Week 14 Power Rankings

I went 12-4 last week to finish with a respectable 104 points, but I finished somewhere in the middle among the 23 people (official results have not yet rolled in as of my writing this). While the differences were minimal among the participants in terms of teams picked, it was certainly the points assigned that killed me seeing as many others only missed four or fewer games this week. The two New York teams cost me a combined 25 points, more than anybody else on the same two games which seemed to be the biggest upsets of the week.

Still, I am (just barely) maintaining second place for the year while now finding myself 49 points behind the leader. It should add some pressure for the final three weeks, and I'm no longer committed to adhering strictly to the formula—although it's hard to ignore the success it bred (two second-place finishes and a first-place finish, not to mention three straight weeks of 100+ points). While my overall record of 136-72 (.654) is as good as or better than any of the Yahoo! bunch, I've still got a couple personalities to catch over at ESPN.

I had originally envisioned doing something different each week about the teams as I was presenting the numbers, but stuck with the "Tell me how you really feel" thing throughout most of the year because of total laziness. I promise to be more creative next year, but for the trial run of this thing, I just wanted to see if I could do this every week.

Of course, we're now at the point in the year where talk focuses on getting into the playoffs, so I figured, "Why not speculate about that as well?" That said, this week's theme is a nostalgic reference to the splendidly infamous meltdown of Jim Mora.

I've got my 12 teams I see making the playoffs at the end of this post and I'm sure, of course, they won't change next week. No sir.

Enjoy:

1. (2) DETROIT LIONS

• Last week: Lost to Minnesota, 20-16 (+16)
• Actual Record: 0-13
• My predicted record: 3-10
• Points scored for me with wins: 0
• Points scored for me with losses: 148
  
• Points taken from me with wins: 0
• Points taken from me with losses: 11
• Plus/Minus: +137
  
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

Lolz.

2. (1) NEW YORK GIANTS

• Last week: Lost to Philadelphia, 20-14 (-14)
  
• Actual Record: 11-2
• My predicted record: 12-1
• Points scored for me with wins: 139
• Points scored for me with losses: 0
• Points taken from me with wins: 3
• Points taken from me with losses: 26
  
• Plus/Minus: +110
  
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

They've already clinched the East, so now it's just a matter of seeing if they can clinch home-field throughout (which they will).

3. (3) ST. LOUIS RAMS

• Last week: Lost to Arizona, 34-10 (+12)
  
• Actual Record: 2-11
• My predicted record: 0-13
• Points scored for me with wins: 0
• Points scored for me with losses: 129
• Points taken from me with wins: 22
• Points taken from me with losses: 0
• Plus/Minus: +107
  
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

It's just a matter of deciding whether they want third place in the West or the better draft pick than the Seahawks.

4. (4) HOUSTON TEXANS

• Last week: Beat Green Bay, 24-21 (-1)
  
• Actual Record: 6-7
• My predicted record: 6-7
• Points scored for me with wins: 33
• Points scored for me with losses: 48
• Points taken from me with wins: 1
  
• Points taken from me with losses: 2
• Plus/Minus: +78
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

Rather, it'll be just like I told B. Doggy: a team that finishes the year strong and has the announcers warning you to "look out for these guys" ... next year.

5. (7) CINCINNATI BENGALS

• Last week: Lost to Indianapolis, 35-3 (+15)
  
• Actual Record: 1-11-1
• My predicted record: 3-10
• Points scored for me with wins: 1
• Points scored for me with losses: 106
• Points taken from me with wins/ties: 15
• Points taken from me with losses: 20
  
• Plus/Minus: +72
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

Oh Cincy, at least you'll always have the classiest fans. And this guy too:

6. (9) ARIZONA CARDINALS

• Last week: Beat St. Louis, 34-10 (+12)
  
• Actual Record: 8-5
• My predicted record: 6-7
• Points scored for me with wins: 49
• Points scored for me with losses: 39
• Points taken from me with wins: 18
• Points taken from me with losses: 3
• Plus/Minus: +67
  
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

You betcha! Expect Phoenix to get real psyched ... and then promptly ousted by a wild card team.

