2021 NFL Power Rankings Week 17: Chiefs, Cowboys lock up division, Browns fall apart
By Randy Gurzi
53. . . Previous: 18th. Cleveland Browns. 20. team
20. Cleveland Browns
Baker Mayfield played another terrible game and yet still had a shot to win it at the end as the Cleveland Browns were down 24-22 with roughly two minutes to play. However, their hopes were dashed when he threw his fourth pick of the game, dropping them to 7-8.
The Christmas Day loss was a tough one for Cleveland because they should have won. Not because the refs blew a pass interference call but because their defense played very well in giving up 24 to the Packers — especially when you realize 21 points came off of turnovers.
As for the missed call, the Browns feel like they keep getting robbed but the truth is, every NFL team gets bad calls. They just put themselves in such terrible situations that one missed call ruins their chances. Until they figure out how to fix that, this team will struggle.
45. . . Previous: 19th. Denver Broncos. 19. team
19. Denver Broncos
On Sunday, the Denver Broncos had to go without Teddy Bridgewater and they simply looked lost. Drew Lock filled in and had just 153 yards passing on 15 completions, and threw no touchdowns. They did get one score from Javonte Williams, but overall, the running game manufactured 18 yards on 16 plays.
Statistically, the Broncos should have lost by 20. Their offense was simpy anemic all day — but the defense held the Raiders to just 17 points. Even with the score staying that low, Denver was unable to capitalize and wound up falling to 7-8 with the loss.
They now have a road game against the Chargers before finishing their season at home against the Chiefs. That’s less than ideal for a team struggling to score points.