Complex NFL Power Rankings (Week 14)

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Three weeks to go, and the playoff picture is starting to take shape. The Packers have home field in the NFC essentially locked up, and New Orleans and San Francisco are both in as well. The final three spots in the conference will go to the East winner (either the Giants, Cowboys, or Eagles—yup, they've got a shot), with Detroit and Atlanta controlling their own destinies for the wild cards.
In the AFC, Houston's in for sure, while New England and Baltimore can wrap up spots with wins this weekend. If Denver wins out they'll be AFC West champs, while the Steelers and Jets will be playing in January if they go undefeated, too (the Steelers could even lose a couple). Not that there's plenty of time for more intrigue though...

32. Indianapolis Colts

Last Week's Rank: 32
Record: 0 - 13
This Week: L vs. Ravens, 10-24
Up Next: vs Titans, 1:00 Sunday
Trending: Neutral

Losing just 24-10 to the Ravens in Baltimore doesn't look half bad. Until you mention that the Colts scored their meaningless touchdown on the final play of the game, that they were outgained 358-167, and that the Ravens held the ball for 13 more minutes than Indianapolis. The Colts may face a rookie quarterback this week (depending on how well Matt Hasselbeck recovers from his calf strain), so there's reason for a glimmer of hope, but...right. 0-16, here we come. —Jack Erwin

31. St. Louis Rams

Last Week's Rank: 30
Record: 2 - 11
This Week: L @ Seahawks,13-30
Up Next: vs. Bengals,1:00 Sunday
Trending: Down

The Rams are an embarrassment. They have no right being on Monday Night Football. This effort was better than last week's as they actually were able to put up 13 points as opposed to zero but they still managed to get blown out by Seattle. Penalties (5), an impotent offense, a miscue on special teams, and soft defense is what did them in this week. In other words, every aspect of this squad needs work. With their three remaining games coming against the Bengals, Pittsburgh, and the Niners it looks like they'll be finishing 2-14. At least they'll finish ahead of the Colts...we think. —Ralph Warner

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Last Week's Rank: 28
Record: 4 - 9
This Week: L @ Jaguars, 14-41
Up Next: vs. Cowboys, 8:20 Saturday
Trending: Down

It's amazing how two months ago, the Buccaneers were seriously considering about making a postseason run. Now, the Bucs are thinking up ways to address their team needs after losing 7 straight games. It sure has been a long tumultuous season for Tampa Bay; can the nightmare just come to an end already? —Jose Martinez

29. Cleveland Browns

Last Week's Rank: 27
Record: 4 - 9
This Week: L @ Steelers, 3-14
Up Next: @ Cardinals, 4:15 Sunday
Trending: Down

Colt McCoy was laid out by a devastating James Harrison hit that left him with concussion-like symtoms after the game. McCoy only complained about his hand after the hit and was (allegedly) responsive on the sidelines, but said after the game that he didn't remember the hit. The Browns could only manage a field goal in the first quarter, while giving up 416-yards of total offense. It's over. --Angel Diaz

28. Minnesota Vikings

Last Week's Rank: 29
Record: 2 - 11
This Week: L @ Lions,28-34
Up Next: vs. Saints, 1:00 Sunday
Trending: Neutral

It's just been one of those kinds of seasons for the Vikings. Minnesota rallied from a 21-point first quarter deficit without Adrian Peterson and without Christian Ponder. There were nine seconds left, and backup quarterback Joe Webb had his team at the one-yard line down six points. He snapped the ball, pump faked, tried to scramble, and was clearly grabbed by the face mask. The play resulted in a fumble, no penalty, and another tally in the Vikings' loss column. —Tony Markovich

27. Jacksonville Jaguars

Last Week's Rank: 31
Record: 4 - 9
This Week: W vs. Buccaneers, 41-14
Up Next: @ Falcons, 8:20 Thursday
Trending: Up

