Final 2021 NFL Power Rankings: Colts falter; 49ers and Raiders are in

NFL Power Rankings: Carson Wentz #2 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to the sidelines during the second quarter in the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on January 09, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
NFL Power Rankings: Carson Wentz #2 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to the sidelines during the second quarter in the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on January 09, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
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NFL Power Rankings
NFL Power Rankings: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers passes the ball against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on January 09, 2022, in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Eagles & Steelers crack top 15 of latest NFL Power Rankings

It came down to the very January 09and the final seconds, but Ben Roethlisberger is still going to play, at least for one more game. The problem is, it’s at Arrowhead against the Kansas City Chiefs. But they are still alive and kicking, and TJ Watt deserves his props for tying the sack record.

However, the questions surround the running game. What will Najee Harris do on the ground against a Chiefs defense that has struggled at times against the run? Moreover, how much can  Pittsburgh get pressure on Mahomes? And how effective will Watt be against Orlando Brown Jr, given that they know each other well?

If you get in, you have a chance. Steelers made it in, but they have a rough draw to start their journey. Stranger things have happened, and Pittsburgh has their shot. But it’s time to make the most of it.

Even if Philadelphia was to lose to Tampa Bay on Wild Card weekend, they have three first-round picks to work with, so the future is clearly bright for the city of Brotherly Love. Nick Sirianni deserves credit for being a rookie head coach and getting into the playoffs after the Doug Pederson era ended unceremoniously.

Jalen Hurts, though he rested against Dallas, has run the ball effectively and Philadelphia as a whole has run the ball well. Defensively, it’s been about being opportunistic at the right time, and in the end, they did what they needed to do.

Tampa Bay is a team to be feared, obviously because they are the defending world champions. But their defense has been suspect, and if the Eagles play their cards right, there could be a few surprises for Tom Brady and friends.