2021 NFL Power Rankings Week 17: Chiefs, Cowboys lock up division, Browns fall apart
By Randy Gurzi
13. . . Previous: 8th. Los Angeles Chargers. 12. team
12. Los Angeles Chargers
At one point, it looked as though the Los Angeles Chargers were going to challenge the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC West title. Now, they’re flirting with a 500 record after suffering their most embarrassing loss of the season.
Los Angeles was on the road playing the Houston Texans and couldn’t get it done despite a 64 yard, two-touchdown performance from running back Justin Jackson. One huge issue was the turnovers as Jackson lost one fumble and Justin Herbert threw two picks in the 41-29 loss.
In the final two weeks, they play against the Broncos and Raiders and likely need to win both games just to have a shot at clinching a Wild Card spot.
team. 47. . . Previous: 6th. New England Patriots. 11
11. New England Patriots
It was only a few weeks ago when the New England Patriots went into Buffalo and won a game while Mac Jones threw just three passes. Playing in a virtual wind tunnel, the Pats ran the ball over and over as the Bills had no answer.
Now in Week 16, the two met again and the weather was much better. With that not a factor, Buffalo was much better and Jones had to throw it a lot more — resulting in just 145 yards with no touchdowns and two picks on 14-of-32 passing.
Damien Harris did all he could to keep them in the game, going for 103 yards and three touchdowns but Bills got the win and it’s now a dead heat with both teams at 9-6 in the AFC East.