Week 17 NFL Power Rankings: Can Packers Run the Table?

 With a rare slate of games coming on a Saturday this week and the results from those, we are so so close to knowing the final playoff picture when the post-season officially begins in two weeks! After week 16 just a handful of spots remain up in the air as more teams clinched this week. With two crucial weeks remaining, lets see how the league stacks up right now!
* means playoffs clinched

1. Philadelphia Eagles (13-2)*
Last week: #1

Despite the disappointing last second loss to the Cowboys, the Eagles remain my #1 team in the NFL. They were missing the arguable league MVP (Jalen Hurts) who is nursing a shoulder injury. He should be back this week for a TNF showdown against the Titans. While the loss to a big-time rival may sting, the Eagles are nearly guaranteed the top seed in the NFC playoffs (unless a catastrophic meltdown ensues).

2. Kansas City Chiefs (12-3)*
Last week: #4 +

After a couple of disappointing weeks, the Chiefs are right back where they want to be. They played close against the lowly Broncos and Texans but then this week against a quality Seattle team they dominated, winning 24-10 in a game that was never in doubt for them. When this defense steps up, this team can't be beat. They are still very alive for the AFC's no. 1 seed that is currently held by Buffalo.

3. Buffalo Bills (12-3)*
Last week: #2 -

The Bills are happy to just be winning right now. The last few weeks have been far from pretty, but the Bills have not been losing, and that is all that matters. With two weeks to go, the Bills own the AFC's top seed at the moment, but with a game against the Bengals on tap this weekend, all could be lost. Josh Allen has been playing sloppy football lately and in the playoffs it will not suffice.

4. San Francisco 49ers (11-4)*
Last week: #5 +

The Niners keep on rising. Brock Purdy continues to show he's no fluke, playing with extreme coolness each and every week. This defense also continues to be the flat out best unit in the league. The way the Niners are blowing people out left and right and the style they are playing with travels well in the playoffs. This is going to be possibly the toughest out of anyone in the post-season.

5. Cincinnati Bengals (11-4)*
Last week: #3 -

I'm still one of the biggest Bengal supporters you will find, but their narrow win in Foxboro this weekend gave me some pause. It took some extreme late game luck for them to find a way to win. Still, that is an elite defense and Joe Burrow looked good for the most part. If the Bengals can find a way to beat Buffalo this weekend, not only will they have a real shot for the 1 seed in the AFC, but they will possibly be able to prove to the world THEY are the best team in the AFC (regardless of seeding). 

6. Dallas Cowboys (11-4)*
Last week: #7 +

Just when we think this team is dead, they climb out of the ashes and let everyone know they are still there. That is exactly what we saw on Saturday, when the Cowboys came back from trailing 10-0 to the best team in the NFL and wound up WINNING. This was a legacy game for Dak Prescott, who bounced back like no other after an opening drive pick-six. While the hopes of winning the NFC East are basically dead, this was a statement win for this team that will give them great momentum heading into the post-season.

7. Minnesota Vikings (12-3)*
Last week: #6 -

This Viking team is HISTORIC. They have played in ELEVEN one-score games this year, and their record: 11-0 in those games. It is simply insane what is happening in Minneapolis and it happened again this week, as they took down the hot Giants with a last-second 61 yard FG for the win by Greg Joseph. This has to be the luckiest team in the NFL but they keep on doing it which shows they really are for real. Taking out THIS team in the post-season is going to be a task no one will want to deal with.

8. Baltimore Ravens (10-5)*
Last week: #11 +

The least talked about double digit win team in football right now. Lamar Jackson has missed the last three games but the Ravens have done just enough to win what they need and clinch a playoff berth. Jackson may be back this week but he is nearly a definite to be back for a playoff game. Once he's back we will get a true assessment of how good these Ravens are and just how far they can go. For now, speculation is all we have. 

9. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-8)
Last week: #16 ++

A day no one thought they'd see for years. The Jaguars are inside of the top 10 with two weeks to go! These red-hot cats keep on getting the job done and have the AFC South in their hands at the current moment. Regardless of a win or loss this weekend, the Jags' playoff hopes will be determined in week 18 (likely on primetime) against the Tennessee Titans for the division title. Boy I cannot WAIT for that.

10. Los Angeles Chargers (9-6)*
Last week: #9 -

It continues to look ugly, but the Chargers are winning and for the first time in multiple years, they have clinched a playoff berth! This is arguably the MOST talented and loaded roster in football, but they have not been able to put it all together. HC Brandon Staley still seems suspect to me and I don't think his job safety is a guarantee. It will all depend the result of that playoff game which we will now get to see Justin Herbert play in for the first time!

11. New York Giants (8-6-1)
Last week: #12 +

It has taken me all season to say this, but I think I believe that the Giants are for real! There is no doubt they have had their fair share of lucky wins (and ties) this year, but the play from this team of late suggests to me that they are no fluke. This offense looked the best I've seen in a long time from that team against Minnesota on Saturday. They probably should have wound up winning that game. A big development from this team has been the emergence of former UDFA WR Isaiah Hodgins. He has stepped into the WR1 role for Daniel Jones and their chemistry has been off the charts. With Hodgins, Barkley, Jones, and this defense, the Giants could shock some people in the post-season. Speaking of post-season, a win over the lowly Colts this Sunday would clinch post-season for the G-men.

12. Miami Dolphins (8-7)
Last week: #8 -

It hurts to see such a talented team that we all love and want to see what they can do in the playoffs be on such a cold spell of late. In all of their recent losses, they have come out firing and built some early momentum before going cold near the end and blowing it. This is exactly what happened on Christmas as the 'Fins were on the brink of a three score lead before a turnover and then unraveling. I'm not sure what Tua Tagovailoa was doing against the Packers, he threw three interceptions, none of which were even close to good throws. He is also questionable for the game this weekend. Buckle up Dolphins fans, they will need to figure it out over these last two games to find a way in.

13. Seattle Seahawks (7-8)
Last week: #13

Speaking of unraveling, that is what the Seahawks have done lately. After starting 6-3, the Seahawks now find themselves at 7-8 six weeks later. Their playoff hopes are on life support. However, all is not lost. If the Hawks can win their final two games (home against the Jets and Rams) they will likely get in. That is easier said than done for a team that has lost in about every way possible since that 6-3 start. It's time for Geno Smith to have a signature moment and prove he is the long-term answer at QB in the Emerald city.

14. Green Bay Packers (7-8)
Last week: #22 ++

Is Aaron Rodgers about to run the table again? We've seen this man do it so many times over his Hall of Fame career, but he really might be on the brink of doing it in the most UNLIKELY way yet. At 7-8 the Packers' path to the playoffs is simple: win out. That is going to be a tall task as they face the Vikings and then the Lions, two good teams. The chances are low, but not 0, which is all Aaron Rodgers needs. If Sunday's game proved anything to us, it is that this team will not quit.

15. Detroit Lions (7-8)
Last week: #10 --

No one was happy to see the Lions get beat down by the Panthers on Saturday and see their playoff hopes take a big hit. Still, all is not lost for Dan Campbell's resurgent crew. If they can win their final two games they will have a very very good chance of getting in. They will need a little bit of help, counting on a Seahawks/Commanders loss, but it is all possible. The dream is still alive in Motown.

16. Washington Commanders (7-7-1)
Last week: #14 -

No one expected Washington to beat the Niners in SF this weekend, but it was pretty ugly. So ugly that Carson Wentz got another shot in relief of Taylor Heinicke. Now with two weeks to go, the Commanders' playoff hopes are on life support. They will likely need to beat both Cleveland and Dallas to get in, which seems very unlikely. Ron Rivera has named Wentz the starter for these final two games, he will have his shot at redemption in a stretch that could determine the course of his career...

