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NFL Power Rankings – Week 14
Photo - Adrian Peterson - Vikings
The Vikings Adrian Peterson and the Titans’ Chris Johnson had strong performances this past Sunday that was instrumental in their clubs key victories. Peterson scored 2 TDs on 97 yards rushing along with 40 yards receiving as the Vikings beat the playoff bound Bengals. Johnson scored two first quarter TDs that crushed the Rams 47-7 and kept the red hot Titans playoff hopes alive. Johnson finished with 186 yards and 3 TDs on 117 yards rushing which was his 8th consecutive 100 yard performance as a runner. He continues to lead the NFL in rushing with over 1600 yards on the ground and less than 500 yards from Eric Dickerson’s all-time NFL record for single season rushing yardage with three games remaining.
Team of the Week – San Diego Chargers
Player of the Week – RB Adrian Peterson - Vikings
Rookie of the Week – LB Brian Cushing - Texans
Rank / Team / Record
1. Indianapolis Colts (13-0)
Colts continue to roll with perfect record and face only 500 clubs the rest of the way.
2. New Orleans Saints (13-0)
The Saints remain undefeated and face just one playoff caliber team the Cowboys on schedule.
3. Minnesota Vikings (11-2)
The Vikings’ and Brett Farve believe in themselves and that goes a long ways in January postseason play.
4. San Diego Chargers (10-3)
Chargers won another key game vs the Cowboys and are probably the most dangerous team in the league.
5. Philadelphia Eagles (9-4)
Eagles bombed the Giants but their defense looks terrible for tough postseason contests.
6. Green Bay Packers (9-4)
Packers have won five straight games, but must prove capable on beating top clubs on the road.
7. Cincinnati Bengals (9-4)
The Bengals missed a chance to clinch AFC North last week and now must travel to SD this Sunday.
8. New England Patriots (8-5)
Patriots and QB Tom Brady are capable of lighting up any defense, though the NE is not up to recent standards.
9. Arizona Cardinals (8-5)
Cards were bombed in San Fran, but get the soft Lions in Detroit this week.
10. Denver Broncos (8-5)
The Broncos continue to move towards mediocrity. They are capable of missing the playoffs.
11. Baltimore Ravens (7-6)
The Ravens are a tough group and capable of running the table and earn a playoff berth.
12. Tennessee Titans (6-7)
The hot Titans must run the table to make the playoffs but are capable of winning despite tough road with Dolphins and Chargers up next.
13. New York Giants (7-6)
The Giants were crushed in key matchup with Eagles with their horrible defense the main problem.
14. Dallas Cowboys (8-5)
Cowboys are losing again in December with a very difficult trip to New Orleans up next.
15. New York Jets (7-6)
Jets are winning vs soft schedule with Falcons coming to town Sunday for critical contest.
16. Miami Dolphins (7-6)
The Dolphins won a key game vs Jaguars, but must go and win in Tennessee to keep their hopes alive.
17. Houston Texans (6-7)
Texans are actually better than their record and capable of surprising with a late streak.
18 .Jacksonville Jaguars (7-6)
Jags are in a four way tie for #6 playoff spot with Colts coming to town, but their inconsistent play makes them a longshot for postseason.
19. San Francisco 49ers (6-7)
The 49ers won another big game vs Cardinals that puts them in a position to make a playoff run with soft schedule ahead.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-7)
Steelers are caving in after losing to both the Raiders and Browns in back to back games.
21. Atlanta Falcons (6-7)
Falcons are just a mediocre club without veterans Matt Ryan and Michael Turner.
22. Washington Redskins (4-9)
Skins continue to play hard weekly and finally put a team away in the 4th quarter.
23. Seattle Seahawks (5-8)
Seahawks are playing out the string and face big overhaul this postseason.
24. Carolina Panthers (5-8)
Panthers are struggling and probably face wholesale changes this offseason.
25. Buffalo Bills (5-8)
The Bills finally won a game late with their defense rising to the occasion.
26. Chicago Bears (5-8)
Bears have lost seven of their last nine games in a total collapse.
27. Oakland Raiders (4-9)
The Raiders will complete another horrible season and probable housecleaning this postseason.
28. Kansas City Chiefs (3-10)
Chiefs are just a bad club currently.
29. Detroit Lions (2-11)
Lions lost their 19th straight road game in Baltimore in another terrible performance.
30. Cleveland Browns (2-11)
Browns beat their arch rivals the Steelers in last game to salvage something from this nightmare season.
31. Tampa Bay Bucs (1-12)
The Bucs were totally incept vs the Jets but get the equally bad Seahawks at home this week.
32. St. Louis Rams (1-12)
The Rams are beyond awful and may not win another game this season.