My biggest blunder from last week’s power rankings was that I had the Seahawks at No. 12 and the Saints at No. 5. And for obvious reasons, I don’t feel too badly about that misstep.

Let’s get nasty for the Divisional Round…

1. New England Patriots
Wildcard Ranking: 1
Rex Ryan is making this weekend’s game about him and Bill Belichick, which is understandable given that they’re the two head coaches. But while Ryan stands at the podium every day telling the media that the game will come down to which head coach gets the upper hand, Brian Schottenheimer is in the corner sweating bullets. That’s because this game won’t come down to Ryan v. Belichick. It’ll come down to Schottenheimer v. Belichick and you couldn’t dream up a bigger mismatch.

2. Atlanta Falcons
Wildcard Ranking: 2
While doing my daily web suffering this week, I get the sense that the Falcons are the true underdogs this Saturday against the Packers. Even though Atlanta is a 2-point favorite, the majority of fans believe that if the Packers play their game, they won’t be beaten. But everyone needs to keep in mind how difficult it is to play on the road – especially in consecutive weeks. The Falcons are also well rested and they don’t make many mistakes to cost themselves opportunities. Thus, regardless of if the Packers have the better overall stats or people believe that they’re the better team, they still have to play a near-perfect game this weekend in order to leave Atlanta with a victory.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers
Wildcard Ranking: 3
The Steelers better hope that Troy Polamalu is healthy enough to make it through the entire game this Saturday because that’s a completely different defense with him standing on the sidelines. It’ll also be interesting to see if Baltimore’s defense can shut down Mike Wallace like it did Dwayne Bowe last Sunday in Kansas City. Because you get the feeling that Wallace is rising to that elite receiver status.

4. Baltimore Ravens
Wildcard Ranking: 4
Pass protection is the key for the Ravens this weekend. If they can keep Joe Flacco upright, the Steelers can be had through the air. Pittsburgh’s cornerbacks don’t match up real well with the Ravens’ receivers, but Baltimore’s O-line must hold up under the pressure that they’ll face from the Steelers’ front seven. The Chiefs were able to get to Flacco a couple of times last week and they managed to strip him once. The Ravens won’t make it out of Pittsburgh this weekend if Flacco is constantly under pressure again.

5. Green Bay Packers
Wildcard Ranking: 6
Thanks to James Starks, the Packers have finally found a running game, which isn’t good news for the Falcons. When these two teams met earlier this season, Green Bay predominately threw the ball because it didn’t have much of a choice. But if they can stay balanced like they did last week in Philadelphia, then Atlanta won’t be able to sit back in coverage like it did last time and force Aaron Rodgers to throw underneath. Starks has added another dimension to this already potent offense.

6. Chicago Bears
Wildcard Ranking: 7
Boy did the Bears luck out or what? At the start of last weekend, it looked like they would either face the Eagles or Saints in the Divisional Round and then – surprise! – Seattle knocks off New Orleans and Green Bay knocks off Philadelphia. Now the Bears will host the Seahawks while the Falcons have to deal with the Packers. Of course, Seattle has already beaten the Bears in Chicago this year, so nothing is guaranteed. And if Seattle plays as hard as it did last weekend, then anything can happen. That said, unless the Seahawks can move Qwest Field to Solider Field this Sunday, I doubt they have two upsets in them this postseason.

7. New York Jets
Wildcard Ranking: 9
The Jets may be winning the war of words but it’s not like the Patriots are interested in that game. The one they’re focusing on is this Sunday in Foxboro and the last time the Jets paid a visit, things went very well for the home team. The Jets must run the football like they did in the second half against the Colts last Saturday. Without that type of running game, they stand no chance this weekend because Mark Sanchez isn’t going to get the best of Bill Belichick.

8. Seattle Seahawks
Wildcard Ranking: 12
The Seahawks proved last week what they could do when nobody believes in them and they seemingly have no shot at winning. But now they have to go on the road and face a Bears team that is well rested after taking last week off. Six times this year, the Hawks played at home and then had to travel the next week. And in those six road games, they lost by an average margin of 23.3 points. Inconsistency is the one thing this team must overcome if it wants to advance to the NFC title game.

Here’s how I would rank the 12 playoff teams heading into the Wildcard Round. If you disagree, then f*#k you.

No wait, that wasn’t very nice. I’m sorry. Merry NFL Postseason to all of you. It’s the best time of year…

1. New England Patriots
Thanks to Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, the Pats look indestructible and bound for Dallas. But the one concern I have is whether or not this team will start reading its own press clippings again. It happened earlier in the year when they lost to the Browns and then again late in the season when they took on the Matt Flynn-led Packers and were almost beaten at home. It’s the playoffs, so I don’t think Belichick has to worry about his team getting a big head but you never know. Other than that, yeah…Patriots for world domination.

2. Atlanta Falcons
I don’t fault anyone who thinks the Falcons will go down in flames over the next two weeks. Their defense is still a question mark, their offense looked putrid against the Saints last Monday night and they rarely blow anybody out. But one thing this team has going for itself is that it’s been in a ton of close games this year and is battle tested. They also have home field advantage (Matt Ryan is 20-2 as a starter in the Georgia Dome) and will be well rested. They also kept things vanilla offensively last week against the Saints, which I think was smart given how New Orleans may very well wind up being their first postseason opponent.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers
With Troy Polamalu in the lineup, the Steelers own the best defense in the playoffs (with Green Bay and Chicago being right behind them). The offensive line is still a concern, but this team scored 68 points the past two weeks (albeit against Carolina and Cleveland) so things can’t be that bad. The Steelers aren’t flawless by any means, but teams shouldn’t fall asleep on them either.

