NFL Power Rankings Week 13

1. New England Patriots (10-2) - They are the clear Super Bowl favorites if their defense can continue to create turnovers and make third down stops.

2. Atlanta Falcons (10-2) - Sometimes their wins are not pretty, but they continue to beat good teams.

3. New Orleans Saints (9-3) - Are getting hot at the right time, winning their last 5.

4. Green Bay Packers (8-4) - They have MVP candidates on both sides of the ball with QB Aaron Rodgers and LB Clay Matthews.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3) - The Steelers' defense is as strong as ever.  They

will be very dangerous if Ben Roethlisberger and the offense can find a groove.

6. Baltimore Ravens (8-4) - Their defense is impressive, but they need RB Ray Rice to start playing like he did last year.

7. New York Jets (9-3) - Played a bad game against the Patriots, but their defense is too good to have that type of game again.

8. Chicago Bears (9-3) - Huge game against the Patriots at home this Sunday, they will be considered

one of the best teams in the NFL if they can pull off the upset.

9. Philadelphia Eagles (8-4) - Vick and the Eagles got back on track with the win on Thursday night.

10. New York Giants (8-4) - Impressive win against the Redskins, or just a win against the Redskins?

11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5) - Real tough loss this week to the Falcons, but the Bucs proved they can hang with a very good team.

12. Kansas City Chiefs (8-4) - They have won games in many different varieties: close games, blowouts, defensive battles, and offensive shootouts.

13. Indianapolis Colts (6-6) - They have lost the last 3 games and Petyon Manning has looked

pretty bad, but I can not imagine them not making the playoffs.

14. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-5) - MJD has helped them have the 2nd best rushing attack in the NFL.

15. Oakland Raiders (6-6) - When they are able to run the ball they can beat anyone. Very impressive win putting up 250+ yards rushing against the Chargers' number one rated defense.

16. San Diego Chargers (6-6) - Everyone was really high on the Chargers, including myself, but losing a crucial game against a divisional opponent really puts them in a hole.

17. St. Louis Rams (6-6) - They have four big upcoming games, against the Saints, Chiefs, 49ers and Seahawks.  They must win at least two of them if they want to make the playoffs.

18. Miami Dolphins (6-6) - Full of talent, but they may want to lose out and have a chance of bringing in a franchise quarterback through the draft (imagine them with Cam Newton?).

19. Seattle Seahawks (6-6) - Have not had a good win since mid-October.

20. Minnesota Vikings (5-7) - They have always had the talent maybe it was the head coach after all?

22. Cleveland Brown (5-7) - On the shoulders of RB Peyton Hillis (they are pretty big shoulders), the Browns have pulled off five impressive wins.

23. Houston Texans (5-7) - Their defense has made way too many quarterbacks look like MVPs this year.

24. Dallas Cowboys (4-8) - WR Dez Bryant is out for the year, but the Cowboys should be many critics' surprise favorites next year.

25. San Fransisco 49ers (4-8) - Going back to QB Alex Smith... again.  I guess they haven't seen enough of him to realize he is not their future quarterback in the 47 games he has started...

26. Tennessee Titans (5-7) - Went from being an explosive offense to a team that is hard to watch.

27. Denver Broncos (3-9) - We will see if the Broncos can respond to their head coach mid-season firing like the Cowboys and Vikings have.

27. Detroit Lions (2-10) - It is hard to be a Lions fan, but better years are coming.

28. Buffalo Bills (2-10) - A tough game against the Vikings for a Bills team who had been playing a lot better as of late.

29. Washington Redskins (5-7) - Embarrassing loss to the Giants, they have to make a lot of changes in the off-season.

30. Arizona Cardinals (3-9) - Have lost 7 straight, they just don't have a lot of talent.

31. Cincinnati Bengals (2-10) - A team that has found many ways to lose.

32. Carolina Panthers (1-11) - Is QB Jimmy Clausen the future or will they turn to QB Andrew Luck in the draft?

NFL All-Sophomore Team

It would be interesting to see a rookie vs. sophomore game in the NFL like they do in the NBA. This would be my Sophomore team:

All-Sophomore team

QB Josh Freeman (Bucs) - Freeman has carried the Bucs with lack luster talent around him and he beat out Mark Sanchez as the best sophomore QB.

RB Arian Foster (Texans) & LeSean McCoy (Eagles) - I couldn't decide between the two.  Both have been great in their second year running and catching the ball out of the backfield.

WR Hakeem Nicks (Giants) - A playmaker that has 15 touchdowns in the 15 games he has started.

WR Percy Harvin (Vikings) - Harvin gets the nod over Jermey Maclin because of his impact on special teams.

TE Brandon Pettigrew (Lions) - Has really become a weapon in the passing game in his second year.

T Michael Oher (Raven) - All Oher has done is come in and start every game as a pro for the Ravens, he has proven to be the best tackle in a very talented 2008 tackle class.

T Sebastian Vollmer (Patriots) - Relatively unknown when he was drafted in the late second round, Vollmer has become an important part of the Patriots talented offensive line starting all 11 games this year.

