Sporting Joe NFL Power Poll: Week 13

A month remains in the regular season.  In September, it was pre-ordained that Seattle and Denver would duel for the Lombardi Trophy, yet again.  As the season progressed, the reigning conference champions showed weakness.  Now each team is returning to form while Green Bay and New England’s showdown exhibited how good they are as the season enters the final quarter.  Four franchises have legitimate Super Bowl aspirations and the top four of the Power Poll reflects that reality.

1)      Green Bay- The Packers only punted once against a good Patriots defense.  The emergence of Davante Adams, six receptions for 121 yards, was instrumental to such a symphonic offensive performance.

          

2)      New England- Losing at Green Bay is not concerning.  However, repeatedly leaving Rob Ninkovich in one-on-one coverage with Randall Cobb is alarmingly poor film study.  Cobb lining up in the backfield, in order to isolate linebackers, has been a staple of the Packer offense since 2012.

             

3)      Denver- Another week and another strong showing on the ground (45 rushes for 214 yards) has Denver breathing down New England’s neck.

4)      Seattle- Bobby Wagner’s return has sparked a suddenly healthy defense.  Seattle is once again the best defense in the NFL and a repeat is increasingly likely for the Seahawks.

5)      Indianapolis- A victory against Cleveland and a Texans loss would result in the Colts winning the AFC South, something that is becoming a given for Andrew Luck and crew.

  

6)      Philadelphia- This was the hardest team to rank this week.  Demolishing Dallas portends a playoff push.  Yet, Mark Sanchez is an albatross around Philly’s neck.

7)      Detroit- the Lions are in danger of missing the postseason.  They well may need to win out in order to win the NFC North and guarantee a berth.  Fortunately, for Detroit their remaining schedule only features one game against a team with a winning record.

8)      Arizona-  Atlanta’s defense is not the fearsome obstacle that Seattle’s defense is.  That reality makes Arizona’s performance, 35 yards rushing and one for seven on third down, a disturbing trend. 

    

9)      Dallas- The Cowboys have time to reclaim the NFC East lead, that is if they do not let Philadelphia manhandle them again in week fifteen.

    

10) Cincinnati- Several teams could lay claim to this slot but Marvin Lewis separated the Bengals from the pack.  His use of a challenge flag under two minutes (it cost a time-out but unlike a traditional time-out, it gave the replay official more time to spot the twelve men on the field infraction by the Bucs) was a brilliant move that saved the game in Tampa Bay and possible Cincinnati’s postseason hopes.