NFL Power Rankings By Adrian Hasenmayer, FOXSports.com
Updated: December 2, 2008, 7:13 PM ET 623 comments

Was it just a year ago when Giants' fans were demanding the heads of both Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin? The G-Men seemed rudderless, and the Manning had shown nothing special in his young NFL career.

Was it just a year ago when Giants' fans were demanding the heads of both Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin? The G-Men seemed rudderless, and the Manning had shown nothing special in his young NFL career. Now Big Blue fans can realistically dream of a modern-day dynasty. COOL STAT: Including the 2007 playoffs, the Giants are now a remarkable 16-1 in their last 17 road games. THIS WEEK: vs. Eagles (6-5-1)

After the Bears, Packers and Jets sold out to take away the Titans' running game, Jeff Fisher told his team to re-establish its identity against winless Detroit. 292 rushing yards later, consider mission accomplished.

After the Bears, Packers and Jets sold out to take away the Titans' running game, Jeff Fisher told his team to re-establish its identity against winless Detroit. 292 rushing yards later, consider mission accomplished. In all honesty, beating the Lions was like an extra bye week. COOL STAT: Against the Lions, Detroit's Kevin Smith had one 21-yard gain. Other than that, the Titans limited the Lions to just two rushing yards the rest of the game. THIS WEEK: vs. Browns (4-8)

Troy Polamalu gets most of the ink for the NFL's No.1 defense. But as usual, defensive coordinator Dick Labeau has a trio of big-time playmakers at linebacker -- headed by James Harrison, who took over in the win at New England.

Troy Polamalu gets most of the ink for the NFL's No.1 defense. But as usual, defensive coordinator Dick Labeau has a trio of big-time playmakers at linebacker -- headed by James Harrison, who took over in the win at New England. Harrison forced two second-half fumbles that turned into Steeler points, and made Matt Cassel look like some high school kid. COOL STAT: Pittsburgh's defense has held every opponent in 2008 under 300 total yards. THIS WEEK: vs. Cowboys (8-4)

With first place on the line against the Panthers this weekend, the game within the game resides in the Panthers' running attack against the nearly impenetrable Tampa defense. The Bucs have allowed only one 100-yard game to a RB this season, but face two terrific Carolina backs -- including DeAngelo Williams, who's coming off a four-TD game at Green Bay.

With first place on the line against the Panthers this weekend, the game within the game resides in the Panthers' running attack against the nearly impenetrable Tampa defense. The Bucs have allowed only one 100-yard game to a RB this season, but face two terrific Carolina backs -- including DeAngelo Williams, who's coming off a four-TD game at Green Bay. COOL STAT: NFC South teams are a combined 22-2 at home this season. THIS WEEK: at Panthers (9-3)

For once the Panthers got off to a good start in Green Bay, jumping out to a rare early lead. Revenge and first place are on their minds against the rival Bucs, but is the Carolina defense wearing down? Julius Peppers and Co.

For once the Panthers got off to a good start in Green Bay, jumping out to a rare early lead. Revenge and first place are on their minds against the rival Bucs, but is the Carolina defense wearing down? Julius Peppers and Co. have given up 76 points and 830 total yards over the past two games. COOL STAT: Since rushing for a season-low 40 yards in Week 6 at Tampa Bay, the Panthers have averaged 157.7 rushing yards per game in their last six games. THIS WEEK: vs. Bucs (9-3)

Call it a classic letdown game in sloppy weather against Denver, but deep down the Jets should be stewing over missing a chance to extend their AFC East lead to two games over both New England and Miami.

Call it a classic letdown game in sloppy weather against Denver, but deep down the Jets should be stewing over missing a chance to extend their AFC East lead to two games over both New England and Miami. But as long as it doesn't rain or Brett Favre doesn't retire a few games early, New York should win its first division title since 2002. COOL STAT: The Jets were held under 20 points for just the third time this season against Denver. The Jets are 0-3 when scoring under 20. THIS WEEK: at 49ers (4-8)

Balance is the key to life in almost every way. It also sure helps an NFL offense -- and a rookie QB -- if a team is not forced to be one-dimensional. With the South's fresh version of the Triplets in Matt Ryan-Michael Turner-Roddy White, the Falcons are one of football's most balanced and consistent offenses.

