NFL Power Rankings Week 17: Patriots, Panthers Notch Statement Wins; Lions Complete Historic Collapse

1.      Denver Broncos (12-3)                                    Last Week: 2

Peyton Manning tossed his NFL-record 51^st touchdown pass of the season in the Broncos' blowout victory over the Texans, surpassing Tom Brady’s 50 TD mark from 2007…The Broncos can secure home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs with a win at Oakland. The Broncos did, however, suffer a devastating blow on Sunday as they lost linebacker Von Miller to a season-ending ACL tear. The Broncos’ defense must make significant adjustments to compensate for the loss of Miller.

2.      Seattle Seahawks (12-3)                                  Last Week: 1

The Seahawks were inept on offense in their 17-10 loss to the visiting Cardinals, totaling just 102 yards to go along with nine penalties. Russell Wilson never found his groove in his first career loss at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks remain in good shape as they can gain home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs with a win versus St. Louis next Sunday. Even so, NFL teams want to be playing their best football entering the postseason and it seems as if Seattle’s overall play has regressed in recent weeks.

3.      Carolina Panthers (11-4)                      Last Week: 3

The Panthers clinched their first playoff appearance since 2008 in thrilling fashion as Cam Newton led the Panthers on a game-winning, 65-yard drive capped off by a 14-yard TD reception by Domenik Hixon (his first TD catch of the season) with 23 seconds remaining in regulation. Carolina can wrap up the NFC South and a first-round bye in the playoffs with a win next Sunday at Atlanta. The Panthers are still alive for the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC, but they would need the Seahawks to lose at home for a second straight week (versus Rams in Week 17) and the 49ers to defeat the surging Cardinals in Arizona. This would set up a three-way tie between the Panthers, Seahawks and 49ers, in which the 49ers would claim the NFC West title and the Panthers would own the tiebreaker for the No. 1 seed by virtue of their victory over San Francisco at Candlestick Park earlier in the season.

4.      New England Patriots (11-4)                Last Week: 5

The Patriots became the first team in NFL history to win 10 division titles in an 11-year span after trouncing the Ravens, who bounced New England from the playoffs in the AFC Championship game last January. The Patriots used a steady rushing attack led by LeGarrette Blount (76 yards, 2 TD’s) to embarrass the Ravens in Baltimore, 41-7. The Patriots’ opportunistic defense forced four turnovers, including two interceptions from rookie cornerback Logan Ryan, a fumble recovery in the end zone by Chandler Jones and a 74-yard pick-six by safety Tavon Wilson. The Patriots can clinch the No. 2 seed in the AFC with a victory at Gillette Stadium versus the Buffalo Bills in Week 17. In the unlikely event that the Broncos lose to the Raiders, the Patriots could seize the No. 1 seed and thus home-field advantage throughout the AFC portion of the postseason.

5.      San Francisco 49ers (11-4)                  Last Week: 4

The 49ers did not play their “A” game versus the Falcons on “Monday Night Football”, but were able to send Candlestick Park an exciting farewell via NaVorro Bowman's 89-yard pick-six to seal a close win and a playoff berth for the third straight season.

6.      Philadelphia Eagles (9-6)                      Last Week: 11

Despite knowing that they had everything on the line for next week’s finale at Dallas and essentially nothing on the line against a Bears club trying to clinch a division title, the Eagles provided one of the most dominating performances from any team this entire season. Nick Foles, the NFL leader in passer rating, was 21 of 25 for 230 yards, and set a franchise record with a completion percentage of 84.0. In nine starts this season, Foles has thrown a whopping 25 TD passes versus just two interceptions…LeSean McCoy, the NFL leader in rushing yards, torched the Bears for 133 yards and two TD’s in the ground attack.

7.      Cincinnati Bengals (10-5)                      Last Week: 12

The Bengals clinched the AFC North title for the third time in the Marvin Lewis era by virtue of their throttling of the Vikings and the Ravens’ loss to the Patriots.