4. Baltimore Ravens
There are some pretty damn good wildcard teams in this year’s playoffs, headlined by the Ravens. They’re currently on a four-game winning streak and thanks to the outcomes last week, they’ll be making a trip to Kansas City this weekend instead of Indianapolis (where they’ve struggled mightily). Baltimore proved last year in Foxboro that it doesn’t mind playing on the road and as long as their secondary holds up, don’t count the Ravens out for making a Super Bowl run.

5. New Orleans Saints
Even with their Week 17 loss to the Bucs at home, this is still a dangerous team. They know what it takes to win a Super Bowl and they employ one of the best offensive minds in football in head coach Sean Payton. Injuries and Drew Brees’ interceptions are two major concerns, but playing on the road throughout the postseason should keep the Saints sharp and focused.

6. Green Bay Packers
I thought the Packers were legit Super Bowl contenders at the start of the year and I still believe that even though they’re the No. 6 seed. Aaron Rodgers leads one of the best passing games in the NFL and Dom Capers’ defense is playing extremely well. The main problem, of course, is the Packers’ inability to run the ball. If they have a lead in the fourth quarter, can they protect it? I love this team in a shootout, but what happens if Rodgers and Co. can’t run the clock out?

7. Chicago Bears
This ranking has nothing to do with the Bears’ Week 17 loss to the Packers. If you noticed, Mike Martz kept things rather baseline offensively and didn’t try to do too much. I don’t believe that in a playoff game the Packers would hold the Bears to only a field goal, especially at Solider Field. But I’m nervous about Jay Cutler. This will be his first experience in the playoffs and as we’ve seen with the Bears, their hopes rest on his shoulders. The defense is sound, Devin Hester is a major weapon in the return game and Martz is keeping the offense somewhat balanced (at least for him). But we’d be foolish to think Cutler doesn’t still have a four-interception game in him.

8. Philadelphia Eagles
Three weeks ago I would have had the Eagles in the top 5, but things have changed. Michael Vick is taking way too many hits and he’ll be playing on a bad quad this Sunday. If he can’t run around and make things happen with his feet, I think the Packers beat Philadelphia this weekend. The Eagles’ defense has been inconsistent at times too, especially in the red zone where they’re allowing teams to score a whopping 76% of the time (which is worst in the league). While the Packers are heading into the playoffs with a full head of steam, the Eagles are limping in. I think they’re in trouble.

9. New York Jets
I’m going to catch flack for this one but I’m basing this ranking off my belief that the Jets will upset the Colts on Saturday. Look, not all of the favorites (Saints, Colts, Ravens and Eagles) will win this weekend and I think New York stands to pull off the biggest upset. I’m well aware of Peyton Manning’s domination of Rex Ryan over the years but remember when Tom Brady used to beat Manning every postseason? One year, Manning finally answered back. If the Jets can figure out where their pass rush went to, I think Rex answers back this weekend.

10. Indianapolis Colts
See above. I’m all for the never-bet-against-Peyton-Manning line of thinking but I’m following a hunch. If I’m wrong, I’ll eat as much crow as Indy fans can dish out. I won’t even eat that day so I’ll have an empty stomach.

11. Kansas City Chiefs
I felt better about this team before it laid an egg last Sunday against the Raiders. Even though I’m picking the Jets over the Colts this weekend, I could have seen Kansas City beating New York had the Chiefs held onto the No. 3 seed. (Strange how opinions change based on the matchup.) But with Baltimore coming to town, I think the Chiefs’ magical season comes to a screeching halt this Sunday.

12. Seattle Seahawks
I was going to write something snide about the Seahawks but since they’ve become football fan’s postseason Lucifer, I refrain. I will say this though: if Pete Carroll and his coaching staff doesn’t play it fast and loose like it did last Sunday night against the Rams (or at least as fast and loose as the Seahawks can play), the Saints are going to win by six touchdowns. If Carroll plays it close to the vest and tries to match wits with Sean Payton, the game will be over by halftime. I want to see onsides kicks, flea-flickers and the “statue of liberty” out of Seattle this weekend. Let it all hang out, Petey. Let it all hang out.

I don’t know if these are easier to do at this time of year or harder. Or both! Ha! You silly Adrian Peterson…

1. New England Patriots
Previous Week: 1
Bill Belichick has to be concerned with how his young team has a tendency to play down to its competition. It did it against the Browns earlier in the year and then on Sunday night when it thought it had an easy win against the Matt Flynn-led Packers. Get caught playing down to your competition in the playoffs and you’ll find yourself home the following week.

2. Atlanta Falcons
Previous Week: 2
What the Falcons have done over the past two months has been nothing short of impressive. They’ve won eight in a row, including their last three on the road. Now all they have to do is win one of their last two games to clinch home field advantage throughout the playoffs. That should happen, as one of their final opponents is the lowly Panthers. But you know the Falcons would love to make a statement against the Saints next Monday night that yes, they are legit Super Bowl contenders.

3. Baltimore Ravens
Previous Week: 5
The Ravens’ defense appears to be regressing down the stretch but their offense is now firing on all cylinders. What a game by Ray Rice. If they can get him going in the postseason – look out.

