NFL Power Rankings Week 17

1. Green Bay Packers: 581 (533)

Previous Week: 1

Notes: A Christmas Day win over the Bears secures home field advantage throughout the playoffs for the Packers.

2. New Orleans Saints: 486 (434)

Previous Week: 2

Notes: The Packers might have the best record, but the Saints look like the team nobody wants to be playing against right now. Drew Brees breaks Dan Marino's 27 year old record during Monday Night football.

3. San Francisco 49ers: 451 (422)

Previous Week: 3

Notes: A win gives this team a #2 seed and a bye week for the playoffs. Remarkable for a team who finished 6-10 the year before.

4. New England Patriots: 441 (413)

Previous Week: 4

Notes:  The Patriots are the best in the AFC (both in record and their playing ability), but their defense might give them some trouble come playoff time.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers: 393 (341 )

Previous Week: 7

Notes: Even with two losses against the Ravens this season, the Steelers have been playing better overall as of late.

6. Baltimore Ravens: 384 (355)

Previous Week: 6

Notes: A win or a Steelers loss gives this team the AFC North and a first round bye.

7. Houston Texans: 348 (389 )

Previous Week: 5

Notes: This team might be starting to feel the effect of their injuries. A loss to the lowly Colts doesn't do much in terms of confidence boosters.

8. Detroit Lions: 328 (270)

Previous Week: 8

Notes: The Lions make the playoffs for the first time since 1999.

9. Atlanta Falcons: 226 (270 )

Previous Week: 9

Notes:  Even with getting crushed by the Saints, the Falcons can do some damage come playoff time.

10. Cincinnati Bengals: 196 (177)

Previous Week: 13

Notes: The Bengals control their own playoff destiny. A win and they're in as the #6 seed.  Just last year they were 4-12.

11. Dallas Cowboys: 185 (227)

Previous Week: 10

Notes: That game against the Eagles didn't matter since the Giants beat the Jets. That being said, the Cowboys will need Romo to be a 100% in order for them to pull off a win against the Giants and take the NFC East.

12. Philadelphia Eagles: 170 (130)

Previous Week: 14

Notes: Too bad this team is eliminated from the playoff picture. They've been playing like the Eagles we expected prior to the start of the season.

13. New York Jets: 148 (193)

Previous Week: 11

Notes: The Jets lose bragging rights in New York and likely a playoff spot with a loss to the Giants.

14. New York Giants:  132 (82)

Previous Week: 18

Notes: The Giants control their own playoff destiny. A win and their in over the Cowboys. This team has so much potential, but they're not nearly playing up to their ability. They will likely struggle come playoff time (if they make it in) unless they get it to together.

15. San Diego Chargers: 128 (189)

Previous Week: 12

Notes: The loss against the Lions ends any chance of making the playoffs and will likely be the end of Norv Turner.

16. Tennessee Titans:  119 (88)

Previous Week: 17

Notes: The Titans win and cling onto their playoff life. They need to beat the Texans and also need help from some other teams.

17. Chicago Bears: 98 (112)

Previous Week: 15

Notes: After looking like a wildcard favorite, the Bears lose 5 in a row and are now eliminated from the playoff picture. People have been saying "Peyton Manning as MVP", but what about Jay Cutler?

18. Seattle Seahawks: 75 (104)

Previous Week: 16

Notes: Even though they're out of the playoff race, the Seahawks have played a lot better than anyone expected this year.

19. Oakland Raiders: 57 (31)

Previous Week: 21

Notes:  The Raiders have a shot at the AFC West with a win and a Broncos loss. 

20. Carolina Panthers: 55 (-9)

Previous Week: 23

Notes: No team is going to want to face an even better Cam Newton come next season.

21. Denver Broncos: 35 (82)

Previous Week: 19

Notes: The division leader in the AFC West ranked at 21? Well, the Broncos (specifically Tim Tebow's) luck has run out and chances are that even if they make in the playoffs they will get killed by the Steelers or Ravens in the first round. 

22. Arizona Cardinals: 15 (42)

Previous Week: 20

Notes: Like the Seahawks, a team that has performed better than anyone expected.

23. Miami Dolphins: 8 (28)

Previous Week: 22

Notes: A good fight against the Patriots. The Dolphins hope to finish the season in 3rd place in the AFC East after starting the season 0-7.

24. Buffalo Bills: -4 (-59)

Previous Week: 25

Notes: They finally get a win, but the Bills  can't help but feel very disappointed after starting the season so strong.

