2008 Week 12 NFL Power Ratings

2008 Week 12 NFL Power Rankings
(Dated: November 18 - 23, 2008)

1. Tennessee Titans (10-0) – The Titans remain the NFL’s top team with their 10th win in as many games this season. The Titans trailed on Sunday against Jacksonville 14-3 at halftime, but outscored them 21-0 in the second half en route to the 24-14 win. The Titans got 230 passing yards from Kerry Collins, along with three touchdown passes. The Titans are now 10-0 overall, and lead the AFC South by four full games over the Indianapolis Colts. The Titans will face a tough test on Sunday when they New York Jets (7-3) come to Nashville. After the Jets leave town, the schedule softens up as the Titans have three straight games against current non-playoff factor teams; Lions, Browns and Texans.

2. New York Giants (9-1) – The New York Giants remain # 2 in the power rankings after their 30-10 dismantling of the Baltimore Ravens. Brandon Jacobs ran for 2 touchdowns and 70 yards in the first ten minutes of the game, and then basically rested the rest of the game, picking up just three additional yards, but it was plenty enough for the Giants to cruise to the win. Ahman Bradshaw picked up 96 rushing yards while Derrick Ward picked up 41. Quarterback Eli Manning threw for 153 yards and a touchdown on the night. The Giants continue to stay in cruise control in the NFC East, ahead of Dallas, Washington and Philadelphia. The Giants will play two straight road games, starting this Sunday at Arizona, before a November 30th home game with the Washington Redskins.

3. Carolina Panthers (8-2) – The Carolina Panthers did not make it look easy, but were once again winners on Sunday. This time, their victim – the winless Detroit Lions. The win moved Carolina to 8-2 overall, and a full game ahead of Tampa Bay in the NFC South. Carolina remains # 3 in the power rankings. In the 31-22 win, Johnathon Stewart ran for 130 yards and a touchdown, while DeAngelo Williams ran for 120 yards and two touchdowns. The Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme threw for just 98 yards and a touchdown, but it was plenty enough for the win. The Panthers will now play two straight road games; on Sunday at Atlanta, and then November 30th at Green Bay.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-3) – Another NFC South team inside the Top 5; the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay won again on Sunday; a 19-13 decision over the Minnesota Vikings. The win gave the Buccaneers their 7th win in ten 10 games, and kept Tampa Bay at # 4 in the power rankings. In the win on Sunday, quarterback Jeff Garcia threw for 255 yards, with no touchdowns. The Buccaneers held Vikings stud running back Adrian Peterson to just 85 rushing yards and no touchdowns. Tampa Bay sits one game back of Carolina in the NFC South. The Buccaneers will travel to Detroit on Sunday, and then host New Orleans on November 30th, against the 5-5 Saints.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3) – The Pittsburgh Steelers won another ugly game on Sunday 11-10 over San Diego. The win for Pittsburgh moved them to 7-3 overall, and a full game ahead of Baltimore in the AFC North. The Steelers remain at # 5 in the NFL Power Rankings. In the win on Sunday, Pittsburgh offense did not reach the endzone, as the Steelers picked up a safety and field goal before halftime, and then added two Jeff Reed field goals in the second half to come up 11 total points. The Steelers allowed San Diego to pick up just 213 total yards of offense in the win. The Steelers will host the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday, before traveling to New England on November 30th, and then hosting Dallas on December 7th.

6. Arizona Cardinals (7-3) – The Arizona Cardinals moved up three spots from # 9 to # 6 after their 26-20 win over Seattle. The win for Arizona was their seventh on the year, and their third straight, and fifth in six games. Kurt Warner threw for 395 yards on the game, and continued his assault at another possible MVP. The Cardinals are in complete control of the NFC West, leading the 39ers by a full four games. Arizona has scored 289 points on the year, and allowed 228. The Cardinals will face a tough test on Sunday when they host the defending champion – New York Giants. On November 27th Arizona will travel to Philadelphia, and then the Cardinals will take on the St. Louis Rams on December 7th.

