NFL Playoff Predictions

I know I said I'd shy away from football posts now that the season is over, but my Giants are in the playoffs and I'm very excited. Here are my predictions for the playoffs.

AFC Playoff Race:


Wildcard:


Pittsburgh over Denver: 27 - 10
Why?: Teams have already figured Tim Tebow and this Denver team has reverted back to their old ways for the beginning of the season. if Buffalo can destroy them like they did, Pittsburgh will have no problem.

Bengals over Texans: 24 -21
Why?: This will be a very close game that I can see going either way, but the injuries suffered by the Texans are becoming too much for this team to handle. The Bengals only lost by 1 point last time and even though they only beat one team above .500 I see them pulling off the upset.

Divisional:


Patriots over Bengals: 24 - 14
Why?: The defense will still have issues for the Patriots, but they'll find a way to get rookie QB Dalton. Tom Brady will be clutch on offense (like usual) and even with a poor D they will find ways to win like they have all season.

Ravens over Steelers: 21 - 17
Why?: Both are pretty balanced teams with the slight edge going to the Ravens. Ravens took both games and there's no reason to speculate that they wouldn't take the 3rd one in the series especially with a Roethlisberger that isn't 100%.

Championship:


Ravens over Patriots: 30 - 24
Why?: This is where the Patriots D will bite them in the ass. The key for the Ravens to win this game is to give Ray Rice the ball often which is what they'll do. Brady will still have a good game, but the D will do the Patriots in.


NFC Playoff Race:


Wildcard:


Giants over Falcons: 37 - 21
Why?: I already revealed my bias by stating I'm a Giants fan, but I expect a big game from this team. Eli is having his best season as a QB and is one of the most dangerous QBs in the leagues when he's clutch (which has been more times than not this season). Him and Cruz will do damage against this team.

Saints over Lions: 34 - 17
Why?: The last time these teams faced each other it resulted in a 31-17 win by the Saints. I expect a very similar score with a Drew Brees that has been fantastic all season (especially as of late). Matt Stafford has had a great season, but he's no Drew Brees.


Divisional:


Giants over Packers: 35 - 34
Why?: Yes, I know bias right here, but I expect a similar vibe to the 2007 season when the Giants lost by 3 points to the Pats and then beat them in a close game in the Super Bowl. Packers aren't an undefeated team this year, but easily the best in the league and I see the last drive coming down to Eli and him getting it done. Last time what stopped the Giants from a win was giving the ball back to the Packers with too much time on the clock. It won't happen this time.

49ers over Saints: 17 - 10
Why?: If any defense can figure out how to stop Drew Brees it's the 49ers. In order for the 49ers to win this game, they need to put on a great defense showing and have Alex Smith commit 0 turnovers (both will happen). Frank Gore will be the one who decides this game with 2 running touchdowns.

Championship:


Giants over 49ers: 21 - 17
Why?: The 49ers beat the Giants last time 27-20 in regular season. I think the Giants are improved since then and will do what they need to do on both offense and defense to win this game. Bradshaw will have a decent game (not great, but just enough) and Eli & Cruz will put up big numbers again. Again, I understand I'm biased, but I sense another upset.

Super Bowl:


Ravens over Giants: 24 - 13
Why?: This is where my bias for the Giants end. A team that is balanced on both offense and defense will be the team that stops the Giants. The Packers don't have the D, the 49ers don't have the O, but the Ravens have both and it will be the deciding factor in this game.

NFL Power Rankings - Playoff Time!

Well the regular NFL season is over and looks like I'll be back to regular blogging. Final power rankings below.

1. Green Bay Packers: 606 (581 )

Previous Week: 1

Notes: No Aaron Rodgers? No problem apparently. Matt Flynn surprised everyone with his dominant performance over the Lions. Even with a subpar defense, the Packers are the best team in the NFC and in the NFL.

2. New Orleans Saints: 545 (486 )

Previous Week: 2

Notes: The Packers might be the best team in the NFL, but the Saints are the team nobody wants to play in the playoffs right now. Drew Brees is looking like the best QB in football right now.

3. New England Patriots: 493 (441 )

Previous Week: 4

Notes:  In a conference without an elite team, the Patriots have the slight edge over other good teams like the Ravens and Steelers mostly due to Tom Brady. Their defense might not be great, but the Patriots have won 8 in a row and are the team nobody wants to face in the AFC.

4. San Francisco 49ers: 475 (451)

Previous Week: 3

Notes: The 49ers end the season as the #2 seed with a 13-3 record after being 6-10 the year before. If their defense plays at the top of their game, they can beat anyone in the playoffs.

5. Baltimore Ravens: 418 (384)

Previous Week: 6

Notes: A win over the Bengals gets them a bye week in the playoffs. If the Broncos upset the Steelers, the Ravens might find their road to the championship game fairly easy with the Texans suffering from injuries, the Broncos being the Broncos, and the Bengals already losing twice to them.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers: 417 (393)

Previous Week: 5

Notes: Like the 49ers, if this team's defense is at the top of their game, they can beat anyone in the NFL. They should coast against Denver next week.