Balance is the key to life in almost every way. It also sure helps an NFL offense -- and a rookie QB -- if a team is not forced to be one-dimensional. With the South's fresh version of the Triplets in Matt Ryan-Michael Turner-Roddy White, the Falcons are one of football's most balanced and consistent offenses. But despite almost zero publicity, Atlanta's defense is proving itself worthy of playoff status. COOL STAT: Last week at San Diego, the Falcons held LaDainian Tomlinson to just 24 yards rushing -- the second-lowest total of his career. THIS WEEK: at Saints (6-6)

The Cowboys look like the team we thought they were at the start of the season before The Talented Mr. Romo hurt his pinky. Dallas has beat up on some NFC West doormats the past two weeks to build some confidence, which they'll need judging by their remaining schedule -- the toughest final four games in the NFL: @PIT (9-3), NYG (11-1), BAL (8-4), @PHI (6-5-1).

The Cowboys look like the team we thought they were at the start of the season before The Talented Mr. Romo hurt his pinky. Dallas has beat up on some NFC West doormats the past two weeks to build some confidence, which they'll need judging by their remaining schedule -- the toughest final four games in the NFL: @PIT (9-3), NYG (11-1), BAL (8-4), @PHI (6-5-1). COOL STAT: The Cowboys recorded first downs on 11 of their first 16 plays and 17 of their first 23 against Seattle on Thanksgiving. THIS WEEK: at Steelers (9-3)

The Colts continue to find ways to win the close games, which will make them a tough out in January -- especially with Peyton Manning playing clutch football at the end of games. But there continues to be way too much pressure on Manning's shoulders thanks to a nonexistent running game.

The Colts continue to find ways to win the close games, which will make them a tough out in January -- especially with Peyton Manning playing clutch football at the end of games. But there continues to be way too much pressure on Manning's shoulders thanks to a nonexistent running game. Where art thou, Joseph Addai? COOL STAT: In Week 12 at Cleveland, the Colts failed to score an offensive TD for the first time since Week 1 in 2003 -- also a win at Cleveland (9-6). THIS WEEK: vs. Bengals (1-10-1)

We're well past the time for comments like "what a nice little turnaround by the plucky Ravens." These birds can kick some butt. And first-year coach John Harbaugh seems to have preserved Willis McGahee for the next three games -- WSH (7-5), PIT (9-3), @DAL (8-4) -- a stretch that will define this year's team.

We're well past the time for comments like "what a nice little turnaround by the plucky Ravens." These birds can kick some butt. And first-year coach John Harbaugh seems to have preserved Willis McGahee for the next three games -- WSH (7-5), PIT (9-3), @DAL (8-4) -- a stretch that will define this year's team. COOL STAT: No player has rushed for 100 yards against Baltimore's defense since Larry Johnson on December 10, 2006 -- a stretch of 31 straight games (the NFL's longest active streak). THIS WEEK: vs. Redskins (7-5)

It's time to be a little concerned about the Redskins, who have dropped three of the past four games and are starting to wear down. Injuries are starting to ding their defensive leaders, but the biggest issue this week is the health of MVP candidate Clinton Portis.

It's time to be a little concerned about the Redskins, who have dropped three of the past four games and are starting to wear down. Injuries are starting to ding their defensive leaders, but the biggest issue this week is the health of MVP candidate Clinton Portis. If they can't get a running game going against Ray Lewis, then Jason Campbell's in trouble Sunday. COOL STAT: Campbell has been sacked 32 times this season, the most by a Redskins QB since Trent Green went down 49 times in 1998. THIS WEEK: at Ravens (8-4)

It's fair to start wondering again about the Cardinals, if you weren't already. They still haven't won a road game outside the NFC Worst and are just 3-5 overall this season against the rest of the league.

It's fair to start wondering again about the Cardinals, if you weren't already. They still haven't won a road game outside the NFC Worst and are just 3-5 overall this season against the rest of the league. COOL STAT: Kurt Warner has now thrown at least one TD pass in 20 straight games -- the longest active streak in football. THIS WEEK: vs. Rams (2-10)

Now everyone's jumping off the Matt Cassel bandwagon -- more like running for their lives -- after the Pats were hammered by Pittsburgh last week. Settle down, people. Sure the Pats were sloppy, but facing the league's toughest defense in a messy rain wasn't going to be a cakewalk.

