Week 12 2009 NFL Power Rankings

Week 11 brought some serious upsets with the Raiders prevailing over the Bengals, and the Kansas City Chiefs stunned the defending Superbowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers. Indianapolis barely survived a scare in Baltimore, while the Saints keep marching on. The Week 12 Patriots vs. Saints Monday Night Football Game promises to be a good one.

Here's how the NFL Power Rankings for Week 12 shape up.

1. (1) Indianapolis Colts (10-0)

The Colts keep doing just enough to win. In their last four games, the Colts have won by a combined total of 10 points. The Colts are clutch on both sides of the ball. Whether its the defense holding opposing offenses to stops at key moments, or Peyton Manning led comebacks in the 4th quarter, the Colts are flat out getting it done.

Next Game: on the Road against the Houston Texans (5-5)

2. (2) New Orleans Saints (10-0)

Drew Brees has thrown for over 2,700 yards, 22 TD's and 9 Int's this season. Brees and Pierre Thomas are big reasons why the Saints boast the best offense in the league. The defense is much improved, but the Saints pass defense is ranked 16th in the league. That could be an issue this week when Tom Brady and the Patriots come to town.

Next Game: at Home against the New England Patriots (7-3)

3. (3) Minnesota Vikings (9-1)

The Vikings are a serious superbowl contender. They're flying just slightly under the radar due to the success of the Colts and Saints. They probably are the most balanced team in the NFL, on both sides of the ball. The defense is relentless. At 40, Brett Favre is having arguably his best season as a NFL quarterback, having thrown 21 TD's and 3 Int's. Can you say MVP?

Next Game: at Home against the Chicago Bears (4-6)

4. (5) San Diego Chargers (7-3)

Philip Rivers is becoming one of the elite quarterbacks in the league. In his last 5 games he's thrown 10 TD's to just 3 Int's. He's the unquestioned leader of the Chargers, who've been impressive having won their last 5 in a row. Ladanian Tomlinson is providing just enough on the ground to keep defenses honest.

Next Game: at Home against the Kansas City Chiefs (3-7)

5. (6) New England Patriots (7-3)

The New England Patriots are one of the most dangerous teams in the AFC. The Patriots have won 4 of their last 5 games, and 6 of their last 8 games. The two losses, to Denver and Indianapolis, were by a combined 4 points. Both were road losses. Brady looks to be bacAk to 07' form having thrown for over 3,000 yards and 20 TD's so far.

Next Game: on the Road against the New Orleans Saints (10-0)

6. (8) Arizona Cardinals (7-3)

Arizona is running away with the NFC West. The Cardinals boast an impressive 5-0 road record. The Cardinals have the No. 5 passing offense in the league, but they still run the ball ineffectively. Kurt Warner has to be healthy for the Cardinals to win.

Next Game: on the Road against the Tennessee Titans (4-6)

7. (4) Cincinnati Bengals (7-3)

After a loss to the woeful Raiders, the Bengals need to get back on track in the worse way. Rookie Bernard Scott filled in admirably for injured running back Cedric Benson. The Bengals may be somewhat guilty of playing down to their level of competition, but its hard to imagine them losing to the Browns this week.

Next Game: at Home against the Cleveland Browns (1-9)

8. (10) Dallas Cowboys (7-3)

I don't trust the Cowboys. One minute they look like offensive juggernauts. The next minute they manage just two touchdown in two games. The Cowboys are suspect in December and January, but so far they are doing enough to maintain their lead in the NFC East.

Next Game: at Home against the Oakland Raiders (3-7)

9. (?) Green Bay (6-4)

Green Bay has managed to move into the top 10, thanks largely to two home victories over Dallas and San Francisco. Aaron Rodgers is one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the league. His quarterback rating is a robust 102.6. Just imagine what he could do if his offensive line would actually block for him?

Next Game: on the Road against the Detroit Lions (2-8)

10. (?) Philadelphia Eagles (6-4)

Donovan Mcnabb needs to be more consistent. Dasean Jackson is becoming one of the most explosive wide receivers in the league. Lesean Mccoy is no Brian Westbrook, but the rookie has proved to be an adequate backup. There's been a Michael Vick sighting. His 34 yard run against the Chicago Bears on Sunday night was the longest of the season for Vick.

Next Game: at Home against the Washington Redskins (3-7)

Bottom 5

Oakland Raiders (3-7)

Detroit Lions (2-8)

St. Louis Rams (1-9)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-9)

Cleveland Browns (1-9)