Power Rankings 16

NFL Power Rankings

After Week 16

NOTE: Previous ranking is noted in the first parenthesis. Current team record noted in the second parenthesis.

1. (2) Denver Broncos (12-3) – The flip-flopping of Denver and Seattle continues… Peyton threw 4 more TD’s to take his season total to 51, a new NFL record. They did lose Von Miller for the season though.

2. (1) Seattle Seahawks (12-3) – The offense looked bad, like it did early in the season. What’s worse is they lost at home, and suddenly look vulnerable heading into the playoffs. That could all change in a week though.

3. (3) San Francisco 49ers (11-4) – After a slow start, San Francisco took out Atlanta last night to keep their division hopes alive, along with a chance at the #1 seed. Defense came up big late.

4. (4) Carolina Panthers (11-4) – Huge win taking out the Saints, and now look to be headed towards a division title and 2-seed. That’s impressive for a team nobody thought would even make the playoffs.

5. (7) Arizona Cardinals (10-5) – Like I said last week, this is a lofty ranking for a squad likely to miss the playoffs. They deserve to be there though, over a number of teams obviously.

6. (8) Cincinnati Bengals (10-5) – The Bengals clinched the division and remain in the hunt for the 2-seed depending on what happens in a week. Both sides of the ball were feeling it Sunday.

7. (9) New England Patriots (11-4) – New England exploded and beat down a streaking Baltimore squad that was trying to get into the playoffs. They could actually earn the top seed in the playoffs if Denver loses.

8. (5) Kansas City Chiefs (11-4) – The Chiefs were simply outplayed by the Colts on Sunday. This locks them in as the 5-seed. They must get it done on the road in the playoffs.

9. (6) New Orleans Saints (10-5) – The Saints are picking a bad time to go flat. They’ve put up some duds recently and are now facing a must-win game.

10. (11) Philadelphia Eagles (9-6) – Stayed atop the NFC East by raping the defenseless Bears. Their play on Sunday night was intimidating and sent a message to teams across the league.

11. (13) Indianapolis Colts (10-5) – The Colts looked like the team that started the year and beat the Broncos, Seahawks, and 49ers. Where has that been?

12. (15) San Diego Chargers (8-7) – Hitting their stride at the right time but still need help to make it to the playoffs.  It would be a shame if they missed them, cause they are playing much better than their competition.

13. (10) Baltimore Ravens (8-7) – Ugly performance in a game they had to win. Now they have their work seriously cut out for them.

14. (12) Chicago Bears (8-7) – Don’t know if they should be more embarrassed about their 11 points or allowing 54. I hate to see it, but as a Bears fan I’d feel better about McCown starting this week in a must-win.

15. (18) Dallas Cowboys (8-7) – Romo saved them at the end, and they now play a winner-take-all game against the Eagles. News broke yesterday though that they have to do it without Romo (disk issues).

16. (14) Miami Dolphins (8-7) – Failed to show up in a game they really needed. But with other teams losing also, they still can grab that last playoff spot.

17. (19) St. Louis Rams (7-8) – They found their winning strategy: Run the ball with Stacy and play great defense. Watch out for these guys next year.

18. (20) Pittsburgh Steelers (7-8) – The Steelers are ending their season well, but the way they started was depressing.

19. (16) Green Bay Packers (7-7-1) – Couldn’t get it done without Rodgers Sunday, but they still have a shot this week at the playoffs. Their showdown with the Bears will determine who wins the NFC North.

20. (17) Detroit Lions (7-8) – First off, Schwartz is an idiot (saying season wasn’t a disappointment). He’s gone for sure. Secondly, how do they lose to the Giants at home?

21. (21) New York Jets (7-8) – Geno did what he’s done all year… he delivers good play just when you don’t expect. I’d actually consider this season a massive win.

22. (22) Buffalo Bills (6-9) – Two in a row now for Buffalo, who have found their stride again late in the season. Could this be a team that will contend next year?

23. (24) New York Giants (6-9) – Took out Detroit on the road to help my Bears… What this served as was an audition for many young players to earn a spot next year. Many passed.

24. (25) Tennessee Titans (6-9) – Funny how football works… Last week, Fitz threw for over 400 yards with 4 TD’s, and the team lost. This week, he threw for 181 and 1 TD, but they won.

25. (23) Minnesota Vikings (4-10-1) – They couldn’t play spoiler this week.

26. (26) Atlanta Falcons (4-11) – Late pick-6 doomed Atlanta. It’s been a forgettable season.

27. (27) Jacksonville Jaguars (4-11) – You think Jacksonville fans will think their 4 wins were worth it? Depends on who falls to them in the draft.

28. (28) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-11) – Offense really couldn’t do much on Sunday. This team still lacks an identity.

29. (29) Cleveland Browns (4-11) – Just when I thought they could earn a win, their defense allows Geno Smith to control the game.

30. (30) Oakland Raiders (4-11) – It was announced that Pryor will start the season finale. Thank goodness. He’s decent.

31. (31) Washington Redskins (3-12) – Were in perfect position to ruin the Cowboys’ season, but fell apart at the end. I bet the Rams were happy, since they own Washington’s first pick.

32. (32) Houston Texans (2-13) – One more game to go before they earn that top selection. Although with St. Louis the only other possible team that could pick at #1 now, they will be guaranteed the QB of their choice no matter if they drop to 2 (St. Louis won’t draft one that high with Bradford their man).

By: The Sports Guys