8.      Arizona Cardinals (10-5)                                  Last Week: 9

The Cardinals’ defense stymied the Seahawks potent offense, sacking quarterback Russell Wilson four times, while also holding him to a career-low 40.7 completion percentage and a career-worst 108 yards. Carson Palmer almost blew the game by tossing four interceptions, but the Cardinals’ elite defense compensated for its QB’s gaffes. The Cardinals are a dangerous team, possessing arguably the third best defense in the league (behind only Carolina and Seattle); nevertheless, they will need some major help to make the playoffs. Even if the Cardinals defeat the 49ers next week, they will still need the 4-11 Buccaneers to go on the road and beat the 10-5 Saints (7-0 at home) to reach the postseason.

9.      New Orleans Saints (10-5)                   Last Week: 7

The Saints choked away a chance at clinching the NFC South title in Carolina. They were unable to contain Cam Newton in the final minute of the contest, who was without the services of WR Steve Smith (injured earlier in the game) or the luxury of a single timeout. The Saints can still win the NFC South with a victory and a Panthers’ loss to the Falcons. Then again, the Saints can miss the postseason entirely if they lose at home to the Bucs and Arizona defeats San Francisco.

10.  Indianapolis Colts (10-5)                      Last Week: 14

There is a case to be made that the Colts’ midseason struggles were just a fluke, after they defeated another elite team on Sunday. The Colts have now beaten four Super Bowl contenders this regular season—the 49ers (in San Francisco), the Seahawks, the Broncos, and the Chiefs this past Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium.

11.  Kansas City Chiefs (11-4)                    Last Week: 6

The Chiefs laid a dud in a potential playoff preview against the AFC South champion Colts. The Chiefs had much more to play for—with the No. 1 seed in the AFC still within reach—yet were overmatched by the visiting Colts.

12.  Chicago Bears (8-7)                             Last Week: 8

The Bears’ 54-11 loss to the Eagles was an embarrassment for the franchise. The Bears failed to show up in a game that would have a secured a division championship with a win. Jay Cutler played horrendous, throwing erratic passes all night long until finally Eagles cornerback Brandon Boykin intercepted the maligned QB and ran it back 54 yards for a touchdown. The Bears’ biggest problems, however, lie in their inability to stop the run game. The Bears dead last rushing defense must make a stand against rookie of the year candidate Eddie Lacy and the Packers next week if they have any hopes of beating their rival to sneak into the playoffs with the NFC North crown.

13.  Miami Dolphins (8-7)                           Last Week: 10

Miami blew a golden opportunity to control their own destiny as their inadequacies on the offensive line were exposed once again in their deflating loss to the Bills…The Dolphins will reach the postseason with a victory over the Jets at home AND a San Diego victory over the Chiefs.

14.  San Diego Chargers (8-7)                     Last Week: 15

Ryan Matthews continued his torrid stretch in the ground game, rushing for 99 yards and a TD in the Chargers’ 26-13 victory over the visiting Raiders. Matthews has posted a career-best 1,111 rushing yards on the season. The Chargers still need help to make the postseason even if they defeat the Chiefs in Week 17. San Diego’s playoff fate rests on the shoulders of the Jets (who must beat the Dolphins in Miami) and the Bengals (who must beat the Ravens at home) for the Chargers to grab the No. 6 seed in the AFC.

15.  Baltimore Ravens (8-7)                         Last Week: 13

The Ravens no longer control their own destiny after getting smacked by the Patriots. The 41-7 defeat was their worst home loss in franchise history. If Miami and San Diego win their respective games, the Ravens will miss the playoffs even with a victory at Cincinnati as the three-way tiebreaker would go to the Dolphins.

16.  Dallas Cowboys (8-7)                          Last Week: 18

Tony Romo put the team on his back in a dramatic 24-23 victory over the Redskins. Romo can no longer carry the team because of a herniated disk in his lumbar region that will force him into season-ending surgery. The Cowboys will rely on backup QB Kyle Orton to defeat the Eagles in a winner-take all NFC East showdown on Sunday night.

