NFL Power Rankings: Week 17

1. San Diego Chargers (13-2): They've won 9 in a row, and with LT in the backfield combined with a scary defense, I'm not sure a loss will ever happen.

2.Chicago Bears (13-2): They've clinched everything they can clinch, homefield, 1st round bye, and division, but do you see them letting up at all against their division rival Packers this weekend? Believe me, to ruin the Packers playoff hopes would be a fitting way for Lovie Smith to send his team into the playoffs.

3. Baltimore Ravens(12-3): As long as the Ravens beat the hapless Bills on Sunday, or if the Colts lose, they will get a first round bye in the playoffs. They look scary with the AFC's best Defense, and an experienced QB in Steve McNair and Coach in Brian Billick.

4. New England Patriots (11-4): People say this team isn't like the same old Pats, but Tom Brady has his troops playing very well right now. Beating the Jaguars by three points last week was big, and mauling the Texans 40-7 the week before felt pretty good. All I can say, is things look pretty darn good right now, and a playoff run to the Superbowl could happen. Listen, the Pats don't listen to what others think or say. Bill Belichick knows how to prepare teams to win big games, and Tom Brady knows how to win big games. Listen, I'll leave it at this, you don't want to face the Patriots in the playoffs.

5. New Orleans Saints (10-5): I know they are young, but with a first round bye, and an unbelieveably great home atmosphere, a trip to the NFC Title game seems very likely. But the train may not stop there, since the Drew Brees led Saints team is a stunning 6-2 on the road! (Note: Don't get your hopes up too much with that stat, because the Bears are 6-1 at home! Very intruiging)

6. Indianapolis Colts (11-4): Do you know what that "y" next to the Colts stands for? It stands for division title. Listen, I know there has been talk about no defense, chokers, and fearful stars, but at the end of the day, Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, and Tony Dungy (and the rest of those yahoos) got themselves a division title, and I don't think that should be taken lightly.

7. New York Jets (9-6): All they need to do, is beat the slothful Raiders, and they are in the Playoffs. Listen, I know it's early, but the Jets are a threat with Chad Pennington, Laveranues Coles, and Jericho Cotchery. Listen, Eric Man"jeanie in lamp" has done a fantastic job with this young seemingly fragile Jets team, and I'm sorry to butcher his name like I did above. (Note: The name is Eric Mangini).

8. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6): Listen, I don't create the standings or the turn of events, but if I could predict what they were five weeks ago, I would have called this team dead. All I can really say, is that Jeff Garcia at QB has done a fantastic job with this team, and in the process, helping them clinche a playoff berth and maybe a division.

9. Denver Broncos (9-6): Maybe switching to Jay Cutler wasn't a bad idea, since they are one win away from the playoffs.

10. Tennessee Titans (8-7): Can you say "What on Earth"? This is crazy and exciting stuff we are seeing from "Victorious" Vince Young. He wins, his teamates trust him, it's a delight. The Titans could still get in the playoffs, but I'm afraid those Broncos and Jets just barely ahead of them will keep them out, since both the Jets and Broncos are facing Bay Area teams @ home.

11. Dallas Cowboys (9-6): Believe me, getting mauled by Philadelphia and New Orleans proves they are not the prime of the NFC. Tony Romo will have a rough ride in the playoffs.

12. Cincinnati Bengals (8-7): Since they lost to the Broncos last week, a Bronco loss won't help them. A Jets loss to Oakland seems to be their only prayer, and since the Raiders stink like my dad's sweaty old socks, the playoffs for the Bengals seems unlikely. But since they are facing the Steelers on Sunday at home, you never say never.

13. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-7): They've looked good some days, and then awful other days. That inconcistancy does not equal playoff success. The real trouble is their next game is @ Kansas City, which as we all know is the toughest place to play in the NFL.

14. Kansas City Chiefs (8-7): Trent Green has made a valiant effort in returning, but ultimately they are doomed. Luckily, they play at home this weekend. They aren't TOTALLY dead.

