Causion's NFL Power Rankings: Pre - Week 13
Today I reveal my weekly NFL power rankings heading into week 13 of the season. I will take into account everything I know about these teams, and give heavy consideration to what was displayed on the field so far this season. This gives an accurate assessment of where teams are at in my opinion.
This Week's Rankings
1. Carolina Panthers
That defense is dominant. The offense is getting plenty of big-time plays from Cam Newton. They are the class of the league.
That defense is dominant. The offense is getting plenty of big-time plays from Cam Newton. They are the class of the league.
2. New England Patriots
They have a ton of injury issues, so now it's about getting ready for the playoffs. Who is Tom Brady throwing to now?
They have a ton of injury issues, so now it's about getting ready for the playoffs. Who is Tom Brady throwing to now?
3. Arizona Cardinals
They struggled at San Francisco, and lost two running backs which could prove to be trouble down the stretch.
They struggled at San Francisco, and lost two running backs which could prove to be trouble down the stretch.
4. Cincinnati Bengals
That was an impressive bounce-back win against the Rams after two losses. I debated putting ahead of Arizona.
That was an impressive bounce-back win against the Rams after two losses. I debated putting ahead of Arizona.
5. Denver Broncos
Brock Osweiler was alright, serviceable, though people are acting like he was great. But that defense stepped up in big vs New England. Run game was great down the stretch.
Brock Osweiler was alright, serviceable, though people are acting like he was great. But that defense stepped up in big vs New England. Run game was great down the stretch.
6. Minnesota Vikings
They have a big playoff-like game this week with the Seattle Seahawks. It will be a physical war.
They have a big playoff-like game this week with the Seattle Seahawks. It will be a physical war.
7. Seattle Seahawks
Russell Wilson looked unreal against the Steelers. Now it has to carry over against the Vikings. The "Boom" was terrible.
Russell Wilson looked unreal against the Steelers. Now it has to carry over against the Vikings. The "Boom" was terrible.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers
The defense regressed in a big way against the Seahawks. Ben Roethlisberger's status is an issue this week with the concussion.
The defense regressed in a big way against the Seahawks. Ben Roethlisberger's status is an issue this week with the concussion.
9. Green Bay Packers
They continue to have problems on offense. Rodgers looks rough and the running game is inconsistent at best.
They continue to have problems on offense. Rodgers looks rough and the running game is inconsistent at best.
10. Kansas City Chiefs
They've won five straight and have a soft schedule the rest of the way. Watch out for the Raiders this week.
They've won five straight and have a soft schedule the rest of the way. Watch out for the Raiders this week.
11. Indiannapolis Colts
Matt Hasselbeck is doing a nice job filling in for Andrew Luck. Can he keep it rolling against the Steelers? It won't be easy.
Matt Hasselbeck is doing a nice job filling in for Andrew Luck. Can he keep it rolling against the Steelers? It won't be easy.
12. New York Giants
They blew a chance to take hold of the division with the loss at Washington. Now they have a big game with the cross-town rival, the Jets.
They blew a chance to take hold of the division with the loss at Washington. Now they have a big game with the cross-town rival, the Jets.
13. New York Jets
Their season could be on the line against the Giants. They will need another big game from Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Their season could be on the line against the Giants. They will need another big game from Ryan Fitzpatrick.
14. Buffalo Bills
Up and down, up and down It's that way for Rex Ryan's teams every year. This one is no different.
Up and down, up and down It's that way for Rex Ryan's teams every year. This one is no different.
15. Houston Texans
They've fixed the defense and they're suddenly a playoff contender. They face a tough two-game stretch at Buffalo and then home against New England.
They've fixed the defense and they're suddenly a playoff contender. They face a tough two-game stretch at Buffalo and then home against New England.
16. Washington Redskins
They play a huge game against the Cowboys on Monday night. Will they stay in first place?
They play a huge game against the Cowboys on Monday night. Will they stay in first place?
17. Chicago Bears
John Fox has done a heck of a job with this team. They did the right thing keeping Jay Cutler, too. Ever since Alshon has come back, they have been lethal.
John Fox has done a heck of a job with this team. They did the right thing keeping Jay Cutler, too. Ever since Alshon has come back, they have been lethal.
18. Oakland Raiders
Derek Carr continues to grow as a quarterback. They have a chance to get rival Kansas City this week.
Derek Carr continues to grow as a quarterback. They have a chance to get rival Kansas City this week.
19. Detroit Lions
They are on a roll. The move to Jim Bob Cooter as offensive coordinator has paid off.
They are on a roll. The move to Jim Bob Cooter as offensive coordinator has paid off.
20. Tampa Bay Bucs
They came back to reality with the loss to the Colts last week, but did anybody expect this to be a playoff team in 2015?
They came back to reality with the loss to the Colts last week, but did anybody expect this to be a playoff team in 2015?
21. St. Louis Rams
One has to wonder if Jeff Fisher is in trouble. They just haven't made progress.
One has to wonder if Jeff Fisher is in trouble. They just haven't made progress.
22. Atlanta Falcons
They are heading in the wrong direction. Matt Ryan needs to get it going, cause they are wasting weapons.
They are heading in the wrong direction. Matt Ryan needs to get it going, cause they are wasting weapons.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
This thing has gone really bad. Will Chip Kelly come back? That's the major question with the Eagles right now.
This thing has gone really bad. Will Chip Kelly come back? That's the major question with the Eagles right now.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars
So much for any playoff chance. That was a bad showing on defense against the Chargers.
So much for any playoff chance. That was a bad showing on defense against the Chargers.
25. Baltimore Ravens
They showed some grit beating the Browns with nothing on the line and so many injuries
They showed some grit beating the Browns with nothing on the line and so many injuries
26. Dallas Cowboys
The season is done. It's been a disaster from the start of the season with all the major injuries.
The season is done. It's been a disaster from the start of the season with all the major injuries.
27. San Diego Chargers
As long as Philip Rivers is slinging it around, they can win games. It's a shame he doesn't have more help.
As long as Philip Rivers is slinging it around, they can win games. It's a shame he doesn't have more help.
28. Miami Dolphins
They fired offensive coordinator Bill Lazor. Does it really matter?
They fired offensive coordinator Bill Lazor. Does it really matter?
29. New Orleans Saints
This is a major flop. Will Sean Payton be somewhere else next year?
This is a major flop. Will Sean Payton be somewhere else next year?
30. Tennessee Titans
They just don't have enough right now. Now the question is who will be the coach.
They just don't have enough right now. Now the question is who will be the coach.
31. San Francisco 49ers
Blaine Gabbert has made some strides as a passer. But this team has a long way to go.
Blaine Gabbert has made some strides as a passer. But this team has a long way to go.
32. Cleveland Browns
They find new ways to lose every week. Is there any doubt they belong down here at the bottom?
They find new ways to lose every week. Is there any doubt they belong down here at the bottom?