G Andy Levitre (Bills) - Underrated because he plays for the Bills, but has started every game as a pro.

G Matt Slauson (Jets) - Slauson struggled early but has helped the Jets continue to run the ball against just about everyone.

C Alex Mack (Browns) - Emerging as one of the better centers in the game.

DE Brian Orakpo (Redskins) - Orakpo has switched to outside linebacker.  While his true position is defensive end, he has racked up 19.5 sacks so far in his career.

DE Matt Shaughnessy (Raiders) - Slim pickings at defensive end, but Shaughnessy has been productive this year, racking up 39 tackles and 5 sacks.

DT Terrance Knight (Jaguars) - Starting every game as a pro, the former third round pick is playing well this year already racking up 4 sacks and an interception.

DT B.J. Raji (Packers) - Playing the defensive end position in the 3-4, Raji has been key against the run.

LB Clay Matthews (Packers) - May be the best player in the sophomore class, Matthews has been on a tear this year.

LB James Laurinaitis (Rams) - Captain of the NFC West leading Rams.

LB Brian Cushing (Texans) - Tackling machine and former rookie of the year.

CB Vontae Davis (Dolphins) - Davis has been a very good at shutting down big name receivers.

CB Alphonso Smith (Lions) - Despite having a bad game on thanksgiving day, Smith has been very good, intercepting 5 passes and defending 13 passes.

S Malcolm Jenkins - Can hit and cover, has helped the Saints become one of the best teams against the pass.

S Jairus Byrd (Bills) - Byrd is not putting up the same numbers as last year, but he is still a very good looking safety.

Instead of an All-Rookie team, an All-Junior team will be posted posted tomorrow...

NFL Power Rankings Through Week 11

1. New England Patriots (8-2) - You can throw the defensive stats out the window. The Patriots have found ways to win against the top teams in the NFL.

2. Atlanta Falcons (8-2) - Behind Matt Ryan and Roddy White the Falcons have become the best team in the NFC

3. New York Jets (8-2) - Mark Sanchez is at his best when the game is on the line. Can't wait for the Monday night match-up two weeks from now, Jets at Patriots should be a great game.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (7-3) - QB Michael Vick is certainly making a case for MVP, the Eagles have the most explosive offense in the NFL when Vick is under center.

5. Green Bay Packers (7-3) - Despite multiple injuries on both sides of the ball, Aaron Rodgers and the defense have stepped it up.

6. Baltimore Ravens (7-3) - With S Ed Reed in the lineup expect to see even more highlights from the Ravens defense.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3) - Huge bounce back win against the Raiders showed that the loss to the Patriots may have just been an aberration.

8. New Orleans Saints (7-3) - They are only going to get better with the return of Reggie Bush and other key injured players.

9. Indianapolis Colts (6-4) - Huge game this week against the Chargers, this is almost a must win considering the strength of their division this year.

10. San Diego Chargers (5-5) - Is there any scarier 5-5 team in the NFL? Great offense, great defense and improving special teams, the AFC west better watch out.

11. New York Giants (6-4) - Turnovers have hurt the most talented team in the NFC.

12. Chicago Bears (7-3) - Their defense has come on strong, but they will be tested against the Eagles this week.

13. Kansas City Chiefs (6-4) - Playing good defense and being able to run the ball will get you far in the NFL, but the Chiefs have the Chargers bearing down on them in the AFC West.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-3) - Impressive turn around but the Bucs have yet to beat a team with a winning record.  They will crack the top 10 if they can pull off an upset over the Ravens this weekend.

15. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4) - A very streaky team that could do a lot of damage if they can stay hot and find their way into the playoffs.

16. Oakland Raiders (5-5) - The Steelers exposed the Raiders last week; if you stop their rushing attack, you can stop the Raiders.

17. Houston Texans (4-6) - Have lost their last 4 games thanks to their pass defense, but their offense is still as good as any.

18. Tennessee Titans (5-5) - Maybe they can find some magic with QB Rusty Smith, this team is too good to be 5-5.

19. Seattle Seahawks (5-5) - The division leader in the NFC West is ranked 19th.

20. Washington Redskins (5-5) - They completely rely on their defense to win games for them. Every game they have won they have scored 19 points or less.

21. St. Louis Rams (4-6) - A young and talented team that has lost three games by four points or less.

22. Miami Dolphins (5-5) - They were embarrassed by the Bears on Sunday night, they need a QB to step up and help out their rushing attack.

23. Cleveland Browns (3-7) - QB Colt McCoy and RB Peyton Hillis are fun to watch and I am sure they will pull of a few more upsets before the season is over

24. Dallas Cowboys (3-7) - New head coach Jason Garrett has really turned the team around.  /it helps having a veteran QB John Kitna under center.

25. San Fransisco 49ers (3-7) -  It looks like the 49ers might be selecting another QB in the first round unless Troy Smith can show them something soon.

26. Minnesota Vikings (3-7) - I think without QB Brett Favre and Brad Childress the Vikings are a 6-4 team at worst.

27. Buffalo Bills (2-8) - They showed me a lot with that comeback win over the Bengals, the Bills have played everyone tough all year long.