17.  Pittsburgh Steelers (7-8)                       Last Week: 20

The Steelers nail-biting victory over the Packers at Lambeau Field kept their slim playoff hopes alive. In order for Pittsburgh to make the postseason, the Steelers need to defeat the Browns at home next week and the Dolphins, Ravens and Chargers must all lose their respective contests. For the Steelers, who were 2-6 at the midway point of the season, to even be in the playoff picture in the final week of the season is a testament to the elite quarterback play of Ben Roethlisberger.

18.  Green Bay Packers (7-7-1)                  Last Week: 16

The Packers can wash away any memories from their frustrating home defeat to the Steelers, thanks to the Bears’ loss to the Eagles. The Packers can win the NFC North with a win at Chicago this Sunday, an impressive feat for a team deprived of its best player for the latter half off the season.

19.  St. Louis Rams (7-8)                            Last Week: 19

Zac Stacy led the Rams’ improving offense with 104 yards and a TD in their 23-13 victory over the visiting Buccaneers. The defense did not disappoint for the Rams either. Defensive player of the year candidate Robert Quinn tied his career high with 3 sacks on Sunday to boost his season total to 18, the most in the NFL and the most in a single season in Rams history. (Via ESPN Stats & Information)

20.  Buffalo Bills (6-9)                                 Last Week: 24

The Bills sacked Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill seven times in their 19-0 bashing of their AFC East rivals. In doing so, the Bills extended their league-lead in sacks to 56.0, providing another stellar outing at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

21.  New York Jets (7-8)                            Last Week: 22

The Jets delivered an inspired victory for head coach Rex Ryan, who told his team he would likely be fired at the end of the season. With 7 wins on the season and one game still left to play, the Jets have vastly exceeded expectations.

22.  Tennessee Titans (6-9)                         Last Week: 21

The Titans notched their first division win of the season by defeating the Jaguars 20-16 on Sunday. The win may be too little too late for head coach Mike Munchak, who has posted a dreadful 5-12 record against AFC South opponents in his three-year tenure. Overall, the Titans are a middling 21-26 since Munchak took over the rains in 2011.

23.  New York Giants (6-9)                                    Last Week: 25

Tom Coughlin should be lauded for leading a club that started the year 0-6 to six wins in their past nine contests…Eli Manning threw his 26^th pick of the year in the Giants’ 23-20 overtime victory over the Lions, setting the franchise single-season record for interceptions thrown.

24.  Detroit Lions (7-8)                               Last Week: 17

The Lions failed to win the NFC North despite a 6-3 start to the season and critical quarterback injuries to the Packers and Bears. Detroit lost winnable games at home to the lowly Buccaneers and most recently to the Giants in this catastrophe, likely sealing the fate for head coach Jim Schwartz. The Lions, who have yet to win a game the entire month of December, look foolish for giving turnover-prone QB Matthew Stafford a lucrative contract extension this past offseason.

25.  Minnesota Vikings (4-10-1)                  Last Week: 23

Adrian Peterson said on Friday that he looked forward to playing for Leslie Frazier for the rest of his career, but can the Vikings afford to keep the embattled coach after another lopsided defeat?

26.  Atlanta Falcons (4-11)                          Last Week: 29

The Falcons almost beat the 49ers in the Candlestick Park finale. Could they upset the Panthers next Sunday at the Georgia Dome to foil Carolina’s division title hopes?

27.  Cleveland Browns (4-11)                     Last Week: 27

The Browns’ defense has staggered to the finish line in 2013 as they continue to crumble late in first-halves and at clutch moments at the end of the games…Entering Week 17, Josh Gordon leads the NFL in receiving yards (1,564), yards per game (120.3) and yards per reception (19.6). Gordon also has recorded a league-high 28 receptions of 20 yards or more and ranks fourth in the NFL with 619 yards-after-catch.

28.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-11)             Last Week: 28

The Buccaneers mustered just 170 total yards in their loss to the Rams, setting a season low for the second straight week. Does a second consecutive dismal offensive showing put the nail in the coffin for head coach Greg Schiano?