17. Tennessee Titans (7-8)
Last week: #15 -

Things do not look good in the music city right now. The news that QB Ryan Tannehill is likely out for the season was a crushing blow to this team but then it has become clear that rookie third rounder Malik Willis really is not ready to start yet. It was evident in the LOSS to the Texans this weekend. Yeah, not good. Still, regardless of what happens this week against the Cowboys, the Titans will have it all on the line against the Jags in week 18 for the division title and the playoff spot that comes with it. It's getting late for the Titans...

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8)
Last week: #20 +

The Bucs keep on winning the games they should win, but just BARELY. It took them OT to win on a FG against the Trace McSorely led Cardinals. Yeah, I'm not sure if Tom Brady is still that guy. Still, the Bucs narrowly hold the NFC South division lead but it will all be put on the line in these final two games. This Sunday they face the 6-9 Panthers who already have won once against TB this year. The winner of that game will likely go on to win the division the following week. Huge game in South Florida this weekend.

19. Carolina Panthers (6-9)
Last week: #24 ++

It looked like the Panthers' resurgence might have been a fluke after they lost to the average Steelers last weekend, but Steve Wilks' crew turned it right around and stuck it to the red hot Lions. This team has its identity, and they've run with it. Literally. They gashed Detroit for over 250 yards on the ground this week with 100 yard efforts from MULTIPLE backs. If they can continue to run like this, they will not only take the division from Tampa, but be an actual force to be reckoned with in the post-season in which they would HOST a game. The division is likely on the line for them this weekend in Tampa.

20. New York Jets (7-8)
Last week: #17 -

Despite how awfully ugly their loss was to the Jags on Thursday night, the Jets are still in it. Zach Wilson figures to be the MAIN issue on this team and he is officially done for the season, per HC Robert Saleh. With Mike White reactivated after missing two games with a rib injury, the Jets can still make a playoff push. They have to win out, which is not going to be easy as they will head to Seattle this weekend and then Miami next weekend. IF they can win those games, they will be in. Mike White is that guy. Don't count it out.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-8)
Last week: #23 +

Believe it or not, the Steelers are ALIVE in the post-season race. Of course, they would need to win their final two and get some help, but they will take any chance they can get after how poorly the year started. Nonetheless, this team is set up for success in the near future.

22. New England Patriots (7-8)
Last week: #19 -

The Pats keep on finding devastating ways to lose games, yet they are still alive in the playoff hunt. I'm going to continue sounding like a broken record, but with two wins and some help, they will get in. That is all Bill Belichick needs. I wouldn't count his team and that defense out just yet.

23. New Orleans Saints (6-9)
Last week: #25 +

As much as a team this bad doesn't deserve it, the Saints are still alive in the race for the NFC South title. Winning out and some help would secure them the #4 seed in the NFC playoffs. Still, it is not likely. This team is not good and Dennis Allen does not look like the answer at HC.

24. Las Vegas Raiders (6-9)
Last week: #21 -

The sad loss to the Steelers this weekend proved that the Raiders really are not good at all. Some people may have thought it during their little run they had a few weeks ago, and then some may have felt it again after the heroic win over New England. The Pittsburgh game proves they are not good. To make matters worse in an already disastrous year as HC, Josh McDaniels has BENCHED Derek Carr for Jarrett Stidham at QB to end the year. This is shaping up for a wildly entertaining off-season in Sin City.

25. Los Angeles Rams (5-10)
Last week: #29 +

In a lost season, Sunday's result was probably the best this team has felt all season long. A 51-14 victory over the lowly Broncos was beautiful for a team that has found every way to lose all year long. Baker Mayfield has continued to be impressive in LA and it feels plausible he'd re-up with the team on a short term deal in hopes of maybe being Matthew Stafford's successor. This one felt good. What a great Christmas present for Ram fans!

26. Cleveland Browns (6-9)
Last week: #18 --

The Browns had a little run going before the close loss on Saturday. Everyone in the back of their minds wanted to see this team somehow make the post-season and see just what Deshaun Watson might be able to lead this team to in the tournament. Unfortunately we won't get to see that this year. Still, the Browns look pretty good for next year and beyond. This off-season will be dedicated to bringing Watson fully along and adding as much talent around him as they can.

