The conclusion of week 11 means it is time for NFL power rankings. CBS Sports revealed their Week 12 NFL Power Rankings and they bumped the Oakland Raiders up one spot from No. 14 to No. 13. Their biggest climber was the Raiders main competition at this point in the West, the Denver Broncos. The Broncos climbed from No. 25 to No. 19 on the heels of their stunning victory over the New York Jets.
The AFC West has been all over the place in recent weeks, with three teams tied for second last week. There has been some clarity in the division with the Chargers and Chiefs dropping two games back. The Raiders now lead the Broncos by one game with six games remaining.
Week 12 brings an intriguing slate of games for the AFC West. The Raiders host the Chicago Bears, in what will be a stiff challenge for the Raiders offense. At the same time, the Bears will be without QB Jay Cutler, which eases the defensive challenge a bit. Matt Forte is still a load, but the Raiders are in a better position with Cutler sidelined.
The Denver Broncos travel to Southern California to face the San Diego Chargers in a game with huge divisional implications. If the Raiders win, a Broncos win sends the Chargers plummeting to three games out. If the Raiders win and the Broncos lose, the Raiders will hold a two-game lead on at least two teams in the division. Of course, the Raiders have to win to make this all the more significant. With the Chiefs hosting the Steelers, the Raiders could really be in the driver's seat by the end of this weekend.
Here is the top ten in the NFL according to CBS Sports Week 12 NFL Power Rankings:
1. Green Bay Packers
2. San Francisco 49ers
3. Houston Texans
4. Baltimore Ravens
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
6. New Orleans Saints
7. New England Patriots
8. Chicago Bears
9. Detroit Lions
10. Atlanta Falcons