2021 NFL Power Rankings Week 17: Chiefs, Cowboys lock up division, Browns fall apart

2. Green Bay Packers

Playing at home on Christmas Day, the Green Bay Packers got a narrow win as they held off the Cleveland Browns in a 24-22 contest. While they’re now 12-4, they’re likely not very happy with their play the past two weeks.

In Week 15, they allowed the Baltimore Ravens to make a strong comeback against them after taking a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter. The Ravens failed on a two-poing conversion, which would have given them the win, meaning the Packers escaped.

Then in Week 16, they were up by 12 late in the third quarter and Cleveland pulled to within two. They were moving the chains too until they started dialing up the passes — that and a missed pass interference helped bail out Green Bay.

They’re now 12-3 but have some minor issues to clean up. Even so, this is the best team in the NFC right now, and they’re more dangerous because they know they can be better.

1. Kansas City Chiefs

The Los Angeles Chargers opened the door with a shocking loss to the Houston Texans and the Kansas City Chiefs went plowing through it. With L.A. losing, the Chiefs needed a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers to secure the AFC West. And they not only got a win, they got a convincing win.

Kansas City was able to sit Patrick Mahomes down early in the fourth quarter as Chad Henne came in to relieve their star player. Mahomes finished with 258 yards on 23-of-30 passing with three touchdowns and no picks.

He continues to prove that their early-season struggles meant nothing at all as they once again own the No. 1 spot in our 2021 NFL Power Rankings.