27. Atlanta Falcons (5-10)
Last week: #26 -

Atlanta hung around for awhile, but they aren't good enough to even be alive in the NFC South race for pete's sake. At 5-10, the team will finish the year however they can and then pivot to a huge off-season for adding talent for the future. At least we think they have their HC figured out in Arthur Smith.

28. Chicago Bears (3-12)
Last week: #28

Despite sitting at 3-12 and currently holding the no. 2 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, the Bears have been competitive of late. Justin Fields' emergence has kept them in games against good teams that they seem to barely crumble against at the end. This is a promising sign for a team that is set to have that high pick and around $100 million in cap space this off-season!! The future is very bright in the windy city.

29. Indianapolis Colts (4-9-1)
Last week: #30 +

Yeah it's ugly in Indy. Jeff Saturday tried another path, starting Nick Foles against the Chargers on MNF. It is safe to say that didn't work out, as Foles threw three picks and things got even more grim for this team. There is a lot of questions that will need to be answered in the off-season for this squad, the first one being: who is their next HC?

30. Houston Texans (2-12-1)
Last week: #32 + !

THE TEXANS HAVE MOVED UP! For the first time in literal months, Houston will not be no. 32 in my power rankings! It felt great to see this team get their second win finally this weekend. They have been flirting with victory (over some quality teams too) of late, but they finally were able to pull it off against the rival Titans. Houston still has the inside track to the no. 1 pick in the 2023 draft as well. It's not looking so bad right now in Space city.

31. Arizona Cardinals (4-11)
Last week: #31

Props to the Cardinals. Playing with their third string QB this weekend (Trace McSorely) against the GOAT and his team, the Cardinals were able to force OT and almost win. Of course they wound up losing, but still a good effort from a team whose season is LOST.

32. Denver Broncos (4-11)
Last week: #27 -- !

It has officially reached ROCK BOTTOM in Denver. They find themselves in the no. 32 slot after a disastrous loss in LA on Christmas in which even their elite defense was nowhere to be found. 52-14. Russell Wilson threw three picks and was benched again and the day after the loss HC Nathaniel Hackett was finally fired. Seattle owns Denver's first round which is likely to be somewhere inside the top 3. It can only go up from here...right...?

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JKNFLFOOTBALL Week 16 Honors

Offensive Player of the Week: Dak Prescott, Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys
Statline: 27/35 (comps.) for 347 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT passing | 6 carries for 41 yards rushing

Defensive Player of the Week: Nick Bosa, Edge Rusher, San Francisco 49ers
Statline: 2 sacks, 7 total tackles, 1 forced fumble + key stop on 2pt conversion in 4th Q

Special Teams Player of the Week: Greg Joseph, Kicker, Minnesota Vikings
Statline: 2/2 FGs, 3/3 XPs, 9 total points, 61 yard game-winning FG

Rookie of the Week: Cobie Durant, Cornerback, Los Angeles Rams
Statline: 2 INTs (one returned for a TD), 1 tackle, 2 PDs

Team of the Week: Green Bay Packers (7-8)
Beat Miami Dolphins (26-20)

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Week 17 Official Game Picks
Last Week's Record: 9-7
2022 Season Overall: 130-92-2

Cowboys over Titans (35-14)
Falcons over Cardinals (25-16)
Dolphins over Patriots (23-21)
Eagles over Saints (30-20)
Giants over Colts (28-15)
Panthers over Buccaneers (28-20)
Chiefs over Broncos (34-14)
Lions over Bears (29-20)
Browns over Commanders (26-23)
Jaguars over Texans (27-23)
49ers over Raiders (33-20)
Seahawks over Jets (29-25)
Vikings over Packers (30-27)
Rams over Chargers (28-24)
Steelers over Ravens (24-21)
Bengals over Bills (37-34)