NFL Week 13 Power Rankings Top 10

Here are my NFL Week 13 Power Rankings for the top ten teams in the NFL. If you are interested in more power rankings and sports articles from different authors, then check out the AC Sports Mafia.

NFL Week 13 Power Rankings: 10 Green Bay Packers (7-4)
The Packers are on a three game winning streak after hitting rock bottom against the Buccaneers. While the Packers are solid on both sides of the football, they make too many inopportune penalties and have been inefficient in the red zone. If the Packers want to compete with the elite of the NFC, they must play more disciplined football. Dom Capers also needs to maintain his aggressive scheme and not become too conservative as he has at times this season.

The Packers play the Ravens on Monday Night Football in week 13. This is a crucial match up for both teams in their wildcard races.

NFL Week 13 Power Rankings: 9. Philadelphia Eagles (7-4)
The Eagles avoid an upset by sneaking past the Redskins 27-24. Philadelphia is known for playing its best football in December, and they will need to continue that trait as they have no cupcakes for the remainder of their schedule.

The Philadelphia Eagles travel to Atlanta to take on the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons are 5-0 at home, but Matt Ryan and Michael Turner's statuses are in question. A victory in Atlanta would be huge in their chase for a wildcard berth or even the NFC East crown.

NFL Week 13 Power Rankings: 8. Dallas Cowboys (8-3)
The Cowboys have won two consecutive games since their loss at Lambeau. Now that December awaits the Cowboys, can they keep playing at a high level?

The Cowboys start their December schedule by challenging the Giants. At 6-5, this is a must win game for the Giants. Will the health of Eli Manning health be a concern?

NFL Week 13 Power Rankings: 7. Arizona Cardinals (7-4)
Even with Matt Leinart starting and playing on the road against one of the hottest NFL teams, the Arizona Cardinals held out until the final play of the game. The Cardinals have played well on both sides of the ball, but they need to avoid laziness. The 49ers are 5-6 and the Cardinals may not be able to afford to slack off the latter part of the year like last season.

The Arizona Cardinals host the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night. If Kurt Warner has recovered, expect a fireworks display between two tremendous offenses.

NFL Week 13 Power Rankings: 6. Cincinnati Bengals (8-3)
After losing to the Raiders and a close game with the Browns, the Bengals have looked vulnerable. Similar to the Steelers in 2008, they are relying on close games. In the long term, I don't believe their defense is strong enough for that. The offense needs to become more explosive come January.

The Bengals host the Lions on Sunday in a game that should guarantee the Bengals a winning season.

NFL Week 13 Power Rankings: 5. New England Patriots (7-4)
The Patriots lost 38-17 to the New Orleans Saints Monday night. Peyton Manning and Drew Brees have proved that the Patriots secondary is not equipped to stopping an explosive passing attack. Against teams like Indianapolis, San Diego, or possibly Cincinnati, this could be the deathblow to the Patriots 2009 season.

The Patriots must travel south against week as they play the Dolphins in week 13.

NFL Week 13 Power Rankings: 4. San Diego Chargers (8-3)
The Chargers are peaking, but are they peaking too soon? The Chargers have won six in a row and are competing with the Cincinnati Bengals for the second seed in the AFC. If the Chargers can establish that, they have always given Indianapolis problems. Could this be the year the Chargers take the next step?

The Chargers should have no difficulty against the Cleveland Browns in week 13.

NFL Week 13 Power Rankings: 3. Minnesota Vikings (10-1)
After defeating their rival 36-10, it's hard to deny the success the Vikings have had. While they have not played elite competition, defeating a rival soundly is very impressive. If the Vikings can shore up their pass defense, they can challenge the Saints for the NFC. If not, they need to avoid the Saints in the playoffs.

The Vikings will challenge the Cardinals and Bengals in the following weeks. These games should show NFL fans how the Vikings stack with the NFL's best.

NFL Week 13 Power Rankings: 2. Indianapolis Colts (11-0)
The Colts win games. Down 17-0, the Colts scored 21 in the fourth to win 35-27. Can anyone stop Peyton Manning? They are three games up against everyone in their conference with five games left.

The Colts host the Tennessee Titans in week 13. Can Vince Young lead his team back to .500 and the thick of the playoff race? Will the Colts continue their "barely getting by" ways?

NFL Week 13 Power Rankings: 1. New Orleans Saints (11-0)
It's hard to deny what the Saints have accomplished. The Saints made easy work of the New England Patriots on Monday Night. The utilization of players throughout the Saints offense is incredible. With Chris McAlister and Mike McKenzie in the Saints secondary, shootouts could become much harder for opponents. How were these quality players still in free agency?

Right now, I would enjoy seeing a Drew Brees versus Peyton Manning showdown.

Honorable Mentions: Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans

Out of Top 10: Pittsburgh Steelers (9)