2021 NFL Power Rankings Week 17: Chiefs, Cowboys lock up division, Browns fall apart
By Randy Gurzi
10. team. 46. . . Previous: 11th. Indianapolis Colts
10. Indianapolis Colts
Carson Wentz is going to end up costing the Indianapolis Colts a first-round pick, but they’re going to be happy with that. In making their trade for the former Philadelphia starter, there was a condition that their second-round pick would become a Round 1 selection if Wentz played in 75 percent of the snaps — or if he played in 70 percent and they made the playoffs.
Right now, it appears both will happen. Wentz was a huge part of their win over Arizona on Christmas and while Jonathan Taylor continues to be the leader of this offense, Wentz threw a big touchdown late to put the game away.
Now that he’s back with Frank Reich, he’s looking more and more like the guy we saw in 2017 and the Colts are sitting at 9-6, nearing a postseason berth.
16. . . Previous: 13th. Buffalo Bills. 9. team
9. Buffalo Bills
It was a revenge game for Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. This team was rolling until a couple of weeks ago when they hosted the New England Patriots in a blizzard, and had the ball rammed down their throats in a low-scoring loss. They then lost a close game to the Tampa Bay Bucs but won easily against Carolina before getting their rematch with the Pats in Week 16 — and they made the most of it.
In control from the start, the Bills won 33-21 as Allen had 314 yards passing, three touchdowns, and 64 yards on the ground. He even ran a huge fourth-down conversion late to help seal the win.
Now at 9-6, the Bills have the Falcons and Jets left — two teams with losing records — and could wind up winning the AFC East after all.