7. Houston Texans: 328 (348)

Previous Week: 7

Notes: Losing three games in a row (especially all to non-playoff teams) is not what the Texans wanted to do going into the playoffs. It will be a tough game against the Bengals.

8. Detroit Lions: 312 (328)

Previous Week: 8

Notes: The Lions did not expect a Packers team without Aaron Rodgers to perform as well as they did on offense, but there you go. It's exciting that this team has made the playoffs for the first time since 1999, but it might be short-lived with their first game on the road against a red hot Saints.

9. Atlanta Falcons: 275 (226)

Previous Week: 9

Notes:  The win over the Buccs in week 17 means that the Falcons get to play the Giants on the road instead of the Saints who destroyed them in week 16.

10. Philadelphia Eagles: 197 (170)

Previous Week: 12

Notes: Might be "weird" ranking a non-playoff team so high (especially one that only finished the season at .500), but very few teams played as good of football at the end of the season as the Eagles. They somehow end the season in 2nd place in the NFC East only one game back from taking that division.

11. Cincinnati Bengals: 178 (196)

Previous Week: 10

Notes: Well, they lost to the Ravens, but got some help and are now in the playoffs as a 6th seed. Their first game is against the Texans who they only lost to by 1 point a few weeks ago.

12. New York Giants:  176 (132)

Previous Week: 14

Notes: When the Giants team can put it all together like they did against the Cowboys, there are very few teams they can't beat. Victor Cruz is one of the better receivers in the league as is Eli in the QB position. This QB / WR combo will be exciting to watch in the playoffs.

13. San Diego Chargers: 153 (128 )

Previous Week: 15

Notes: The other non-playoff team (besides the Eagles) that few would want to face in the playoffs. They are the best 8-8 team out of the 3 in the AFC West, but unfortunately will not be able to compete in the wildcard game against the Steelers.

14. Tennessee Titans:  150 (119)

Previous Week: 16

Notes: They won, but didn't get the help they needed to get in. That one touchdown loss against the Bengals was the only thing preventing this team from making the playoffs. That and giving up the Colt's first win.

15. Dallas Cowboys: 144 (185)

Previous Week: 11

Notes: They simply played worse than the Giants on all sides of the ball. The blame can't be on Romo this time as he still put up a solid game. Jerry Jones says Jason Garrett's job is safe and he's probably being truthful although if they end up not making the playoffs next year it probably will be a different story.

16. New York Jets: 135 (148)

Previous Week: 13

Notes: The Jets lose their last 3 games of the season and end up not making the playoffs. Rex Ryan's job will be safe for now (he was the one who transformed this team from a joke to relevant after all), but is very far from that Super Bowl guarantee he promised at the beginning of the season.

17. Chicago Bears: 117 (98)

Previous Week: 17

Notes: Well, they finally win a game and end the season at .500. If Jay Cutler didn't have starting QB security for the Bears he does now.

18. Seattle Seahawks: 75 (75)

Previous Week: 18

Notes: Even they ended the season with the same record, the Seahawks still exceeded expectations  this season.

19. Arizona Cardinals: 54 (15 )

Previous Week: 22

Notes: A moral victory for the Cards. Arizona ends the season on a strong note with a win over the Seahawks and an 8-8 record.

20. Oakland Raiders: 32 (57)

Previous Week: 19

Notes:  The Broncos gave the Raiders a shot at an AFC West division title, but they couldn't beat the Chargers. Will Carson Palmer be the starting QB for the Raiders next season?

21. Miami Dolphins: 32 (8)

Previous Week: 23

Notes: Nothing made this team happier than shattering any hopes of a playoff birth for the Jets with a win over them. After staring off the season 0-7, the Dolphins go 6-3.

22. Denver Broncos: 15 (35)

Previous Week: 21

Notes: Well, I guess Tim Tebow "led" this team to a surprising playoff berth despite losing their last 3. This team is the weakest of the 12 teams in the playoffs, but based on some of their wins you never know what can happen.

23. Carolina Panthers:  6 (55)

Previous Week: 20

Notes: Excited about watching Cam Newton & co compete next season. They might not be a playoff team in 2012, but they'll be a lot closer than they were this year.

24. Buffalo Bills: -52 (-4)

Previous Week: 24

Notes: I thought after being up 21 - 0, the Bills could at least NOT get destroyed by the Pats for their last game of the season. I was wrong. What a disappointing season for a team that started off so strong.

25. Kansas City Chiefs: -71 (-104)

Previous Week: 26

Notes: Too early to say, but Romeo Crennel looks like a good fit in KC. Prior to him taking over the head coaching gig, the team looked like one of the bottom 3 in the NFL. While not a playoff caliber team yet, they look much improved.