25. Washington Redskins: -59 (-26)

Previous Week: 24

Notes:  They win big against the Giants and then lose to a Vikings team without Peterson in the 2nd half. It will be interesting to see the changes this team makes in the off season.

26. Kansas City Chiefs: -104 (-87)

Previous Week: 26

Notes: The way this team has played their last two games is enough to convince me to give Romeo Cremel the full time coaching gig. A win against the Packers and an overtime loss against the Raiders is impressive considering how this team has played the other 13 games of the season.

27. Cleveland Browns: -161 (-132)

Previous Week: 28

Notes: The Browns have now lost 5 in a row and really have nothing to fight for other than to avoid getting their 6th loss in a row.

28. Jacksonville Jaguars: -187 (-126)

Previous Week: 27

Notes: Even though the Browns also lost, they lose a spot against them in the rankings. They look like the worse team right now.

29. Minnesota Vikings: -204 (-230)

Previous Week: 30

Notes: Very bad news for the Vikings team losing Peterson considering how this season has gone. Hopefully he'll be 100% healthy come next season.

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: -266 (-215 )

Previous Week: 29

Notes: Officially 9 losses in a row after getting slaughtered by the Panthers. Freeman is not the answer at QB.

31. Indianapolis Colts: -366 ( -389 )

Previous Week: 32

Notes: The Colts finally move out of the last spot in the rankings with a win streak. That's right, they actually won two games in a row!

32. St. Louis Rams: -370 (-318)

Previous Week: 31

Notes: They have the same record as the Colts, but have easily been playing a lot worse over the last few games (even before the Colts started winning). The Rams have the second longest current losing streak.

NFL Power Rankings Week 16

No time for notes this week :(. Big shake up in the rankings though.

1. Green Bay Packers: 533 (558)

Previous Week: 1

Notes: 

2. New Orleans Saints: 434 (388)

Previous Week: 4

Notes:

3. San Francisco 49ers: 422 (387)

Previous Week: 5

Notes: 

4. New England Patriots: 413 (367)

Previous Week: 7

Notes: 

5. Houston Texans: 389 (421)

Previous Week: 2

Notes:

6. Baltimore Ravens: 355 (400)

Previous Week: 3

Notes:

7. Pittsburgh Steelers: 341 (387 )

Previous Week: 6

Notes: 

8. Detroit Lions: 270 (259)

Previous Week: 8

Notes: 

9. Atlanta Falcons: 270 (215)

Previous Week: 10

Notes: 

10. Dallas Cowboys: 227 (170)

Previous Week: 11

Notes: 

11. New York Jets: 193 (235)

Previous Week: 9

Notes:

12. San Diego Chargers: 189 (94 )

Previous Week: 17

Notes: 

13. Cincinnati Bengals: 177 (161)

Previous Week: 13

Notes: 

14. Philadelphia Eagles: 130 (66)

Previous Week: 18

Notes: 

15. Chicago Bears: 112 (165)

Previous Week: 12

Notes: 

16. Seattle Seahawks: 104 (45)

Previous Week: 20

Notes: 

17. Tennessee Titans: 88 (125)

Previous Week: 14

Notes: 

18. New York Giants: 82 (112)

Previous Week: 15

Notes: 

19. Denver Broncos: 82 (107)

Previous Week: 16

Notes: 

20. Arizona Cardinals: 42 (6)

Previous Week: 21

Notes: 

21. Oakland Raiders: 31 (59)

Previous Week: 19

Notes:  

22. Miami Dolphins: 28 (-2  )

Previous Week: 22

Notes:

23. Carolina Panthers: -9 (-45)

Previous Week: 24

Notes:

24. Washington Redskins: -26 (-64)

Previous Week: 25

Notes: 

25. Buffalo Bills: -59 (-24)

Previous Week: 23

Notes:

26. Kansas City Chiefs: -87 (-135 )

Previous Week: 28

Notes: 

27. Jacksonville Jaguars: -126 ( -74)

Previous Week: 26

Notes: 

28. Cleveland Browns: -132 (-110)

Previous Week: 27

Notes: 

29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: -215 (-169)

Previous Week: 29

Notes: 

30. Minnesota Vikings: -230 (-174)

Previous Week: 30

Notes: 

31. St. Louis Rams: -318 (-296 )

Previous Week: 31

Notes: 

32. Indianapolis Colts: -389 ( -420)

Previous Week: 32

Notes: 

NFL Power Rankings Week 15

1. Green Bay Packers: 558 (499)

Previous Week: 1

Notes: They have been called a "one sided" team with a second to last ranked defense, but proved how dangerous they can be on D against the Raiders. This team might do what the Patriots couldn't in 2007, go 19-0.

