NFL Power Rankings Week 16

Power Rankings Week 16

Happy holidays everyone! The playoff picture is shaping up nicely, with all six teams decided in the AFC, while the NFC is yet to be determined. The Vikings, Bears, Giants, Cowboys, and Redskins are all hoping to taste postseason glory, playing like there is no tomorrow because…well there isn’t. Keep your eyes peeled on how the NFC playoff picture pans out, because postseason football can’t come any sooner.

This weekend the Packers demolished the Titans, the Redskins gave themselves a leg up in snagging the NFC East, the Bengals earned by a playoff berth by knocking off division rival Pittsburgh, and the Ravens clinched the AFC North by taking down the G-Men while Calvin Johnson broke Jerry Rice’s single season receiving record to boot.

Playoff hopes are on the line…and with that lets take a look at the Power Rankings heading into the final week of the season.

1. Atlanta Falcons

Record: 13-2 Rank Last Week: 1

They’ve wrapped up the #1 seed in the NFC and look to finally make a statement in the postseason. The road to the Super Bowl will have to go through the Georgia Dome. Tony Gonzalez may finally be able to represent with some Super Bowl bling. Next Week vs. Buccaneers

2. Denver Broncos

Record: 12-3 Rank Last Week: 3

It has been an incredible year for Peyton Manning who has proved beyond a reasonable doubt to be a comeback kid. Right from the get-go Manning knew Denver was the place to be for him, and he has given Mile High new swag going into the playoffs. AFC elites better watch out for the former 3 time MVP and his wild Broncos. Next Week vs. Chiefs

3. Green Bay Packers

Record: 11-4 Rank Last Week: 4

A stomping of the Titans have given the Green and Gold a shot at snagging the #2 seed in the NFC… and with a little luck they will get there. Mike McCarthy said after Sunday’s performance that the Packers are finally ready for the postseason…it remains to be seen if a playoff game will go down at the Frozen Tundra. Next Week @ Vikings

4. New England Patriots

Record: 11-4 Rank Last Week: 6

Even Tom Brady has an off day…yet the Pats still won in an ugly game that didn’t mean much to them. Moving forward, New England hopes to prepare for a mighty playoff run…with the hopes of getting another shot at the Lombardi trophy. Next Week vs. Dolphins

5. Seattle Seahawks

Record: 10-5 Rank Last Week: 7

This team really wants the ball and really wants to score now…after earning a playoff berth in their rout of the San Francisco 49ers. Russell Wilson boosted his status in the running for Rookie of the Year. This team is one of the most dangerous heading into the playoffs. Next Week vs. Rams

6. Houston Texans

Record: 12-3 Rank Last Week: 2

The #1 seed in the AFC is in jeopardy after the Texans dropped a big game this weekend against the Vikings. The light switch was off today for a Houston team now looking for answers going into a heated AFC playoff picture. J.J. Watt better swat his team into gear going forward. Next Week @ Colts

7. Washington Redskins

Record: 9-6 Rank Last Week: 8

It felt good to have RGIII back in action considering the Redskins are in a prime position to wrap up the NFC East and a playoff berth. Mike Shanahan has switched the gears in D.C. and now the Skins control their own destiny…a win next week and they will see the postseason light. Next Week vs. Cowboys (Sunday Night Football)

8. Indianapolis Colts

Record: 10-5 Rank Last Week: 9

What a turnaround in Indy…going from last year’s worst to a playoff berth is the 180 this city needed. It will be quite the site to see Chuck Pagano lead the team out of the tunnel next week after being absent since September. “Luck” is on this team’s side. Next Week vs. Texans

9. San Francisco 49ers

Record: 10-4-1 Rank Last Week: 5

With a chance to win the West, the Niners fell flat and had a dismal performance that left the NFC West division open for takeover… giving the Seahawks a playoff berth. This wasn’t what Jim Harbaugh wished for on his birthday. Next Week vs. Cardinals

10. Cincinnati Bengals

Record: 9-6 Rank Last Week: 11

Clinching a playoff berth and knocking out division rival Pittsburgh out of the playoff race…does it get any better than that? Andy Dalton has again led his boys to a postseason berth…maybe this time around they can make it out of the first round. Next Week vs. Ravens

11. Minnesota Vikings

Record: 9-6 Rank Last Week: 12

Adrian Peterson is just over 200 yards shy of breaking the single season rushing record and now the Vikings control their own destiny…a win against the Packers next week and they are in the NFC playoff picture. Nothing more would please the Minnesota faithful than a rushing record and playoff berth. Next Week vs. Packers

12. Baltimore Ravens

Record: 10-5 Rank Last Week: 14

After losing their grip in the AFC the past few weeks, the Ravens finally showed up and played lights out against the Giants…earning themselves the title of AFC North Champions. Hopefully these birds can carry this momentum into the playoffs…finally Joe Flacco looked like an elite NFL quarterback. Next Week @ Bengals

13. Chicago Bears

Record: 9-6 Rank Last Week: 15

Don’t count the Monsters of the Midway out just yet…a win next week and a win from their most hated division rival will get them in. Brandon Marshall is likely to rally his offense to play better because it is more than expected from this crew. Next Week @ Lions

