Davis Sports Deli's
NFL Power Rankings

By: Paul Topchyan

 

NFL Power Rankings - Week 14

Davis Sports Deli NFL Power Rankings are compiled on a weekly basis by staff writer Paul Topchyan. These rankings are based on the cumulative performance of each of the 32 teams in the league.

In Week 12 Paul debuted this piece and put the Buffalo Bills at #23. Now, two weeks later, Dick Jauron and company have slapped the rest of the league with the long arm of justice as the fastest rising team in the Power Rankings. The Bills shot up eight spots to #15 with two solid victories against the Washington Redskins and the Miami Dolphins. Two other high-risers are the Arizona Cardinals (three spots, up to #17) and the New Orleans Saints (also three spots, to #14). The furthest descent was experienced by the Chicago Bears -- otherwise known as the Rex Grossman All-Stars -- who fell eight spots to #23.

Now, without further interruption, here is the Week 14 Power Rankings. Take it away, Paul...

1. New England Patriots (13-0) - SpyGate or not, Pats will go down in history as greatest ever if they finish undefeated.
2. Dallas Cowboys (12-1) - I wonder: if the Pats weren't on their schedule, would they go undefeated, too?
3. Indianapolis Colts (11-2) - After NE escaped Baltimore with controversial calls, Colts humiliated Ravens on national TV.
4. Green Bay Packers (11-2) - Favre needs to be careful not to re-injure his shoulder before the playoffs.
5. Seattle Seahawks (9-4) - One of the hottest teams in the NFL, 'Hawks have won five straight (and 6 out of 7).
6. Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4) - Only one problem for Jaguars: they can't win in big games! Especially against Indy.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-4) - An overrated team. Anthony Smith, please, don't ever make guarantees again!
8. San Diego Chargers (8-5) - Showed heart by overcoming a 17-3 Titans lead in the 4th Qtr and winning in OT.
9. Cleveland Browns (8-5) - Nobody doubts the Jamal Lewis pickup anymore. Well on his way to 1,000 yds and 10 TD.
10. New York Giants (9-4) - An above-average team with a struggling QB, yet they still manage to have a great record.
11. Minnesota Vikings (7-6) - Even with Peterson struggling, Vikings managed to keep win streak going (4).
12. Tampa Bay Bucs (8-5) - Bucs will definitely make the playoffs, but won't have enough firepower to compete there.
13. Tennessee Titans (7-6) - Heartbreaking Week 14 loss probably took Titans out of playoff contention.
14. New Orleans Saints (6-7) - R. Bush started 12 games and never broke century mark, Stecker starts one and gets 100.
15. Buffalo Bills (7-6) - Bills have won 6 of 8 after starting 1-4, that earns them an 8 spot jump. Pat, I know you like that.
16. Detroit Lions (6-7) - Even with the 5-game skid, you have to give them credit for almost beating Dallas.
17. Arizona Cardinals (6-7) - Just when you thought the Cards might make the playoffs, they disappoint you again.
18. Denver Broncos (6-7) - The 4th worst defense in the NFL. I suggest they use 1st round pick on a DE to replace Adams.
19. Houston Texans (6-7) - Maybe it wasn't a mistake taking Mario Williams (9.5 sacks) over Reggie Bush.
20. Philadelphia Eagles (5-8) - Expect McNabb not to be back in an Eagles uniform next season.
21. Cincinnati Bengals (5-9) - These Bengals are very similar to Philly; despite talent, they just can't put it together.
22. Washington Redskins (6-7) - With J. Campbell out for the season, the 'Skins will struggle with their tough schedule.
23. Chicago Bears (5-8) - Not-so-sexy Rexy is prob. out for the season. I say play Kyle Orton & see what he's made of.
24. Baltimore Ravens (4-9) - Maybe they should start considering former Heisman winner Troy Smith for more PT.
25. Carolina Panthers (5-8) - Another week of embarrassment (37-6). In pre-season, they were considered a contender.
26. Kansas City Chiefs (4-9) - "You play to win the game, you don't just play it to play it." Is that what Edwards was thinking?
27. Oakland Raiders (4-9) - Who is the Raiders starting QB now? It seems like every week it changes.
28. St. Louis Rams (3-10) - Have won 3 of the last 5 after starting 0-8.
29. New York Jets (3-10) - Belichick & Mangini showdown is on Sunday. My prediction: Patriots by 40+.
30. San Francisco 49ers (3-10) - Rookie LB Patrick Willis leads the NFL in tackles.
31. Atlanta Falcons (3-10) - Petrino quit on the Falcons and moved to Arkansas just one day after Monday night loss to NO.
32. Miami Dolphins (0-13) - If Fins go 0-16 and Pats win out, it will be the biggest in-division deficit in NFL history.