Counting down the NFL Power rankings from 1-32 is a formality at this point, but we’re still doing it until the bitter end. The AFC playoff field is set and the NFC field is almost set, with just two meaningful games on the docket for Week 17. Onward to the rankings.
1. New England Patriots – (13-2) The Patriots, with a win over the Dolphins Sunday, have a clear path to their seventh, yes, seventh, Super Bowl. Last season the Dolphins beat them, knocking New England out of home field. Can they do it again? If not, only the Steelers stand in their way. Last week: 1
2. Dallas Cowboys – (13-2) Like the Pats, the Cowboys have a clear path to their own Super Bowl berth? No team in the modern era has won a championship with a rookie quarterback, but as every analyst says each week, Dak Prescott is no ordinary rookie. Last week: 2
3. Pittsburgh Steelers – (10-5) The Steelers aren’t playing for anything this week, but need to throw some mojo Oakland’s way. If the Raiders win and keep the No. 2 seed, then the Steelers go there in the AFC Divisional round. If the Raiders lose, Pittsburgh gets a trip to Kansas City and they don’t want that. Last week: 6
4. Atlanta Falcons – (10-5) Thanks to a nice bed-shitting by the Seahawks, the Falcons have fallen backwards into the No. 2 seed in the NFC. Can they make a run this year? It’s their best chance because they’ll be rolling without offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan next season when he’s a head coach somewhere else. Last week: 7
5. Oakland Raiders – (12-3) Can Matt McGloin, in a single week, prepare enough to beat the Broncos and keep that No. 2 seed (and possibly get a No. 1 seed)? It all depends on how eager the Broncos are to lay down. And looking at how they played Kansas City last week, they could be ready to do just that. Last week: 3
6. Kansas City Chiefs – (11-4) Whether the Chiefs end up the No. 2 seed or the No. 5 seed in the playoff rankings, I guarantee no team is eager to play them in January. Last week: 11
7. New York Giants – (10-5) The Giants looked absolutely awful last week against the Eagles and appeared, in every way, like a team looking to make a quick exit from the playoffs. Just like the last two times they won a Super Bowl. Last week: 4
8. Seattle Seahawks – (9-5-1) The Seahawks have lost three of their last five games and were held to 10 points or less twice. That doesn’t look like a team ready for a Super Bowl push. Last week: 5
9. Miami Dolphins – (10-5) There’s a real chance Ryan Tannehill will be ready for the Dolphins opening round playoff game. Does that change anything? Considering they’ll probably be playing the Steelers, no. Last week: 8
10. Green Bay Packers – (9-6) The Packers are on a roll and, maybe, just maybe, Mike McCarthy has had an awakening and become a decent NFL coach. Sunday’s game, on the road with the NFC North on the line, will tell us everything we need to know. Last week: 9
11. Detroit Lions – (9-6) The Lions have secured their second winning season in three seasons under Jim Caldwell and can make the playoffs even with a loss Sunday. And still the buzzards seem to be circling Caldwell again. Yes, he’s a shitty coach and you shouldn’t have hired him to begin with, but firing the guy at this point seems kind of ridiculous. Not unless you’ve got a sure-fire winner waiting to sign on the dotted line.. Last week: 10
12. Washington Redskins – (8-6-1) Look at you Redskins. In spite of everything, you’re alive for the playoffs in the final week of the season and if you win, along with a Green Bay win, you’ve made it. Hell of a job, guys. I legitimately didn’t believe you had it in you. Last week: 20
13. Houston Texans – (9-6) Well, Texans fans. The worst has happened. You’ve made the playoffs again and Bill O’Brien will be impossible to fire. So your 2017 season is ruined before it even begins. Last week: 13
14. Denver Broncos – (8-7) By the time your game rolls around at 4:25 p.m. Sunday, the Raiders will know if they have a shot at home field in the playoffs. If they do, please give America hope for 2017 by losing. In exchange, we’ll all put our mojo behind you landing Tony Romo next season. Thanks in advance. Last week: 14
To see Part Two of Week 14’s NFL Power Rankings, click here.
To make a wager on this week’s NFL games, go to the world famous Diamond Sportsbook by clicking here.