28. Arizona Cardinals (3-7) - They are a team that needs to find an identity after losing 5 straight.

29. Denver Broncos (3-7) - If stats are for losers, the Broncos are the biggest losers.  They are putting up unbelievable numbers on offense but continue to lose.

30. Detroit Lions (2-8) - I think next year the Lions will be a top 15 team if they can add some offensive linemen and keep QB Matthew Stafford healthy.

31. Cincinnati Bengals (2-8) - Most disappointing team this year. All sorts of talent but losing a game against the Bills up 21? Thats just embarrassing

32. Carolina Panthers (1-9) - Nothing has gone right for the Panthers this year.

NFL Power Rankings Through Week 6

1. Pittsburgh Steelers(4-1) - They have the best defense in the NFL, and with QB Ben Roethlisberger back, they now have to be the most well rounded team in the NFL.

2. New York Jets (5-1) - They have the ability to both run the ball and stop the run. There next big challenge may not be until week 13 at Gillette against the Patriots.

3. New England Patriots (4-1) - If their defense can play like they did in the 4th qua

rter and overtime, against the Ravens, they should be a very tough team to beat.

4. Indianapolis Colts (4-2) - They have had two tough losses on the road, but they still have

the best offense in the NFL.

5. Baltimore Ravens (4-2) - Offense has struggled at times, but their defense is still top 5 in almost every statistical category.

6. New Orleans Saints (4-2) - Struggled in some close games in the beginning of the year, but it looks

like things started clicking in there win against an underrated Buccaneers team.

7. Philadelphia Eagles (4-2)- It doesn't matter whether its Kolb or Vick under center the Eagles are hard to beat.

8. Atlanta Falcons (4-2) - Very talented team, but have been inconsistent at times.

9. Houston Texans (4-2) -Andre Johnson has

fought through injury this year, and shown why he is the best receiver in the NFL. He can take over a game at any time.

10. New York Giants (4-2) - Their defensive line is looking awfully similar to the 20

07 d-line that led them to a super bowl win, the Giants could be very dangerous this year.

11. Tennessee Titans (4-2) - The Titans may not have many big names on defense, but they put a lot of pressure on the QB and make it tough to score.

12. Kansas City Chiefs ( 3-2) - The Chiefs have lost 2 games in a row, but their offense has shown some sign of improvement and their defense is still very good.

13. Miami Dolphins (3-2) - Tough game coming up

against the Steelers, but they have a talented enough team to beat them.

14. Green Bay Packers (3-3) - Have been plagued with injuries. They really need Aaron Rodgers, and last years defensive player of the year Charles Woodson, to carry them through until they get some of their key guys back.

15. Chicago Bears (4-2) -The Bears are a little overrated in my mind, they have had one solid win against the Packers, other than they are pretty average.

16. Seattle Seahawks (3-2) - Great team to be a fan

of, they don't have a lot of stars on their roster but they are getting the most out of their players and have won against some talented teams.

17. Washington Redskins (3-3) - You never know what you are going to get with the Redskins. One week their defense is stifling offenses, the next their letting up 500 yards.

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2) - I really like this team, I don't think they have enough talent this year, but they have a lot of potential and will be good in the future.

19. Minnesota Vikings (2-3) - The opposite of the Seahawks, tons of talent, underachieving, team full of big names.

20. Arizona Cardinals (3-2) - Not as good as there 3-2 record, they have been completely blown out in their two losses.

21. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3) - Their success depends on QB David Garrard (or whoever is under center), unfortunately he is extremely inconsistent.

22. Cincinnati

Bengals (2-3) -Carson Palmer and the Bengals have had a really disappointing year so far, hopefully a bye can re-energize their team.

23. San Diego Chargers (2-4) - Plenty of talent to make a push towards the playoff, they have shown they gave rip off 6 or 7 wins is a row.

24. St. Louis Rams (3-3) - Rookie QB Sam Bradford has really done a great job so far. What was really impressive was their ability to beat the Chargers after a blow out loss against the Lions.

25. Denver Broncos (2-4) - They are averaging 2.7 yards per carry on the ground. It d

oes not matter how good you are at passing or playing defense, you need to be able to run the ball to win games in the NFL.

26. Dallas Cowboys (1-4) - Poorly coached, overrated, and undisciplined is the best way to describe them.

27. San Fransisco 49ers (1-5) - With RB Frank Gore, WR Michael Crabtree, TE Vernon Davis, MLB Patrick Willis, and CB Nate Clements, you would think their team would be better than 1-5.

28. Detroit Lions (1-5) -Three of there losses have been by 5 points or less, this is definitely a

different Lions team than the last few years.

29. Oakland Raiders (2-4) - Solid defense at times, but another team that will be in line for a quarterback in the draft

this year.

30. Cleveland Browns (1-4) - They have kept most games close, but they are just not that talented.

31. Carolina Panthers (0-5) - More talented than their 0-5 record, but they need to stick with a QB and find him some legitimate receivers.

32. Buffalo Bills (0-5) - With the first overall pick should they go Andrew Luck, Ryan Mallet or Jake Locker?