2021 NFL Power Rankings Week 17: Chiefs, Cowboys lock up division, Browns fall apart
By Randy Gurzi
team. 51. . . Previous: 3rd. Rams. 4
4. Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams had a three-game losing streak that looked as though it would threaten their season. Now, they’re on a four-game winning streak and back in control of the NFC West. On top of that, they still have a chance for the No. 1 overall seed, even though they need some help to pull that off.
As for their game Sunday, Matthew Stafford had a rough performance including three picks against Minnesota. But the defense held enough times in the red zone to keep the Vikings from taking control. There was even a huge punt return for a touchdown from Brandon Powell to help out.
Eventually, they put them away and the Rams are now 11-4 with games against a desperate Baltimore team followed by a Week 18 showdown with the 49ers who may have a playoff spot on the line.
team. 48. . . Previous: 5th. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 3
3. Tampa Bay Bucs
Antonio Brown was back — and came back with a vengeance. Following several weeks off due to an injury followed by a suspension for a fake vaccine card — yeah, that was a weird situation but it always seems weird with AB — Brown went off with 101 yards on 10 receptions.
He helped Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay offense move the chains, and their running game got rolling as well with 159 yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries. Defensively, they held the Panthers to just six points in a huge win that improved them to 11-4, keeping their hopes of a No. 1 seed alive.
It was a great way to rebound from their 9-0 loss the week prior to New Orleans, which still makes no sense.