15. Seattle Seahawks (8-7): Other than winning the division, these guys have nothing to be proud of.

16. New York Giants (7-8): They really need to beat the Redskins, otherwise, the season's over for Tiki and Eli.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-8): Things will feel a lot better in Pittsbrgh when Bill Cowher's future gets decided. For the time being, go out and beat your division foe Cincinnati Bengals this weekend, finish 8-8, and realize there won't be a Super Bowl repeat.

18. Green Bay Packers (7-8): They've won three straight games, but they gotta get past the mighty Bears on Sunday if they want to creep into the playoffs. Otherwise show's over. I think they can do it, since it could be a "This One's '4' Brett" kind of day, and the Bears may be resting some people.

19. Buffalo Bills (7-8): They are outta the playoff picture (not that they ever were seriously in it), but they got something to build on for next season.

20. Carlolina Panthers (7-8): If Jake Delhomme wasn't wacked a couple of weeks ago, they may be going to the playoffs, but since that isn't the case, and the Giants beat them, things are pretty grim.

21. Atlanta Falcons (7-8): Same gig, rough right now, the playoffs don't seem to be going their way, but one thing is for certain, they need a win.

22. Minnesota Vikings (6-9): They suck, yet not far from a playoff spot. I know they aren't going this year, but in order to next year with the way the NFC looks, a playoff push could come from this Minnesota "Dream Boat" team.

23. Miami Dolphins (6-9): I don't know about you, but Joey Harrington ain't the right QB for this team, and neither is the aging Daunte Cullpepper.

24. St. Louis Rams (7-8): They are weak, but like I said, a division title really was never that afar off from these guys (or any other piece of shit in this division).

25. San Francisco 49ers (6-9): Win tomorrow against the Broncos to ruin the Broncos season, set a tone for next year, and to increase the number of Frank Gore for MVP votes.

26. Washington Redskins (5-9): Weak team, little going for them without Clinton Portis, but I got a feeling, that they'll be back.

27. Houston Texans (5-10): Their first draft pick next year needs to be a new recruiting team.

28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-11): They'd like to beat the Seahawks tomorrow, if it could actually hurt the Seahawks playoff chances.

29. Arizona Cardinals (5-10): They squeaked out 5 wins against the NFC West and NFC North combined (plus the other 6 games). Woah! They suck.

30. Cleveland Browns (4-11): They stink, and Kellen Winslow is a pussy.

31. Oakland Raiders (2-13): If they beat the Jets on Sunday, there may be one smiling face in Oakland

32. Detroit Lions (2-13): FIRE MILLEN! He SUCKS ASS! (and so does the team).

NFL Power Rankings: Week 16

1. San Diego Chargers (12-2): They've won 8 games in a row, and have a firm grip on the AFC's #1 seed. Right now, all I can say is that as long as LT keeps running like he is, and the defense continues to dominate, their isn't much you can do to stop this team.

2. Chicago Bears (12-2): Grossman is looking a lot better from his 1.3 passer rating a couple of weeks ago, and that is key, because the only flaw in this team that can be spot is the offense, and more specifically Rex Grossman at QB.

3. Baltimore Ravens (11-3): Ranked #1 in the NFL in fewest points allowed, this defense only gives up 13.4 points per game. That stat jumps out at you and spells a scary team.

4. Indianapolis Colts (11-3): They really needed that win against the Bengals, 'cause if they lost that game, you know somebody was ready to press the panic button. (Note: We all know Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison make up the best QB/WR combo in the NFL, but what made that game so encouraging was that the DEFENSE stepped up.)

5. New England Patriots (10-4): I know that everybody loves this team because of Tom Brady, but look at the defense, second in the NFL in points allowed by allowing just 13.8 points per game. Not bad (yeah, that beats the Bears D). My only concern with this team, is who is Tom Brady throwing to every week? I'm used to saying Deion Branch, Troy Brown, and David Givens. But now it looks like it's down to just Troy Brown. Not much else for Brady to throw to.

6. New Orleans Saints (9-5): What happened? Drew Brees and the Saints creamed the Cowboys two weeks ago on Sunday Night Football in Dallas, and then the Redskins kick their ass. Strange stuff. Hopefully they'll rebound over the next two weeks and gain some momentum for the playoffs. (Note: That number 2 seed in the NFC is still very much up for grabs).