Turns out the Jags aren't the worst team in the league, they're not even the worst team in Florida. Shit, they were the best team in Florida Sunday. A week after getting their coach fired and losing an embarrassing game on Monday night, the Jaguars looked kinda-sorta sharp on Sunday, beating a pathetic Bucs team like they stole their parking spot. Maurice Jones-Drew is now a top 3 pick in next year's fantasy drafts, and Blaine Gabbert actually looked like an NFL quarterback for significant stretches. We wouldn't necessarily go buy 2015 Jags season tickets already (unless we lived in L.A.), but it's a start. —Jack Erwin

26. Carolina Panthers

Last Week's Rank: 25
Record: 4 - 9
This Week: L vs. Falcons, 23-31
Up Next: vs. Texans, 1:00 Sunday
Trending: Up

If the Panthers wanted to get people to start noticing them, they did it the wrong way. After taking a 23-7 lead against the Falcons at halftime, Carolina threw away the game by getting outscored 24-0 in the second half. Hardly the work of a team that should be taken seriously. It's time to start planning for next year. —Jose Martinez

25. Arizona Cardinals

Last Week's Rank: 24
Record: 6 - 7
This Week: W vs. 49ers, 21-19
Up Next: vs. Browns, 4:15 Sunday
Trending: Neutral

Some kind of props have to be given to the Arizona Cardinals. Rather than just lay down to the division champs they actually put up a fight to muster a nice come from behind victory. Now whether the three stops in the red zone were due to Arizona's tough D or just a sign that San Francisco's offense needs some work is up for debate. But the fact is the Cardinals have now put together five wins over their last six games. Good for them. But it's still too little too late as they won't be making the playoffs. #justsayin' #theresalwaysnextyear—Ralph Warner

24. Kansas City Chiefs

Last Week's Rank: 23
Record: 5 - 8
This Week: L @ Jets, 10-37
Up Next: vs. Packers, 1:00 Sunday
Trending: Down

Todd Haley is out as head coach for the Chiefs and behind the arm of Tyler Palko this team doesn't look like they can get any worse. Their run game is absent, and the thought of attempting a pass is sickening. The only aspect of the game that keeps the Chiefs somewhat close is their defense. —Nick Restivo

23. Philadelphia Eagles

Last Week's Rank: 26
Record: 5 - 8
This Week: W @ Dolphins, 26-10
Up Next: vs. Jets, 4:15 Thursday
Trending: Up

The Eagles are having a terrible season. And despite the convincing win they got on Sunday, things got even worse for the team. Why? Well, they've basically got no shot of making the playoffs—and by winning now, they'll just move themselves backwards into the middle of the pack when the 2012 NFL Draft comes along. So, good going, guys! Luckily for you, the Jets come to town next week and things won't be so easy.—Chris Yuscavage

22. Washington Redskins

Last Week's Rank: 22
Record: 4 - 9
This Week: L vs. Patriots, 27-34
Up Next: @ Giants, 1:00 Sunday
Trending: Down

We're not sure what we learned from Sunday's 'Skins/Pats game—that Washington isn't as bad as their record indicates or that the Patriots aren't nearly as good as people think they are. Maybe a little of both? Either way, Rex Grossman led Washington to yet another tough loss and earned the 'Skins sole possession of last place in the NFC East. Yay! Three weeks left, 'Skins fans. The countdown continues...—Chris Yuscavage

21. Seattle Seahawks

Last Week's Rank: 21
Record: 5 - 7
This Week: W vs. Rams, 30-13
Up Next: @ Bears, 1:00 Monday
Trending: Up

Note to the NFL schedulers: Please, please, please do not put two teams like the Seattle Seahawks and St. Louis Rams on Monday Night Football late in the season until they start proving that they're worthy of it. Watching two squads that are completely out of the playoff race battle it out in the only match-up of the night is quite painful. Now that that's out of the way, let's get to the game. Marshawn Lynch went into "beast mode" once again as he rushed for 115 yards and one TD on 23 carries. Tavaris Jackson followed up his surprisingly good performance against the Eagles last week with another solid effort completing 21 of 32 passes for 224 yards. The Seahawks know these wins won't send 'em to the post season but they could save Pete Carroll's job. —Ralph Warner

