveland Browns

Record: 4-8 Rank Last Week: 23

Little town, big victory for a Cleveland team that has been through the ringer for the past decade. It was a win that boosted morale around the league offices of the Browns this week, knowing just how important Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson have been to the Browns this year. In a close match, it was Richardson who stepped up to the plate and had a big day running the ball, while the Browns defense was relentless in chasing down Carson Palmer. This hasn’t been a great year for Clevleand, but they still have the heart of a team that’s not willing to give up even when all the chips are on the table. Next Week vs. Chiefs

21. St. Louis Rams

Record: 5-6-1 Rank Last Week: 24

Jeff Fischer must be sick of these recurring games considering his team took the 49ers to overtime for the second time this season, yet this time the odds favored St. Louis as they pulled out a stellar and stylish win. Again the Rams played the Niners with ferocity and really rattled Colin Kaepernick into making silly mistakes. Sam Bradford led the charge as the Rams forced overtime while Greg Zuerlein kicked the game winner. This win helped the Rams climb the charts in the NFC West, with the hopes of catching the Niners and the Seahawks respectively. Now is the time for Fischer to show why he’s calling the shots in St. Louis. Next Week @ Bills

22. Minnesota Vikings

Record: 6-6 Rank Last Week: 19

If this team didn’t have Adrian Peterson, then they’d be further in the hole instead of sitting at .500 at 6-6. The Vikings are starting to see their season tumble into oblivion with yet another loss over the weekend. Christian Ponder was adequate in the passing game, but it was Peterson who was Minnesota’s savior, rushing for over 200 yards on 21 carries. That alone saved the Vikings from getting embarrassed at Lambeau Field. Leslie Frazier needs to be thinking playoffs, but all it really seems like is on his mind lately is next year’s NFL Draft. The Vikings desperately need to get back to where they were to begin the season, otherwise it will cave in much like the coveted Metrodome did in 2010. Next Week vs. Bears

23. New York Jets

Record: 5-7 Rank Last Week: 25

In a blunder of a performance the New York Jets managed to switch quarterbacks and end up with a one point victory over the lowly Cardinals. Rex Ryan finally made the change all New Yorkers have been dying for after Mark Sanchez threw three interceptions over the weekend, but it wasn’t Tim Tebow who saw the field, it was the unexpected third string rookie Greg McElroy, who executed the only game scoring drive to help the Jets win an ugly game. Now it appears Ryan has a decision to make regarding his quarterback situation. Whatever his decision, the Jets can likely kiss their season goodbye with they way they performed on Sunday. Next Week @ Jaguars 

24. Tennessee Titans

Record: 4-8 Rank Last Week: 20

The Titans really have had a tumultuous season to this point and things didn’t look pretty against the Texans over the weekend. Jake Locker had a miserable performance under center, throwing three costly interceptions while Chris Johnson barely produced worthwhile yards on the ground. The Titans are slipping yet again and are still struggling to find their identity. At least Tennessee still has the country blues to sing about in the offseason. Next Week @ Colts

25. Carolina Panthers

Record: 3-9 Rank Last Week: 22

Unfortunately the Carolina Panthers marched into a grief stricken Arrowhead Stadium only to see the Chiefs light up the scoreboard and best them in all aspects of the game. The Chiefs were the talk of the town on Sunday while the Panthers were left in the dust. Cam Newton had a phenomenal day passing and running, but the emotional over toll of the Chiefs came bubbling to the surface and spoiled a Sunday afternoon for the Panthers. This hasn’t been the season Panthers fans were expecting, but little by little Cam Newton is getting better and better. In time, we’ll see this Carolina team in the playoffs, with Newton at the helm. Next Week vs. Falcons

26. Detroit Lions

Record: 4-8 Rank Last Week: 26

How can such an explosive offense produce so little wins? It’s amazing to see how far the Detroit Lions have fallen this year compared to last. Last season, the Lions were on the rise to becoming one of the NFL’s new elite teams, yet this season they’ve fallen flat on their faces. Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson combined for fantastic efforts on Sunday, but a last second touchdown pass spoiled a big party in the Motor City. Detroit is likely out of the playoff hunt and now needs to focus on how to utilize their explosive offense and combine that with an up and coming defense. Jim Schwartz’s head must be exploding after Sunday’s loss. Next Week @ Packers (Sunday Night Football)

27. San Diego Chargers

Record: 4-8 Rank Last Week: 27

What’s left to say except the Chargers have seen the lights begin to dim on yet another disappointing season. Philip Rivers wasn’t on his game while Ryan Mathews couldn’t find any running room whatsoever. It’s sad to see just how far Norv Turner has fallen yet again….and you can bet he’s going to be on the coaching hot seat after another bad outing over the weekend. San Diego might want to think about a new strategy heading into the 2013 season. Next Week @ Steelers

28. Oakland Raiders

Record: 3-9 Rank Last Week: 28

Al Davis would be very disappointed to know just how dismal his Oakland Raiders have looked this season. It’s been another downward spiral of a year and improvement seems to be just out of grasp. Carson Palmer was no match for the defense of the Cleveland Browns, while Darren McFadden’s absence is sorely being missed. At this point, the Raiders are already beginning to think of snagging a high draft pick next season…maybe one to replace Mr. Palmer? Next Week vs. Broncos (Thursday Night Football)

29. Kansas City Chiefs

Record: 2-10 Rank Last Week: 32

Amidst tragedy, the Kansas City Chiefs played their best game of the season and overcame the odds to defeat the Carolina Panthers. Just hours after the death of Jevon Belcher and his family, the Chiefs were set to take the field with an overwhelming sense of grief, only to persevere and come together as a unit. Brady Quinn finally looked like an NFL quarterback, having his best pro game, while Jamaal Charles, who was very close to Belcher, ran his heart out. Romeo Crennel rallied his team together in time to bring the city of Kansas City a much needed win. This one pulled at the heartstrings. Next Week @ Browns

30. Philadelphia Eagles

Record: 3-9 Rank Last Week: 29

The free-fall continued this week as the Philadelphia Eagles couldn’t match wits with their division rival Dallas. In a back and forth contest, Nick Foles, now the newly named starter for the Eagles, was under center and performed admirably but it was the efforts of Bryce Brown who really helped the Eagles hang tight with the Boys. This loss marks their 8th straight and now things couldn’t be looking worse in Philadelphia. Andy Reid will likely be fired once the season ends and perhaps the Liberty Bell has cracked even more due to the Eagles dismal gameplay. Next Week @ Buccaneers

31. Arizona Cardinals

Record: 4-8 Rank Last Week: 31

Speaking of free-falls, the Arizona Cardinals have seen an undefeated 4-0 start, turn into a sour 4-8 standing. Ryan Lindley was under center again for the Cards, but only managed a measly 72 yards through the air with an interception to boot. Ken Whisenhunt must be scratching his head for answers, while Larry Fitzgerald is most likely fed up with how low this franchise has sunk. It’s incredible to think that this team was undefeated, being compared to the likes of the Texans and Falcons at one point…a memory long forgotten. Put in a call to Kurt Warner because this team needs a new savior. Next Week @ Seahawks

32. Jacksonville Jaguars

Record: 2-10 Rank Last Week: 30

What’s left to say about the NFL’s worst franchise? It was a good effort against the Bills over the weekend, but even Chad Henne can’t bring these Jags back to the likes of the Byron Leftwich days…a man who has seen better days as well. The Jaguars are now aiming for the number one draft pick in the 2013 draft…here’s to hoping Jags fans. Maybe a new light will dawn on your franchise next season. Next Week vs. Jets

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