Mark Maske's NFL Power Rankings
By Mark Maske
Washington Post Staff Writer
Web Posted: Wednesday, Dec. 15; 2:57 p.m. EST
1. Steelers (12-1) Rookie QB Ben Roethlisberger has alternated one good game with one bad one in recent weeks, but the team continues to find ways to win. Roethlisberger, by the way, is due for a good one this weekend as he prepares for his first NFL game against Eli Manning. (Last Week's Rank: 1) 2. Patriots (12-1) -- It will be interesting to see if offensive coordinator Charlie Weis's new responsibilities as Notre Dame's head coach affect another Super Bowl run. (2) 3. Eagles (12-1) -- -- Their overwhelming dominance of NFC opponents was ended by Sunday night's narrow win over the Redskins at FedEx Field. (3) 4. Colts (10-3) -- QB Peyton Manning's record chase was slowed down in Houston, and now he must face Baltimore's proud defense. (4) 5. Chargers (10-3) -- Marty Schottenheimer should be a runaway choice for coach of the year. (5) 6. Falcons (10-3) -- The division is clinched, but they'll be short on running backs this week. (7) 7. Jets (9-4) -- They had a chance to win in Pittsburgh, but QB Chad Pennington let them down. (6) 8. Packers (8-5) -- They haven't looked like the NFC's second-best team the past two weeks, but they found a way to win against the Lions. (8) 9. Bills (7-6) -- Their turnaround isn't getting the attention it deserves because it's being overshadowed by the Panthers' comeback. (11) 10. Ravens (8-5) -- Sunday night's game in Indy will give an indication whether this team has any chance of playoff success. (12) 11. Broncos (8-5) -- Rookie Tatum Bell could become the club's third different featured runner this season, after Quentin Griffin and Reuben Droughns. (13) 12. Panthers (6-7) -- Now things get serious, with Saturday night's game at Atlanta. (16) 13. Jaguars (7-6) -- Must win at Green Bay on Sunday to keep playoff hopes alive. (14) 14. Bengals (6-7) -- Gave the Patriots a real scare. (10) 15. Seahawks (7-6) -- Coach Mike Holmgren had better send something really nice for Christmas to Vikings offensive coordinator Scott Linehan. (21) (17) 16. Vikings (7-6) -- Show us something, Mike Tice. Run that play again the next time you have a first down at the 20-yard line. (9) 17. Rams (6-7) -- Hurry back, Marc Bulger. (15) 18. Texans (5-8) -- Will have to wait another year for a winning season. (19) 19. Chiefs (5-8) -- They're winning now that it no longer matters. (25) 20. Buccaneers (5-8) -- Who ever thought Michael Clayton would be the most productive of this year's rookie receivers? (17) 21. Saints (5-8) -- Signs of life are probably too late to save Coach Jim Haslett's job. (29) 22. Lions (5-8) -- Club president Matt Millen doesn't seem ready to give up on QB Joey Harrington, but Coach Steve Mariucci might be. (23) 23. Cowboys (5-8) -- Just when they seemed to be putting things together, they lose at home to the Saints. The Saints? (18) 24. Redskins (4-9) -- At least Patrick Ramsey looks like he can be next season's starting QB. (22) 25. Bears (5-8) -- The real Chad Hutchinson just stood up. (20) 26. Titans (4-9) -- It's possible that QB Steve McNair has played the final game of his NFL career. (26) 27. Raiders (4-9) -- People around the league are convinced that the firing of coach Norv Turner is a foregone conclusion. (27) 28. Giants (5-8) -- Does Archie even take Eli's calls these days? (24) 29. Dolphins (2-11) -- Are in hot pursuit of LSU Coach Nick Saban. (30) 30. Cardinals (4-9) -- Dennis Green committed coaching malpractice this season. (28) 31. 49ers (2-11) -- Dennis Erickson's coaching status is listed as day to day. But man, does he own the Cardinals. (32) 32. Browns (3-10) -- Maybe Dave Campo could finish the season as the double-interim coach. (31)
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