But while it's pretty much a given that the Packers are the team to beat in the NFC, there is still much to be shaken in AFC.
On Thursday evening, the Ravens (8-3) made another strong statement, suggesting that they are the best competitor in the AFC. They dismantled the 49ers behind a defense that has garnered a franchise-record-tying eight sacks.
Baltimore and beaten again on a competitor.
Of course, you can never be too sure what to expect next week. After their two victories over Pittsburgh and the other against Houston, crows-a perfect 6-0 at home this season-lost road games against Tennessee, Jacksonville and Seattle.
Surely, the incentive is there for Baltimore to land their first playoff home from the 2006 season.
"That would be pretty cool, I think," said Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco. "We have not had one since I was here. It would be really useful to get one. Of course, playing here, we're pretty hard to beat ".
New England, Philadelphia visit Sunday, have a similar mission. The Patriots, and Texans Steelers are all 7-3. Yet, at the moment-and that is a key qualifier-New England and Baltimore have the edge to claim the first two seeds, which earns a bye and a playoff home at least one match.
The Patriots have not left the team on their program which currently has a winning record. Cincinnati is the only team in a list of Baltimore who has a winning brand.
Houston, meanwhile, took a trip to Cincinnati and Atlanta consecutive weeks in early December ... and without starting quarterback. Pittsburgh, needing Baltimore to slide, Cincinnati has a trip to San Fran looming.
How much would a home game on? The bye is more important. After all, the Ravens have won playoff road games in each of the last three seasons-including a Smash-Up to New England, where the Jets won even while embarking on front/back to AFC title game appearances.
Think that recent resonates with New England?
The Patriots can finish the regular season with a 13-3 and no. 1 seed, but still find themselves and that suspicion pass d vulnerable in January. The record regular season can sometimes cover defects to be exposed in January.
Then again, New England could emerge as a legitimate competitor to AFC.
Perhaps that is because Brady spoke Sunday game-a non-Conference against a team with a losing record-as a measuring stick.
A high sowing in January is always preferred, but playing well is even better.
"We need to play really well, certainly better than we've played the last few weeks," Brady said of Sunday's game. "This is the time of the year, when it is more important. There are a lot of games left. When you play a tough team, on the road, who came out from one of the biggest wins of their season-we have everything that we could ask. We're going to go out there and try to play our best. "
Brady knows. It is typical that the teams that ultimately win Super Bowl-like Green Bay last season-frequently look back on the period after Thanksgiving as the time, which have found their Groove.
Other articles to ponder, heading into week 12:
• Key matchup: Giants pass defense vs. Drew Brees. These were not the same old g. Not with a defense ranked 21st, 18TH against the pass. Now with first place in the eastern part of NFC having slipped through the fingers, the monumental task Monday night of trying to slow down Brees and no. 1-ranked offense of Saints. Brees has entered the week with 3,326 passing yards-more of Aaron Rodgers after 11 weeks-and the image of lighting up the Giants for 369 yards and 4 TDs, when the teams met in 2009. You know what purists think defensive: Tag him with some old-fashioned pressure. That might be the only shot for New York. D of the Giants is still anchored by line D, even while the left end Justin Tuck fights through a campaign plagued by injury. End Jason Pierre-Paul (team-high 10 sacks) and Osi Umenyiora has emerged (7 sacks) is pressing despite a tender knee. You will need all hands on deck. bringing their games to.
Who's hot: Rob Gronkowski. The second year Patriots tight end looks a lot like favorite target red zone by Tom Brady. The recipient of 10 to 25 Brady's TD passes this season, Gronkowski has found the franchise mark for tight end that set the s
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