Aaron Rodgers continues his great season by carving up the injury depleted Bears and getting the Packers home field advantage going into the playoffs.
2. New England Patriots (12-3)
It looked like we were about to see a big upset against the Dolphins, but the Pats were able to rally to get the win. Now all the Pats need to do is beat Bills and they'll have home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
3. New Orleans Saints (12-3)
Drew Brees is not the official record holder for most passing yards in a season, besting Dan Marino's long stading record. But the best thing for the Saints is that their defense is starting to play better and that will help them more in the playoffs.
4. San Francisco 49ers (12-3)
San Fran could really use the bye week to help get their team healthy and rested before making the playoffs for the first time since 2002.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-4)
Playing St. Louis and Cleveland to end the season couldn't have been a better recipe for the Steelers who have an injuried Big Ben Rothlisburger. Charlie Batch was able to lead the Steelers to a victory last week and look for much the same this weekend. Because if Big Ben isn't healthy come playoff time, it could be an early exit.
6. Baltimore Ravens (11-4)
A win over Cincinnati would give the Ravens a first round bye because they hold the tie breaker with the Steelers because they've beat them twice this year. However these aren't your old Bungels and this game will be a dog fight.
7. Detroit Lions (10-5)
What a success this season has been for the Lions. One of the worst franchises in the NFL for the longest time has made it to the playoffs for the first time since 1999. What a story this team has been.
8. Cincinnati Bengals (9-6)
If you would have said that the Bengals would have a chance to win 10 games this year and go to the playoffs many people would have written you off. But with a win over Pittsburgh this Sunday, the Bengals could be back into the playoffs behind the play of their two rookies Andy Dalton and AJ Green.
9. Atlanta Falcons (9-6)*
Even with their loss to the Saints this past Monday, the Falcons are still looking to get into the playoffs again. However they really can't afford to play like they did Monday if they want to make some noise in the playoffs.
10. Houston Texans (10-5)*
You have to take the Texan's recent losses as a little bit of a grain of salt. Not only are they still playing with TJ Yates at their QB, but the reason their defense has really improved, Wade Phillips, hasn't been around because of surgery.
11. New York Giants (8-7)
The Giants sure made Rex Ryan shut up with their big win over the Jets. The win also gives the Giants the chance to win the division and make it to the playoffs.
12. Dallas Cowboys (8-7)*
The Cowboys looked like the favorite to win the division, but another tough loss within the division hurts their chances.
13. Denver Broncos (8-7)*
Is the Tebow magic wearing off? Or are they just playing better teams? I'd go with the latter but they still have a chance to win the division but will have to do it against Kyle Orton who you know will play his best game of the year.
14. Philadelphia Eagles (6-8)
It's a little too late, but the Eagles are actually playing like the team we thought they'd be at the beginning of the season.
15. Seattle Seahawks (7-8)*
A win over the 49ers would have given the Seahawks an outside shot at making it into the playoffs. However their QB play just holds them back enough. If they can get a solid QB in the off season they should be able to challenge SF for the division.
16. Oakland Raiders (8-7)
Behind the strong leg of Sabastian Janakowski they Raiders were able to steal a win away from the Chiefs. But they'll need a win over the Chargers and a loss by the Broncos to get into the playoffs.
17. Tennessee Titans (8-7)
Tennessee has really salvaged the season and have a bright future ahead of them. It's just too bad that CJ2K held out and injuries took away Matt Hasselbeck and Kenny Britt because they could have won the division this year.
18. San Diego Chargers (7-8)*
Just when you thought that the Chargers were back on a roll and looking close to winning the division, they lay an egg against Detroit and are on the outside looking in.
19. New York Jets (8-7)*
I was never a big fan of the Jets going into this season, and their play has really backed up my suspicious. They are a running team but don't really run the ball that well. And their defense isn't the same as previous years. No playoffs for this team this year.
20. Arizona Cardinals (7-8)*
It may be a little too late, but the Cardinals have been playing a lot better and almost put themselves into the playoff picture. However they came back down to earth with a tough loss to the Bengals. But a win over Seattle would prevent them from finishing below .500 for a second straight season.
21. Kansas City Chiefs (6-9)*
Despite all the injuries and poor coaching, if the Cheifs would have beat the Raiders, their game against Denver would have decided who goes to the playoffs. Anyways, the match up between Kyle Orton and Tim Tebow should be interesting.
22. Carolina Panthers (6-9)
If the Panthers take anything away from this season, it's that they found their franchise QB in Cam Newton. Now they need to build around him (mainly defense) and aim towards next year.
23. Miami Dolphins (5-10)*
It looked liked the Dolphins were going to be able to pull the big upset over the Patriots, but just couldn't hang on. However the Dolphins have to be happy with the play of Reggie Bush and go into the off season with a lot more confidence and know that a few more pieces and they could make a run at the playoffs.
24. Chicago Bears (7-8)*
You have to wonder if Josh McNown and Kahlil Bell would have been given the opportunity sooner, would the Bears be in the playoffs with Cutler and Forte on their way back? Who knows, but it's something to think about.
25. Buffalo Bills (6-9)
I might just have been Tim Tebow struggling, but the Bills looked like the team we saw at the beginning of the season when they started so strong. But things don't get easier with New England being their last opponent.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-11)*
Don't worry Jaguar fans, things could get worse. Their last game of the season isn't the cupcake they thought it would be. The Colts are on a two game winning streak and playing much better than the Jags. A loss to them would really make this season awful.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-11)*
Even with the job that he did last year, it is going to be very hard for Raheem Mooris to keep his job after this season.
28. Washington Redskins (4-11)*
Washington just isn't a good offensive team and that is largely because they are starting Rex Grossman/John Beck. But the worst thing is that with Matt Barkley deciding to stay, they might be left out in the cold in the draft and have to settle with another team's backup.
29. Cleveland Browns (4-11)*
Well the season is almost over but it won't be till after their game against the Steelers. So look for a blow out and a tough off season for the Browns.
30. Minnesota Vikings (3-12)
Well it just got worse for the Vikings. Losing Adrian Peterson to a torn ACL this late into the season will have an impact on next year. You have to wonder why he was playing anyways.
31. Indianapolis Colts (2-13)
What has gotten into the Colts? Their recent two game winning streak is little to late and now they are in jeopardy of losing out on getting Andrew Luck. Especially playing the Jaguars this Sunday who aren't playing two well either.
32. St. Louis Rams (2-13)*
Their horrible season and the Colts two game winning streak moves the Rams into the last spot. What makes it worse is that the Steelers were without Big Ben and the Rams still got dominated.
* Denotes Loss
* Denotes Loss
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