When you turn on the television to see NFL games on snow-covered fields you know December football has arrived. With the playoffs around the corner, December stands for intensity and for many teams it means playing in inclement weather. The Bears outlasted the 49ers in heavy snow while the Packers got back on track with a win over the Texans in similar conditions. On Thursday Night Football, the Cowboys survived a close one in Minnesota to extend their win streak to 11 games. The Patriots and Raiders continued to fight for the top seed in the AFC with victories. The Seahawks eased all the 12's anxiety with a bounce back game at home against the Panthers on Sunday Night Football. Tampa Bay continued their win streak with a victory over the Chargers in San Diego. In case you did not know, the Lions are now 8-4 and sit in first in the NFC North. This week's rankings include two new teams who are trending in the right direction. Heavy explores all this and more in the latest edition of our power rankings. Click the arrow on the right side of the above image to see Heavy's NFL power rankings for Week 13. (Getty)
No. 10 Baltimore Ravens
Record: 7-5
Last Week's Ranking: Not Ranked
Last Game: Won 38-6 Over Dolphins
Outlook: Baltimore destroyed a red hot Dolphins team who had won six straight games heading into the contest. The Ravens have won four of their last five games and sit atop the AFC North. They have the difficult task of traveling to Foxborough to take on the Patriots. Baltimore could find it challenging to hang onto the division lead with three of their final four games on the road. The AFC North could come down to a Christmas Day matchup with the Steelers. (Getty)
No. 9 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Record: 7-5
Last Week's Ranking: 10th
Last Game: Won 28-21 Over Chargers
Outlook: The Bucs followed up their upset victory over the Seahawks with a win on the road against the Chargers. They have won four straight games and are one of the hottest teams in the NFL. Everyone knows about the Bucs offense led by Jameis Winston and Mike Evans but it has been the play of their defense that has helped Tampa Bay find success. Their win combined with the Falcons loss have the Bucs even with the Falcons in the NFC South. Tampa Bay takes on the Saints in Week 14. (Getty)
No. 8 Detroit Lions
Record: 8-4
Last Week's Ranking: Not Ranked
Last Game: Won 28-13 Over Saints
Outlook: Detroit has won four straight games and seven of their last eight games. They may be the quietest team in our power rankings as they are flying under the radar despite being first in the NFC North. The Lions take on the Bears next week before heading on the road to square off with the NFC East heavyweights Giants and Cowboys. With Minnesota's late season struggles, Detroit has emerged as the favorite to win the division. (Getty)
No. 7 New York Giants
Record: 8-4
Last Week's Ranking: 5th
Last Game: Lost 24-14 to Steelers
Outlook: The Giants took a step back with their loss to the Steelers. New York has a chance to bounce back this week on Sunday Night Football against the Cowboys. A win would keep them in the hunt for the NFC East even though their chances are slim. The Giants have the distinction of being the only team to defeat Dallas this season. The Giants have a long road ahead as they finish the season against the Cowboys, Lions, Eagles and Redskins. (Getty)
No. 6 Denver Broncos
Record: 8-4
Last Week's Ranking: 7th
Last Game: Won 20-10 Over Jaguars
Outlook: Paxton Lynch filled in at quarterback for an injured Trevor Siemian and got his first win as a starter. Lynch and the Broncos offense leaned on their defense as they have done all season. The Broncos forced three turnovers to take the pressure off their rookie quarterback. The Broncos travel to Nashville to take on the Titans in Week 14. (Getty)
No. 5 Kansas City Chiefs
Record: 9-3
Last Week's Ranking: 6th
Last Game: Won 29-28 Over Falcons
Outlook: Eric Berry came up with the play of the week. Berry intercepted Matt Ryan and returned it to the endzone as the Falcons attempted a two-point conversation late in the fourth quarter that ended up costing them the game. The Chiefs are staying neck and neck with the Raiders in the AFC West. Kansas City has an opportunity to draw even with their rivals with a win in their Thursday night showdown with Oakland. (Getty)
No. 4 Seattle Seahawks
Record: 8-3-1
Last Week's Ranking: 4th
Last Game: Won 40-7 Over Panthers
Outlook: Seattle bounced back in a big way with their victory on Sunday Night Football against the Panthers. The bad news is it looks like they lost star safety Earl Thomas for the rest of the season with a cracked fibula. After struggling immensely the previous week, the Seattle offense looked as dynamic as ever with Thomas Rawls giving an added dimension in the run game. The Seahawks head to Lambeau Field on Sunday to take on the Packers. (Getty)
No. 3 Oakland Raiders
Record: 10-2
Last Week's Ranking: 3rd
Last Game: Won 38-24 Over Bills
Outlook: The Raiders relied on a huge fourth quarter to come away with a comeback victory over the Bills. Derek Carr looks to have rebounded from his hand injury from last week as he helped lead an amazing comeback. Oakland has won six straight games on their way to one of the best records in the league. They go on the road the next two weeks for a couple AFC West matchups against the Chiefs and Chargers. All eyes will be on their Thursday Night game against the Chiefs. Both teams are not only the top two teams in the AFC West but two of the better teams in the AFC. (Getty)
No. 2 New England Patriots
Record: 10-2
Last Week's Ranking: 2nd
Last Game: Won 26-10 Over Rams
Outlook: As expected, the Patriots had no problem with the Rams. The long-term question is how the Patriots will function without Rob Gronkowski. The Patriots are fighting with the Raiders for the top spot in the AFC. They host the Ravens on Monday Night Football before heading on the road to battle the Broncos in two weeks. (Getty)
No. 1 Dallas Cowboys
Record: 11-1
Last Week's Ranking: 1st
Last Game: Won 17-15 Over Vikings
Outlook: Dallas gave fans a lesson in winning ugly. For much of the season, the Cowboys have won with style under Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott. They needed a different gear on Thursday night in a cold Minnesota climate against a great defense. While Prescott and the offense failed to find a rhythm, it was the defense and special teams that carried the Cowboys to victory. After Washington's loss, Dallas is officially in the playoffs. They travel to New York to take on the Giants on Sunday Night Football. (Getty)
NFL Power Rankings Week 13