7. New York Jets (7-3) – The New York Jets moved up the most of any team on Sunday. With the win over New England the Jets slid up 7 spots from # 14 to # 7. The win over New England pushed the Jets to a full game up in the AFC East. Thomas Jones, the Jets top running back has rushed for nine touchdowns on 190 carries and 854 yards on the year. On the season the Jets have scored 289 points and allowed 221. The Jets are 4-1 in home games, while just 3-2 on the road. The Jets will take on the Tennessee Titans, who are a perfect 10-0 in Nashville on Sunday. The Jets will then host the Denver Broncos November 30th and travel to San Francisco on December 7th.

8. Indianapolis Colts (6-4) – The Colts made a four team jump from # 12 to # 8. On Sunday, the Colts won their third straight game; a 33-27 win over the Houston Texans. The win was the second of the season for Indianapolis over Houston. In the win, quarterback Peyton Manning threw for 320 yards. On the year, Manning has completed 234 of 380 passes for 2568 yards and 17 touchdowns. The Colts trail Tennessee by four full games in the AFC South; but are currently in a dead lock for the wildcard spot in the AFC. The Colts will travel to 4-6 San Diego on Sunday, before a November 30th game at Cleveland, followed by a December 7th home game with the Cincinnati Bengals.

9. Atlanta Falcons (6-4) – The Falcons fell two spots from # 7 to # 9 after their 24-20 loss to the Denver Broncos. The Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan was held to no touchdowns on the game, and the Broncos defense limited Michael Turner to just 81 yards, but two touchdowns on the day. The Falcons loss dropped them to 6-4, and two games back of the NFC South leading Carolina Panthers. Atlanta is also one game behind Tampa Bay for second place in the NFC South. The Falcons are outscoring teams 231-198 on the season. The Falcons will take on the 8-2 Carolina Panthers at home on Sunday, and then travel to San Diego on November 30th, and New Orleans on December 7th.

10. Dallas Cowboys (6-4) – The Dallas Cowboys “kept their season alive” on Sunday with a 14-10 win over the Washington Redskins on Sunday. The win moved Dallas to 6-4 overall, and into a second place tie in the NFC East. The Cowboys and Redskins are now both three full games behind the New York Giants in the NFC East. The win moved Dallas from # 11 to # 10 in the power rankings. Tony Romo returned to the game after missing action with a broken finger and threw for 198 yards and a touchdown, but was also picked off twice. Marion Barber ran for 114 yards on 24 carries, and also picked up a touchdown as well. The Cowboys will host the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, and then play a Thanksgiving Day game against the Philadelphia Eagles, before a December 7th trip to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

11. Washington Redskins (6-4) – The Washington Redskins fell five spots from # 6 to # 11 with their 14-10 loss to inter divisional opponent Dallas. The Redskins led 10-7 at halftime; but were held scoreless in the second half, and fell to 6-4 overall. Washington is now tied with Dallas, three games behind the New York Giants in the NFC East. Washington has scored 181 points, and allowed 182 on the year, being the only team with an above .500 record outscored by opponents this season. The Redskins will take on the Seattle Seahawks Sunday on the road, and then a home game against the New York Giants November 30th, before a December 7th road trip to Baltimore.

12. New England Patriots (6-4) – The Patriots had a prime chance to take control of the AFC East on Thursday night. Instead, the fell to their rival – the New York Jets and now sit a full game behind them in the division. With the loss the Patriots fall from # 8 to # 12. The Patriots are tied with four teams for the final two spots in the wild card chase. The Patriots have scored 219 points on the year while allowing 194. The Patriots are 4-2 in home games, while just 2-2 when playing on the road. Matt Cassell, New England’s quarterback threw for 400 yards in the loss on Sunday, and has thrown for 2200 on the season. The Patriots will travel to AFC East opponent – Miami on Sunday. The Dolphins pounded the Patriots on September 21st 38-13. After the Dolphins, New England will take on Pittsburgh at home, and then the Seattle Seahawks on December 7th; on the road.