4. Philadelphia Eagles
Previous Week: 6
The Eagles should have lost last week but that doesn’t matter because they didn’t. In fact, they pulled off the comeback of the year and made it look easy, too. There has to be some concern for the Eagles that the Giants’ defense completely shut down Michael Vick for three and a half quarters, but that’s the type of win that can carry a team into the Super Bowl because they won’t fret when they get behind.

5. New Orleans Saints
Previous Week: 4
Gregg Williams has a problem on his hands. His run defense is leaking oil and teams are attacking the Saints over-the-top when they try to bring their safeties down to help. Sean Payton’s offense can rack up 30 points a game but what’s the difference if Williams’ defense gives up 33?

6. Pittsburgh Steelers
Previous Week: 3
It may be unjust to rank the Steelers ahead of the Jets after New York just beat them on their home turf, but I’m of the mindset that Troy Polamalu means everything to Pittsburgh. With him, they’re at their absolute best and he can affect all facets of the game. Without him, their defense is simply above average because of the secondary and all of the glaring issues on offense (i.e. no running game, inconsistent offensive line play, etc.) are somehow exposed. It’s hard to explain, although the bottom line is this: If the Steelers don’t have a healthy Polamalu for the postseason they won’t make it out of the first two rounds.

7. San Diego Chargers
Previous Week: 8
Do I think the Chargers are better than the Chiefs despite what the records indicate? Yes, I do. Do I think the Chargers will catch the Chiefs by the end of the year and win the AFC West? Ehh…

8. Chicago Bears
Previous Week: 9
I love how everyone made a huge deal about the conditions in Minnesota on Monday night and then the Bears go out there and hang 40 points on the board. The weather didn’t seem to affect Jay Cutler and Devin Hester.

9. Indianapolis Colts
Previous Week: 13
Come on, you didn’t really think the Colts would lose to the Jaguars at home last Sunday did you? Peyton’s not done, which has to be terrifying for other AFC playoff contenders.

10. New York Jets
Previous Week: 11
There’s an argument to be made that they should be higher but this is a team that lost to the crap Dolphins two weeks ago at home. I think they’re fine where they’re at.

11. Green Bay Packers
Previous Week: 10
Nobody will want to face this team if they can get into the playoffs. They need a healthy Aaron Rodgers back, but if they somehow have discovered a running game, they’re going to be a tough out for anyone regardless of if they play on the road or not.

12. New York Giants
Previous Week: 7
Do I think the Giants showed be ranked this low? No. Would they have been in the top 5 had they beaten the Eagles? Probably. But with only two weeks remaining to the season, I don’t know how you come back from something like that. Obviously if they beat the Packers they can make a B-line towards the sixth and final playoff spot but this is a fractured team right now. Hopefully Eli’s little players-only meeting helps.

13. Kansas City Chiefs
Previous week: 14
I know, I know – it’s probably no fair that I have the Chiefs ranked this low (especially when they have a better record than the Chargers, who have ranked in the top 10). But I just have this feeling that San Diego is going to find a way in somehow, which means Kansas City would have to collapse. The good thing for Chief fans is that my feelings are usually dead wrong.

14. Jacksonville Jaguars
Previous Week: 12
Not that it was a guarantee that they would have recovered, but Josh Scobee has to produce a better onsides kick than that. You can’t just dribble it five feet in front of you and hope that the ball would run up the arms of an opposing player like a bad hop for an infielder. Brutal onsides kick attempt – brutal.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Previous Week: 15
Lose at home to Detroit in the middle of a playoff race and you forfeit the right to have anyone consider whether or not you’re for real.

16. Dallas Cowboys
Previous Week: 16
The Cowboys need to do something with their defense. Is Wade Phillips around?

17. Oakland Raiders
Previous Week: 19
Only Jason Campbell could look so helpless and so good in one game.

18. St. Louis Rams
Previous Week: 18
So much for that Sam Bradford dome magic.

19. Miami Dolphins
Previous Week: 17
Pathetic doesn’t even begin to describe Chad Henne and the Dolphins right now.

20. Minnesota Vikings
Previous Week: 20
Yet the latest team to give up in the middle of a game.

21. Houston Texans
Previous Week: 21
The Titans were favored by 1-point in their game last Sunday against the Texans. Can anyone say trap game?

22. Cleveland Browns
Previous Week: 22
So much for that Colt McCoy magic.

23. San Francisco 49ers
Previous Week: 23
Count me in as someone who still feels bad for Alex Smith. The guy hasn’t had a steady situation since entering the league and everyone wants to know why he’s so bad. Hopefully he gets out of San Francisco after this year and joins a team with an offensive coordinator that won’t be fired four weeks later.

24. Seattle Seahawks
Previous Week: 24
I’m thoroughly convinced that nobody wants to win the NFC West. All three teams (Rams, Seahawks and 49ers) will just sit around looking at each other for the next two weeks.

25. Washington Redskins
Previous Week: 25
Not bad Rex Grossman, although you’re not fooling me. You may go on to have two more good games but at some point, you’re going to shed your mask and reveal yourself as…Rex Grossman.

26. Tennessee Titans
Previous Week: 26
If that wasn’t Randy Moss who called into that radio show last week, then whoever it is has his Randy Moss impersonation down pat.

27. Buffalo Bills
Previous Week: 27
The Bills aren’t f*#king around anymore. They’re on a mission…for the next two weeks.

28. Cincinnati Bengals
Previous Week: 28
Too bad about T.O. The guy can still play and he proved it this season. Who knows where he’ll be next year though.

29. Detroit Lions
Previous Week: 29
If a couple of breaks went there way earlier in the year, the Lions could be looking at an 8-8 season. Think about that for a second.