29.  Jacksonville Jaguars (4-11)                   Last Week: 26

With home losses to the Bills and Titans in consecutive contests, the Jaguars have lost all the momentum they gained from winning four of five in weeks 10-14.

30.  Oakland Raiders (4-11)                                    Last Week: 30

Dennis Allen's record fell to 8-23 in his coaching tenure in Oakland after Sunday's loss to the Chargers. The Raiders appear headed for a second consecutive 4-12 finish to the season, putting Allen’s job status in jeopardy.

31.  Washington Redskins (3-12)                 Last Week: 31

Pierre Garcon caught 11 passes for 144 yards on Sunday, breaking Art Monk’s single-season franchise reception record in the process. Garcon has caught a league-leading 107 passes this season.

32.  Houston Texans (2-13)                         Last Week: 32

With four catches on Sunday and 103 receptions for the season, Andre Johnson joined Wes Welker as the only players in NFL history to record five seasons with at least 100 catches.

NFL Power Rankings Week 16: 49ers Hitting Stride as Postseason Looms

1.       Seattle Seahawks (12-2)                                 Last Week: 1

The Seahawks blanked the Giants 23-0 in a possible Super Bowl rehearsal at MetLife Stadium. Not only did the Seahawks’ victory put the club within a win from clinching home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs, the shutout also made 12 lucky people $35,000 richer in accordance to a promotion provided by Jet Chevrolet, a car dealership in Federal Way, Washington.

2.       Denver Broncos (11-3)                                   Last Week: 2

The Broncos accumulated season-lows in points (20), yards (295), and first-downs (19) in their home loss to the Chargers. This defeat proved how beatable the Broncos are when their offense does not dominate the game. The defense must improve for Denver, which has surrendered 17 or more points in every game this season.

               

3.       Carolina Panthers (10-4)                               Last Week: 5

Cam Newton accounted for just one TD—a 72-yard pass to DeAngelo Williams—in the Panthers’ 30-20 victory of the Jets. This marked Newton’s 89^th TD (including passing and rushing) since entering the NFL in 2011, the second most touchdowns for a player during his first three years in league history, trailing only Dan Marino, who tallied 100 TD’s in his first three seasons…If the Panthers win their final two games, they will earn the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye in the NFC playoffs.

4.       San Francisco 49ers (10-4)                            Last Week: 6

The 49ers are playing their best football of the season, thanks in large part to QB Colin Kaepernick, who completed 19 of 29 passes for 203 yards and two TD’s in the team's win over Tampa Bay.

5.       New England Patriots (10-4)                        Last Week: 4

The Patriots wasted a golden opportunity to seize control of the No. 1 seed in the AFC, losing in devastating fashion to the playoff-hungry Miami Dolphins. However, no team in the NFL has been ravished with more season-ending injuries to crucial players (Vince Wilfork, Jerod Mayo, Sebastian Vollmer, Tommy Kelly, Rob Gronkowski) than the Patriots, who have no reason to hang their heads after a hard-fought defeat on the road.

6.       Kansas City Chiefs (11-3)                               Last Week: 7

Jamaal Charles scored a franchise-record five touchdowns to help clinch a postseason berth for the Chiefs, a season after the club finished with the leagues-worst 2-14 record...If the Chiefs are able to win each of their final two games, they will set the NFL-record for the largest win increase from one season to the next…The Chiefs are the second team in NFL history to score 35+ points in the first half in back-to-back games, according to ESPN Stats & Information. The only club to accomplish this feat: the 2002 Chiefs. No other franchise has recorded 35+ first half points in consecutive contests.

7.       New Orleans Saints (10-4)                            Last Week: 3

The Saints’ road woes (3-4 on the season) continued in their loss against the St. Louis Rams. Unless they can upend the Panthers in Carolina, the Saints will likely have to trek through the NFC playoffs away from the Superdome.

