DTTWSB Week 13 NFL Power Rankings

Welcome to December folks! This is where the games start to become enormous. We've seen many surprises through the first three months of the season, and we've seen some teams step up that we knew would. The playoff races that are unfolding are real intriguing. Who's going to emerge as the number one seed in the AFC? Will Tebow and the Broncos win the AFC West? How will the NFC East unfold? All these questions will be answered within four weeks. With that said, let me give you my 10 best teams heading into the month of December.

1. Green Bay Packers (11-0): There really isn't any question about the Packers being at the top spot. The only question is when will they lose? If they even lose for that matter. They do have a couple of tricky games in the next three weeks so they will get tested.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3): Because this team got swept by Baltimore, they've been flying under the radar in my opinion. Let's not forget that they're the defending AFC champion. Going into the month of December I still feel that they're the team to beat.

3. New England Patriots (8-3): What an impressive win the Patriots had last Sunday. There isn't much more we can say about quarterback Tom Brady. The guy is an assasin when it comes to picking apart a defense. I do worry if they have enough playmakers to win in the playoffs.

4. Baltimore Ravens (8-3): When the Ravens are playing their game, they're one of the toughest teams to beat in the league. There's a lot to like about this team. The defensive clinic they put on during Thanksgiving was a masterpiece. If Joe Flacco can elevate his play some more, they may represent the AFC in Indianapolis.

5. New Orleans Saints (8-3): This Saints team is a beast to deal with when they're playing the Superdome. Nobody in the league can stop this offense when it gets going. Drew Brees is perfoming artistry when in the pocket. He needs to keep this up because that defense is suspect.

6. San Francisco 49ers (9-2): There's no shame in losing to a great Ravens team on the road on a short week. I think the 49ers bounce back well and lock up the NFC West this weekend. Look for them to win 13 games and lock up a first-round bye in the playoffs.

7. Dallas Cowboys (7-4): After two weeks of near defeats, the Cowboys have to travel to the desert to face the pesky Cardinals. Historically December hasn't been to kind to the Cowboys nor quarterback Tony Romo. A big win on Sunday will put this team in the driver seat in the NFC East.

8. Atlanta Falcons (7-4): Atlanta has done a great job peaking its head back into the NFC playoff race. With a relatively soft schedule to end the season, it will be a huge disappointment if this team doesn't make the playoffs. They need to redeem themselves after their horrible showing last January.

9. Oakland Raiders (7-4): Since the death of the late Al Davis, all the Raiders have been doing is win. They control their own destiny, but they do have a tough schedule coming up. The resurgence of quarterback Carson Palmer has been the biggest reason why their having success. Watch out though, Tebow and the Broncos are in the rear-view mirror.

10. New York Giants (6-5): As predicted by this blog, the Giants have had their annual mid-season collapse. Three weeks ago this team was talked about as one of the Super Bowl contenders. Now they're fighting for their lives. This Sunday is must win for them. Oh and they're playing the Packers by the way.