20. Buffalo Bills

Last Week's Rank: 20
Record: 5 - 8
This Week: L @ Chargers, 10-37
Up Next: vs. Dolphins, 1:00 Sunday
Trending: Down

There is hope in sight for Bills. They play a Dolphins team this weekend that just lost their beloved head coach. Look for Bills to restore their dignity this week and come out top with a W.—Richard Boadu

19. Chicago Bears

Last Week's Rank: 18
Record: 7 - 6
This Week: L @. Broncos, 10-13 (OT)
Up Next: vs. Seahawks, 1:00 Sunday
Trending: Down

The Bears had this one in the bag about three different times: When they were up 10 and had the ball with 5:41 remaining, when they were up three with 2:08 remaining, and when they were on the Broncos 38-yard line in field goal range in overtime. Despite Marion Barber's solid performance with 108 yards and a touchdown, he could probably be blamed for failing on two of those situations. The first came when he stepped out of bounds with under 2:00 left, the second when he fumbled in overtime. Regardless, the real blame should be on the Bears for continuing to use Caleb Hanie at quarterback. —Tony Markovich

18. Oakland Raiders

Last Week's Rank: 17
Record: 7 - 6
This Week: L @ Packers, 16-46
Up Next: vs. Lions, 4:05 Sunday
Trending: Down

At one point this season the Raiders were in the driver's seat in the AFC West, cruising into the playoffs -- and that's why they play the games. The Silver and Black have been in a downward spiral, leading the league in penalties and mental mistakes. The Raiders hoped to gauge their talent against the Packers and were embarrassed in front of most of the country. Now they're sitting on the outside looking in and if Tim Tebow continues his magic don't expect the Raiders to be in the playoffs. —Nick Restivo

17. Cincinnati Bengals

Last Week's Rank: 15
Record: 7 - 6
This Week: L vs. Texans, 19-20
Up Next: @ Rams, 1:00 Sunday
Trending: Up

The Bengals did the good deed on Sunday. They sacrificed their playoff aspirations to help the Texans gain their first ever playoff berth. The Bengals gave up an 80-yard drive with two minutes left by rookie QB T.J. Yates to win the game. After a 16-3 lead in the first half, the Bengals only had 81 yards of offense during the second half. Andy Dalton and Cedric Benson were decent, but it wasn't enough. Unless a miracle happens, the Bengals are going to be on the outside looking into the playoff picture. --Angel Diaz

16. Miami Dolphins

Last Week's Rank: 14
Record: 4 - 9
This Week: L vs. Eagles, 10-26
Up Next: @ Bills, 1:00 Sunday
Trending: Up

So Tony Sparano has gone 4-1 in his last five games and as soon as he loses he gets fired? Sounds like something a terrible organization would do. Look for whatever momentum the Fins had to drown in a loss in Buffalo this weekend. —Richard Boadu

15. Dallas Cowboys

Last Week's Rank: 12
Record: 7 - 6
This Week: L vs. Giants, 34-37
Up Next: @ Buccaneers, 8:20 Saturday
Trending: Down

Sooooooo, you guys really just like to make things interesting, don't you? We didn't think could get any worse last week when you lost a heartbreaker to the Cardinals. But, apparently, we thought wrong. How in the world did you manage to blow a 12-point lead with five minutes left on Sunday? Anyone? Someone? Please? If this team doesn't find someone to right the ship soon, this entire season could be yet another lost cause for the 'Boys. And they'll have no one to blame but themselves.—Chris Yuscavage

14. San Diego Chargers

Last Week's Rank: 19
Record: 6- 7
This Week: W vs. Bills, 37-10
Up Next: vs. Ravens, 8:20 Sunday
Trending: Down

Coming from the back of the pack in the AFC West is the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers could potentially tie the Raiders in the division (record) wise depending on what happens this weekend. Don't sleep on the Chargers just yet, there are still some games left and a Raiders collapse could mean them possibly sneaking into the playoffs. —Nick Restivo