8.       Chicago Bears (8-6)                                         Last Week: 12

Jay Cutler was 5 for 7 for 71 yards with 2 touchdowns in the 4th quarter against the Browns, posting a 99.2 QBR in the final period. Cutler's Total QBR in the 4th quarter this season is now a league-best 95.2, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

9.       Arizona Cardinals (9-5)                                   Last Week: 10

The Cardinals surrendered 17 points in the final four minutes of regulation, but were able to top the Titans in overtime, 37-34. The win kept Arizona’s playoff aspirations afloat.

10.   Miami Dolphins (8-6)                                      Last Week: 14

Ryan Tannehill led the Dolphins on a game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter to propel his squad to their most imposing victory of the season. He was 6-of-8 for 60 yards and a touchdown on the Dolphins’ clutch drive that won the game. Tannehill, who threw for 312 yards with three touchdowns in the victory, has been red-hot in December, posting eight touchdowns versus two interceptions to guide the Dolphins to a perfect 3-0 mark in the final month of the regular season.

               

11.   Philadelphia Eagles (8-6)                               Last Week: 9

The Eagles’ defense was one of the major components in their five-game winning streak. However, the defense abandoned their strong play in their loss against the Vikings, yielding a whopping 475 yards and 48 points.

12.   Cincinnati Bengals (9-5)                                 Last Week: 8

The Bengals were exposed on the national platform on “Sunday Night Football”, depicting why many experts believe Cincinnati will be one-and-done in the postseason for the third consecutive year.

13.   Baltimore Ravens (8-6)                                  Last Week: 15

Justin Tucker saved the Ravens’ season for the second time in three weeks. After hitting five field goals in a critical AFC North showdown on Thanksgiving night versus the Steelers, Tucker was able to drill all six of his field goal attempts on “Monday Night Football” against the Detroit Lions, including the game-winner from 61-yards out with 38 seconds left in regulation. Tucker became the fourth player in NFL history to connect on a go-ahead field goal of 60 or more yards in the final minute of the fourth quarter, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Tucker has now made 36 straight field goal attempts overall.

14.   Indianapolis Colts (9-5)                                  Last Week: 13

Andrew Luck tossed two touchdown passes in the Colts’ 25-3 blowout victory over the hapless Texans. Luck has 21 TD’s this season, becoming the fifth player in NFL history to record 20 or more passing touchdowns in each of his first 2 seasons, according to ESPN Stats & Information…Linebacker Roger Mathis forced a safety in the second half of their win. This safety gave Mathis the Colts season record (16.5) and franchise record (108.0) for sacks.

15.   San Diego Chargers (7-7)                              Last Week: 16

The Chargers’ stunning upset over the Broncos kept their postseason hopes alive. Alas, the Chargers must win-out and receive some help from other clubs to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2009.

16.   Green Bay Packers (7-6-1)                           Last Week: 18

The resolve of these Packers is truly unbelievable. The no-quit Packers erased a 23-point half-time deficit to shock the heavily favored Cowboys in Dallas. The Packers defeated the Cowboys in Dallas for the first time since 1989 behind a resilient showing by backup QB Matt Flynn, who threw four TD’s in the second half after struggling mightily before intermission. The Packers’ defense completed the comeback by intercepting Tony Romo twice in the final three minutes of regulation. Sam Shields corralled the first interception, which led to the go ahead TD run by Eddie Lacy. Tramon Williams picked off Romo on the ensuing possession to wrap up the victory and keep the Packers alive in the wild NFC playoff race.

17.   Detroit Lions (7-7)                                            Last Week: 11

The Lions continued their season trend of self-inflicted punishment, committing eight penalties and turning the ball over three times in a heart-breaking loss on “Monday Night Football” versus the Ravens. Head coach Jim Schwartz is officially on the hot seat after the Lions’ latest defeat and will likely be fired at the end of the season if the team is unable to make the playoffs.