6. (6) TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

• Last week: Lost to Carolina, 38-23 (+2)
  
• Actual Record: 9-4
• My predicted record: 8-5
• Points scored for me with wins: 61
• Points scored for me with losses: 23
  
• Points taken from me with wins: 9
• Points taken from me with losses: 8
• Plus/Minus: +67
  
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

If they can beat Atlanta this week, it should be smooth sailing.

Even the division isn't entirely out of the question.

8. (7) BALTIMORE RAVENS

• Last week: Beat Washington, 24-10 (+7)
  
• Actual Record: 9-4
• My predicted record: 7-6
• Points scored for me with wins: 59
• Points scored for me with losses: 25
  
• Points taken from me with wins: 16
• Points taken from me with losses: 4
• Plus/Minus: +64
  
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

The pressure's on them when Pittsburgh comes into town this week. A win would tie them for the division lead with a trip to Dallas to be followed by a visit from the beatable Jaguars.

But a loss to the Steelers would basically rule out the division, and it may take 11 wins to get a wild card in the AFC.

8. (11) MINNESOTA VIKINGS

• Last week: Beat Detroit, 20-16 (+16)
  
• Actual Record: 8-5
• My predicted record: 6-7
• Points scored for me with wins: 47
• Points scored for me with losses: 33
• Points taken from me with wins: 16
  
• Points taken from me with losses: 0
• Plus/Minus: +64
  
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

The division is theirs to lose, but their schedule is certainly a bit more demanding than Chicago's: after they go to Arizona this week, the two teams they end the year with at home are not pushovers (Atlanta and the Giants).

8. (10) SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

• Last week: Lost to New England, 24-21 (+10)
  
• Actual Record: 2-11
• My predicted record: 4-9
• Points scored for me with wins: 10
• Points scored for me with losses: 77
  
• Points taken from me with wins: 10
• Points taken from me with losses: 13
• Plus/Minus: +64
  
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

It appears as though their epic battle with the Rams this weekend will likely determine who finishes in the cellar of the NFC West this year.

11. (11) INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

• Last week: Beat Cincinnati, 35-3 (+15)
  
• Actual Record: 9-4
• My predicted record: 11-2
• Points scored for me with wins: 78
• Points scored for me with losses: 3
  
• Points taken from me with wins: 6
  
• Points taken from me with losses: 12
• Plus/Minus: +63
  
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

I'd write them in with pen.

12. (11) PITTSBURGH STEELERS

• Last week: Beat Dallas, 20-13 (+8)
  
• Actual Record: 10-3
• My predicted record: 11-2
• Points scored for me with wins: 74
• Points scored for me with losses: 0
• Points taken from me with wins: 8
• Points taken from me with losses: 10
• Plus/Minus: +56
  
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

Beating the Ravens in Baltimore would more or less make it official. A loss wouldn't completely eliminate them, but considering they head into Tennessee the following week, it would make things a lot easier.

13. (6) SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

• Last week: Beat New York Jets, 24-14 (-11)
  
• Actual Record: 5-8
• My predicted record: 3-10
• Points scored for me with wins: 20
• Points scored for me with losses: 68
• Points taken from me with wins: 26
• Points taken from me with losses: 10
• Plus/Minus: +52
  
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

They've won three of their last four, so at least they're trying to earn a little respect before they clean out their lockers for the year ... and perhaps give Singletary something to build on.

14. (15) CAROLINA PANTHERS

• Last week: Beat Tampa Bay, 38-23 (+2)
  
• Actual Record: 10-3
• My predicted record: 9-4
• Points scored for me with wins: 71
• Points scored for me with losses: 4
• Points taken from me with wins: 11
• Points taken from me with losses: 17
• Plus/Minus: +47
  
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

The victory over the Bucs was much needed, as they don't have a gimme left on their schedule (Denver this week before going to New York for the Giants and ending the year in N'awlins).

14. (18) TENNESSEE TITANS

• Last week: Beat Cleveland, 28-9 (+13)
  
• Actual Record: 12-1
• My predicted record: 8-5
• Points scored for me with wins: 71
  
• Points scored for me with losses: 0
• Points taken from me with wins: 19
• Points taken from me with losses: 5
• Plus/Minus: +47
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

While they've already locked up the division, it's no certainty they're going to roll into the playoffs considering they end the regular season hosting Pittsburgh and then going into Indy.

