Week 16: NFL Power Rankings

What a crazy weekend in the National Football League. I guess it was bound to happen eventually, right? This week of football featured nothing but upset after upset. The craziness began on Thursday night when the San Diego Chargers went into Denver and knocked off Peyton Manning and his 11- Broncos.

The madness continued into Sunday as the Miami Dolphins were able to shock the New England Patriots, earning their first victory against New England since 2009. A couple of other big losses included the St. Louis Rams upsetting the New Orleans Saints, the Adrian Petersonless Vikings defeating the red hot Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers were able to conquer the Bengals at home on Sunday night.

But the biggest story of the weekend seems to be coming out of Dallas. The Cowboys were in complete control of the Green Bay Packers, leading the game 26-3 headed into halftime. However, a second half surge led by journeymen quarterback Matt Flynn helped secure a Green Bay victory in the most improbable fashion. The Packers offense was able to amount 34 second half points, capped off by a 1 yard touchdown run by Eddie Lacy.

Here are my Power Rankings for week 16. Feel free to leave your comments and opinions below. Also, make sure you check back every Tuesday morning as I will continue to post my Power Rankings throughout the season.

Number 1: Seattle Seahawks (12-2) – Last Week 1

I think the Seahawks might be right when they said that this past Sunday won’t be the last time that they will play at Metlife Stadium this season. This team is the clear cut favorite to win the Super Bowl and are head and shoulders above every other team in the league.

Number 2: San Francisco 49’ers (10-4) – Last Week 5

It is clearly safe to say that the San Francisco 49’ers are past their multiple two game losing streaks. The 49’ers are peaking at the right time and are predominately healthy. This might be the only team in the NFC that can go into Seattle and win a playoff game. Even that prediction might be a bit of a stretch.

Number 3: New England Patriots (10-4) – Last Week 2

Very tough loss for the Patriots. Not only would they have clinched the AFC East with a win over Miami this past Sunday, but they also would have put themselves one step closer into securing a first round. However, they are still in control of earning a first round bye. All they have to do is win their final two games.

Number 4: Denver Broncos (11-3) – Last Week 3

What a huge upset on Thursday Night Football. I’m not too sure too many people saw this coming. It seems to me as if every time Peyton Manning plays the San Diego Chargers, he loses.

Number 5: Kansas City Chiefs (11-3) – Last Week 8

Over the past two games the Kansas City Chiefs are averaging 50.5 points per game. Their offense has finally turned it around, however, their defense has been sub-par as of late. They definitely need to work on that headed into the playoffs. But on a more positive note, how about Jamaal Charles? That dude is a stud.

Number 6: Carolina Panthers (10-4) – Last Week 7

Big game this weekend in the NFC South as the Carolina Panthers will take on the New Orleans Saints. The winner of this game will have sole possession of first place in the division. There aren’t many games that are bigger than this, this late in the season.

Number 7: New Orleans Saints (10-4) – Last Week 4

How do you loss to the St. Louis Rams? Sure, it was on the road, but you still have to find a way to prevail victors. The Panthers have the confidence headed into this weeks match-up, while the Saints find themselves moving in the wrong direction, losing two out of their last three games.

Number 8: Cincinnati Bengals (9-5) – Last Week 6 

The Bengals could have put themselves at the number two seed in the AFC with a win in Pittsburgh on Sunday night, however, they were unable to do so. The offense came out flat and the defense was unable to stop Pittsburgh offense. They were able to pick it up in the fourth, scoring two touchdowns, however, their comeback attempt came up just short.

Number 9: Arizona Cardinals (9-5) – Last Week 10

I can’t the transformation of the Cardinals. This team has been playing tremendous all season long. Although the next two games are going to be the most difficult of the season, this team is still very alive in the playoff hunt. Unfortunately, going to Seattle next week might just be a little too much to handle.

Number 10: Baltimore Ravens (8-6) – Last Week 11

Joe Flacco who? The new star in Baltimore is kicker Justin Tucker. Tucker was responsible for all 18 of the Ravens points, including a 61 yard field goal to win the game with :38 seconds left in the game. Truly amazing.

Number 11: Philadelphia Eagles (8-6) – Last Week 9

The Eagles weak secondary was exposed this past Sunday by the Minnesota Vikings as they allowed Matt Cassel to throw for 382 yards and two touchdowns. I think the worst part about all of this is the fact that Minnesota was playing without Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart. Luckily for them the Cowboys found a way to shoot themselves in the foot and as a result, Philly is still sitting a top of the NFC East.

Number 12: Chicago Bears (8-6) – Last Week 12

Jay Cutler looked a little shaky in his first start back against the Cleveland Browns. He threw two early interceptions, including one that was taken back to the house by Cleveland safety Tashaun Gipson. Fortunately, he was able to overcome his slow start and throw three touchdowns to help secure a Bears victory. They now stand a top of the NFC North division.

Number 13: Indianapolis Colts (9-5) – Last Week 14

The Colts are very happy that they were able to play the Houston Texans this past weekend. It is no secret that Indianapolis has been struggling as of late. A big time win over the Texans might give this squad some much needed confidence heading into this weekend.

Number 14: Miami Dolphins (8-6) – Last Week 15

Clap it up for my Dolphins! Winners of four out of their last five and three straight, the Miami Dolphins are coming together at the right time. This team now has victories over the Colts, Bengals, Chargers and the Patriots. With the way Ryan Tannehill has been playing as of late, this team can potentially make some noise if they can find a way to get in the playoffs.

Number 15: Detroit Lions (7-7) – Last Week 13

Not sure if the Dallas Cowboys or the Detroit Lions? Sure, they didn’t give up a 23 point lead, but they did give up their shot at a division title and a spot in the playoffs. Yes, technically they have yet to be eliminated from postseason contention, but after a game like last night, it is going to be tough to bounce back. They could have closed out the division weeks ago and now they find themselves on the outside looking in. I think the Jim Schwartz era should come to an end in Detroit.

Number 16: Green Bay Packers (7-6-1) – Last  Week 16

Who needs Aaron Rodgers when you can have Matt Flynn, right? Flynn threw for four second half touchdown passes as he was able to help lead the Green Bay Packers into what has been one of the more impressive wins of the season. Good for Flynn and good for this Packers team.