26. Washington Redskins: -103 (-59)

Previous Week: 25

Notes:  Another team that started off the season so strong (and a team that some said could have taken the NFC East), but showed their true colors as the season progressed. It will be interesting to see what happens in terms of changes in the off season.

27. Jacksonville Jaguars: -134 (-187)

Previous Week: 28

Notes: The only bright spot in the Jags season was MJD who put up another great season (and one of the best in the NFL in the RB position).

28. Cleveland Browns: -181 (-161)

Previous Week: 27

Notes: 6 losses in a row and 0 division wins to close out the season. Disgusting.

29. Minnesota Vikings: -217 (-204)

Previous Week: 29

Notes: They still put up a fight against the Bears and like a lot of their losses, they came up short by one possession.

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: -306 (-266)

Previous Week: 30

Notes: 10 losses in a row and Morris is gone. This team was so competitive last year and started off this 4-2. I can't remember the last time I saw such a collapse.

31. Indianapolis Colts: -387 ( -366 )

Previous Week: 31

Notes: They get the #1 pick in the draft. It will be interesting to see if they get Luck (for themselves or for trade bait).

32. St. Louis Rams: -395 (-370 )

Previous Week: 32

Notes: And the Rams end the season on a horrible note and Steve Spagnuolo and GM Billy Devaney are immediately fired. It will take a while for this team to rebuild.

NFL Power Rankings Week 17

1. Green Bay Packers: 581 (533)

Previous Week: 1

Notes: A Christmas Day win over the Bears secures home field advantage throughout the playoffs for the Packers.

2. New Orleans Saints: 486 (434)

Previous Week: 2

Notes: The Packers might have the best record, but the Saints look like the team nobody wants to be playing against right now. Drew Brees breaks Dan Marino's 27 year old record during Monday Night football.

3. San Francisco 49ers: 451 (422)

Previous Week: 3

Notes: A win gives this team a #2 seed and a bye week for the playoffs. Remarkable for a team who finished 6-10 the year before.

4. New England Patriots: 441 (413)

Previous Week: 4

Notes:  The Patriots are the best in the AFC (both in record and their playing ability), but their defense might give them some trouble come playoff time.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers: 393 (341 )

Previous Week: 7

Notes: Even with two losses against the Ravens this season, the Steelers have been playing better overall as of late.

6. Baltimore Ravens: 384 (355)

Previous Week: 6

Notes: A win or a Steelers loss gives this team the AFC North and a first round bye.

7. Houston Texans: 348 (389 )

Previous Week: 5

Notes: This team might be starting to feel the effect of their injuries. A loss to the lowly Colts doesn't do much in terms of confidence boosters.

8. Detroit Lions: 328 (270)

Previous Week: 8

Notes: The Lions make the playoffs for the first time since 1999.

9. Atlanta Falcons: 226 (270 )

Previous Week: 9

Notes:  Even with getting crushed by the Saints, the Falcons can do some damage come playoff time.

10. Cincinnati Bengals: 196 (177)

Previous Week: 13

Notes: The Bengals control their own playoff destiny. A win and they're in as the #6 seed.  Just last year they were 4-12.

11. Dallas Cowboys: 185 (227)

Previous Week: 10

Notes: That game against the Eagles didn't matter since the Giants beat the Jets. That being said, the Cowboys will need Romo to be a 100% in order for them to pull off a win against the Giants and take the NFC East.

12. Philadelphia Eagles: 170 (130)

Previous Week: 14

Notes: Too bad this team is eliminated from the playoff picture. They've been playing like the Eagles we expected prior to the start of the season.

13. New York Jets: 148 (193)

Previous Week: 11

Notes: The Jets lose bragging rights in New York and likely a playoff spot with a loss to the Giants.

14. New York Giants:  132 (82)

Previous Week: 18

Notes: The Giants control their own playoff destiny. A win and their in over the Cowboys. This team has so much potential, but they're not nearly playing up to their ability. They will likely struggle come playoff time (if they make it in) unless they get it to together.

15. San Diego Chargers: 128 (189)

Previous Week: 12

Notes: The loss against the Lions ends any chance of making the playoffs and will likely be the end of Norv Turner.

16. Tennessee Titans:  119 (88)

Previous Week: 17

Notes: The Titans win and cling onto their playoff life. They need to beat the Texans and also need help from some other teams.

17. Chicago Bears: 98 (112)

Previous Week: 15

Notes: After looking like a wildcard favorite, the Bears lose 5 in a row and are now eliminated from the playoff picture. People have been saying "Peyton Manning as MVP", but what about Jay Cutler?

18. Seattle Seahawks: 75 (104)

Previous Week: 16

Notes: Even though they're out of the playoff race, the Seahawks have played a lot better than anyone expected this year.

19. Oakland Raiders: 57 (31)

Previous Week: 21

Notes:  The Raiders have a shot at the AFC West with a win and a Broncos loss. 