18.   Dallas Cowboys (7-7)                                      Last Week: 17

Why did the Cowboys abandon the run game in the second half with a double-digit lead over the Packers? How can the Cowboys’ defense be the worst unit statistically in NFL history with all the talent they possess on that side of the ball? What was Tony Romo trying to accomplish with those two errant passes in the final three minutes that were easily intercepted? What was Jerry Jones thinking by hiring the 73-year-old Monte Kiffin to be the defensive coordinator? So many questions in Dallas and yet once again the perpetually mediocre Cowboys have no answers.

19.   St. Louis Rams (6-8)                                         Last Week: 21

The Rams played the role of spoiler to perfection on Sunday, manhandling the visiting Saints in a 27-14 victory…If the season ended today, the Rams would own the second overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, courtesy of the Robert Griffin III trade made with the Redskins from two years ago.

20.   Pittsburgh Steelers (6-8)                               Last Week: 22

The Steelers remained mathematically alive in the AFC postseason hunt by trouncing the first-place Bengals on “Sunday Night Football.” Antonio Brown caught five passes for 66 yards and a TD. He has 95 receptions on the season, tied for second-most in team history.

21.   Tennessee Titans (5-9)                                  Last Week: 20

Credit the Titans for their miraculous fourth quarter comeback. Unfortunately, it is difficult for a team to see the glass half-full following a loss with wholesale changes looming for the franchise in the offseason.

22.   New York Jets (6-8)                                         Last Week: 19

Geno Smith threw his 21^st interception of the season in the Jets’ loss on Sunday in Carolina. Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn hauled in the interception and returned it 41 yards for a touchdown. It was Smith's fifth pick-six, tying Joe Namath's mark (1967) for the most in a single season in Jets history.

23.   Minnesota Vikings (4-9-1)                            Last Week: 27

Matt Cassel fired two touchdown passes and added in a rushing score in the Vikings’ shocking upset over the surging Eagles. Third-string tailback Matt Asiata rushed for his first three career touchdowns, filling in admirably for the injured Adrian Peterson. Greg Jennings hauled in 11 receptions for 163 yards and a TD in the 48-30 win. He became the fifth player in Vikings franchise-history to have at least 10 receptions, 150 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown in a single game, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

24.   Buffalo Bills (5-9)                                              Last Week: 29

EJ Manuel followed his worst game of his young career up with arguably his best, throwing two TD’s and running for another score in the Bills’ 27-20 win in Jacksonville.

25.   New York Giants (5-9)                                    Last Week: 23

Eli Manning threw five interceptions and posted a 2.1 QBR versus the Seahawks, his lowest mark since 2006, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

26.   Jacksonville Jaguars (4-10)                           Last Week: 24

The Jaguars’ three-game winning streak was halted, despite the impressive outing by backup RB Jordan Todman, who rushed for 109 yards on 25 carries and caught four passes for 44 yards.

27.   Cleveland Browns (4-10)                               Last Week: 25

The Browns’ defense squandered a fourth-quarter lead for the third consecutive week…Cleveland has lost eight of nine since their 3-2 start to the season.

28.   Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-10)                     Last Week: 26

The Bucs registered a season-low 183 total net yards in their 33-14 home loss to the 49ers.

29.   Atlanta Falcons (4-10)                                    Last Week: 30

The Falcons were able to knock off the Redskins 27-26 for their second win in three weeks.

30.   Oakland Raiders (4-10)                                  Last Week: 28

The Raiders have given up at least 49 points in two of their last three home games after doing it just three times in their first 406 home games, according to the Associated Press.

31.   Washington Redskins (3-11)                        Last Week: 31

Mike Shanahan must really hate coaching the Redskins these days. How else can you explain his decision to go for a two-point conversion instead of a game-tying extra-point at the end of a 27-26 loss to the Atlanta Falcons? The plan was to showcase Kirk Cousins—who completed 29 of 45 passes for 381 yards and three touchdowns—in the hopes to lure a first-round draft pick from another squad for the backup QB’s services, according to Shanahan. So why then, would Shanahan opt not to put the game into overtime, where Cousins could further demonstrate his abilities?

32.   Houston Texans (2-12)                                  Last Week: 32

The 2013 season cannot come to an end any quicker for the Texans, who have lost 12 straight contests.