NFL Power Rankings: Playoff picture takes shape before Week 12

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 22: Running back Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans and wide receiver Kalif Raymond #14 celebrate after Henry scored the game winning touchdown in overtime against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 22: Running back Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans and wide receiver Kalif Raymond #14 celebrate after Henry scored the game winning touchdown in overtime against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
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Nov 22, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) catches a pass for a touchdown against Minnesota Vikings defensive back Jeff Gladney (20) in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) catches a pass for a touchdown against Minnesota Vikings defensive back Jeff Gladney (20) in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

24. Washington (+5)

Is the Alex Smith version of Washington the best team in the NFC East? I would say so, and their recent stretch proves that.

In the last three games, Washington is 1-2, but they lost those two games by a combined 6 points. That isn’t exactly a wide margin and slowly the rest of the team has started to improve around him. Guys like Antonio Gibson and Terry McLaurin look like guys you can build around at running back and wide receiver, and the defense is still as aggressive upfront as ever.

This is the team that deserves to win the NFC East at this point, but for now, they are third in their division in these power rankings.

23. Dallas Cowboys (+1)

You may want to knock the Cowboys for winning with some friendly calls or you want to brush off the win because of the Vikings record, the fact is that this is the first time since Dak Prescott’s injury that the Cowboys look like anything close to what they used to be.

Zeke topped 100 yards, Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb both had big days even though it might not translate to the box score, and the defensive line is rounding into shape pretty well. If I had any confidence in that offensive line going forward they would be my team to beat in this division.

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