30. Denver Broncos
Previous Week: 31
All aboard the Tim Tebow train. Now let’s see if the Broncos actually let him throw the damn ball this week.

31. Carolina Panthers
Previous Week: 32
John Fox is going to beat the Steelers and the Falcons in the final two weeks just to piss off management and win himself a better job next year. What? Jimmy Clausen is still the quarterback? Neverm…

32. Arizona Cardinals
Previous Week: 30
Besides not being good, how does this team hang 43 points on the board two weeks ago and can’t muster more than nine against the Panthers? Bizzare.

Now, I feel like I knew what I was talking about by moving Tom Brady up to #1. The man is simply a man possessed this year to win a title. I mean, it’s been, what? Five years since his Pats did win. Yep. Those guys are in a zone. Here are the weekly power rankings…..

1. Tom Brady, New England Patriots—In a blizzard, Brady completed 27 of 40 passes (67.5%) for 369 yards, 2 TDs and zero picks. Against the Bears’ defense. Someone needs to check to see if Brady actually IS human.

2. Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles—He’s only played 10 full games, but his overall numbers are sick—averaging 251 yards per game passing, and another 48 yards per game rushing, with 17 passing TDs and 7 more rushing, with only 4 interceptions.

3. Matt Cassel, Kansas City Chiefs—The fact that the Chiefs didn’t have Cassel available last Sunday and got blown out in San Diego is the pure definition of MVP.

4. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints—At what point do we start paying attention to Brees and his Saints?

5. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers—Here come the Chargers. Sorry, Todd Haley, they are gonna find a way to spoil your postseason aspirations.

6. Matt Ryan/Roddy White/Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons—Sure, they have the best record in the NFC, but Ryan’s numbers aren’t quite backing up MVP vote consideration, so I thought it made sense to group these three together for now.

7. Arian Foster, Houston Texans—Leads in rushing yards (1330), rushing scores (13), and is right behind LeSean McCoy in receiving yards for running backs (504) with 2 more TDs. Just sick, and it’s only too bad the Texans can’t play defense.

8. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers—He leaves the game, the Packers lose to the Lions. See # 3—Cassel, Matt. Same situation.

9. Trent Cole, Philadelphia Eagles—Leads all DE’s in solo tackles (46) and has 9 sacks, but for some reason he doesn’t get much love.

10. Justin Tuck/Osi Umenyiora, New York Giants—Tuck leads all DE’s with 46 total tackles and has 9 sacks; Osi has 40 tackles and 10 sacks. No wonder these guys have been knocking quarterbacks silly.

Finally, a team is offering stability at the top of the rankings.

Check out Week 14′s Power Rankings

1. New England Patriots
Previous Week: 1
This is the fourth week in a row I’ve had the Patriots in the top spot. I only mention that little factoid because before the Pats made their home atop Mount Power Rankings, the No. 1 spot acted as a revolving door for teams. New England is peaking at the right time, which has to be a scary thought for AFC playoff contenders. Tom Brady is unbeatable in blizzard-like conditions.

2. Atlanta Falcons
Previous Week: 2
Never before have I seen a team fly under the radar as well as the Falcons have this season (not that they have any control of that). Even when they’re supposed to blow out a team and do just that, people aren’t impressed. Everyone is waiting for this team to fall and in the meantime, the Falcons keep winning. Here’s the real interesting part: this team hasn’t even played a complete game yet.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers
Previous Week: 3
The Steelers’ defense is getting warmed up at just the right time, which is interesting because the Patriots’ offense is peaking now, too. We may be headed for a Pittsburgh-New England rematch soon enough.

4. New Orleans Saints
Previous Week: 4
The Saints’ defense is starting to have that opportunistic feel about them again. They picked off Sam Bradford twice inside the red zone last week and returned one of the gifts for a touchdown right before half. I’m sure Gregg Williams wishes his unit wouldn’t give up so much yardage with the playoffs fast approaching, but he has to be pleased with the amount of turnovers its now producing.

5. Baltimore Ravens
Previous Week: 6
The Ravens were lucky to escape Houston with a win on Monday night. Yes, they were up 28-7 early in the third quarter but they got too complacent and allowed the Texans to tie the game after 99 and 95-yard drives late in the fourth quarter. Houston had also stolen all the momentum heading into overtime so again, the Ravens were fortunate to make it out of Texas with a W. They have some issues to iron out before the playoffs.

6. Philadelphia Eagles
Previous Week: 8
Nice win for the Birds last Sunday night in Dallas. Andy Reid’s squad fell behind in the second half but never panicked and got a couple of monster plays out of Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson. That said, Vick is still taking too many hits, which has to be a concern for Reid with the Giants’ ferocious front seven on deck.

7. New York Giants
Previous Week: 10
The Giants’ performance Monday night in Minnesota wasn’t awe-inspiring from an Eli Manning standpoint, but Tom Coughlin had to love the way his running game destroyed a usually stout Minnesota front seven. The defense played incredibly well too, although most defenses will look good when the other team don’t use a quarterback. Either way, it was a huge win after a couple of days of chaos and with the Eagles game coming up. Now it’s gut-check time.

8. San Diego Chargers
Previous Week: 12
The Chargers caught the Matt Cassel-less Chiefs at the right time but they’re not out of the woods yet. Any Oakland-type meltdowns the rest of the way and San Diego will be home for the playoffs. Both KC and San Diego have cakewalk schedules the rest of the year, so the Bolts will just have to pray that their division rivals collapse in the final weeks.

