Week 17: NFL Power Rankings
Week 16 was arguably the most exciting and exhilarating week of the entire season. Not only were records broken, but playoff seeding and the draft order became a little bit clearer.
As always, week 16 was filled with tons of exciting finishes and surprises. The one that stands out most to me is the fact that the New England Patriots were able to go into Baltimore and dominate them the way that they did. With almost everyone picking Baltimore to win, the Patriots were able to come out and play Patriot football. They saw the emergence of their old power days as they rushed for 142 total yards and multiple rushing touchdowns.
The Dallas Cowboys were also able to temporarily salvage their season as they were able to come from behind against a very below average Redskin team. A win next week for Dallas and they are in the playoffs, however, with the speculation that star quarterback Tony Romo will be done for the season, things are up in the air in the Big D for now.
Here are my Power Rankings for week 17. 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: San Francisco 49’ers (11-4) – Last Week 2
Yes, I might get some heat for putting the 49’ers at the number one spot, but how can you not? This team is on a real nice winning streak right now and they are peaking at the right time. Collin Kaepernick has been playing very efficiently and this defense has come together to be one of the better unit’s in the league. I like where this team is headed.
Number 2: Seattle Seahawks (12-3) – Last Week 1
I know I said last week that Seattle was head and shoulders above everyone else and now I have them at two. It’s hard to win a game when your quarterback has his worst performance of his career. I still think this is going to be the Super Bowl team out of the NFC.
Number 3: New England Patriots (11-4) – Last Week 3
As a Dolphin fan I will be forever envious of this franchise. Week in and week out they find a way to get the job done. They lost their entire offense coming into this season and are still one of the top teams in the league.
Number 4: Denver Broncos (12-3) – Last Week 4
Congratulations to Peyton Manning on breaking the record for most touchdown passes in single season.
Number 5: Carolina Panthers (11-4) – Last Week 6
Statement game for the Panthers. After being dominated by New Orleans a couple of weeks back they were able to come out and earn their revenge. Cam Newton is making his case for MVP while this team is making their case to be named the favorites out of the NFC.
Number 6: Cincinnati Bengals (10-5) – Last Week 8
The Bengals were very impressive against the Minnesota Vikings this past Sunday. Andy Dalton had a nice bounce back performance after playing just okay against Pittsburgh two weeks ago. I’m not 100% sold on this team, but they definitely have the potential to do something come postseason.
Number 7: Arizona Cardinals (10-5) – Last Week 9
The Cardinals are one of the best teams in the league and they still might miss the postseason. It’s unfortunate, but that’s football. Again, hats off to Bruce Arians who, in my opinion, is coach of the year.
Number 8: Kansas City Chiefs (11-4) – Last Week 5
What has happened to the Kansas City Chiefs? They have lost four out of their six games and have been allowing a ton of points. The defense better tighten up if they want to make a run at the Super Bowl.
Number 9: Philadelphia Eagles (9-6) – Last Week 11
I picked the Eagles to win against Chicago, but man, I did not see this coming. Philadelphia was able to put up their highest point total of the season and have complete momentum heading into this week’s game against Dallas for the division.
Number 10: New Orleans Saints (10-5) – Last Week 7
The New Orleans Saints have fallen off over the past month. They have lost three out of four games and are showing that they are a completely different team when they are on the road which is exactly where they will be if they can hold onto the last Wild Card spot in the NFC.
Number 11: Indianapolis Colts (10-5) – Last Week 13
Ever since the Colts lost Reggie Wayne to a torn ACL they have not played very well. Fortunately for them they were able to go into Kansas City and get a win. Big time momentum boost for Andrew Luck and the Colts.
Number 12: Baltimore Ravens (8-7) – Last Week 10
The Ravens really hurt themselves with such an embarrassing loss to the Patriots this past Sunday. Baltimore have scored just one offensive touchdown in the past two games. Not a good statistic for a team that is right in the middle of a playoff race.
Number 13: Chicago Bears (8-7) – Last Week 12
The Bears had a chance to clinch their division with a win against the Eagles this past Sunday night. They were unable to do so and now they have to face the Packers in an elimination game for NFC North crown.
Number 14: San Diego Chargers (8-7) – Last Week 17
The Chargers have caught fire as of late, winning four out of their last five games with their loss coming against the Bengals by just seven points. The playoffs are still a possibility in San Diego.
Number 15: Dallas Cowboys (8-7) – Last Week 18
Tony Romo was able to keep the Cowboys playoff hopes alive with an awesome late performance. Unfortunately for Cowboy nation, the rumor is Romo will miss the rest of the season due to a back injury. Very unfortunate news if it is true.
Number 16: Green Bay Packers (7-7-1) – Last Week 16
A loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t do as much damage as people though it would. Thankfully for the “Cheese-heads” the Bears were unable to defeat the Eagles Sunday night. A win at Soldier Field next week will give the Packers the NFC North. Where is Rodgers when you need him?