NFL power rankings: 49ers, Ravens, Saints rank high in Week 12

Niner Noise takes a look at Week 12 NFL power rankings, which sees the New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens all continuing their winning ways.

The final stretch of the 2019 regular season is upon us, and NFL power rankings are beginning to reflect the likeliest of playoff contenders heading into Week 12.

Not too surprisingly, the San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens and New Orleans Saints managed to win key ballgames in Week 11. Both the Niners and Saints were coming off tough Week 10 losses, so their respective wins on Sunday ensure they stay within the top five of Niner Noise’s NFL power rankings.

But where?

Meanwhile, the Ravens ended up throttling the Houston Texans in decisive fashion, again showcasing why second-year quarterback Lamar Jackson should be considered a top contender for league MVP when all is said and done. If there was an NFL power rankings for quarterbacks, Jackson would likely be No. 1 atop the list.

Yet there are a number of shakeups from our last NFL power rankings, too. The Chicago Bears are falling quick, while the Carolina Panthers are looking at their already-slim playoff chances diminishing even further.

The Minnesota Vikings turned things around at home against the Denver Broncos, while the Oakland Raiders are… gulp… right in the middle of the AFC playoff picture.

Who would have guess that this point a year ago?

The Philadelphia Eagles could be losing their grip on a playoff berth following their loss to the New England Patriots, who bounced back with a win. And the Dallas Cowboys look to be running away in the NFC East.

Where does the rest of the league stand heading into Week 12? Niner Noise takes a look in our next NFL power rankings installment, starting off with the bottom feeders.