7. Dallas Cowboys (9-5): They sort of got the wind knocked out of their sails from that loss to the Saints, but a nice rebound against the Falcons last Saturday really saved their season from delving into disaster. I like what they can offer, but right now, I don't have them as a team in the NFC Championship game.

8. Philadelphia Eagles (8-6): Stayin' alive. Listen, who would have thought that the Eagles would still be in the playoff hunt after losing Donovan McNabb. Great job by Andy Reid and not to mention a certain QB named Jeff Garcia who had to rise to the occasion and play great QB in the toughest sports town in America. Big props to Jeff Garcia, I am very impressed. (Note: Jeff Garcia has a 96.3 passer rating)

9. New York Jets (8-6): I like the way they responded from that horrid loss to the putrid Bills last Sunday by beating up the woeful Vikings, and with two games left against the Dolphins and the "Sleepwalking" Raiders, the Jets should have a cake walk in Week 16 and Week 17. In essence, they are going to the playoffs.

10. Cincinnati Bengals (8-6): What happened? How did the Colts defense shut them down? Carson Palmer, Rudi Johsnon, and Chad Johnson were not on the same page. That all being said, they had won four in a row entering that game, and the Colts were desperate for a win. I have them in the playoffs, but that loss really does sting.

11. New York Giants (7-7): They currently hold the # 6 seed in the NFC via head-to-head vs. Falcons. They need to beat the Saints this week, because if they don't, trouble. Even if they make the playoffs, losing to Chicago, New Orleans, and the Cowboys (the one they played in New York) is not a way for Eli Manning and his clan of G-Men to get their mojo flowin'.

12. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-6): Which team is gonna show up? The Colt whooping Jags or the Titan captive Jaguars? One week beating the Colts and then losing to the Titans the next week spells inconsistancy.

13. Denver Broncos (8-6): They are still alive, but with "Jittery"Jay Cutler starting at QB, the "Doncos" are doomed.

14. Seattle Seahawks (8-6): They seem to be hanging in the ballance with games against the Chargers and Buccaneers left. They should go 9-7, but an 8-8 record could easily happen. They really could end up either taking the division or missing the playoffs. All I can say is the injuries to Hasslebeck and Alexander really hurt this wounded team.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7): They've won three in row, starting some late-season run, who says Willie Parker, "Big Ben", and company can't rip the Ravens apart this weekend in the Steel City?

16. Tennessee Titans (7-7): They've won 5 in a row, and that is largely because of Vince Young and his natural ability to lead a team.

17. San Francisco 49ers (6-8): They still have hope with the Cards left and then the Broncos. But, despite all that Alex Smith, Frank Gore, and Veron Davis do, they are gonna need a little bit of help from the Seahawks if they expect to get in on top of doing their part and winnning the last two games.

18. Atlanta Falcons (7-7): I have two words: Vick; QB. Keep him at QB, becasue that's where his potential and talent really is.

19. Buffalo Bills (7-7): They aren't gonna make the playoffs, but they still are in it. I just think that despite the fact that they get a shot at the Titans, a little trip to hostile Baltimore will ultimately do them in.
20. Kansas City Chiefs (7-7): Any time Larry Johhson comes out to his TEAMATES and says they need changes, maybe they ought to listen, but Larry has to keep is mouth shut to the MEDIA.

21. Carolina Panthers (6-8): They apparently were overhyped, and I was wrong.

22. Miami Dolphins (6-8): You can't start 1-6. I keep saying that but that is gonna be a recurring theme with this team as they look back at what they went through.

23. Green Bay Packers (6-8): If they beat the Vikings tonight, they'll still be alive.

24. Minnesota Vikings (6-8): They need to beat the Packers, otherwise, season is over.

25. Washington Redskins (5-9): I don't care who you are, beating the Red-Hot Saints when you've had a bumpy season leaves a good taste in your mouth.

26. St. Louis Rams (6-8): They're an old team, at some point, Tory Holt and Isaac Bruce will not be able to carry the load alone.

