Week 12 NFL Power Rankings

12. Arizona Cardinals (6-4) (13) Cards still in the mix for a wild card spot. At least part of Andre Ellington’s hair will not be joining them.

11. Dallas Cowboys (5-5) (12) Cowboys suddenly in a must-win game against at the Giants coming up.

10. San Francisco 49ers (6-4) (9) Remember when the Niners were a lock for at least the NFC’s first wild card?

9. Detroit Lions (6-4) (6) What were they thinking with that fake field goal? Oh, that’s right. They’re the Lions.

8. Cincinnati Bengals (7-4) (10) Barring a major collapse, the AFC North is all but theirs.

Nov 18, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) gest tackled by New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Patriots 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

7. New England Patriots (7-3) (7) The Brady and Belichick dynasty defeated yet again.

6. Carolina Panthers (7-3) (8) Is anyone hotter than the white hot Panthers? A Monday Night Football win over the Patriots makes them legit.

5. Indianapolis Colts (7-3) (5) ADo they fall behind on purpose to watch Luck lead another comeback win?

4. Kansas City Chiefs (9-1) (1) The ’72 Dolphins champagne hangover ought to be wearing off about now.

3. Seattle Seahawks (10-1) (4) Seahawks hit the late bye as the first team to 10 wins. The Saints

2. New Orleans Saints (8-2) (3) A short week coming up before a Week 13 Monday Night showdown in Seattle.

1. Denver Broncos (9-1) (2) The Broncos scoring machine has been on the decline, but they’re still winning.