13. Philadelphia Eagles (5-4-1) – The Eagles, part of the first tie in the NFL since 2002 drop three spots from # 10 to # 13. Andy Reid’s job is becoming on the heat seat, after the team was unable to beat the 1-8 Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Philadelphia is now alone in last place in the NFC East, but continue to sit above .500 at 5-4-1. The Eagles trail Washington and Dallas, who are 6-4, and New York, 9-1. The Eagles have scored 264 points on the year, and allowed 193. Philadelphia is 0-3 against divisional opponents, and will get a chance to take on all three of them again. The Eagles will travel to Baltimore on Sunday, before a Thanksgiving Day game at home against Arizona, followed by a December 7th trip to New York to face the Giants.

14. Baltimore Ravens (6-4) – The Baltimore Ravens were 30-10 victims of the New York Giants on Sunday. In the loss, the Ravens allowed two Brandon Jacobs touchdowns in the first ten minutes en route to the defeat. The loss drops Baltimore one position from # 13 to # 14. Baltimore is now a full game behind Pittsburgh in the AFC North. The Ravens have scored 222 points and allowed 180. Baltimore is 3-1 in games played at home this season. The Ravens will be at home on Sunday when the Philadelphia Eagles come to town. After the Eagles, the Ravens will travel to Cincinnati and host Washington the following two Sunday’s.

15. Miami Dolphins (6-4) – The Miami Dolphins continue to surge and look for a playoff spot in the AFC. At 6-4, the Dolphins are tied with the Patriots and just one full game behind the Jets in the AFC East. With Sunday’s win over the Raiders, Miami moved up four spots from # 19 to # 15. The Dolphins were led by Chad Pennington’s 174 passing yards, and Ronnie Brown’s 101 yards on the ground. The Dolphins will play a huge AFC East game on Sunday against the New England Patriots. The two weeks following, the Dolphins will travel to St. Louis and Buffalo.

16. Denver Broncos (6-4) – The Denver Broncos took a two game lead in the AFC West with their 24-20 win over the Falcons on Sunday. The win moved Denver up four spots from # 20 to # 16. The Broncos lead the Chargers by two games in the division. On the year Denver has been outscored 271-248 on the year, so Denver is going to need to shore up their defense to be a top contender in the AFC. The Broncos host Oakland on Sunday, and then travel to New York to face the Jets on November 30th, before hosting Kansas City on December 7th.

17. Green Bay Packers (5-5) – The Packers moved into a three-way tie in the NFC North; with their 37-3 win over the Chicago Bears. The win moved the Packers up a spot from # 18 to # 17. In the win on Sunday, quarterback Aaron Rodgers touched the Bears up for 227 yards, and has thrown for 2351 on the year. Running back Ryan Grant had his best game of the year on Sunday, rushing for 145 yards. Green Bay will travel to New Orleans to play a Monday Night Football game, and then host the Panthers and Texans in the next two weeks.

18. Minnesota Vikings (5-5) – The Vikings had a shot to take over sole possession of first place in the NFC North on Sunday, but fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19-13 on Sunday. The loss sent Minnesota down one spot from # 17 to # 18. Adrian Peterson ran for just 85 yards in the game on Sunday, and has scampered for 1100 on the year. The Vikings will travel to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars on Sunday, and then come home on November 30th to take on inter divisional rival Chicago Bears. On December 7th the Vikings will take on the Lions in Detroit.

19. Chicago Bears (5-5) – The Chicago Bears, in embarrassing fashion fell 37-3 to inter division rival Green Bay on Sunday. The loss sent the Bears down three spots from # 16 to # 19. Chicago is now in a three-way tie with Green Bay and Minnesota atop the NFC North. The Bears have outscored opponents 240-231 on the season. The Bears will travel to St. Louis, to take on the 2-8 Rams on Sunday. After the trip to St. Louis, the Bears will travel to Minnesota on November 30th and then come home and host the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 7th.

20. New Orleans Saints (5-5) – The New Orleans Saints come into Monday Night’s game against Green Bay after a 30-20 win over Kansas City on Sunday. The Saints moved up three positions from # 23 to # 20. In the win, Drew Brees threw for 236 yards, and has thrown for over 3000 on the year, along with 18 touchdowns. The Saints continue to sit at the bottom of the NFC South, trailing Carolina by three games, Tampa Bay by two games, and Atlanta by one. The Saints play the Packers on Monday Night Football, and then travel to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 30th, and then host the Atlanta Falcons on December 7th.

