NFL power rankings, Week 17: Jaguars rise, Raiders fall
In this week’s NFL power rankings, the Jacksonville Jaguars continue their rapid ascent, while the Las Vegas Raiders hit a new low.
32
Houston Texans 2-12-1
Last rank: 32nd
The Texans remain on the bottom of the list, but a nice win after two games of showing up against Dallas and Kansas City.
31
Chicago Bears 3-12
Last rank: 31st
Chicago plays hard every week, it simply doesn’t have the talent to win games.
30
Denver Broncos 4-11
Last rank: 29th
At least the Cardinals showed fight. The Broncos were gutless in defeat.
29
Arizona Cardinals 4-11
Last rank: 30th
The Cardinals gave Tampa Bay a good fight, but couldn’t stave off Tom Brady late in the game.
28
Indianapolis Colts 4-10-1
Last rank: 27th
Three points isn’t going to get it done.
27
Atlanta Falcons 5-10
Last rank: 26th
Atlanta is now finished off in the NFC South. Time to focus on 2023.
26
Los Angeles Rams 5-10
Last rank: 28th
Where did that come from? The Rams lighting up the Broncos for 51 points wasn’t on the Christmas bingo card.
25
Las Vegas Raiders 6-9
Last rank: 22nd
How many games can you lose when blowing a late lead? The Raiders are hellbent on setting the record.
24
Cleveland Browns 6-9
Last rank: 20th
For the Browns, this entire season has ben an exercise in frustration.
23
New Orleans Saints 6-9
Last rank: 25th
New Orleans is clinging to playoff hopes, but it would take a miracle.
22
Carolina Panthers 6-9
Last rank: 24th
Somehow, the Panthers control their own destiny. Win out and host a playoff game.
21
Pittsburgh Steelers 7-8
Last rank: 23rd
Pittsburgh, like the Saints, needs a miracle. Can it somehow find magic?
20
New England Patriots 7-8
Last rank: 18th
The Patriots could easily be 9-6 right now, but two huge miscues have cost them. Yet, they win out, they make the playoffs.
19
New York Jets 7-8
Last rank: 17th
New York still has a chance, but it must win out and get some help.
18
Seattle Seahawks 7-8
Last rank: 15th
The Seahawks need to beat the Jets and Rams at home, and then get some favorable results elsewhere.
17
Tennessee Titans 7-8
Last rank: 14th
This feels like the end. Week 17 means nothing for Tennessee, but beating the Jaguars in Week 18 with Malik Willis? Good luck.
16
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7-8
Last rank: 21st
Somehow, the Buccaneers moved up the rankings. Good defense, horrific offense and coaching.
15
Detroit Lions 7-8
Last rank: 13th
Crushing loss to the Panthers. Now, the Lions are in real trouble when it comes to the playoff picture.
14
Green Bay Packers 7-8
Last rank: 19th
The Packers need to win out at home against the Vikings and Lions, and get either one loss from Washington, or two from New York.
13
Washington Commanders 7-7-1
Last rank: 12th
Win and in despite the recent two-game skid. And keep Taylor Heinicke as the quarterback.
12
New York Giants 8-6-1
Last rank: 11th
New York lost at the gun in Minnesota, but should still find the playoffs with relative ease.
11
Miami Dolphins 8-7
Last rank: 10th
Alarms are going off in Miami. Four straight losses, and Tua Tagovailoa has played poor football.
10
Jacksonville Jaguars 7-8
Last rank: 16th
The Jaguars deserve a top-10 spot having won five of their last six, while taking control of the AFC South.
9
Baltimore Ravens 10-5
Last rank: 9th
Baltimore isn’t impressing anybody, but it is surviving while Lamar Jackson is on the mend.
8
Los Angeles Chargers 9-6
Last rank: 8th
Justin Herbert will never again have to hear talk about his not being in the playoffs. Well done.
7
Minnesota Vikings 12-3
Last rank: 7th
How the Vikings are 12-3, nobody knows. It’ll make for a great investigation one day.
6
Dallas Cowboys 11-4
Last rank: 6th
Dallas proved to everybody it can torch the Eagles’ defense. Now, when Jalen Hurts is under center, can it stop Philadelphia’s offense should they meet again?
5
San Francisco 49ers 11-4
Last rank: 5th
Brock Purdy? Trey Lance? Jimmy Garoppolo? Who cares. The Niners keep rolling.
4
Cincinnati Bengals 11-4
Last rank: 4th
Cincinnati almost had a complete meltdown in New England, but survived. If the Bengals can beat the Bills this week, they move into the second seed — at the least.
3
Buffalo Bills 12-3
Last rank: 3rd
Buffalo pulled away late from Chicago, but ultimately handled business. Next up, a trip to Cincinnati.
2
Kansas City Chiefs 12-3
Last rank: 2nd
The Chiefs put together their best game in over a month, easily handling Seattle. Kansas City is still very much alive for the AFC’s top seed.
1
Philadelphia Eagles 13-2
Last rank: 1st
We’re not moving the Eagles down because they lost a one-score game in Dallas with a backup quarterback.