NFL Power Rankings Week Thirteen: Elite Teams Separating From Pack

The top of the power rankings have been easy so far this season. Green Bay has not lost in over a year, and have been the top team in each of the first twelve power rankings. This week, that does not change as the Packers ran their record to 13-0, and now sit just three games away from regular season perfection.

As the weeks move on in the NFL this year, it is becoming obvious that the elite teams are separating themselves from the rest of the pack. The Patriots, Saints, Texans, Ravens, and Steelers have continued to win down the stretch, making for some intriguing races for division titles and first round playoff byes.

Houston moves all the way up to number two in this week's rankings after winning on a last second touchdown pass from TJ Yates. The Texans have continued to show they are a strong team, even after quarterback Matt Schaub went down with a season-ending victory. The Texans are tied with the Ravens, Steelers, and Patriots for the best record in the AFC.

The Patriots need only to win one more game to lock up the AFC East title. New England is still hoping to gain a first round bye, and if all four teams finished tied, it would be the Patriots who would gain one of the top two seeds. The Patriots continue to give up a lot of points, but have been able to outscore their opponents.

The AFC North is where the most compelling race will be found down the stretch. The Ravens and Steelers are both 10-3, and if they finish tied, Baltimore would be the division winner after beating Pittsburgh twice this season. The Steelers can win the division by running the table and hoping the Ravens slip up once in their final three games.

The Saints also are in a position to win their division. New Orleans has a date with Atlanta next weekend. If the Saints win that game, or if Atlanta loses another game along the way, it would be the Saints that win the NFC South. Atlanta moved closer to a playoff spot Thursday night with their win over Jacksonville.

Detroit is the other team in control of its own playoff fate in the NFC. The Lions have played sloppy football since starting the season undefeated, but they still can secure a rare playoff appearance if they win out. The Giants and Cowboys both control their own fate in the NFC East, with the two teams playing their finale against each other.

December 16, 2011
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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