Listen. No one wanted to see the NFL Power Rankings look like this in the final few weeks of the season. I’m just as horrified as the rest of you, seeing the top of this list. My one hope is trip up here in the final three games to mess up their home field like last season. I’m not betting on it.
1. New England Patriots – (11-2) The nightmare has been made real, given flesh and now walks the Earth. The Patriots are the No. 1 team in the league this week after the Baltimore Ravens decided not to show up for an entire half of football Monday night. Now we’re all paying for it. Thanks a lot John Harbaugh. Tell your brother to call Stan Kroenke today and all will be forgiven. Last week: 3
2. Dallas Cowboys – (11-2) Listen, modern day Cowboys fans. I realize being the best team in football is new to you, but you have to understand something. You’re not going to win every game. Sometimes it’s just not your night. This is why only one team has ever gobe undefeated and won a Super Bowl title in NFL history. The Giants had your number again, but your still all by yourself in the lead of the NFC East and the entire NFC. You’ve already clinched a playoff berth. The cold in New York was a real problem, but luckily for you, it won’t be something you’ll have to deal with in the playoffs when you have home field advantage. You had two tough road games against good teams and went 1-1 and some of you are already calling for Tony Romo to come back in at quarterback. Tony Romo isn’t even calling for that. Chill out, because being this fickle is how you end up with Marc Bulger as your quarterback and watch Kurt Warner take another team to a Super Bowl. Last week: 1
3. Oakland Raiders – (10-3) Derek Carr’s injured finger obviously made a difference in the Kansas City cold last week. Luckily for the Raiders and their home field and AFC West hopes, their next two games are in San Diego and at home in Oakland. Hopefully Carr’s finger will be healed up by the time the team wraps up the regular season at Denver against a team that probably has to win to even get in the playoff bracket. Last week: 2
4. Kansas City Chiefs – (10-3) The Chiefs got a huge win over the Raiders Sunday night that put them in control of the AFC West and in the race from home field advantage. If this is the year for the Chiefs, and it may be, they won’t be able to make it to the Super Bowl on the road. Their debacle at Heinz Field in October proved that. Last week: 4
5. New York Giants – (9-4) After stumbling against the Steelers, the Giants’ defense made an emphatic statement in a victory over the Cowboys Sunday. This is a tough, cold weather team that might be doomed by not having a home game in the playoffs. Last week: 7
6. Seattle Seahawks – (8-4-1) The Seahawks got an ugly ass-whipping last Sunday in Green Bay. They’ll get the chance to deliver one of their own Thursday night and maybe clinch an NFC West title in the process. Last week: 5
7. Pittsburgh Steelers – (8-5) The Steelers are now in the driver’s seat for the AFC North and a home playoff game. They’re also getting healthy and peaking at the right time to be trouble in the playoffs? Will we get our fourth Steelers – Cowboys Super Bowl? I’m starting to feel it. Last week: 9
8. Atlanta Falcons – (8-5) I’d like to personally thank the Falcons for the humiliating curb stomp they delivered to the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday that delivered the final nail in Jeff Fisher’s coffin. You did God’s work, men. Last week: 6
9. Denver Broncos – (8-5) The Broncos are right on the ledge of the AFC playoff bracket and can’t afford another loss. With the Patriots coming to Mile High Sunday maybe they can do themselves and every other NFL team a solid favor. Last week: 6
10. Detroit Lions – (9-4) The Lions are sitting on a first-round bye and quarterback Matthew Stafford is in the MVP race. Unfortunately he has a bum digit just like Derek Carr with a trip to New Jersey to take on the Giants on the docket. Last week: 10
11. Miami Dolphins – (8-5) The Dolphins got some good news for the future when they found out quarterback Ryan Tannehill. It wasn’t good news for the present for a team right in the AFC playoff race with three games to go. Last week: 11
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – (8-5) A victory over the Cowboys Sunday night would really make a statement on how far the Buccaneers have come. It won’t happen, but it’s OK to dream a while, Tampa. Last week: 12
To see Part Two of Week 14’s NFL Power Rankings, click here.
To make a wager on this week’s NFL games, go to the world famous Diamond Sportsbook by clicking here.