21. Buffalo Bills (5-5) – The Buffalo Bills worst words of “wide right” came true once again on Monday night when Rian Lindell’s field goal attempt was missed, and the Bills fell to Cleveland 29-27. The loss dropped Buffalo six spots from # 15 to # 21 and knocked the Bills to last place in the AFC East. The Jets at 7-3, followed by the Patriots and Dolphins at 6-4 are ahead of the Bills. The Bills have now lost four straight games after a 4-0 start. The Bills will take on the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday on the road, before a home game against the San Francisco 49ers, and then another home game against the Miami Dolphins on December 7th.

22. San Diego Chargers (4-6) – The most disappointing team in the NFL; the San Diego Chargers fell to 4-6 on the year on Sunday. The Chargers were 11-10 losers to Pittsburgh; the first ever 11-10 result. After the loss, San Diego fell from # 21 to # 22. The loss sent San Diego to two full games back of the Denver Broncos in the AFC West. The Chargers will take on the 6-4 Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football this week. After the Colts game the Chargers will travel to Atlanta, and then host the Raiders on Thursday December 4th.

23. Cleveland Browns (4-6) – The Cleveland Browns moved up one position after their 24-23 win on Monday. Last week, at # 24 to Browns are now # 23. Cleveland won for the second time in as many tries playing on Monday Night football this season. The Browns were sparked by Brady Quinn’s 185 passing yards, and a late Phil Dawson 56 yard field goal. On the night, Braylon Edwards caught eight passes for 104 yards, while Kellen Winslow picked up 40 yards. The Browns are now 4-6, two games behind second place Baltimore in the AFC North, and three games back of the leader – the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Browns will take on the Houston Texans on Sunday, and then host the Indianapolis Colts on November 30th, and travel to Tennessee to tangle with the Titans on December 7th.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-6) – The 4-6 Jacksonville Jaguars fell once again on Sunday to see their playoff chances begin to slim down. The Jaguars, after their loss dropped two spots from # 22 to # 24. Jacksonville is now two games behind second place Indianapolis in the AFC South. In the 24-14 loss to the Titans on Sunday; Tennessee outscored Baltimore 21-0 in the second half. The Jaguars will host the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, in almost a must win game for Jacksonville. After the Vikings game, the Jaguars will play a Monday Night Football game on December 1st at Houston. On December 7th the Jaguars will travel to Chicago to face the 5-5 Bears.

25. Houston Texans (3-7) – The Houston Texans lost for the second time this season to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The loss kept Houston at # 25. Running back Steve Slaton picked up a career high 156 yards and a touchdown in the loss. Sage Rosenfels threw the football for 192 total yards, but was picked off, and did not throw a touchdown in the loss. The Texans dropped to 3-7 on the year, and are seven games back of AFC South leader Tennessee. The Texans will take on the Cleveland Browns on Sunday; on the road, before a December 1st Monday Night home game with Jacksonville, before a December 7th trip to Green Bay.

26. San Francisco 49ers (3-7) – The San Francisco 49ers picked two positions in the power rankings and moved from # 28 to # 26. On Sunday, the 49ers were huge winners of divisional rival – St. Louis. The 49ers picked up 106 yards and two touchdowns from running back Frank Gore. The win for the 49ers snapped their six game losing streak. Head coach Mike Singletary picked up his first win as a NFL head coach. On the year San Francisco has allowed 275 points and scored 230. San Francisco will play their next two games on the road; Sunday at Dallas, and then a November 30th trip to Buffalo, before coming home for a battle with the Jets.

27. Oakland Raiders (2-8) – The Oakland Raiders fell in position in the power rankings after their 17-15 loss to Miami. Leading late in the fourth quarter, the Raiders defense allowed a late field goal to fall for the 8th time in 10 games. The Raiders trail Denver by four games in the AFC West, and two games behind second place San Diego. The Raiders have been outscored on the year; 235-128. Oakland will play three straight games against AFC West opponents. Starting on Sunday; the Raiders will travel to Denver, before a November 30th battle with the Kansas City Chiefs at home. On December 4th, the Oakland Raiders will take on the San Diego Chargers on the road.