20. Carolina Panthers: 55 (-9)

Previous Week: 23

Notes: No team is going to want to face an even better Cam Newton come next season.

21. Denver Broncos: 35 (82)

Previous Week: 19

Notes: The division leader in the AFC West ranked at 21? Well, the Broncos (specifically Tim Tebow's) luck has run out and chances are that even if they make in the playoffs they will get killed by the Steelers or Ravens in the first round. 

22. Arizona Cardinals: 15 (42)

Previous Week: 20

Notes: Like the Seahawks, a team that has performed better than anyone expected.

23. Miami Dolphins: 8 (28)

Previous Week: 22

Notes: A good fight against the Patriots. The Dolphins hope to finish the season in 3rd place in the AFC East after starting the season 0-7.

24. Buffalo Bills: -4 (-59)

Previous Week: 25

Notes: They finally get a win, but the Bills  can't help but feel very disappointed after starting the season so strong.

25. Washington Redskins: -59 (-26)

Previous Week: 24

Notes:  They win big against the Giants and then lose to a Vikings team without Peterson in the 2nd half. It will be interesting to see the changes this team makes in the off season.

26. Kansas City Chiefs: -104 (-87)

Previous Week: 26

Notes: The way this team has played their last two games is enough to convince me to give Romeo Cremel the full time coaching gig. A win against the Packers and an overtime loss against the Raiders is impressive considering how this team has played the other 13 games of the season.

27. Cleveland Browns: -161 (-132)

Previous Week: 28

Notes: The Browns have now lost 5 in a row and really have nothing to fight for other than to avoid getting their 6th loss in a row.

28. Jacksonville Jaguars: -187 (-126)

Previous Week: 27

Notes: Even though the Browns also lost, they lose a spot against them in the rankings. They look like the worse team right now.

29. Minnesota Vikings: -204 (-230)

Previous Week: 30

Notes: Very bad news for the Vikings team losing Peterson considering how this season has gone. Hopefully he'll be 100% healthy come next season.

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: -266 (-215 )

Previous Week: 29

Notes: Officially 9 losses in a row after getting slaughtered by the Panthers. Freeman is not the answer at QB.

31. Indianapolis Colts: -366 ( -389 )

Previous Week: 32

Notes: The Colts finally move out of the last spot in the rankings with a win streak. That's right, they actually won two games in a row!

32. St. Louis Rams: -370 (-318)

Previous Week: 31

Notes: They have the same record as the Colts, but have easily been playing a lot worse over the last few games (even before the Colts started winning). The Rams have the second longest current losing streak.

NFL Power Rankings Week 16

No time for notes this week :(. Big shake up in the rankings though.

1. Green Bay Packers: 533 (558)

Previous Week: 1

Notes: 

2. New Orleans Saints: 434 (388)

Previous Week: 4

Notes:

3. San Francisco 49ers: 422 (387)

Previous Week: 5

Notes: 

4. New England Patriots: 413 (367)

Previous Week: 7

Notes: 

5. Houston Texans: 389 (421)

Previous Week: 2

Notes:

6. Baltimore Ravens: 355 (400)

Previous Week: 3

Notes:

7. Pittsburgh Steelers: 341 (387 )

Previous Week: 6

Notes: 

8. Detroit Lions: 270 (259)

Previous Week: 8

Notes: 

9. Atlanta Falcons: 270 (215)

Previous Week: 10

Notes: 

10. Dallas Cowboys: 227 (170)

Previous Week: 11

Notes: 

11. New York Jets: 193 (235)

Previous Week: 9

Notes:

12. San Diego Chargers: 189 (94 )

Previous Week: 17

Notes: 

13. Cincinnati Bengals: 177 (161)

Previous Week: 13

Notes: 

14. Philadelphia Eagles: 130 (66)

Previous Week: 18

Notes: 

15. Chicago Bears: 112 (165)

Previous Week: 12

Notes: 

16. Seattle Seahawks: 104 (45)

Previous Week: 20

Notes: 

17. Tennessee Titans: 88 (125)

Previous Week: 14

Notes: 

18. New York Giants: 82 (112)

Previous Week: 15

Notes: 

19. Denver Broncos: 82 (107)

Previous Week: 16

Notes: 

20. Arizona Cardinals: 42 (6)

Previous Week: 21

Notes: 

21. Oakland Raiders: 31 (59)

Previous Week: 19

Notes:  

22. Miami Dolphins: 28 (-2  )

Previous Week: 22

Notes:

23. Carolina Panthers: -9 (-45)

Previous Week: 24

Notes:

24. Washington Redskins: -26 (-64)

Previous Week: 25

Notes: 

25. Buffalo Bills: -59 (-24)

Previous Week: 23

Notes:

26. Kansas City Chiefs: -87 (-135 )

Previous Week: 28

Notes: 

27. Jacksonville Jaguars: -126 ( -74)

Previous Week: 26

Notes: 

28. Cleveland Browns: -132 (-110)

Previous Week: 27

Notes: 

29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: -215 (-169)

Previous Week: 29

Notes: 

30. Minnesota Vikings: -230 (-174)

Previous Week: 30

Notes: 

31. St. Louis Rams: -318 (-296 )

Previous Week: 31

Notes: 

32. Indianapolis Colts: -389 ( -420)

Previous Week: 32

Notes: 

NFL Power Rankings Week 15

1. Green Bay Packers: 558 (499)

Previous Week: 1

Notes: They have been called a "one sided" team with a second to last ranked defense, but proved how dangerous they can be on D against the Raiders. This team might do what the Patriots couldn't in 2007, go 19-0.

