NFL Power Rankings 2012: Redskins ranked 18th for 2nd straight week

SB Nation's newest NFL Power Rankings have been released, and for the second straight week the Washington Redskins are the 18th-best team, according to NFL Editor Joel Thorman. Despite losing 24-17 to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, the Redskins (2-3) were not punished for their solid effort against a superior team.

Here's what Thorman had to say about Washington:

18. Washington Redskins (LW: 18, 2-3): RGIII got hurt but kudos to the Redskins for keeping it close with Atlanta, one of two undefeated teams. It looks like RGIII will have a good shot to play next week against Minnesota.

Overall, the Redskins are still the worst-ranked team in the NFC East. The Dallas Cowboys (2-2) are slightly ahead of Washington at No. 16, the New York Giants (3-2) are No. 11 while the Philadelphia Eagles (3-2) are No. 10.

The undefeated Houston Texans (5-0) are the top-ranked team. Meanwhile, the Falcons (5-0), San Francisco 49ers (4-1), Baltimore Ravens (4-1) and Chicago Bears (4-1) round out the top 5.

When looking at other major NFL Power rankings, SB Nation was the kindest on the Redskins. CBSSports.com's Pete Prisco had the Redskins ranked 19th, ESPN.com slotted Washington No. 21, while NFL.com dropped them all the way to No. 23.