28. Cincinnati Bengals (1-8-1) – The Cincinnati Bengals had yet another positive result on Sunday; not coming away with their ninth loss of the season. After beating Jacksonville in week nine, the Bengals were part of the first tie in six years. The tie moved Cincinnati from # 29 to # 28. The Bengals Shayne Graham missed a 47 yard field goal that would have given the Bengals a 20-17 win in overtime. T.J. Houshamzadeh matched a season high, catching 12 passes for 149 yards. The Bengals will have a short turn around before taking on the AFC North leader; Pittsburgh on Thursday night, in the Steel City. On November 30th the Bengals will host the Baltimore Ravens, and then Sunday December 7th Cincinnati will invade Lucas Oil Stadium and take on the Indianapolis Colts.

29. Seattle Seahawks (2-8) – The Seattle Seahawks lost yet another game at Qwest Field on Sunday. The Arizona Cardinals came away with a 26-20 winner over Seattle. The Seahawks fell two spots from # 27 to # 29. In the loss, the Seattle offense garnered just 196 total yards; including just 43 rushing yards. The Seahawks are now 2-8 and tied with the St. Louis Rams at the bottom of the NFC West. Seattle trails divisional leader Arizona by five full games. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck made his first start since missing several games with an injury by throwing three interceptions on 17 of 29 passing. The Seahawks will host the Washington Redskins on Sunday, and then travel to Dallas to take on the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day before a December 7th home game with New England.

30. Kansas City Chiefs (1-9) – The Kansas City Chiefs lost for the ninth time in ten tries on Sunday. The Saints took the game on Sunday; 30-20 over Kansas City, after the Saints led just 13-10 at halftime. The loss for the Chiefs kept them at # 30 for another week. The Chiefs were able to pick up 330 total yards of offense in the loss, but the defense allowed 369 to the Saints offense. Dwayne Bowe caught two touchdown passes on just 53 yards for Kansas City. The Chiefs will host the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, and then host Oakland on November 30th, and go on the road December 7th and take on divisional leader - Denver Broncos on December 7th.

31. St. Louis Rams (2-8) – The St. Louis Rams hold onto the # 31 position after another blowout loss; this time to inter division opponent – San Francisco 49ers. The Rams trailed 35-6 at halftime, and made a small comeback in second half, falling 35-16. The Rams allowed 49ers quarterback Shaun Hill to complete 15 of 20 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns. The Rams are now 2-8 overall, and tied in last with the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC West. The Rams will start a mini home stand with Chicago on Sunday, before the Miami Dolphins come to town on November 30th. On the year, St. Louis has been outscored 317-144.

32. Detroit Lions (0-10) – The Detroit Lions remain the NFL’s lone winless team, and in the meantime continue to hold onto the # 32 spot in the power rankings. Detroit trailed Carolina 21-16 at halftime; and the second half was more of the same for the Lions, as Carolina outscored them; 10-6 and held onto a 31-22. The Lions allowed Carolina to run for 264 total rushing yards. Two Carolina running backs ran for 100+ yards in the game. The Lions are now 0-10 on the season, and five games behind the remaining three teams in the NFC North. Detroit will play three straight home games, starting on Saturday when Tampa Bay comes to town. On November 27th the Lions will take on the Titans, and then December 7 the Lions will take on NFC North opponent; Minnesota Vikings.

Purchase our expert NFL Football picks and premium service plays developed by our Sports Handicapping professionals using the packages table below.

Purchase Premium Sports Picks - Current Packages Available Each Membership Plan Includes All Sports Picks in Every Sport (You do NOT need to purchase separate picks for college & NFL football picks)
Sports Handicapping Subscription Plan	Price	Method To Purchase Picks By
		Credit Card	Paypal
One Day Bankroll Picks Membership Purchase	$19.95
Two Day Bankroll Picks Membership Purchase	$34.95
One Week Bankroll Picks Membership Purchase	$99.95
Two Week Bankroll Picks Membership Purchase	$149.95
One Month Sports Picks Membership Purchase	$229.95
3 Month Sports Picks Membership Purchase	$399.95
One Year Bankroll Picks Membership Purchase	$799.95
2023-24 NFL & College Football Picks Special	$399.95