2. Houston Texans: 421 (385)

Previous Week: 3

Notes: This team has earned the #2 spot. Injury-ridden and still winning big (and tough games). A first seed is a very possible thing for this team.

3. Baltimore Ravens: 400 (371)

Previous Week: 4

Notes: A close 2nd in terms of the best team in the AFC. With how things are shaking up in the AFC, this team can be anywhere from a 1st to 5th seed come playoff time.

4. New Orleans Saints: 388 (354)

Previous Week: 5

Notes: A big win against the Titans that helps move this team closer to a first round bye come playoff time. This team is the better team right now than the 49ers and deserve that #2 seed.

5. San Francisco 49ers: 387 (408)

Previous Week: 2

Notes: A tough divisional loss. Things don't get easier with a game against the Steelers this weekend.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers: 387 (345)

Previous Week: 6

Notes: Am I excited to see how this team matches up against the 49ers. This is the game to watch for next week.

7. New England Patriots: 367 (335)

Previous Week: 7

Notes: The Patriots and Tom Brady will be the team to end Tim Tebow's streak.

8. Detroit Lions: 259 (231)

Previous Week: 8

Notes: To me, this team has the best shot at a NFC wildcard. Games against the Raiders and Chargers should result in wins before a very tough game against the Packers to close out the season. They better hope the Packers loser 1 game between now and then so that they rest up their players.

9. New York Jets: 235 (179)

Previous Week: 13

Notes: With the Jets winning and Titans, Bengals, and Raiders losing, they are now in the driver seat for that #6 seed. They're the best team out of the 4 and will likely hold on to this spot.

10. Atlanta Falcons: 215 (190)

Previous Week: 10

Notes: The other probably wildcard spot in the NFC. They face two easy games against the Jags and Buccs and a tough one against the Saints. 10-6 will be a sure thing for the wildcard so count them in unless there's a big upset.

11. Dallas Cowboys: 170 (217)

Previous Week: 9

Notes: Another very tough loss for the Cowboys. While Romo didn't play badly, he did little to show that he's not a winning QB in November and a loser in December. The game against the Buccs is a trap game that I'm predicting will result in a loss for the Boys.

12. Chicago Bears: 165 (181)

Previous Week: 11

Notes: The Bears season is slowly slipping away after losing 3 in a row.

13. Cincinnati Bengals: 161 (180 )

Previous Week: 12

Notes: Once looking like an elite in the AFC, the Bengals are now on the outside looking in. They most likely have to win their last 3 (including a tough season ending game against the Ravens) to make the playoffs.

14. Tennessee Titans: 125 (138)

Previous Week: 14

Notes: A competitive game against the Saints, but a loss is tough given the wildcard race in the AFC. They get two easy divisional games against the Colts and Jags which can keep them in the playoff race.

15. New York Giants: 112 (82)

Previous Week: 16

Notes: A season saving win for the Giants that also puts them in the driver seat for the NFC East. If they win out (which is possible with their remaining schedule) they're in. The last game against the Cowboys at the end of the season will likely decide the division winner. Eli has been outstanding this year and, in my opinion, will carry this team to the playoffs.

16. Denver Broncos: 107 (79)

Previous Week: 17

Notes: I'm a Jew turned atheist, but I"m starting to reconsider my religious beliefs after seeing Tim Tebow and his winning streak. He has been coming back from the impossible and pulling off huge wins. They're luck will eventually run out (most likely against the Pats), but with the Raiders struggling and the Chargers are their last leg, they look like they'll take the AFC West.

17. San Diego Chargers: 94 (78 )

Previous Week: 18

Notes: A win that keeps them in it, but it's only a matter of time before this team is out of the playoff race. Norv Turner will also be out of a job.

18. Philadelphia Eagles: 66 (28)

Previous Week: 20

Notes: They're still hanging on to that miracle that gets them into the playoffs. They won't make it, but they'll be looking to finish at .500.

19. Oakland Raiders: 59 (98)

Previous Week: 15

Notes: The Raiders last two games are against the Chiefs and Chargers, both division games that they need to win in order to potentially beat out the Broncos for the AFC West.