16. (19) KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

• Last week: Lost to Denver, 24-17 (+9)
• Actual Record: 2-11
• My predicted record: 3-10
• Points scored for me with wins: 0
• Points scored for me with losses: 73
  
• Points taken from me with wins: 17
• Points taken from me with losses: 15
• Plus/Minus: +41
  
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

I'm sure they're just hoping they don't finish behind the Raiders.

17. (17) OAKLAND RAIDERS

• Last week: Lost to San Diego, 34-7 (+5)
  
• Actual Record: 3-10
• My predicted record: 1-12
• Points scored for me with wins: 0
• Points scored for me with losses: 82
• Points taken from me with wins: 38
• Points taken from me with losses: 4
• Plus/Minus: +40
  
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

I'm sure they're just hoping they don't finish behind the Chiefs.

18. (22) CLEVELAND BROWNS

• Last week: Lost to Tennessee, 28-9 (+13)
  
• Actual Record: 4-9
• My predicted record: 3-10
• Points scored for me with wins: 3
• Points scored for me with losses: 65
  
• Points taken from me with wins: 21
• Points taken from me with losses: 8
• Plus/Minus: +39
  
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

Very likely the farewell tour for Romeo.

19. (19) WASHINGTON REDSKINS

• Last week: Lost to Baltimore, 24-10 (+7)
  
• Actual Record: 7-6
• My predicted record: 7-6
• Points scored for me with wins: 37
• Points scored for me with losses: 41
• Points taken from me with wins: 20
• Points taken from me with losses: 19
  
• Plus/Minus: +39
  
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

They have to win out to finish 10-6——and even assuming that, it's still no sure thing they get in.

So I'm guessing they're stuck waiting for next year.

20. (21) SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

• Last week: Beat Oakland, 34-7 (+5)
  
• Actual Record: 5-8
• My predicted record: 6-7
• Points scored for me with wins: 24
• Points scored for me with losses: 26
• Points taken from me with wins: 2
  
• Points taken from me with losses: 14
  
• Plus/Minus: +34
  
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

Too little, too late.

21. (23) DALLAS COWBOYS

• Last week: Lost to Pittsburgh, 20-13 (+8)
  
• Actual Record: 8-5
• My predicted record: 9-4
• Points scored for me with wins: 56
• Points scored for me with losses: 21
  
• Points taken from me with wins: 14
• Points taken from me with losses: 30
• Plus/Minus: +33
  
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

Two of their final three are at home, but none of those teams is a sub-.500 club.

I'm sure they can take comfort in the usual additional media coverage that still follows them around while other teams are in the playoffs.

21. (14) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

• Last week: Beat New York Giants, 20-14 (-14)
  
• Actual Record: 7-5-1
  
• My predicted record: 5-8
• Points scored for me with wins: 38
• Points scored for me with losses: 28
• Points taken from me with wins: 18
• Points taken from me with losses/ties: 15
  
• Plus/Minus: +33
• "PLAYOFFS?!"

You know Philadelphians will rue the day they had to settle for a tie with Cincinnati.

23. (16) NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

• Last week: Beat Atlanta, 29-25 (-6)
  
• Actual Record: 7-6
• My predicted record: 6-7
• Points scored for me with wins: 35
• Points scored for me with losses: 22
• Points taken from me with wins: 9
  
• Points taken from me with losses: 17
• Plus/Minus: +31
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

They could finish above .500 and still finish last in their division.

24. (28) NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

• Last week: Beat Seattle, 24-21 (+10)
  
• Actual Record: 8-5
• My predicted record: 9-4
• Points scored for me with wins: 44
  
• Points scored for me with losses: 11
• Points taken from me with wins: 7
• Points taken from me with losses: 22
  
• Plus/Minus: +26
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

In the tight finish likely to evolve in the AFC East, they have a good shot at getting the wild card even if they don't win the division.

25. (24) MIAMI DOLPHINS

• Last week: Beat Buffalo, 16-3 (+3)
  
• Actual Record: 8-5
• My predicted record: 6-7
• Points scored for me with wins: 37
  
• Points scored for me with losses: 27
• Points taken from me with wins: 32
• Points taken from me with losses: 8
• Plus/Minus: +24
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

It's still hard to believe, but they could go into the season finale in New York as the division leaders.