27. Cleveland Browns (4-10): They may suck, but Braylon Edwards has played very well for being a second year player, and that draft pick seems to be working out ok.

28. Houston Texans (4-10): They suck, and they can't draft good players.

29. Arizona Cardinals (4-10): They look a little better, but come on, they still stink.

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-11): Gruden is on the Hot Seat.

31. Oakland Raiders (2-12): Get rid of Al Davis, but only Al can really get rid of Al.

32. Detroit Lions (2-12): I hear the fans plan to leave in the middle of this week's game against the Bears in some organized protest against Matt Millen, but come on, no matter what you do, the goofy Ford family will always remain obtuse and senile.

NFL Power Rankings: Week 15

1. San Diego Chargers (11-2): I like what they are doing by giving LT many touches, wreaking havoc on defense, and creaming every team they face. It's working, they're winning, and they're confident. Look for a serious playoff run from the Chargers this year.

2. Chicago Bears (11-2): I like the way Grossman played against the Rams, but that's only one game, and the Rams aren't that good. That all being said, they are 11-2, they are poised to go 14-2 with home field advantage, and on top of all that good stuff, Devin Hester is whooping special teams across the league like they are all in wheelchairs. It's fabulous stuff we are watching from Devin Hester.

3. Baltimore Ravens (10-3): With three games left against Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo, a second or first seed in the AFC seems likely with a collapsing Colt team, and a Patriot team clearly out of that mix. Great Defense, and a Super Bowl hungry QB makes this team very dangerous.

4. New Orleans Saints (9-4): I love what Drew Brees is doing right now, and with an easy victory against the Cowboys last week combined with a puzzling Bears team makes a Super Bowl run very possible. Note: They aren't a joke, a happy story team, or a pretender. They are a contender.

5. New England Patriots (9-4): I know the Dolphins gave them a whooping last week, but with the Texans coming to town, and Tom Brady at the helm, the division title should be theirs after the game tomorrow. But the real litmist test is gonna be the next week @ Jacksonville. If they beat the red-hot Jaguars, then they can brag about something. I don't know how good they are, but they really do seem to be a coin-toss team. Since they are an AFC team, the playoffs should be a real challenge for this team to say the least. Note: Tom Brady "The Golden Boy", can lead these boys to the promised land if they trust in him (which I think they do).

6. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-5): They CRUSHED Indy last week like the Lion in Wizard of Oz should have crushed the Tin Man, and they look confident. Scary stuff coming out of Jacksonville.

7. Indianapolis Colts (10-3): If you can't stop the run, that means that the offense has to put up a lot of points. Listen, I love Peyton Manning as a great QB, but without a defense, what can he do. If you still have faith in the Colts, maybe you'll change your mind when you hear this stat: The Colts are 32nd (dead last) in rush defense. That means any team with a good Runing Back (like San Diego, Cincinnati, Jacksonville, or Kansas City) will walk all over them like an old lady walking across a conveyer belt (no effort at all).

8. Cincinnati Bengals (8-5): I like the momentum, and oh by the way, they will beat the Colts on Monday Night. Carson is looking great, Chad is being Chad, Rudy is being Rudy, and Marvin Lewis looks a whole lot more comfortable than he did four weeks ago, when they were 4-5 and were desperate for a season saving win.

9. Dallas Cowboys (8-5): Tony Romo may have been "exposed" last week, but they still look like the prime of the NFC East. That being said, with a "snitching" T.O. aboard the ship, and a distressed/emotionally strectched/totally embarrased Bill Parcels coach leading the way, this team may have a rocky post-season.

10. Phildelphia Eagles (7-6): Jeff Garcia at QB leading the charge and winning is shocking, but if you remember he did reach the Pro Bowl 3 straight years with the 49ers.

11. Atlanta Falcons (7-6): Vick at RB? Questionable, controversial, and sounds like a desperate move for a desperate team. That being said, I like this team. I keep thinking one year everything will come together for Vick and all will be well.

12. New York Giants (7-6): They play Philly on Sunday, and all truth will be told about who should go to the playoffs and snag that NFC wild card spot.

13. New York Jets (7-6): As much as I like the Jets, they aren't going to the playoffs in the AFC. They blew their chances last week when they lost to the goofy Bills.