20. Seattle Seahawks: 45 (14)

Previous Week: 22

Notes: If the Seahawks could play the Rams every week they'd look like an elite team. 6-7 is still better than expected from this team.

21. Arizona Cardinals: 6 (-23)

Previous Week: 24

Notes: That's 3 wins in a row now for the Cards including two in a row against good teams (Cowboys and 49ers). Games against the Bengals, Browns, and Seahawks could make this team end their season at a surprising 9-7.

22. Miami Dolphins: -2 (34 )

Previous Week: 19

Notes: No Tony Sparano. Bad time to fire a coach considering how well this team was rebounding from an awful start.

23. Buffalo Bills: -24 (23)

Previous Week: 21

Notes: The Bills continue to sink lower and lower each week. They don't even look competitive anymore.

24. Carolina Panthers: -45 (-21)

Previous Week: 23

Notes: Cam and co will look to end the season in 3rd place which is somewhat an accomplishment for a team that's used to ending their season in last in the NFC South.

25. Washington Redskins: -64 (-41 )

Previous Week: 25

Notes: A mess, but what can you expect when Ross Grossman is your leader.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars: -74 (121)

Previous Week: 29

Notes: Big week for MJD. Doesn't really matter much for this team though.

27. Cleveland Browns: -110 (-75)

Previous Week: 26

Notes: The Browns keep going down.

28. Kansas City Chiefs: -135 (-86 )

Previous Week: 27

Notes: The improvements of the Chiefs D can't mask their horrific offense.

29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: -169 (-120)

Previous Week: 28

Notes: The Buccs look to upset the Cowboys this Saturday night.

30. Minnesota Vikings: -174 (-152 )

Previous Week: 30

Notes: Even for a team like the Vikings, 2-11 is still worse than expected at this point.

31. St. Louis Rams: -296 (-251)

Previous Week: 31

Notes: Expect big changes for this team in the offseason.

32. Indianapolis Colts: -420 ( -398)

Previous Week: 32

Notes: I'm still in my survivor league and will be picking the team that plays them for the remainder of the season. It's a sure thing.

NFL Power Rankings Week 14

1. Green Bay Packers: 499 (473)

Previous Week: 1

Notes: The Packers proved that they are beatable by barely escaping an upset loss against the Giants. Aaron Rodgers also proved how clutch he can be and how easy a game winning drive can look. The road to 16-0 just got easier.

2. San Francisco 49ers: 408 (352)

Previous Week: 2

Notes: The only game standing in their way of a 14-2 season (and a clinch of a 1st round bye) is a home game against the Steelers. The 49ers are the better team this year and should win.

3. Houston Texans: 385 (351)

Previous Week: 3

Notes: No Schaub? No problem. The team faced their first real test without their star QB and pulled off an impressive victory.

4. Baltimore Ravens: 371 (346)

Previous Week: 4

Notes: The Ravens made it look all too easy against the Browns. Each game is very important for the rest of the season as it could mean the difference of a 1 seed and 5 seed come playoff time.

5. New Orleans Saints: 354 (314)

Previous Week: 6

Notes: This team is looking like one of the best in the NFL right now. The Packers should fear this team in the playoffs.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers: 345 (288)

Previous Week: 7

Notes: The second game between the Steelers and the Bengals looked nothing like the first with the Steelers completely dominating. The playoffs are now a definite, it's just a matter of fighting for the division instead of a wildcard.

7. New England Patriots: 335 (332)

Previous Week: 5

Notes: Some times a win will drop you a couple of spots in the rankings. A game against the Colts was one where they obviously were going to win, but still revealed the many holes this team this has on defense. They can't expect to be a Super Bowl team with that defense even with Tom Brady.

8. Detroit Lions: 231 (268)

Previous Week: 8

Notes: Tough loss for the Lions. They might need to take their next 3 against the Vikings, Raiders, and Chargers in order to make the playoffs.

9. Dallas Cowboys: 217 (236)

Previous Week: 9

Notes: A win over the Cards would have put the Cowboys in great position to take the NFC East. It would have happened if it wasn't for Garrett icing his own kicker. Now the games against the Giants are even more important.

10. Atlanta Falcons: 190 (207)

Previous Week: 12

Notes: A loss against a good Texans team on the road moves this team up 2 spots. They look like the best 7-5 team in the NFC right now.

11. Chicago Bears: 181 (208 )

Previous Week: 11

Notes: This looks like a completely different team without Cutler. A loss against the lowly Chiefs might be the game that keeps them out of the playoffs.

12. Cincinnati Bengals: 180 (223 )

Previous Week: 10

Notes: This team is starting to look less and less like the team we saw in the first half of the season. They have two remaining tough games (Texans and Ravens) and two games they should win (Cardinals and Rams). They'll need to take the two games they should win and one of the tough games most likely to make the playoffs.

13. New York Jets: 179 (127 )

Previous Week: 14

Notes: Not that the Jets are a Super Bowl caliber team by any means this year, but I predict they'll be the ones to take the 6th seed.