13. Tennessee Titans

Last Week's Rank: 10
Record: 7 - 6
This Week: L @ Saints, 17-22
Up Next: @ Colts, 1:00 Sunday
Trending: Neutral

Jake Locker took a step forward, Chris Johnson took a step back, and the Titans' playoff hopes took a major hit. Locker, Tennessee's rookie quarterback, threw for nearly 300 yards in just over a half of play after coming in for the injured Matt Hasselbeck, meanwhile CJ2K reverted to his bad early season form, with a measly-ain't-the-half-of-it 23 yards on 11 carries. The Titans play two easy games before ending the season at divsion-winning Houston. A playoff spot isn't out of the question for Tennessee, but they'll need some help (namely the Jets losing). --Jack Erwin

12. Detroit Lions

Last Week's Rank: 16
Record: 8 - 5
This Week: W vs. Vikings, 34-28
Up Next: @ Raiders, 4:05 Sunday
Trending: Down

The Lions continued their recent trend: Give up a lot of points, score a lot of points, and commit a ton of penalties (10 for 76 yards). They jumped out to a quick 21-point lead in the first quarter, but watched the Vikings slowly creep back into the game behind Joe Webb's crafty play. Call it luck, call it God's favor, call it whatever you want, but the Lions got away with a face mask that essentially sealed the victory. —Tony Markovich

11. Atlanta Falcons

Last Week's Rank: 11
Record: 8 - 5
This Week: W @ Panthers, 31-23
Up Next: vs. Jaguars, 8:20 Thursday
Trending: Neutral

These guys just refuse to go away. Nothing proved that more than last Sunday's game against the Panthers. At halftime, Atlanta was down 23-7 but, thanks to a strong defensive effort and an impressive showing from Matt Ryan, the Falcons pulled out the W. The Falcons have a pivotal NFC South match-up on Monday Night Football the day after Christmas, but the Falcons cannot get ahead of themselves. The Jaguars play the spoiler role real well and one loss can put an end to any potential playoff hopes. —Jose Martinez

10. New York Giants

Last Week's Rank: 13
Record: 7 - 6
This Week: W @ Cowboys, 37-34
Up Next: vs. Redskins, 1:00 Sunday
Trending: Up

Hey, you! Yes, YOU. The guy who shut the TV off with five minutes left in the fourth quarter on Sunday night and the G-Men down 34-22. Guess what? Eli Manning led two fourth-quarter TD drives, Tony Romo missed a game-clinching throw to Miles Austin, and the Giants blocked a field goal with a few seconds left on the clock. That's right, THE GIANTS WON! And you missed it. You mad? Well, you should be.—Chris Yuscavage

9. New York Jets

Last Week's Rank: 9
Record: 8 - 5
This Week: W vs. Chiefs, 37-10
Up Next: @ Eagles, 4:15 Sunday
Trending: Up

Rex Ryan better take cover, because the ass whipping they gave the Chiefs on Sunday got Chiefs head coach Todd Haley fired on Monday. The Jets play the Eagles this week in another more-or-less must-win game if they want to make it into the playoffs.—Richard Boadu

8. Denver Broncos

Last Week's Rank: 8
Record: 8 - 5
This Week: W vs. Bears, 13-10 (OT)
Up Next: vs. Patriots, 4:15 Sunday
Trending: Up

This is becoming comical. Tebow plays average for the first three quarters of games, then turns it on in the fourth. Add Marion Barber's complete fail of running out of bounds on second down and the Broncos win another game. It will be interesting to see where the Broncos stack up against the Patriots and their high powered offense and atrocious defense. —Nick Restivo

7. San Francisco 49ers

Last Week's Rank: 4
Record: 10 - 3
This Week: L @ Cardinals, 19-21
Up Next: vs. Steelers, 8:30 Monday
Trending: Up