14. Dallas Cowboys

Record: 8-7 Rank Last Week: 10

It was a heck of an effort from Tony Romo and the Boys, but this loss really affects Dallas’ chances of getting into the postseason. Jerry Jones is likely on his hands and knees…praying to get into the playoffs. Next Week @ Redskins (Sunday Night Football)

15. New York Giants

Record: 8-7 Rank Last Week: 13

It was another up and down performance for the G-Men who seriously hindered their chances of repeating as Super Bowl Champions. With a little help from their friends, Eli will get the chance to meet his brother in the Super Bowl. Next Week vs. Eagles

16. Carolina Panthers

Record: 6-9 Rank Last Week: 17

This team is set up for the future…what a run Cam Newton and company have had these past few weeks. Wait a few years and this team will be making waves in the playoffs. Next Week @ Saints

17. New Orleans Saints

Record: 7-8 Rank Last Week: 18

Even without a chance of going into the postseason…the Saints seriously stalled the Cowboys chances of going forward. Drew Brees was better than ever…it will be exciting to see him and Sean Payton together again next season. Next Week vs. Panthers

18. Miami Dolphins

Record: 7-8 Rank Last Week: 19

Ryan Tannehill has brought some justice to the QB position in Miami this season…and now going into the 2013 season, the Dolphins have a stellar defense to back up their second year starter. It will be fun watching this team mature over the course of the next few years. Next Week @ Patriots

19. St. Louis Rams

Record: 7-7-1 Rank Last Week: 21

Jeff Fischer has this franchise on the right track…the NFC will see this much improved team more improved come next season…guaranteed. Next Week @ Seahawks

20. Pittsburgh Steelers

Record: 7-8 Rank Last Week: 16

A chance to go to the postseason was squandered yet again when Ben Roethlisberger threw a costly interception to give the Bengals a chance to win…which they took full advantage of. Sorry Steel City, but you’ll be sitting this one out…a rare thing for this city to endure. Next Week vs. Browns

21. San Diego Chargers

Record: 6-9 Rank Last Week: 28

It will be interesting to see what happens to Norv Turner after Week 17…San Diego could use a shakeup in the coaching staff…and even in the offense and defense. A solid win this week against the Jets nonetheless. Next Week vs. Raiders

22. Cleveland Browns

Record: 5-10 Rank Last Week: 20

The worst thing that happened to this team over the weekend was the loss of Brandon Weeden in a game well not worth risking his health…although the Brownies are only a few players shy of giving some NFL elites a run for their money. Next Week @ Steelers

23. Arizona Cardinals

Record: 5-10 Rank Last Week: 22

Figuring out the quarterback situation is the top priority for this team moving forward. Brian Hoyer, Ryan Lindley, and John Skelton will not get the job done for this franchise. Next Week @ 49ers

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Record: 6-9 Rank Last Week: 23

Josh Freeman and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have long since gone down with their ship…this team is experiencing a bout of deja vu of last season all over again. Next Week @ Falcons

25. Tennessee Titans

Record: 5-10 Rank Last Week: 24

Getting destroyed 55-7 by Green Bay is the least of the this team’s worries. Jake Locker seems to slithering into the quarterback oblivion going forward. When will we some Matt Hasselbeck? Next Week vs. Jaguars

26. New York Jets

Record: 6-9 Rank Last Week: 25

Is there anyone who can get the job done in New York? Sorry Greg McIlroy but you may just be receiving your pink slip along with Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow after this season concludes. Next Week @ Bills

27. Buffalo Bills

Record: 5-10 Rank Last Week: 26

What can you say about one of the NFL’s most liked franchises? Maybe next year…maybe not for some…I’m looking at you Chan Gailey. Next Week vs. Jets

28. Oakland Raiders

Record: 4-11 Rank Last Week: 27

This franchise has already started picking out draft picks for next year…Carson Palmer better watch his back… or maybe not, considering this team’s disastrous results come the NFL Draft. Next Week @ Chargers

29. Philadelphia Eagles

Record: 4-11 Rank Last Week: 29

Andy Reid very likely played his final home game as the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles…hey, at least he’ll find a job somewhere else…the future of this franchise is unknown…well, Nick Foles looks like he’s a lock for next year…good news there. Next Week @ Giants

30. Detroit Lions

Record: 4-11 Rank Last Week: 30

It was a disappointing season for the Lions, but at least Calvin Johnson broke the single season receiving record…taking it away from Jerry Rice. Now, he may be able to go over 2,000 yards receiving this season…if he can bring his A game against the Monsters of the Midway next week. Next Week vs. Bears

31. Kansas City Chiefs

Record: 2-13 Rank Last Week: 31

This franchise is already thinking about next season…erasing this dismal season from memory may be the key to giving the Chiefs new life in 2013. Sorry Romeo Crennel but it appears your tenure in KC is all but over. Next Week @ Broncos

32. Jacksonville Jaguars

Record: 2-13 Rank Last Week: 32

This team came so close to defeating the Patriots this week…only to fall flat when it mattered most. A little restructuring will be needed for next season…although this team might want to think about hanging on to Chad Henne. Next Week @ Titans

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