14. Tennessee Titans: 138 (110)

Previous Week: 15

Notes: The Titans will likely need to take one against the Saints or Texans to make the playoffs. No easy task. This team, however, has been doing a lot better than anyone would have thought.

15. Oakland Raiders: 98 (134)

Previous Week: 13

Notes: That loss puts the Raiders in a tough spot with two upcoming games against the Lions and Packers.

16. New York Giants: 82 (83)

Previous Week: 16

Notes: Although the Giants got their 4th loss in a row, they put up a good fight against the Packers. Bold prediction, the Giants take their remaining 4 and clinch the playoffs.

17. Denver Broncos: 79 (66)

Previous Week: 17

Notes: Tim Tebow looked better than he had in past games, but still needs to improve. That being said, he is still finding ways to win. The Broncos are the team to beat in the AFC West.

18. San Diego Chargers: 78 (32)

Previous Week: 20

Notes: Even at 5-7, the Chargers playoff hopes are very much alive. If they take the remaining 4, they will likely clinch the division.

19. Miami Dolphins: 34 (-13)

Previous Week: 21

Notes: This team very much deserves to be out of the bottom 20. If they played the first half like they have been the second half, they'd in the thick of the playoff race. Unfortunately too little too late.

20. Philadelphia Eagles: 28 (62)

Previous Week: 18

Notes: And it's now officially 100% over for the Eagles. Who would have thought 12 games in the Eagles would need to take the remaining 4 to even finish the season at .500

21. Buffalo Bills: 23 (51)

Previous Week: 19

Notes: The Bills are starting to look like the Bills that we are used to over the past couple of years.

22. Seattle Seahawks: 14 (-39)

Previous Week: 23

Notes: This team is fighting hard for their playoff life. They won't make it, but it's exciting to watch this team (who once looked like they had no shot) compete this hard.

23. Carolina Panthers: -21 (-83)

Previous Week: 27

Notes: The Panthers have fought their way out of the cellar in the NFC South. They are the better team than the Buccs and it's not surprise that they won that game.

24. Arizona Cardinals: -23 (-62)

Previous Week: 25

Notes: The NFC West has been the kryptonite for some of the NFC East teams and the Cardinals have been helping with this. A 7-9 or 8-8 record would be a lot more than what was expected from this team.

25. Washington Redskins: -41 (-22)

Previous Week: 22

Notes: The Redskins will be hoping to end the season better than the Eagles.

26. Cleveland Browns: -75 (-40)

Previous Week: 24

Notes: Won't be surprised if this team loses their remaining 4 games of the season.

27. Kansas City Chiefs: -86 (-130 )

Previous Week: 29

Notes: Their defense has been looking a lot better these past couple of games (even though their offense is horrendous). A nice win over the Bears that keeps their playoff hopes alive. I still think this team deserves to be ranked very low in the power rankings when you look at how they've played their entire season.

28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: -120 (-80)

Previous Week: 26

Notes: Their 4-8 record is a lot more accurate representation of this team than the 4-2 record that they started off with.

29. Jacksonville Jaguars: - 121 (-85)

Previous Week: 28

Notes: Del Rio is gone, the Jaguars still suck.

30. Minnesota Vikings: -152 (-141)

Previous Week: 30

Notes: A good offensive effort against the Broncos, but once again the Vikings come up short.

31. St. Louis Rams: -251 (-215 )

Previous Week: 31

Notes: Normally this is the type of team that would be the worst in the NFL. Lucky for them they're playing with the 2011 Colts. Unlucky for them because they lose the #1 spot in the draft.

32. Indianapolis Colts: -398 ( -384)

Previous Week: 32

Notes: I was shocked that this team staged a comeback like they did against the Pats. This team is fighting hard still which says as much about their heart as it does their talent.

NFL Power Rankings Week 14

1. Green Bay Packers: 473 (445)

Previous Week: 1

Notes: They proved that they're well ahead of the Lions in terms of overall talent. 16-0 is looking more and more likely for this team.

2. San Francisco 49ers: 352 (392)

Previous Week: 2

Notes: Good defensive effort, bad offensive effort by the 9-2 49ers. "Easy" divisional games against the Rams and Cards should bring this team back on track.

3. Houston Texans: 351 (315 )

Previous Week: 3

Notes: Down to their 3rd string QB, the Texans are looking to be more and more in trouble. They pulled off the win against the Jaguars, but won't find it to be as easy against the Falcons.

4. Baltimore Ravens: 346 (286)

Previous Week: 6

Notes: Big win for the Ravens that helps them look like a strong chance for a #1 or #2 seed in the playoffs.

5. New England Patriots: 332 (269)

Previous Week: 7

Notes: At this point, the Patriots have the division locked and are now fighting for home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

6. New Orleans Saints: 314 (286)

Previous Week: 4

Notes: They rolled over the Giants and are now hoping to get a bye week come playoff time.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers: 288 (256 )

Previous Week: 8

Notes: They won, but it was a pretty ugly effort against a very subpar Chiefs team. They cannot play like this against stronger opponents and expect to win.