Is this team legit? Prior to this week, with only two losses on the season coming to the Cowboys and Ravens it sure seemed like it. Then on Sunday, San Francisco put out a lackluster effort that made viewers wonder if the Niners took a game off after securing the division or if these same problems of a weak O-line and inability to score TDs in the red zone will become issues in the playoffs. The defense had a solid game, forcing three Arizona turnovers, but on offense Alex Smith was sacked five times and the team was forced to kick field goals in each of their three trips to the red zone. With only three games left on the season, this loss puts them in a tie with New Orleans for a first-round bye in the playoffs. —Ralph Warner

6. Houston Texans

Last Week's Rank: 7
Record: 10 - 3
This Week: W @ Bengals, 20-19
Up Next: vs. Panthers, 1:00 Sunday
Trending: Up

We said it nearly two months ago: if the Texans aren't playing in January, somebody's fucking up. Well, here we are in December, and guess who just locked up a home playoff game and the franchise's first division crown? Houston trailed nearly the entire game Sunday in Cincinnati before rookie T.J. Yates led them on two scoring drives, including the winning TD with 2 seconds remaining. Texans fans still have to be nervous with the rook under center for the rest of the year, but they've got a soft remaining schedule (Carolina, Indianapolis, and Tennessee), and a good shot at a first round bye.--Jack Erwin

5. Pittsburgh Steelers

Last Week's Rank: 6
Record: 10 - 3
This Week: W vs. Browns, 14-3
Up Next: @ 49ers, 8:30 Monday
Trending: Up

Big Ben is making his case for MVP runner-up (A-Rodg got that thing on lock already). After nearly getting his leg broken, he returned in the second half and torched the Browns for 280 yards and a pair of TDs. The story, though, was James Harrison's vicious hit on Colt McCoy. The Browns QB came back into the game, but was clearly rattled. Harrison was suspended for one game, and with Roethlisberger ailing, the Steelers can likely kiss the AFC goodbye. --Angel Diaz

4. New England Patriots

Last Week's Rank: 5
Record: 10 - 3
This Week: W @ Redskins, 34 - 27
Up Next: @ Broncos, 4:15 Sunday
Trending: Up

Expect Tebow mania to continue another week because the Patriots defense is about as bad as your most hated co-worker...can't do anything right! Brady will win, but come playoffs, his defense is going to do him in. —Richard Boadu

3. New Orleans Saints

Last Week's Rank: 3
Record: 10 - 3
This Week: W @ Titans, 22-17
Up Next: @ Vikings, 1:00 Sunday
Trending: Up

Just when you thought that the Saints were going to breeze into the playoffs, they nearly fall to a feisty Titans team that could have beat them on the last play of the game. New Orleans will head to Minnesota, and the Saints had better not take the Vikings lightly—the Falcons only need to one loss to put them back into contention in the NFC South. —Jose Martinez

2. Baltimore Ravens

Last Week's Rank: 2
Record: 10 - 3
This Week: W vs. Colts, 24-10
Up Next: @ Chargers, 8:20 Sunday
Trending: Up

Who needs Ray Lewis when Terrell Suggs is a one-man, wrecking crew? He got to the quarterback three times and forced three fumbles (none were recovered) as the Ravens manhandled the winless Colts. Joe Flacco and Ray Rice both had good games, scoring a touchdown each. B'More has won four straight since Ray Lewis went down, but are going to need him for this stretch run towards the AFC North crown. The Ravens face an inconsistent but tough Chargers team on Sunday night. —Angel Diaz

1. Green Bay Packers

Last Week's Rank: 1
Record: 13 - 0
This Week: W vs. Raiders, 46-16
Up Next: @ Chiefs, 1:00 Sunday
Trending: Up

This team is used to dealing with injuries, but watching top receiver Greg Jennings get carried off the field left a terrible taste after a game otherwise filled with positives. Jennings sprained his MCL and will miss 2-3 weeks, meaning he will most likely return for the Packers first playoff game. Though Jenning is the team's best receiver with 949 yards and nine touchdowns, Aaron Rodgers has continually proven this season that he has no problem using any and all receivers on the field. And watch out: Ryan Grant broke out for his best game with 85 yards and two touchdowns on only 10 carries. —Tony Markovich