Now everyone's jumping off the Matt Cassel bandwagon -- more like running for their lives -- after the Pats were hammered by Pittsburgh last week. Settle down, people. Sure the Pats were sloppy, but facing the league's toughest defense in a messy rain wasn't going to be a cakewalk. The Patriots will be fine. COOL STAT: The last time a Patriots squad lost three games in the same season by 20+ points was 1992 by the 2-14 Patriots. THIS WEEK: at Seahawks (2-10)

Are the catcalls subsiding for the head of Brad Childress? Gasp! The Vikings are in first place for the first time in his tenure. But Tuesday's suspensions of Pro Bowl defensive linemen Kevin and Pat Williams put a serious dent in their playoff hopes.

Are the catcalls subsiding for the head of Brad Childress? Gasp! The Vikings are in first place for the first time in his tenure. But Tuesday's suspensions of Pro Bowl defensive linemen Kevin and Pat Williams put a serious dent in their playoff hopes. COOL STAT: Adrian Peterson is averaging 115.9 yards per game at home since joining the league in 2007 — best of any player in football. THIS WEEK: at Lions (0-12)

The last team to win 10 games in a season one year after winning just one game was the 1963 Raiders from the ol' AFL days. 45 years later, Miami has a real shot at performing the feat, but a lot rides on their two remaining division games against Buffalo this week and at the Jets in the season finale.

The last team to win 10 games in a season one year after winning just one game was the 1963 Raiders from the ol' AFL days. 45 years later, Miami has a real shot at performing the feat, but a lot rides on their two remaining division games against Buffalo this week and at the Jets in the season finale. COOL STAT: In a stat Bill Parcells surely loves, the Dolphins have turned the ball over an NFL-low 10 times this season. THIS WEEK: at Bills (6-6)

Tie game, late fourth quarter, ball in Drew Brees' hand -- exactly how Sean Payton drew it up against Tampa Bay. But not one, but two late interceptions cost the Saints a realistic shot at the playoffs ...

Tie game, late fourth quarter, ball in Drew Brees' hand -- exactly how Sean Payton drew it up against Tampa Bay. But not one, but two late interceptions cost the Saints a realistic shot at the playoffs ... and that's a real shame. New Orleans MUST win this week to have any chance at all, and may have to win out. COOL STAT: The Saints are 4-15 in games Drew Brees has been forced to throw 40+ times. THIS WEEK: vs. Falcons (8-4)

The local Philly crisis hotlines can cool down this week after beating the Cardinals like turkeys on Thanksgiving (insert cheesy rim shot here). Donovan McNabb's four touchdown passes got all the run, but more important was the resurgence of previously gimpy RB Brian Westbrook, who scored four TDs himself.

The local Philly crisis hotlines can cool down this week after beating the Cardinals like turkeys on Thanksgiving (insert cheesy rim shot here). Donovan McNabb's four touchdown passes got all the run, but more important was the resurgence of previously gimpy RB Brian Westbrook, who scored four TDs himself. As he goes, so go the Birds. COOL STAT: Eagles receivers lead the NFL with 28 dropped passes. THIS WEEK: at Giants (11-1)

At one point against Philly early in the season, the Bears were saved by a goal-line stand ... one that helped turn their season around. However, getting stuffed four times from the one against Minnesota last week has allowed their season to pivot in the opposite direction -- especially once ex-Bear Bernard Berrian stopped running off his ensuing 99-yard TD catch and run.

At one point against Philly early in the season, the Bears were saved by a goal-line stand ... one that helped turn their season around. However, getting stuffed four times from the one against Minnesota last week has allowed their season to pivot in the opposite direction -- especially once ex-Bear Bernard Berrian stopped running off his ensuing 99-yard TD catch and run. COOL STAT: The Bears are averaging just 148 passing yards per game in their last five games. THIS WEEK: vs. Jaguars (4-8)

The Broncos are the poster children for this season's wacky NFL, as even division leaders can sandwich quality wins over the Falcons and Jets with a stinker like losing to the Raiders in Week 12 ...

The Broncos are the poster children for this season's wacky NFL, as even division leaders can sandwich quality wins over the Falcons and Jets with a stinker like losing to the Raiders in Week 12 ... and by three touchdowns at home. Why would anyone ever gamble on this league? COOL STAT: RB Peyton Hillis recorded just the second 100-yard rushing game by a Broncos back this season, easily the fewest amount for any Shanahan team since he arrived in 1995. THIS WEEK: vs. Chiefs (2-10)

The Packers continue to lose close games against the league's better teams, which is both hope-provoking and dream-crushing. But go easy on coach Mike McCarthy on one thing -- to those ripping him for taking a go-ahead field goal over trying on fourth-and-goal from the one with just two minutes left in a tie game, are you kidding me? Tie game with two minutes left ...