9. Chicago Bears
Previous Week: 7
I’m not surprised the Bears lost to the Patriots last weekend. I’m surprised that they got the beating of a lifetime in what I consider “Chicago Bear conditions.” And I’m not referring to the weather, because Brady and the Pats obviously can play in the snow. I’m referring to the fact that the Bears and their fans absolutely love the underdog, we’re-better-than-everyone-says-we-are, nobody-gives-us-any-respect role. And then they go out their and they get destroyed on their home turf. Granted, if you’re going to get destroyed you might as well get destroyed by the best team in the league. I just expected more out of the eventual NFC North champs.

10. Green Bay Packers
Previous Week: 9
I hate when people say that a team is better than their record because hey, their record is their record. But in the case of the Packers, I happen to think it’s true. They’ve been decimated by injuries and yet, the numbers still suggest they’re better than their record would indicate. But no matter how you slice it, the Pack are in deep trouble. They travel to New England this Sunday night and if Aaron Rodgers (concussion) can’t go, Matt Flynn isn’t going to beat the Pats on their home turf. That means Green Bay must hope the Bears lose to the Vikings on Monday night. And with how poorly Minnesota played against the Giants, that’s a long shot. It appears as though all hopes have been dashed for this once promising team.

11. New York Jets
Previous Week: 5
The Jets fooled me, just like they fooled everyone else. The worst part is that I called this team overrated all preseason. I said they wouldn’t make the playoffs and that Mark Sanchez would be the reason for it. But I fell for his strong play early on and stuck with the Jets even though I could see with my own eyes that they were barely beating bad teams. Overrated is an overused term in sports, but it fits when it comes to the Jets.

12. Jacksonville Jaguars
Previous Week: 13
Wow, are the Jaguars really this far down? I’m calling shenanigans on my own rankings, although I don’t see where I can move them up. That said, if they beat the Colts this Sunday in Indianapolis I’ll have a nice, warm spot for them in the top 10 next week.

13. Indianapolis Colts
Previous Week: 14
This is it – the season is on the line for the Colts this Sunday in Jacksonville. Beat the Jags and the AFC South gets turned on its head for the final two weeks. Lose to them and the AFC South will officially be viewed as Jaguar Country. God, I love the NFL.

14. Kansas City Chiefs
Previous Week: 11
Tough break for the Chiefs last week not having Matt Cassel. But the good news is that after they play the Rams in St. Louis this Sunday, they host the Titans and Raiders in the final two weeks. Those are all winnable games and seeing as how they still own a one-game lead over the Chargers in the division, KC is in great shape.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Previous Week: 15
I know the game last Sunday in Washington was decided when Hunter Smith couldn’t hold onto a high snap on the botched extra point attempt but the Bucs were more dominate than the 17-16 final would indicate. If their defenders could catch, they would have picked off Donovan McNabb about three times and made it a more comfortable game for themselves. Now if they can only keep their players out of prison, maybe they can make the playoffs.

16. Dallas Cowboys
Previous Week: 16
Nice effort by the ‘Boys last Sunday night. No matter how well Jon Kitna might be playing, they’re still at a disadvantage with him under center and Tony Romo on the sidelines. But the Cowboys keep fighting under Jason Garrett, which was something they didn’t do (for whatever reason) under Wade Phillips.

17. Miami Dolphins
Previous Week: 20
Uh, nice win, Miami? I really don’t know what to say when a team’s punter was the reason they won.

18. St. Louis Rams
Previous Week: 22
I’m bumping this team up because it has heart. The play Sam Bradford made by chasing down Roman Harper (who had scooped up an apparent fumble) late in fourth quarter with the game out of reach was highly impressive. He could have let Harper walk into the end zone and instead Bradford hustled his ass off and pushed the Saints’ safety (who apparently is 96-years-old based on the effort he gave on the play) out-of-bounds to save a score. Granted, the play was eventually overturned and didn’t count, but Bradford didn’t know that at the time. This team is overmatched damn near every week and yet, they’d make the playoffs if the season were to end today (which is kind of sad given the state of the NFC West, but this is supposed to be a positive write up).

19. Oakland Raiders
Previous Week: 18
Please stay healthy from now on, Darren McFadden. We all want to see you play every week.

20. Minnesota Vikings
Previous Week: 17
The Vikings are exactly where they were two years ago: they need a quarterback.

21. Houston Texans
Previous Week: 21
Everyone got to witness the greatness that is Matt Schaub and the ho-ho-rendousness that is Matt Schaub on Monday night against the Ravens. Those final two drives in the fourth quarter were a thing of beauty but his final pass (a pick-six) makes Houston fans wonder if their team has the right man to lead them to the playoffs.

22. Cleveland Browns
Previous Week: 19
There were a couple of Brown fans that gave me crap because I said Cleveland overpaid for Jake Delhomme. Now what?

23. San Francisco 49ers
Previous Week: 26
Where the F was that Alex Smith all season? Oh that’s right, he doesn’t get to face the Seahawks every week.

24. Seattle Seahawks
Previous Week: 23
The playoffs are on the line and you play like that, Seattle? Nice work.

25. Washington Redskins
Previous Week: 24
If someone asked me before last week’s games what team I thought would lose on a botched extra point, I definitely would have said the Lions. But if someone gave me two choices, I would have definitely said the Lions and Redskins. The season couldn’t end fast enough for the folks in D.C.