14. Kansas City Chiefs (7-6): Same deal as the Jets, only the schedule is a bitch. They gotta face San Diego tomorrow, and Jacksonville in two weeks. Ouch!

15. Seattle Seahawks (8-6): How did they lose to the 49ers? They got crushed. What a lame performance.

16. Tennessee Titans (6-7): Four wins in a row, and if they beat the Jaguars tomorrow, this Vince Young led team will really be looking at a positive future for years to come.

17. Denver Broncos (7-6): If Jay Cutler is at QB, they are doomed. With Jake "The Snake" Plummer , they thought they were doomed. Listen, they've lost four straight, and I don't think changing QB's midway through the season was very smart.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-7): No playoffs, but regarding Ben's motor cycle accident, and the departure of "The Bus", things could be worse, but still should be better.

19. San Francisco 49ers (6-8): As great as the Seattle win was, you can't help but think that the loss to Green Bay is a thorn in their side. Note: I love what Alex Smith did, and Frank Gore looks like the next great running back in the NFL.

20. Carolina Panthers (6-7): Where have all the good times gone? Super Bowl talk, and best in the NFL arguments pointing their direction seem to be a hazy memory.

21. Minnesota Vikings (6-7): They suck, but they still are 6-7. They are barely alive in this playoff mix. They aren't gonna make it, but why not throw them into the stew?

22. Miami Dolphins (6-7): They've made a valiant effort after that 1-6 start, but you can't start 1-6 and expect much of a season.

23. St. Louis Rams (5-8): I'm sure they really wanna get another shot at Devin Hester now. They suck like a sucker (that's the lamest punn I've created in a long time).

24. Buffalo Bills (6-7): Tomorrow's date with the Dolphins should be very interesting. It's a game worth watching, but at the same time it's utterly meaningless.

25. Green Bay Packers (5-8): They're alive by a strand of a string, and that doesn't give you much hope if your a Packer fan.

26. Cleveland Browns (4-9): They suck, and Winslow is an overated, sleazy bum.

27.Houston Texans (4-9): They have to wonder whether "Super Mario" was the best choice when you have "Victorious" Vince Young winning games at QB for the Titans, and Reggie Bush running all over teams across the NFL.

28. Washington Redskins (4-9): Losing Clinton Portis ruined their season.

29. Arizona Cardinals (4-9): I like what they are doing with Matt Leinart, but the real problem was they had to high hopes for their team.

30. Tampa Bay Bucanneers (3-10): What a horrid season.

31. Oakland Raiders (2-11): They have no clue what to due. That spells trouble.

32. Detroit Lions (2-11): I don't know what to say except that firing Millin is the best thing for this team.

NFL Power Rankings: Week 14

1. San Diego Chargers (10-2): Did you see the way Shawne Merriman dominated on the Defense? His return is really gonna be a boost for this already lethal and electrifying team.

2. New England Patriots (9-3): If you know your history, you know that any Patriot team lead by Tom Brady that has won 3 in a row late in the season is a dangerous team. Listen, they are on a roll right now, and if the Colts trip up, look for a New England team to stun everybody and take the second seed in the AFC.

3. Indianapolis Colts (10-2): They lost to a Titan team who may have been confident, a little bit on fire, and getting great production from a rookie QB named Vince Young, but come on now, the Colts should have blown the doors off the Titans. My problem with the Colts, is the lack of consitency. I know they are 10-2, and Peyton Manning all year has been great, but with some questions on the running game, and a run defense that can't stop anybody, you can't help but see some post-season disaster ahead.

4. Baltimore Ravens (9-3): I love the defense, the way McNair has been playing, and I gotta say, they look very confident in the way the play football. Watch out for Baltimore, they are deadly.

5. Chicago Bears (10-2): The defense keeps shutting down any offense that crosses its path while scoring in the process. You also gotta love the special teams. The bears lead the NFL with 7 returns for Touchdowns this year (Int's, Punt Returns, and Fumble Returns). But on the other side of the coin (we're talking the polar opposite), their QB Rex Grossman has been just plain horrible. Last week, he had an attrocious 1.3 passer rating. I don't know about you, but that is ridiculous. Listen, I love the Bears as a top NFL team, and they do have a chance at the Superbowl, but if Rex Grossman keeps playing this poorly, some team in the post season is gonna find a way to take advantage of all those wounded duck passes, exploit Grossman's weaknesses, and walk all over the Bears.