2. Houston Texans: 421 (385)

Previous Week: 3

Notes: This team has earned the #2 spot. Injury-ridden and still winning big (and tough games). A first seed is a very possible thing for this team.

3. Baltimore Ravens: 400 (371)

Previous Week: 4

Notes: A close 2nd in terms of the best team in the AFC. With how things are shaking up in the AFC, this team can be anywhere from a 1st to 5th seed come playoff time.

4. New Orleans Saints: 388 (354)

Previous Week: 5

Notes: A big win against the Titans that helps move this team closer to a first round bye come playoff time. This team is the better team right now than the 49ers and deserve that #2 seed.

5. San Francisco 49ers: 387 (408)

Previous Week: 2

Notes: A tough divisional loss. Things don't get easier with a game against the Steelers this weekend.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers: 387 (345)

Previous Week: 6

Notes: Am I excited to see how this team matches up against the 49ers. This is the game to watch for next week.

7. New England Patriots: 367 (335)

Previous Week: 7

Notes: The Patriots and Tom Brady will be the team to end Tim Tebow's streak.

8. Detroit Lions: 259 (231)

Previous Week: 8

Notes: To me, this team has the best shot at a NFC wildcard. Games against the Raiders and Chargers should result in wins before a very tough game against the Packers to close out the season. They better hope the Packers loser 1 game between now and then so that they rest up their players.

9. New York Jets: 235 (179)

Previous Week: 13

Notes: With the Jets winning and Titans, Bengals, and Raiders losing, they are now in the driver seat for that #6 seed. They're the best team out of the 4 and will likely hold on to this spot.

10. Atlanta Falcons: 215 (190)

Previous Week: 10

Notes: The other probably wildcard spot in the NFC. They face two easy games against the Jags and Buccs and a tough one against the Saints. 10-6 will be a sure thing for the wildcard so count them in unless there's a big upset.

11. Dallas Cowboys: 170 (217)

Previous Week: 9

Notes: Another very tough loss for the Cowboys. While Romo didn't play badly, he did little to show that he's not a winning QB in November and a loser in December. The game against the Buccs is a trap game that I'm predicting will result in a loss for the Boys.

12. Chicago Bears: 165 (181)

Previous Week: 11

Notes: The Bears season is slowly slipping away after losing 3 in a row.

13. Cincinnati Bengals: 161 (180 )

Previous Week: 12

Notes: Once looking like an elite in the AFC, the Bengals are now on the outside looking in. They most likely have to win their last 3 (including a tough season ending game against the Ravens) to make the playoffs.

14. Tennessee Titans: 125 (138)

Previous Week: 14

Notes: A competitive game against the Saints, but a loss is tough given the wildcard race in the AFC. They get two easy divisional games against the Colts and Jags which can keep them in the playoff race.

15. New York Giants: 112 (82)

Previous Week: 16

Notes: A season saving win for the Giants that also puts them in the driver seat for the NFC East. If they win out (which is possible with their remaining schedule) they're in. The last game against the Cowboys at the end of the season will likely decide the division winner. Eli has been outstanding this year and, in my opinion, will carry this team to the playoffs.

16. Denver Broncos: 107 (79)

Previous Week: 17

Notes: I'm a Jew turned atheist, but I"m starting to reconsider my religious beliefs after seeing Tim Tebow and his winning streak. He has been coming back from the impossible and pulling off huge wins. They're luck will eventually run out (most likely against the Pats), but with the Raiders struggling and the Chargers are their last leg, they look like they'll take the AFC West.

17. San Diego Chargers: 94 (78 )

Previous Week: 18

Notes: A win that keeps them in it, but it's only a matter of time before this team is out of the playoff race. Norv Turner will also be out of a job.

18. Philadelphia Eagles: 66 (28)

Previous Week: 20

Notes: They're still hanging on to that miracle that gets them into the playoffs. They won't make it, but they'll be looking to finish at .500.

19. Oakland Raiders: 59 (98)

Previous Week: 15

Notes: The Raiders last two games are against the Chiefs and Chargers, both division games that they need to win in order to potentially beat out the Broncos for the AFC West.