26. Tennessee Titans
Previous Week: 25
Now Jeff Fisher says he wants to get Kenny Britt and Randy Moss on the same field together. Why wasn’t a plan in place to that before this? You’re time might be up in Tennessee, Jeff.

27. Buffalo Bills
Previous Week: 28
How about them Bills!

28. Cincinnati Bengals
Previous Week: 29
Whatever.

29. Detroit Lions
Previous Week: 31
I’m pretty sure Ndamukong Suh and Calvin Johnson could go 2-14 on their own, with no other players helping them out.

30. Arizona Cardinals
Previous Week: 30
Immediately following the Cards’ win over the Broncos, I read a headline that said Ken Whisenhunt was sticking with John Skelton at quarterback. As if he was really going to go back to Derek Anderson.

31. Denver Broncos
Previous Week: 29
The Broncos are the only team to fire their coach this season and not win with their interim the following week. Worst yet, they were slaughtered by the Cardinals – ‘nuff said.

32. Carolina Panthers
Previous Week: 32
I love how Steve Smith called out Jimmy Clausen after last week’s loss to the Falcons and said, “He’s not at Notre Dame anymore.” You’re right about that Steve, although I don’t remember Clausen breaking his arm in a pickup flag football game and missing all of training camp. What a team player that Steve Smith character is.

In what is often viewed as the most exciting time of year, I just realized that there’s only four weeks left in the regular season.

Is it really almost over? Where did the time go? The Kansas City Chiefs are what?!

Check out Week 13′s Power Rankings

1. New England Patriots
Previous Week: 1
Many people believe the Jets aren’t as good as their record indicates and honestly, I don’t have a problem with that logic. I predicted in preseason that the Jets wouldn’t make the playoffs, so I’m well aware of their potential fluke-e-ness. That said, to insinuate that the only reason the Patriots dominated on Monday night was because the Jets aren’t that good would be an insult to New England. The Jets may be overrated, but they’re not 45-3 in what was supposed to be a matchup of the two best teams in the AFC overrated.

2. Atlanta Falcons
Previous Week: 2
We knew the Falcons were going to have issues with the Bucs last week. They were coming off a four-game stretch have playing playoff contenders, had won five in a row and hadn’t turned the ball over in four-straight games. They were due to have a letdown and seeing as how competitive Tampa has been this season, it wasn’t shocking that Atlanta needed all 60 minutes to win last Sunday. But it was impressive that they were able to pull off yet another fourth quarter comeback. All this team does is win.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers
Previous Week: 3
Ben Roethlisberger was playing on a broken foot, suffered a broken nose in the first quarter, had little protection and no running game Sunday night in Baltimore and he still found a way to lead the Steelers to victory (albeit with a huge assist from Troy Polamalu). What a gritty performance.

4. New Orleans Saints
Previous Week: 5
I’m a little shocked that the Saints’ defense allowed Carson Palmer and the inconsistent Cincinnati offense to march up and down the field on them, but winning on the road is never easy and that’s exactly what New Orleans did. That Monday Night Football game between the Saints and Falcons in two weeks is shaping up to be the game of the year.

5. New York Jets
Previous Week: 4
I have all kinds of issues ranking the Jets in the top 5 after the Patriots dismantled them on Monday night, but I’ve given other teams in the top 10 mulligans so this will be New York’s. That said, you’ve got issues, Rex Ryan.

6. Baltimore Ravens
Previous Week: 6
I don’t take issue with John Harbaugh’s decision to go for it on fourth-and-two and not attempt a 48-yard field goal into the swirling wind on Sunday night. Had Joe Flacco not short-armed the throw to Ed Dickson, the drive would have continued and maybe the Ravens would have pulled out a victory in overtime. That said, I do have issue with Flacco not making an adjustment when he saw Troy Polamalu was about to blitz on the Ravens’ previous possession. Flacco has to audible in that situation to avoid disaster, which is exactly what occurred when Polamalu stripped him from behind.

7. Chicago Bears
Previous Week: 7
That was a pretty uninspiring win for the Bears in Detroit on Sunday. But after beating the Eagles the week prior and everyone jumping on their bandwagon, I guess it was inevitable. The key is that they won and they completely shut the Lions down in the second half.

8. Philadelphia Eagles
Previous Week: 8
The Eagles’ defense looks awfully vulnerable the past two weeks, although not having Asante Samuel in their secondary doesn’t help. Michael Vick and Co. better not overlook a revitalized Cowboys team this weekend.

9. Green Bay Packers
Previous Week: 7
There’s an argument to be made that the Packers should be ranked ahead of the Bears, but given that a) the teams are even, b) the Bears are playing incredibly well right now and c) they’ve already beaten Green Bay once this season, the Pack will have to settle for the No. 9 spot for now. But they’ll have their chance over the next four weeks to prove that they should be hire. It’s going to be a wild stretch-run in the NFC North.

10. New York Giants
Previous Week: 11
I fully admit that I thought the Redskins would give the Giants trouble last week. Now I fully admit that I didn’t grasp how bad the Redskins really are, which is saying something seeing as how bad the Eagles beat them on Monday night a couple of weeks ago, I know.

11. Kansas City Chiefs
Previous Week: 13
What a letdown. I thought for sure Todd Haley was going to run up the score on Josh McDaniels last Sunday after what transpired between the Chiefs and Broncos earlier this year (when Denver gave KC the beating of a life time). Instead, the game was a complete dud as both offenses decided to take the day off. Alas, Haley had the last life anyway when McDaniels was fired on Monday.