6. Dallas Cowboys (8-4): Beating the Giants has sealed the deal for the Cowboys. The NFC East division is theirs (unless they give it away as some charitable gift).

7. New Orleans Saints (8-4): I love the Saints right now. Period. Reggie Bush is running like a madman, Drew Brees is just throwing up ridiculous numbers right now, and they are confident. It may sound crazy, but the Saints are scary team right now.

8. Seattle Seahawks (8-4): With Matt "The Alley Cat" Hasselbeck back playing well, and "Slippery" Shaun Alexander ready to break out into his traditionally "slippery" self, you know the Seahawks are a dangerous team. Their four remaining games are @ Arizona, San Francisco, San Diego, and @ Tampa Bay. The big game is vs. San Diego. If they want to prove they are an elite team, they'll come to play against the Chargers.

9. Cincinnati Bengals (7-5): They've won three in a row, Carson Palmer is playing well, and the team has confidence. They're in a tough conference, but I expect a playoff berth for the Bengals, and maybe even an upset or two while they are in the playoffs.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-5): They're hungry, confident, and with a win against the Colts still in the division hunt. It would take a lot for a Colt collapse to happen, but if the Jags are two games back with three games to go, a Jaguar division title could happen (conceiveably). Note: David Garrard is playing well at QB and the rest of his team is feeding off of that.

11. New York Jets (7-5): I liked what I saw from Chad Pennington and the Jets last week as they smoked and sizzled the Packers like an outback barbeque 38-10, but ultimately, the Jets won't be able to get past that Curtis Martin injury, and they'll be on the outside looking in.

12. Carolina Panthers (6-6): They lost to the Eagles in a heartbreaking loss, and with a do or die game coming up against the Giants this Sunday, Jake Delhomme better wipe those tears, stop complaining about any injury ('cause you know that if Chris Weinke (1-15 career record as a starter) starts, the Panthers are doomed) and go out and play football. As for "Streaky" Steve Smith, they need to give him more touches and get him and his homie Keyshawn Johnson more touches.

13. New York Giants (6-6): No longer the best football team in the "Big Apple", the Giants are in a tailspin right now with a weeping Eli Manning, a retirement thinking Tiki Barber, a forlorn and confused coach in Tom Coughlin, combined with an angry media and a generally bitter football team. One thing can change all this drek, and that is a win against Carolina on Sunday. For Carolina and New York, this game is a playoff game.

14. Kansas City Chiefs (7-5): After booting the Cleveland game last week, things look bleak with back-to-back games vs. the Ravens and Chargers (@ San Diego). The only thing, is they need to at least split those two games, beat the dishevelled Raiders, and absoultely knock out the Jaguars in week 17. They need to win 3 of their next four, and I see a 2-2 or 1-3 finish quite conceiveable.

15. Denver Broncos (7-5): They've lost 3 in a row, and in the process sort of given up on the season by throwing Jay Cutler into the heap. It looks like they are thinking next year before this year is over. Only good news for the "Doncos", is schedule (@ San Diego (not very helpful), @ Arizona, vs. Cincinnati (crucial game), vs. San Francisco). So, you have two baby games, a tough San Diego game and a winnable but challenging game vs. the Bengals. The Broncos should walk off at least 9-7 (maybe 10-6). So, with all that they can still make the playoffs.

16. Atlanta Falcons (6-6): Thanks to the Giants and Cowboys ripping at each others throats this upcoming sunday, a win against the hapless Buccaneers will push the Falcons in the NFC Wild Card drivers seat. Michael Vick needs another crazy legged day, and his recievers need to catch passes.

17. Tennessee Titans (5-7): Right now, I like what I see from Vince Young, I like the way the beat the Colts, and I like the fact that Vince Young will return to Texas on Sunday to play the Texans.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-7): Things look grave for the Steel City, but with a win against the Browns tonight, and a game against a wavering Panther team, the Steelers could push for an 8-8 season.

