NFL Power Rankings 11/11/11

Going into the weekend.

NFC

1. PACKERS (8-0) - They look like they have a great shot at finally killing dethroning the 1972 Miami Dolphins. Aaron Rogers is the best quarterback on Earth.

2. 49ERS (7-1) - Alex Smith had been declared a bust by many, but with a better coach and an upgraded offenive line, hey, he's finally putting up the number that behoove a #1 pick. Frank Gore is able to do more damage when the passing game works, and they have the #1 defense in the NFL.

3. GIANTS (6-2) - Eli Manning's been up and down, but Brandon Jacobs is playing like his 2008 self with Ahmad Bradshaw out. Victor Cruz has been a great find.

4. LIONS (6-2) - They need Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford to stay healthy, and if they do, I foresee a Conference Finals in their future. Not the Super Bowl; sorry you're in the Packers' conference.

5. SAINTS (6-3) - They can put up the points, but Drew Brees needs to get his interception count down. Not to mention the Saints' D has allowed more points than the Dolphins.

15. RAMS (1-7) - They have the worst offense and defense in the NFC. Nuff said.

AFC

1. RAVENS (6-2) - Yeah, I'd have to say they're the favorite in the volatile AFC right now. They step up to the plate in the big games.

2. BENGALS (6-2) - They've been playing great, but can their star rookie quarterback/receiver combo keep it up down the stretch?

3. TEXANS (6-3) - The one-two rushing combo of Arian Foster and Ben Tate has covered for the absense of #1 receiver Andre Johnson.

4. JETS (5-3) - The ship appears to have been righted, but the real test is if they can knock down the wobbling Patriots. But the Jets tend to be the one team that can knock off the Pats when they're good, let alone when they're on a losing streak.

5. PATRIOTS (5-3) - I do think the Jets are going to beat the Patriots, but when you look at their schedule, I see them ending the season at worst 10-6, but after the Jets they could just as easily finish on a 7-0 run.

15. COLTS (0-9) - Peyton Manning hides a lot of flaws, but this goes beyond that. Their defense is porous, their running game is ineffective, and Reggie Wayne and Austin Collie can't do much if they don't have a quarterback that can get them a ball. Miami is praying they somehow find a place to win.