20. Seattle Seahawks: 45 (14)

Previous Week: 22

Notes: If the Seahawks could play the Rams every week they'd look like an elite team. 6-7 is still better than expected from this team.

21. Arizona Cardinals: 6 (-23)

Previous Week: 24

Notes: That's 3 wins in a row now for the Cards including two in a row against good teams (Cowboys and 49ers). Games against the Bengals, Browns, and Seahawks could make this team end their season at a surprising 9-7.

22. Miami Dolphins: -2 (34 )

Previous Week: 19

Notes: No Tony Sparano. Bad time to fire a coach considering how well this team was rebounding from an awful start.

23. Buffalo Bills: -24 (23)

Previous Week: 21

Notes: The Bills continue to sink lower and lower each week. They don't even look competitive anymore.

24. Carolina Panthers: -45 (-21)

Previous Week: 23

Notes: Cam and co will look to end the season in 3rd place which is somewhat an accomplishment for a team that's used to ending their season in last in the NFC South.

25. Washington Redskins: -64 (-41 )

Previous Week: 25

Notes: A mess, but what can you expect when Ross Grossman is your leader.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars: -74 (121)

Previous Week: 29

Notes: Big week for MJD. Doesn't really matter much for this team though.

27. Cleveland Browns: -110 (-75)

Previous Week: 26

Notes: The Browns keep going down.

28. Kansas City Chiefs: -135 (-86 )

Previous Week: 27

Notes: The improvements of the Chiefs D can't mask their horrific offense.

29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: -169 (-120)

Previous Week: 28

Notes: The Buccs look to upset the Cowboys this Saturday night.

30. Minnesota Vikings: -174 (-152 )

Previous Week: 30

Notes: Even for a team like the Vikings, 2-11 is still worse than expected at this point.

31. St. Louis Rams: -296 (-251)

Previous Week: 31

Notes: Expect big changes for this team in the offseason.

32. Indianapolis Colts: -420 ( -398)

Previous Week: 32

Notes: I'm still in my survivor league and will be picking the team that plays them for the remainder of the season. It's a sure thing.

NFL Power Rankings Week 14

1. Green Bay Packers: 499 (473)

Previous Week: 1

Notes: The Packers proved that they are beatable by barely escaping an upset loss against the Giants. Aaron Rodgers also proved how clutch he can be and how easy a game winning drive can look. The road to 16-0 just got easier.

2. San Francisco 49ers: 408 (352)

Previous Week: 2

Notes: The only game standing in their way of a 14-2 season (and a clinch of a 1st round bye) is a home game against the Steelers. The 49ers are the better team this year and should win.

3. Houston Texans: 385 (351)

Previous Week: 3

Notes: No Schaub? No problem. The team faced their first real test without their star QB and pulled off an impressive victory.

4. Baltimore Ravens: 371 (346)

Previous Week: 4

Notes: The Ravens made it look all too easy against the Browns. Each game is very important for the rest of the season as it could mean the difference of a 1 seed and 5 seed come playoff time.

5. New Orleans Saints: 354 (314)

Previous Week: 6

Notes: This team is looking like one of the best in the NFL right now. The Packers should fear this team in the playoffs.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers: 345 (288)

Previous Week: 7

Notes: The second game between the Steelers and the Bengals looked nothing like the first with the Steelers completely dominating. The playoffs are now a definite, it's just a matter of fighting for the division instead of a wildcard.

7. New England Patriots: 335 (332)

Previous Week: 5

Notes: Some times a win will drop you a couple of spots in the rankings. A game against the Colts was one where they obviously were going to win, but still revealed the many holes this team this has on defense. They can't expect to be a Super Bowl team with that defense even with Tom Brady.

8. Detroit Lions: 231 (268)

Previous Week: 8

Notes: Tough loss for the Lions. They might need to take their next 3 against the Vikings, Raiders, and Chargers in order to make the playoffs.

9. Dallas Cowboys: 217 (236)

Previous Week: 9

Notes: A win over the Cards would have put the Cowboys in great position to take the NFC East. It would have happened if it wasn't for Garrett icing his own kicker. Now the games against the Giants are even more important.

10. Atlanta Falcons: 190 (207)

Previous Week: 12

Notes: A loss against a good Texans team on the road moves this team up 2 spots. They look like the best 7-5 team in the NFC right now.