The Packers continue to lose close games against the league's better teams, which is both hope-provoking and dream-crushing. But go easy on coach Mike McCarthy on one thing -- to those ripping him for taking a go-ahead field goal over trying on fourth-and-goal from the one with just two minutes left in a tie game, are you kidding me? Tie game with two minutes left ... take the lead, period. If your special teams and defense can't hold the fort after that, it's on them. COOL STAT: After allowing a season-low three points to the Bears in Week 11, Green Bay has given up 86 points in its last two games combined.. THIS WEEK: vs. Texans (5-7)

G-g-g-groin injury ... Ol' Cheers sportscaster wannabe Sammy Malone would have had a great time rapping about Trent Edwards' recent injury. But it's no laughing matter to Bills fans, who have probably watched this season's dreams wash down the gutter like the rainfall that plagued their awful loss to the 49ers.

G-g-g-groin injury ... Ol' Cheers sportscaster wannabe Sammy Malone would have had a great time rapping about Trent Edwards' recent injury. But it's no laughing matter to Bills fans, who have probably watched this season's dreams wash down the gutter like the rainfall that plagued their awful loss to the 49ers. Good luck winning out with J.P. Losman. COOL STAT: Despite the Week 13 loss, the Bills held the 49ers to 195 yards, their lowest total in 59 games since giving up just 120 yards to Houston in Week 1 of 2005. THIS WEEK: vs. Dolphins (7-5)

Yet another tight loss to one of the NFL's better teams. Unfortunately for coach Norv Turner, the NFL doesn't reward teams for "almost-wins" but luckily for Turner, his boss A.J. Smith seems to be keeping the faith with his hand-picked successor to Marty Schottenheimer.

Yet another tight loss to one of the NFL's better teams. Unfortunately for coach Norv Turner, the NFL doesn't reward teams for "almost-wins" but luckily for Turner, his boss A.J. Smith seems to be keeping the faith with his hand-picked successor to Marty Schottenheimer. Meanwhile, the rest of the free football-lovin' world remains skeptical that Turner is the right guy to lead the Chargers to a Super Bowl. COOL STAT: The Chargers' leading rusher against the Falcons was Jacob Hester, whose one carry came on a fake field goal for 28 yards. THIS WEEK: vs. Raiders (3-9)

Houston, we have no problem with running back Steve Slaton. With all of the attention understandably afforded the rookie QB duo of Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco, it's been easy to overlook how well Slaton has played for the Texans.

Houston, we have no problem with running back Steve Slaton. With all of the attention understandably afforded the rookie QB duo of Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco, it's been easy to overlook how well Slaton has played for the Texans. COOL STAT: After running for 83 yards in the fourth quarter vs. the Jags Monday night, Slaton ranks 2nd in the NFL in fourth quarter rushing yards (311). THIS WEEK: at Packers (5-7)

Give Mike Singletary a lot of credit, because his 49ers are responding well to his not-so-private pushing and prodding. The Niners still have a ways to go, but that was a gutty win on the road last week at Buffalo.

Give Mike Singletary a lot of credit, because his 49ers are responding well to his not-so-private pushing and prodding. The Niners still have a ways to go, but that was a gutty win on the road last week at Buffalo. COOL STAT: San Francisco's win over Buffalo was the first by a West-Coast team traveling and playing an East Cost game with the early Sunday afternoon start time. THIS WEEK: vs. Jets (8-4)

Jack Del Rio has lost this team. Whether he can get the locker room -- which Fred Taylor told Adam Schein was the worst chemistry he's ever seen in the NFL -- back in 2009 remains another question for the offseason, what should be a foundation-shaking few months in Jacksonville.

Jack Del Rio has lost this team. Whether he can get the locker room -- which Fred Taylor told Adam Schein was the worst chemistry he's ever seen in the NFL -- back in 2009 remains another question for the offseason, what should be a foundation-shaking few months in Jacksonville. COOL STAT: The once-proud Jaguars defense has given up 30 points in consecutive games for the first time under Del Rio and first since 2001. THIS WEEK: at Bears (6-6)

Your Browns starting quarterback, Ken Dorsey!!! So much for that recent quarterback controversy between Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson, as now both guys are in the doctor's office. Judging by the booing when Anderson was injured late last week, most Browns fans are fine with that.