26. (27) CHICAGO BEARS

• Last week: Beat Jacksonville, 23-10 (+4)
  
• Actual Record: 7-6
• My predicted record: 10-3
• Points scored for me with wins: 40
• Points scored for me with losses: 12
  
• Points taken from me with wins: 1
  
• Points taken from me with losses: 30
• Plus/Minus: +21
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

The Vikings know how to collapse with the best of them and there's still an open door for the Bears.

27. (26) GREEN BAY PACKERS

• Last week: Lost to Houston, 24-21 (-1)
• Actual Record: 5-8
• My predicted record: 7-6
• Points scored for me with wins: 15
• Points scored for me with losses: 28
  
• Points taken from me with wins: 13
• Points taken from me with losses: 12
• Plus/Minus: +18
  
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

The schedule is workable, but too much depends on both the Vikes and the Bears finishing poorly.

One of those teams doing that? Sure.

Both? No.

28. (25) NEW YORK JETS

• Last week: Lost to San Francisco, 24-14 (-11)
  
• Actual Record: 8-5
• My predicted record: 8-5
• Points scored for me with wins: 53
• Points scored for me with losses: 5
  
• Points taken from me with wins: 17
• Points taken from me with losses: 32
• Plus/Minus: +9
  
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

While the Pats have probably the softest remaining schedule of the three leaders in the East, winning out for the Jets isn't out of the question.

29. (30) JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

• Last week: Lost to Chicago, 23-10 (+4)
  
• Actual Record: 4-9
• My predicted record: 5-8
• Points scored for me with wins: 3
  
• Points scored for me with losses: 26
• Points taken from me with wins: 13
• Points taken from me with losses: 21
• Plus/Minus: -5
  
• "PLAYOFFS?!"":

Who cares?! They might actually finish in the positive for me on the year!

/knocks on wood

30. (29) ATLANTA FALCONS

• Last week: Lost to New Orleans, 29-25 (-6)
  
• Actual Record: 8-5
• My predicted record: 6-7
  
• Points scored for me with wins: 24
• Points scored for me with losses: 19
• Points taken from me with wins: 34
• Points taken from me with losses: 16
• Plus/Minus: -7
  
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

The Titans fan at Wild Wings scoffed at my notion that Atlanta was going to be the losing team in the NFC Championship (which is probably fair), but I'm sticking with it ... for now.

31. (31) BUFFALO BILLS

• Last week: Lost to Miami, 16-3 (+3)
  
• Actual Record: 6-7
• My predicted record: 7-6
• Points scored for me with wins: 28
• Points scored for me with losses: 8
• Points taken from me with wins: 16
  
• Points taken from me with losses: 29
  
• Plus/Minus: -9
  
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

There's always one team that comes out on fire and somehow doesn't get into the playoffs.

This year, that team will be the Buffalo Bills, who won their first four games and lost seven of the n.

32. (32) DENVER BRONCOS

• Last week: Beat Kansas City, 24-17 (+9)
  
• Actual Record: 8-5
• My predicted record: 11-2
• Points scored for me with wins: 35
  
• Points scored for me with losses: 0
• Points taken from me with wins: 19
• Points taken from me with losses: 38
• Plus/Minus: -22
  
• "PLAYOFFS?!":

It's just a matter of time until they lock up the division, although they've been so lackluster at home, you have to imagine that whomever came into town wouldn't be underdogs by too much——if at all.

Playoff predictions:

AFC
#1 Pittsburgh Steelers
#2 Tennessee Titans
#3 New England Patriots
#4 Denver Broncos
#5 Indianapolis Colts
#6 Miami Dolphins

NFC
#1 New York Giants
#2 Carolina Panthers
#3 Arizona Cardinals
#4 Chicago Bears
#5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
#6 Atlanta Falcons

16-point games: 6-0
15-point games: 5-2
14-point games: 11-2
13-point games: 11-3
12-point games: 11-3
11-point games: 11-3
10-point games: 11-3
9-point games: 8-6
8-point games: 8-6
7-point games: 9-5
6-point games: 8-6
5-point games: 5-9
4-point games: 9-5
3-point games: 8-6
2-point games: 7-6
1-point games: 7-7