8. Detroit Lions: 268 (286)

Previous Week: 5

Notes: They face another tough game on the road against the Saints that might make this team on the outside looking in for the playoff hunt.

9. Dallas Cowboys: 236 (216)

Previous Week: 10

Notes: An expected close game against the red hot Dolphins, but the Cowboys managed to pull off the win. With the way the Giants are playing, they can take 1 out of 2 against them and would be in good shape for the division.

10. Cincinnati Bengals: 223 (190)

Previous Week: 11

Notes: A closer game than expected, but the Bengals remain one of the stronger favorites for the wildcard after a win against the Browns.

11. Chicago Bears: 208 (228)

Previous Week: 9

Notes: The spike at the last 5 seconds of the game is the type of things this team can expect without Cutler leading the way. That being said, they look like they can compete for a playoff spot for the remainder of the season.

12. Atlanta Falcons: 207 (167)

Previous Week: 12

Notes: After facing a Texans team who are having sever QB issues, the Falcons face the Panthers and Jags making it likely this team can be 10-4 or 9-5 with two games left in the season.

13. Oakland Raiders: 134 (112)

Previous Week: 15

Notes: Even with the Broncos on their tail, the Raiders are looking more and more like the division favorites.

14. New York Jets: 127 (104)

Previous Week: 16

Notes: Big win for the Jets that keeps them in the thick of the playoff race. Chances are they'll need win 4 out of their next 5 to make it.

15. Tennessee Titans: 110 (74)

Previous Week: 17

Notes: A team that has quietly been in the playoff race all year long.

16. New York Giants: 83 (144)

Previous Week: 13

Notes: A second half collapse is all too common for this team. An extremely difficult schedule doesn't help, but the Giants need to play a lot more competitively in order for them to be a playoff team. That being said, if they lose to the Packers next week (which is very likely) and take the next four against the Cowboys (2 games), Jets, and Redskins (all winnable games) they clinch the playoffs.

17. Denver Broncos: 66 (59 )

Previous Week: 19

Notes: Tebow still might not look like a NFL caliber QB, but he's winning and I guess at the end of the day that's all that really matters. Winners of 4 in a row, the Broncos should easily make it 5 with a game against the Vikings next Sunday.

18. Philadelphia Eagles: 62 (139)

Previous Week: 14

Notes: With how things are shaping up in the NFC (specifically the East), this team isn't 100% out of it if they take the remaining 5 games. 9-7 might make the playoffs.

19. Buffalo Bills: 51 (61)

Previous Week: 18

Notes: That game was like a playoff game for the Bills. Losing against the Jets means they need nothing short of a miracle to make the playoffs.

20. San Diego Chargers: 32 (56)

Previous Week: 20

Notes: The Chargers season is fading fast after an OT loss to the Broncos. Norv Turner will likely not have a job after this season.

21. Miami Dolphins: -13 (-4)

Previous Week: 21

Notes: Another solid game for the Dolphins (although this time they come out on the losing end). A 7-9 record would be a nice surprise for this team who started off 0-7.

22. Washington Redskins: -22 (-53)

Previous Week: 24

Notes: They finally get a win but it's too little too late for this Redskins team.

23. Seattle Seahawks: -39 (-5)

Previous Week: 22

Notes: Still the strongest of the NFC West teams (excluding 49ers) which doesn't really mean much.

24. Cleveland Browns: -40 (-12)

Previous Week: 23

Notes: The Browns will end up between 5-11 and 7-9 resulting in another subpar season.

25. Arizona Cardinals: -62 (-89 )

Previous Week: 27

Notes: All that win over the Rams does is help confirm that this team isn't the worst in the NFC West.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: -80 (-66)

Previous Week: 25

Notes: The surprise season of last year has all been lost now after sitting at 4-7.

27. Carolina Panthers: -83 (-96)

Previous Week: 28

Notes: An expected win against the Colts. Should be a close game against the Buccs next week.

28. Jacksonville Jaguars: -85 (-71)

Previous Week: 26

Notes: It will be shocking if Del Rio has a job after this season.

29. Kansas City Chiefs: -130 (-102)

Previous Week: 29

Notes: The one positive thing that can be said about the Chiefs' game against the Steelers is that it was their most impressive defensive effort yet this season. Does little to overshadow their horrific offense.

30. Minnesota Vikings: -141 (-110)

Previous Week: 30

Notes: They once showed promise after McNabb was waived, but that was short lived.

31. St. Louis Rams: -215 (-199 )

Previous Week: 31

Notes: Will remain in this spot unless they can pull off another win this season. Don't hold your breath.

32. Indianapolis Colts: -384 ( -357)

Previous Week: 32

Notes: What else can be said? Peyton for MVP?