DTTWSB Week 14 NFL Power Rankings

Now is the time that we're starting to see who the potential Super Bowl teams may be. I'd say there are a handful of teams that fall into the category. What makes it so difficult this season is that it seems that every team has a glaring hole. The way things are shaping up it is going to make for a fantastic month of January. With that said, there isn't a whole lot of change this week in my power rankings but some teams definitely made a jump while others took steps back.

1. New England Patriots (10-2): What a win for the Patriots this past Monday night. Right now they look like the best team in the NFL. They have one of the best coaches and they have the best quarterback in my opinion. I just don't see how they'll lose in the playoffs if they have home-field advantage.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3): Last week, the Steelers showed great poise on the road against a division rival. This is the one team that can go on the road in the playoffs and quiet a hostile crowd. There is just something about the swagger that their defense and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger have that propel them to an elite level.

3. Atlanta Falcons (10-2): With every week I keep becoming more and more of a believer in the Atlanta Falcons. I'm still not ready to book them to the Super Bowl but they have just as good a chance as anyone from the NFC in making it. This is a well-coached ball club that will not beat themselves.

4. New York Jets (9-3): Ahh the Jets. Last week I was singing high praise for this team. I'm not off their bandwagon by any means, but there are some eye-opening issues that they have. It's not really an X's and O's type thing. I believe this team beats themselves by getting too arrogant. If they can stay humble and focus on getting better each week, they'll live up to their potential.

5. Chicago Bears (9-3): The Bears defense is on fire right now. Also, quarterback Jay Cutler seems to be finding his way in offensive coordinator Mike Martz's scheme. They have a huge matchup this week against New England at home. I feel like we will learn a lot about the Bears after this Sunday.

6. Baltimore Ravens (8-4): I think this is the ultimate "yeah-but" team in the league. When speaking about them you always say, "Yeah they're really good, but...". I'm not sure how much damamge they can do down the stretch with quarterback Joe Flacco. I like their pieces but I just can't see them going very far.

7. New Orleans Saints (9-3): The defending champs are manufacturing wins even though they aren't playing their best ball. This team is still dangerous if they make the playoffs. Although, I do have some questions about whether they can win on the road in a hostile environment. They didn't have to prove it last year but they will have to this year.

8. Philadelphia Eagles (8-4): About three weeks ago, this was hands down the best team in the NFC. I don't think they are right now but I do think they'll be a difficult out in the playoffs. Quarterback Michael Vick has the playmaking ability to win on the road. If they hold their ground the rest of the way and not beat themselves, they should win the division.

9. New York Giants (8-4): This is the team that everyone has been forgetting about. When they get their wide receivers back, their offense will become explosive once again. They have an excellent running game and their defense puts a lot of pressure on the opposing teams quarterback. They're a potential sleeper.

10. Green Bay Packers (8-4): I think come January, this team may be on the outside looking in. They're almost as unbalanced as they Indianapolis Colts. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has carried the load the entire year but I'm not sure if he can down the stretch. They have a tough schedule ahead of them. I could very easily see this team miss the playoffs.