12. San Diego Chargers
Previous Week: 10
As if anyone needed more proof that parity exists in the NFL, the Raiders swept the Chargers this season and looked great while doing it. The Chargers better hope the Chiefs start losing real soon.

13. Jacksonville Jaguars
Previous Week: 15
If you’re searching for reasons as to how the Jaguars have been so good lately, you can start with the play of defensive tackles Terrence Alualu and Tom Knighton.

14. Indianapolis Colts
Previous Week: 12
It’s high time Peyton Manning take a step back, hits the re-set button and starts over. What has transpired to this point doesn’t matter. He’s got four weeks to win four games and get the Colts back to the playoffs.

15. Tampa Bay Bucs
Previous Week: 14
The Bucs’ inexperience came out on Sunday. After they scored to make it 24-14 midway through the fourth quarter, they thought they had the Falcons beat. One Eric Weems’ 102-yard kickoff return later and Atlanta was right back within striking distance. Matt Ryan, who the Bucs had done a great job with throughout the entire game, took over from there and that was all she wrote. It’s going to be tough for the Bucs to make the playoffs now that top corner Aqib Talib is out for the year.

16. Dallas Cowboys
Previous Week: 17
How about them Cowboys? Right before Wade Phillips was fired I had the ‘Boys ranked at No. 30. Now they’re knocking on the door of being in the top-15 again thanks to Jason Garrett and Jon Kitna’s miracle work. A .500 season is well within grasp, although they have a tough task this Sunday against the Eagles.

17. Minnesota Vikings
Previous Week: 19
Tarvaris Jackson got bailed out by his receivers on a lot of his throws last Sunday, but that doesn’t change the fact that he should start the rest of the year. Look, there’s only four weeks remaining in the season. Jackson may be around next year if the Vikings have an opportunity to evaluate him over the next month. They already know Brett Favre won’t be back so why not play Jackson?

18. Oakland Raiders
Previous Week: 23
This is a big jump but why not? The Chargers were arguably the hottest team in football entering Sunday and Oakland beat them like a rented mule.

19. Cleveland Browns
Previous Week: 21
That was a hideous game between the Browns and Dolphins on Sunday. Amazing how people actually watched that monstrosity from start to finish.

20. Miami Dolphins
Previous Week: 18
See directly above.

21. Houston Texans
Previous Week: 18
Such high hopes come crashing down yet again for the Texans. Will this team ever make the playoffs?

22. St. Louis Rams
Previous Week: 24
It’s tough to win on the road in the NFL and the Rams just did it in back-to-back weeks. Granted, they played the Broncos and Cardinals but wins are wins – especially for a team that only had one last year. Now can they win in New Orleans this week?

23. Seattle Seahawks
Previous Week: 26
The Seahawks can do two things with a win against the 49ers on Sunday: Take sole possession of first place in the NFC West (assuming the Rams lose in New Orleans) and put the Niners out of their misery.

24. Washington Redskins
Previous Week: 20
What a complete and utter mess this entire franchise is.

25. Tennessee Titans
Previous Week: 22
I swear this team was competing with the Colts atop the AFC South not to long ago.

26. San Francisco 49ers
Previous Week: 25
So let me get this straight, Troy Smith wins three of five games for Mike Singletary and he gets benched for Alex Smith? The same Alex Smith who couldn’t get it done earlier in the year? Singletary will be the next head coach fired – I guarantee it.

27. Cincinnati Bengals
Previous Week: 29
Where has that Bengals’ offense been all year?

28. Buffalo Bills
Previous Week: 27
So much for the Bills competing every week. I guess it was about time they were crushed.

29. Denver Broncos
Previous Week: 28
Okay, so you fired Josh McDaniels. Now what, Denver?

30. Arizona Cardinals
Previous Week: 30
I’ve said this a couple of times since Sunday but I think it bares repeating: Just how bad was Matt Lineart?

31. Detroit Lions
Previous Week: 31
Drew Stanton looked good in the first half on Sunday. Granted, he was basically running a college offense that the Bears promptly shut down in the second half, but he looked good nonetheless.

32. Carolina Panthers
Previous Week: 32
The Panthers shot their load in the first half on Sunday. They scored 14 quick points and then decided that they’ve done enough for the day.

Another week, another top team in one of the conferences goes down.

Check out Week 12′s Rankings

1. New England Patriots
Previous Week: 1
The game was close at halftime but Tom Brady took over in the second half as the Pats destroyed the Lions on Thanksgiving Day. The win was significant because it showed that New England didn’t overlook a bad team with the Jets on deck.

2. Atlanta Falcons
Previous Week: 5
The 2009 Saints are the reason why people are still reluctant to call the Falcons the best team in the NFC. New Orleans steamrolled over everyone last year, but Atlanta wears teams down until they can win it in the fourth quarter (sometimes late in the fourth quarter). They’re not the most talented team (at least defensively), but they’re consistent and with their win over the Packers last Sunday, the Falcons have now beaten four straight playoff contenders (Bucs, Ravens, Rams and Packers). Argue with that.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers
Previous Week: 2
The Steelers beat the Falcons without Big Ben in Week 1, but the only reason they’re still ranked this high is because Steve Johnson dropped that touchdown pass in overtime. Every team is allowed a mulligan or two throughout the year and that was the Steelers’ last week. They got caught looking ahead to Baltimore a week early.

4. New York Jets
Previous Week: 4
If the Jets want the No. 1 spot in these rankings, I’ll give it to them if they can beat the Patriots on Monday night next week. They’ve already beaten the Pats once this year but to do it in Foxboro is another story.

