POWER RANKINGS
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1 Chargers · Trends 1
They didn't play well at Seattle yet found a way to win. That's the sign of a really good team. Philip Rivers is in a bit of a slump, though.
2 Ravens · Trends 2
That defense will make them a tough matchup in the playoffs. But the real key will be Steve McNair's passing, which is something this team hasn't had.
3 Bears · Trends 3
That was essentially a preseason game they played against the Lions, and they still won. This week, they should rest up for the playoffs.
4 Colts · Trends 4
With that run defense, they don't stand a chance of winning a Super Bowl. But maybe it can be fixed. They made Ron Dayne look like the Wisconsin Ron Dayne.
5 Patriots · Trends 5
Tom Brady will make this team dangerous come playoff time, no matter who he's throwing to at receiver. Getting guys like Rodney Harrison back is important to a run.
6 Saints · Trends 6
Sean Payton isn't afraid to take chances, which is why this team is plowing to the playoffs. The defense had a heck of a day in New York on Sunday.
7 Eagles · Trends 8
Lost in all the Jeff Garcia hype is how well the defense is suddenly playing. The secondary has really stepped it up.
8 Broncos · Trends 10
Jay Cutler has improved the offense, and that will be key in the playoffs. But that's a different level of intensity.
9 Cowboys · Trends 7
They're in the playoffs, but they're really struggling on defense. That won't win come playoff time.
10 Bengals · Trends 9
Despite the botched snap Sunday, if they beat the Steelers this week and get help they could still make the playoffs. That won't be easy against a rival.
11 Jets · Trends 13
This team is one victory away from a playoff berth. That is simply mind-boggling. Eric Mangini has done a heck of a job.
12 Chiefs · Trends 15
This team had a playoff look six weeks ago, but had some tough losses. They need more playmakers outside on offense.
13 Jaguars · Trends 11
Their destiny is no longer in their hands. That means they need to beat the Chiefs and get help -- lots of it.
14 Titans · Trends 17
Can you believe this team started 0-5? Jeff Fisher has worked miracles with this group. With a little luck, this can be a playoff team. That's amazing.
15 Giants · Trends 14
This thing is in the tank. But despite the awful play -- and there has been plenty of it -- they can still be a playoff team. If not, what does the future hold for Tom Coughlin?
16 Seahawks · Trends 12
They're in the playoffs, but they're not playing well. They could be a one-and-done in the playoffs.
17 Falcons · Trends 16
So now the quarterback is complaining about the coach? What a mess. And yet they can still make the playoffs. Wow.
18 Steelers · Trends 19
The quest to repeat never really had legs. But they can ruin the Bengals season on Sunday, which you know they'd love.
19 Panthers · Trends 21
After all they've been through, they're still a potential playoff team. But winning in New Orleans won't be easy.
20 Bills · Trends 18
The best thing about this season for the Bills is the progress of J.P. Losman. This could be a division winner next season.
21 Packers · Trends 22
They're still alive in the playoff race. Give credit to first-year coach Mike McCarthy. They need help to get in, plus win at Chicago, but weirder things have happened.
22 Rams · Trends 25
The offense has come alive in the past month, and they're alive in the playoff race as well. Marc Bulger is having a heck of a season.
23 Dolphins · Trends 23
The disappointing season is almost done. But will Nick Saban be around to pick up the pieces next season?
24 Vikings · Trends 20
They need to find a quarterback in the worst way. Tarvaris Jackson is a ways away from being a quality starter. Maybe a trade for Byron Leftwich could work.
25 Texans · Trends 31
They've had three big division victories, two over the Jaguars and one over the Colts. There is progress.
26 Cardinals · Trends 26
This team has played well the past month, which has started some talk that Dennis Green might be back. We'll see on that one.
27 ***** · Trends 24
They've made progress this season, but it's days like Sunday's loss to the Cardinals that remind us it's not enough. They're still another offseason away from being a playoff contender.
28 Buccaneers · Trends 28
They showed some life against the Browns -- at least on defense. They need the entire offseason to fix that offense.
29 Redskins · Trends 26
It looks like they have a quarterback to build around for the future in Jason Campbell. The key will be preventing Daniel Snyder from making dumb decisions come the spring.
30 Browns · Trends 29
This is a team that didn't make a step up in 2006, which is a surprise. Is Romeo Crennel safe? We'll see.
31 Raiders · Trends 30
Does Art Shell have one game left as some have reported? Or will Al Davis just keep him to make a reporter look bad? We'll see.
32 Lions · Trends 32
Mercifully, there is just one more game. But now comes the tough part: Trying to fix this mess.