Although there are just two weeks left in the 2022-23 NFL season, only four teams from each conference have been eliminated. Thanks to poor play in the AFC and NFC South, even multiple teams under .500 have plenty to play for. With the playoff picture about to become much clearer after another week, here are the updated Week 17 NFL Power Rankings.
NFL Power Rankings for Week 17
1) Philadelphia Eagles (13-2) (Last Week: 1)
Although the Philadelphia Eagles fell to the Dallas Cowboys, there were plenty of positives to take from their 40-34 defeat. For the first two-and-a-half quarters, the Eagles controlled the game with Gardner Minshew at the helm, holding a 27-17 lead. Unfortunately, three costly second-half turnovers turned into 13 points for Dallas. The fact that the offense was still potent with Minshew at the helm should mean great things for Philadelphia if Jalen Hurts is at full strength for the playoffs. That is why they continue to lock down the top spot in our NFL Power Rankings.
2) Buffalo Bills (12-3) (2)
The Buffalo Bills got off to a slow start, but they poured it on late to beat the Chicago Bears at frigid Soldier Field. Kicker Tyler Bass missed an extra point and a field goal which was a large reason the Bills held just an eight-point lead with just 10 minutes left. After giving up an opening drive touchdown to Chicago, the Bills’ defense was dominant, giving up just six minutes for the rest of the game. Josh Allen struggled with turnovers yet again which continues to be a concern with the playoffs quickly approaching.
3) Kansas City Chiefs (12-3) (3)
Although the game wasn’t put out of reach until late, it never felt like the Kansas City Chiefs were at risk of losing. The story of the game was the Chiefs’ defense, which was led by linebacker Nick Bolton who racked up 17 total tackles. Kansas City forced Seattle to turn the ball over on downs three times and kept it at a two-possession lead for most of the game. While Seattle’s offense is by no means elite, it is a good sign to see the Chiefs’ defense coming to play.
4) Cincinnati Bengals (11-4) (4)
It was truly a tale of two halves for the Cincinnati Bengals who held a 22-0 lead at halftime before eking out a 22-18 victory. The Bengals were rolling offensively before a Joe Burrow pick-six changed the tide of the game. An Evan McPherson missed field goal and a Ja’Marr Chase fumble gave the Patriots a late chance.
A late Rhamondre Stevenson fumble at the Cincinnati five-yard line secured the victory for the Bengals, who still has an outside chance to secure the top seed in the AFC. Although it was far from pretty, any road win in Foxboro is impressive in its own right.
5) San Francisco 49ers (11-4) (5)
The San Francisco 49ers continue to roll, as they have now won eight straight since an early season blowout loss to the Chiefs. San Francisco has yet to give up 21 or more points since that Week 7 loss and their offense continues to put up enough points to secure the victory. Although their chances to get the top seed in the NFC are very slim, they do have a good shot at the second seed should the Minnesota Vikings slip up. With the lowly Las Vegas Raiders and Arizona Cardinals on deck, the 49ers have a great chance to end the season at 13-4 and as a top-two seed in the NFC.
6) Minnesota Vikings (12-3) (7)
Another week, another extremely close, last-second win for the Minnesota Vikings. Kirk Cousins threw for just under 300 yards and three touchdowns as the Vikings scored 17 points in the fourth quarter alone. Justin Jefferson continues to show that he’s the best receiver in the NFL and the long leg of kicker Greg Joseph won the game for them, making a 61-yard field goal as time expired. With a chance to knock the Green Bay Packers out of the playoff hunt next week and the second seed still very much up in the air, Minnesota will look to continue its winning ways.
7) Baltimore Ravens (10-5) (8)
Once again, the Baltimore Ravens offense looked underwhelming with Tyler Huntley at the helm for the injured Lamar Jackson. After jumping out to a 14-0 lead in the second quarter, the offense stalled out and could only muster three points for the rest of the game. The Ravens were able to rack up 184 yards on the ground, but they simply couldn’t finish drives. With a playoff spot already locked up, Baltimore will look to try to pass the Bengals atop the AFC North and secure a home playoff game.
8) Dallas Cowboys (11-4) (10)
All things considered, it wasn’t a pretty win for the Cowboys. While it does keep them alive in the hunt for the NFC East title, it is concerning that they gave up 34 points to the Eagles with their backup quarterback. Dak Prescott rebounded well after an early interception and it’s clear that any possible success in the postseason will only come if he can play at an above-average or elite level.
9) New York Giants (8-6-1) (9)
The New York Giants looked good on the road against Minnesota and gave them a fight. Daniel Jones threw for over 330 yards but a late blocked punt gave the Vikings great field position that led to a touchdown. The Giants have now won just one of their last four games but do have the Indianapolis Colts on deck in Week 17. If they can’t win that game, their playoff chances are in real danger with the Philadelphia Eagles on deck in Week 18.
10) Miami Dolphins (8-7) (6)
Miami’s offense was on another level against the Packers and held a 20-10 lead with possession in the second quarter. A Raheem Mostert fumble turned the tide, as the Dolphins wouldn’t score again for the rest of the game. Tua Tagovailoa threw three horrible interceptions in the second half that once again showed that his play seems to be all that stands in the way of the Dolphins and a possible deep playoff run. If Tua can’t get his act together, Miami could even be in danger of missing the playoffs altogether.