5. New Orleans Saints
Previous Week: 8
What should scare every team in the NFC is that nobody is talking about the Saints right now. Sure, they could have easily lost to the Cowboys had Malcolm Jenkins not run down Roy Williams in the final minutes on Thanksgiving. But let’s not overlook the fact that the Saints are getting healthy and could head into the playoffs with a full head of steam. Who would want to play this team in January?

6. Baltimore Ravens
Previous Week: 9
Their win over the Bucs last Sunday was highly unimpressive from an offensive standpoint. But with the Steelers coming up this week, it was good to that Baltimore wasn’t caught looking ahead.

7. Chicago Bears
Previous Week: 13
This isn’t the same team that took the field in the first six or so weeks of the season. The offensive line has greatly improved over the last three weeks and Jay Cutler is starting to put some quality games together. If Mike Martz can stop taking unnecessary chances and rely more on his running game, then the Bears are going to be tough to beat down the stretch. That said, they have a tough schedule coming up, which includes a date with the Packers in Green Bay.

8. Philadelphia Eagles
Previous Week: 3
I think the Eagles started to read their own press clippings after beating the Giants. That was when everyone started to talk about how this team was the best in the NFC and then smack! They met a determined Bears team in Chicago. This may not be the team to beat in the NFC, but they’re still the team to beat in the NFC East.

9. Green Bay Packers
Previous Week: 6
It would be a shame if a 7-9 or 8-8 team in the NFC West makes the playoffs and the Packers (who know doubt will have a better record) don’t. This is a good team led by an elite quarterback. Now they just have to figure out ways to win close games so they’re not nipped come playoff time.

10. San Diego Chargers
Previous Week: 11
I wonder if the Raider fan who left a comment on my rankings two weeks ago that Oakland should be ahead of San Diego will come back to eat crow. Doubtful.

11. New York Giants
Previous Week: 10
That was a highly unimpressive effort against the Jaguars. If this team can’t stop turning the ball over then they’ll be on the outside looking in come playoff time.

12. Indianapolis Colts
Previous Week: 7
That’s two bad games in a row for Peyton Manning. Are the Colts’ injuries starting to take their toll on Manning too or is he just in a funk? (Or worse, are his skills declining?)

13. Kansas City Chiefs
Previous Week: 14
Impressive, impressive, impressive win on Sunday. I don’t care what the Seahawks’ record is – it’s tough to win in Seattle and Kansas City made it look easy.

14. Tampa Bay Bucs
Previous Week: 12
Josh Freeman needs more help. He can take care of busy against bad teams but he can’t win games on his own when he faces the likes of Baltimore, Atlanta and New Orleans. That said, the Bucs have another chance to notch a signature win this week when they host the Falcons in Tampa.

15. Jacksonville Jaguars
Previous Week: 15
I know they lost but the Jags earned some respect last week with their effort against the Giants. This isn’t an overly talented team but they’re sound. They give it hell every week.

16. Miami Dolphins
Previous Week: 16
No Brandon Marshall? No offensive line? No problem.

17. Dallas Cowboys
Previous Week: 20
This team can now play with anyone again thanks to their resurgence under Jason Garrett. If Roy Williams doesn’t fumble that ball the ‘Boys go on for their third-straight victory.

18. Houston Texans
Previous Week: 21
I don’t care that it came against Rusty Smith: Houston’s defense needed a game like that.

19. Minnesota Vikings
Previous Week: 24
Who didn’t see that coming? No Brad Childress and suddenly the Vikings’ effort level rises.

20. Washington Redskins
Previous Week: 19
Upset prediction of the week: Redskins over Giants. You heard it here first. Why? Because just when you want to write off the Skins they beat some team nobody expects them to.

21. Cleveland Browns
Previous Week: 23
Try as they did, the Browns didn’t give that game away on Sunday. Peyton Hillis is a beast.

22. Tennessee Titans
Previous Week: 17
Who would have ever thought that the Titans would be so pumped for Kerry Collins’ return?

23. Oakland Raiders
Previous Week: 18
The Raiders are who we thought they were!

24. St. Louis Rams
Previous Week: 26
Sam Bradford is already special but in three years, I have a feeling he’s going to be really special.

25. San Francisco 49ers
Previous Week: 25
Where has that effort been all year, Niners? I know it was against the Cardinals but that was the best San Fran has played all year. So focused and determined.

26. Seattle Seahawks
Previous Week: 22
I was always under the impression that Seattle was a tough place to play. You would have thought the Chiefs were playing at Arrowhead with how comfortable they looked on Sunday.

27. Buffalo Bills
Previous Week: 28
Steve Johnson, no! Oh, Steve Johnson…

28. Denver Broncos
Previous Week: 27
That seat under Josh McDaniels is starting to reach unsafe temperatures.

29. Cincinnati Bengals
Previous Week: 29
I’ve run out of things to say about the Bengals. I mean really, what can anyone say? That this team is good? They’re better than they’re record? They’ve been in most games? Who cares.

30. Arizona Cardinals
Previous Week: 30
Absolutely pathetic. Watching the Cardinals’ offense on Monday night was like watching a 11 monkeys try to assemble a Lego castle.

31. Detroit Lions
Previous Week: 31
In a couple of years the Lions are going to be good, but Jim Schwartz needs to get his team to be more mentally tough.

32. Carolina Panthers
Previous Week: 32
While it came in a losing effort, the Panthers certainly gave great effort in Cleveland on Sunday. That hasn’t been the case for much of this year.