11. Chicago Bears: 181 (208 )

Previous Week: 11

Notes: This looks like a completely different team without Cutler. A loss against the lowly Chiefs might be the game that keeps them out of the playoffs.

12. Cincinnati Bengals: 180 (223 )

Previous Week: 10

Notes: This team is starting to look less and less like the team we saw in the first half of the season. They have two remaining tough games (Texans and Ravens) and two games they should win (Cardinals and Rams). They'll need to take the two games they should win and one of the tough games most likely to make the playoffs.

13. New York Jets: 179 (127 )

Previous Week: 14

Notes: Not that the Jets are a Super Bowl caliber team by any means this year, but I predict they'll be the ones to take the 6th seed.

14. Tennessee Titans: 138 (110)

Previous Week: 15

Notes: The Titans will likely need to take one against the Saints or Texans to make the playoffs. No easy task. This team, however, has been doing a lot better than anyone would have thought.

15. Oakland Raiders: 98 (134)

Previous Week: 13

Notes: That loss puts the Raiders in a tough spot with two upcoming games against the Lions and Packers.

16. New York Giants: 82 (83)

Previous Week: 16

Notes: Although the Giants got their 4th loss in a row, they put up a good fight against the Packers. Bold prediction, the Giants take their remaining 4 and clinch the playoffs.

17. Denver Broncos: 79 (66)

Previous Week: 17

Notes: Tim Tebow looked better than he had in past games, but still needs to improve. That being said, he is still finding ways to win. The Broncos are the team to beat in the AFC West.

18. San Diego Chargers: 78 (32)

Previous Week: 20

Notes: Even at 5-7, the Chargers playoff hopes are very much alive. If they take the remaining 4, they will likely clinch the division.

19. Miami Dolphins: 34 (-13)

Previous Week: 21

Notes: This team very much deserves to be out of the bottom 20. If they played the first half like they have been the second half, they'd in the thick of the playoff race. Unfortunately too little too late.

20. Philadelphia Eagles: 28 (62)

Previous Week: 18

Notes: And it's now officially 100% over for the Eagles. Who would have thought 12 games in the Eagles would need to take the remaining 4 to even finish the season at .500

21. Buffalo Bills: 23 (51)

Previous Week: 19

Notes: The Bills are starting to look like the Bills that we are used to over the past couple of years.

22. Seattle Seahawks: 14 (-39)

Previous Week: 23

Notes: This team is fighting hard for their playoff life. They won't make it, but it's exciting to watch this team (who once looked like they had no shot) compete this hard.

23. Carolina Panthers: -21 (-83)

Previous Week: 27

Notes: The Panthers have fought their way out of the cellar in the NFC South. They are the better team than the Buccs and it's not surprise that they won that game.

24. Arizona Cardinals: -23 (-62)

Previous Week: 25

Notes: The NFC West has been the kryptonite for some of the NFC East teams and the Cardinals have been helping with this. A 7-9 or 8-8 record would be a lot more than what was expected from this team.

25. Washington Redskins: -41 (-22)

Previous Week: 22

Notes: The Redskins will be hoping to end the season better than the Eagles.

26. Cleveland Browns: -75 (-40)

Previous Week: 24

Notes: Won't be surprised if this team loses their remaining 4 games of the season.

27. Kansas City Chiefs: -86 (-130 )

Previous Week: 29

Notes: Their defense has been looking a lot better these past couple of games (even though their offense is horrendous). A nice win over the Bears that keeps their playoff hopes alive. I still think this team deserves to be ranked very low in the power rankings when you look at how they've played their entire season.

28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: -120 (-80)

Previous Week: 26

Notes: Their 4-8 record is a lot more accurate representation of this team than the 4-2 record that they started off with.

29. Jacksonville Jaguars: - 121 (-85)

Previous Week: 28

Notes: Del Rio is gone, the Jaguars still suck.

30. Minnesota Vikings: -152 (-141)

Previous Week: 30

Notes: A good offensive effort against the Broncos, but once again the Vikings come up short.

31. St. Louis Rams: -251 (-215 )

Previous Week: 31

Notes: Normally this is the type of team that would be the worst in the NFL. Lucky for them they're playing with the 2011 Colts. Unlucky for them because they lose the #1 spot in the draft.

32. Indianapolis Colts: -398 ( -384)

Previous Week: 32

Notes: I was shocked that this team staged a comeback like they did against the Pats. This team is fighting hard still which says as much about their heart as it does their talent.