19. Philadelphia Eagles (6-6): I like the win against the Panthers, but come on do you really think Jeff Garcia can lead this Eagle team to the playoffs? He's a little too rusty.

20. San Francisco (5-7): Ahh, the growing pains of an inexperienced football team. They're going through what any other team would go through with a 2nd year starting QB in Alex Smith, a rookie TE named Vernon Davis , and a 2 year RB in Frank Gore. That being said, thanks to a weak NFC, and games vs. Green Bay and Arizona left, the playoffs could still happen. But here's the deal. They have to beat Green Bay and Arizona ( not so bad, I think they'll do it), but then here's the tricky part: @ Seattle, and @ Denver. Only good news with those two tough games is they beat Seattle earlier this year, and Denver is starting Jay Cutler and is in a 3 game losing skid. So, a 3-1 run is possible, and maybe (only if the heavens want the 49ers to make the playoffs), a 4-0 run. Listen there is chance the 49ers get in. It's a long shot, but don't be shocked if the 49ers take a playoff spot.

21. Buffalo Bills (5-7): Not much to cheer for now, except for J.P. Losman's 82.0 passer rating.

22. Miami Dolphins (5-7): They learned the hard way that you need to get off to a good start. That's their problem, getting started right.

23. Minnesota Vikings (5-7): If you can't win a football game after the opposing QB (Rex Grossman) has a 1.3 passer rating, who can you expect to beat now? How in the hell do you allow 23 points? If the other team's QB has a 1.3 passer rating, you should automatically shut them out.

24. St. Louis Rams (5-7): They may have a fun to watch offense, but it ain't producin' very many wins.

25. Washington Redskins (4-8): I tell you this much, the Redskins would love to beat the Eagles on Sunday as some sort of revenge for all thats has gone wrong this season. It could happen, but it's hard to bet on considering the way they've been playing.

26. Cleveland Browns (4-8): All seems lost in Cleveland, but a win against AFC North rival Pittsburgh would be sweet.

27. Houston Texans (4-8): With Vince Young coming to town, and Reggie Bush playing very well, I think the Texans would not have taken Mario Williams as their first pick in the NFL draft. It's no slam to "Super Mario", but come on, a DE was not their #1 priority.

28. Green Bay Packers (4-8): Things are slippin' in Green Bay, all the more important for Brett Favre to retire.

29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-9): The ship is sinking for this Buccaneer crew.

30. Arizona Cardinals (3-9): They suck, but at least they have Matt Leinart.

31. Oakland Raiders (2-10): They are horrid, they are terrible, and they lack anything that resembles an even ok football team.

32. Detroit Lions (2-10): zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

NFL Power Rankings: Week 13

1. San Diego Chargers (9-2): Feeling lucky to escape a Raider assault, the Chargers should rebound and crush the Bills. Look for a big day from LT and Philllip Rivers. Note: Shawne Merriman will make his triumphant return for the San Diego Defense

2. Indianapolis Colts (10-1): Crushing a Philly team without Donovan McNabb may not say much, but it was a nice way to rebound from the loss to Dallas. Now they got the Titans, who've gotten on a bit of a roll over the last two games. Look for an Indy win, but at the same time, and interesting game.

3. New England Patriots (8-3): Beating the Bears proved to us that they are indeed an elite NFL team (as always), and that they now seem to be brimming with confidence. As for "Da Bears", things look weak, thanks to multiple-shaky Grossman performances.

4. Baltimore Ravens (9-3): Thursday's loss to the Bengals was really a blow, because the division could have been wrapped up, and they could have knocked out one of their fellow AFC North counterparts. I guess they'll have to wait until next week and stew over this dismal loss.

5. Chicago Bears (9-2): The defense on the average gives up only 12.5 points per game, and yet the offense (primarily vulerable QB Rex Grossman) gives up way to many turn overs that cost them games. They still are the prime of the NFC, but as for being the Superbowl favorites, that seems to be a bit of a stretch at this exact moment.