Your Browns starting quarterback, Ken Dorsey!!! So much for that recent quarterback controversy between Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson, as now both guys are in the doctor's office. Judging by the booing when Anderson was injured late last week, most Browns fans are fine with that. COOL STAT: Browns QBs have completed an NFL-worst 49.9 percent of their passes this season. THIS WEEK: at Titans (11-1)

Seahawks head honcho Mike Holmgren reportedly became choked up in talking up his team leading up to the Turkey Day game at Dallas. Are we sure they weren't tears of joy over the fact that he only has four more games with this bunch? COOL STAT: Seattle is averaging an NFC-worst 148.8 passing yards per game, which would rank as the franchise's second-worst season average all-time (111.1 per game in 1992).

Seahawks head honcho Mike Holmgren reportedly became choked up in talking up his team leading up to the Turkey Day game at Dallas. Are we sure they weren't tears of joy over the fact that he only has four more games with this bunch? COOL STAT: Seattle is averaging an NFC-worst 148.8 passing yards per game, which would rank as the franchise's second-worst season average all-time (111.1 per game in 1992). THIS WEEK: vs. Patriots (7-5)

A win is a win, right? Actually, these Chiefs have battled admirably the last month while clearly overmatched in the talent department (and some fans would include the coaching department as well).

A win is a win, right? Actually, these Chiefs have battled admirably the last month while clearly overmatched in the talent department (and some fans would include the coaching department as well). COOL STAT: The Chiefs have an NFL-worst six sacks in 12 games -- which threatens the NFL all-time record low for a 16-game season (13 by 1981 Baltimore Colts). THIS WEEK: at Broncos (7-5)

Of course the Raiders found a way to turn a fake field goal into a long TD return for the opposition and a potential 10-point swing in a seven-point loss. Al Davis has got to be stewing on that one all week while also trying to brush off more pot shots from Lane Kiffin's hiring press conference at the University of Tennessee.

Of course the Raiders found a way to turn a fake field goal into a long TD return for the opposition and a potential 10-point swing in a seven-point loss. Al Davis has got to be stewing on that one all week while also trying to brush off more pot shots from Lane Kiffin's hiring press conference at the University of Tennessee. COOL STAT: RB Justin Fargas lost a fumble against the Chiefs, his first in 288 carries. THIS WEEK: at Chargers (4-8)

Once again, with a healthy Steven Jackson the Rams resembled an actual NFL team. They would do well to follow the examples of the Falcons and Ravens, two teams who turned intelligent, proactive offseasons into playoff runs.

Once again, with a healthy Steven Jackson the Rams resembled an actual NFL team. They would do well to follow the examples of the Falcons and Ravens, two teams who turned intelligent, proactive offseasons into playoff runs. The Rams' biggest decision: Do they stick with Marc Bulger at QB? COOL STAT: So much for the "Greatest Show on Turf" -- the Rams have just five players that have reached the end zone this season (fewest in NFL). THIS WEEK: at Cardinals (7-5)

Cincy's last 32 games, they are 8-23-1. Injuries or not, no wonder team owner Mike Brown failed to give coach Marvin Lewis a public vote of confidence when prodded this week. COOL STAT: While the Bengals O-line has allowed 43 sacks this season (T-2nd in NFL), Cincinnati has only 13 sacks on defense (31st in NFL).

Cincy's last 32 games, they are 8-23-1. Injuries or not, no wonder team owner Mike Brown failed to give coach Marvin Lewis a public vote of confidence when prodded this week. COOL STAT: While the Bengals O-line has allowed 43 sacks this season (T-2nd in NFL), Cincinnati has only 13 sacks on defense (31st in NFL). THIS WEEK: at Colts (8-4)

The end is near, Mr. Marinelli. And here come the Vikings, Colts, Saints and Packers on the run to 0-16. COOL STAT: Opposing passers own a collective 110.2 QB rating this season against Detroit, which could break the NFL's all-time record set by the 1982 Houston Oilers (107.3).

The end is near, Mr. Marinelli. And here come the Vikings, Colts, Saints and Packers on the run to 0-16. COOL STAT: Opposing passers own a collective 110.2 QB rating this season against Detroit, which could break the NFL's all-time record set by the 1982 Houston Oilers (107.3). THIS WEEK: vs. Vikings (7-5)