6. Dallas Cowboys (7-4): If they want to put the nail in the coffin and seal up the NFC East, all they need to do is beat the Giants this weekend, and they are playoff bound.

7. New Orleans Saints (7-4): As long as Drew Brees keeps throwing well, the Saints will keep playing well, they average 25 points a game, but give up 22 a game. That says that a lot of games have been close, and they win by outscoring you. That strategy can't work for long if you plan to make a deep playoff run. That being said, I am still very impressed with this group of guys. They got something, but I'm not sure what it is.

8. Seattle Seahawks (7-4): They don't seem to be among the talk of Superbowl contenders this year, but being the defending NFC Champs and bound to take the division, they damn well should be.

9. Kansas City Chiefs (7-4): They look strong, thanks to a great running Larry Johnson, and with an improving defense, look out for Kansas City, they just might keep on hanging around.

10. Cincinnati Bengals (7-5): They needed that win against the Ravens on Thursday, and did you see that flea flicker? That was incredible.

11. Denver Broncos (7-4): I'm not against Jay Culter, or what he can bring to the table, but come on, a QB change this late in the year seems to be the sign of a desperate football team.

12. Carolina Panthers (6-5): They're still alive, but they're division chances seem to all hang in the ballance on whether they can win in the Superdome in week 17 or not. That being said, they need to keep winning because New Orleans won't be below them by any means come week 17.

13. New York Jets (6-5): I like the fact that they are still alive, but at the end of the day, they will not be playing in the post-season.

14. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-5): David Garrard will really be tested against a hot-Miami team this weekend. Oh by the way, that game is a must win.

15. New York Giants (6-5): Any time the QB isn't confident, and everybody is backstabbing each other through the media, you know there is trouble.

16. San Francisco 49ers (5-6): Look for a high flying game against New Orleans with lots of Touchdowns and crazy plays. That style sadly fits the New Orleans style better than the 'frisco Frank Gore runs down your throat offense.

17. Miami Dolphins (5-6): Don't be surprised if Miami beats Jacksonville, and finds themselves on the edge of a playoff spot. Boy, what a turnaround down in Miami this year, eh?

18. Buffalo Bills (5-6): They can't afford any more losses, and a game against San Diego this weekend will make that goal hard to accomplish. Only good thing, is the weather in Buffalo is supposed to be very cold and snowy. That does give the Bills an edge in some ways.

19. Atlanta Falcons (5-6): All I can say, is Michael Vick needs more help. Without better recievers, the Falcons are doomed to fail.
20. St. Louis Rams (5-6): They really needed that win against the 49ers.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-7): They should beat the Bucs this week, and then the Browns next week on Thursday night football, but that only leaves them at 6-7. Sorry Pittsburgh, better luck next year. Note: The Steelers are not done long term, they'll be back in the mix before long.

22. Philadelphia Eagles (5-6): Without McNabb, things look hazy for the Eagles.

23. Minnesota Vikings (5-6): They're still in the playoff mix right now, and after the intense game tomorrow @ Chicago, the schedule fairs pretty well for them. Listen, if they beat the Bears tomorrow, things could really turn Minnesota's way.

24. Washington Redskins (4-7): Not that they'd be good now, but without Clinton Portis, the 'skins seem to be headed down the drain.

25. Tennesse Titans (4-7): With a confident Vince Young, and a couple of wins in a row, an upset vs. the Colts could very well happen. Remember, the Titans were one point away from beating the colts in their first meeting, and I think they'd like a little revenge.

26. Green Bay Packers (4-7): I like Brett Favre as much as the next guy, but I think after this year, it's time for him to hang up the Jersey and hand the duties to Aaron Rogers.

27. Cleveland Browns (3-8): They've lost two in a row, and things won't get any brighter.

28. Houston Texans (3-8): They suck, and they are the wourst pro-team in Texas.

29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-8): They suck, just like old times.

30. Detroit Lions (2-9): They really need a new GM.

31. Oakland Raiders (2-9): Fire Al Davis, or something like that.

32. Arizona Cardinals (2-9): They stink, the end. Listen, not even Pete Carrol could fix that Arizona mess!