Week 17 NFL Power Rankings: Cowboys Spank Washington

With only two weeks left in the season, you would think that there would be a little more separation for playoff spots. While five teams have clinched playoff spots in the NFC, only the Kansas City Chiefs have clinched in the AFC. With plenty of big games between fringe playoff teams this upcoming week, the playoff race should slim down this week. Going into a hectic Week 17, here are your updated NFL Power Rankings.

NFL Power Rankings: Week 17

1) Kansas City Chiefs (11-4) (Last Week: 1)

It sure does look like Kansas City is just going to waltz through the AFC again this year, doesn’t it? Kansas City had a good matchup against a Pittsburgh Steelers team that was banged up on defense and bad on offense. The Chiefs took advantage and annihilated the Steelers even more than most might have thought. While this wasn’t much of a test for the defense, the offense made the Steelers defense look like an absolute joke. They seem to be rolling at the right time and, with two games left, have a one-game lead for the top seed. Next week’s game in Cincinnati will be another telling test for the Chiefs, who lock down the top spot in the NFL Power Rankings for the second week in a row.

2) Green Bay Packers (12-3) (2)

The Green Bay Packers sure do love to win ugly, and it was no different against the Browns on Christmas Day. While the Packer defense did intercept Baker Mayfield four times, the defense has shown the same signs as past Packer defenses that collapsed in the playoffs. Joe Barry takes too long to make changes on defense, so the Pack are always slow to adapt. On top of that, their run defense is horrific. With all of that in mind, this team is still short some crucial players, like cornerback Jaire Alexander and left tackle David Bakhtiari. Both all-pro players look to return soon.

3) Indianapolis Colts (9-6) (4)

When the Indianapolis Colts blew a 16-point fourth quarter lead to the Baltimore Ravens to drop to 1-4, all seemed lost. Over their last 10 games, however, Indianapolis has won eight and is an absolute powerhouse right now. The Colts went into a tough road matchup against the Arizona Cardinals and came out with a crucial win. Most impressive was the fact that they did it while going into the game down three starting offensive linemen and losing another mid-game. This defense is legit and it’s hard to come from behind against their running game, led by MVP candidate Jonathan Taylor.

4) Dallas Cowboys (11-4) (5)

The Dallas Cowboys offense has been a pretty big concern over the past few weeks. While their trouncing of Washington doesn’t tell as much as many may think it does, it does answer some questions. It’s important to note that Washington came into Jerry’s World incredibly depleted with injuries and on a short week, due to playing last Tuesday. However, putting up 42 in the first half is still damn impressive no matter the opponent. Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott were absolutely balling in a game that was virtually over halfway through the first quarter. The defense and special teams came to play as well, but they will have a much larger challenge next week against the Arizona Cardinals.

5) Los Angeles Rams (11-4) (3)

We’re not even a full year into the 2021-22 NFL season, and it might already be time to question just how lopsided the Matthew Stafford trade was between the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams. Stafford continued to be far short of what he’s shown in the past, as he threw three interceptions against the Minnesota Vikings. The Rams got the slim win on the road, but questions have to be asked about Stafford. For as good as the defense is, it doesn’t matter if Stafford is turning it over in their own territory constantly.

6) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-4) (7)

It would appear that the Tampa Bau Buccaneers don’t have a problem, just that the New Orleans Saints are their kryptonite. However, it could also be that the offense got wide receiver Antonio Brown back this week and Tom Brady needs elite targets surrounding him. Brown made the offense look good again, and there weren’t any doubts about the defense. It’s clear that for Tampa Bay to make a run, they need their offensive players to stay healthy, with Chris Godwin out for the season. Without Brown, this Buccaneers offense may not even be good enough to win a single playoff game.

7) Buffalo Bills (9-6) (9)

Coming into Sunday’s game, the Buffalo Bills needed to not only make a statement, but they also needed to help solidify their playoff status. Thanks to a solid performance from the defense and quarterback Josh Allen, the Bills are now tied with the New England Patriots atop the AFC East. They hold the fourth seed in the AFC and have their next two games against teams below .500. If they win both, not only will they win the AFC East, but they have a good chance at snagging the third or even second seed. While the playoffs are not guaranteed yet, the Bills are a virtual lock and can hopefully use the last two games to fine-tune some issues.

8) Cincinnati Bengals (9-6) (11)

Neither of the Baltimore Ravens’ top two quarterbacks were healthy for this game. However, that was not the reason the Bengals dropped 41 points. Cincinnati has scored 40+ on Baltimore in both matchups this season and now holds the top spot in the AFC North. The offense is finally started clicking again and the ball is in their court in terms of winning the division. Questions that remain about their consistency and defensive abilities will certainly be challenged next week against Kansas City. For now, they jump a few spots in the NFL Power Rankings.

9) New England Patriots (9-6) (6)

It seems like forever ago at this point, but just two weeks ago the New England Patriots were 9-4 and the best team in the AFC. Since then, the Patriots have dropped two games to the Colts and Bills that weren’t exactly close. While both teams have been playing good football as of late, you’d expect this Patriots team to fare better. The defense hasn’t looked like itself and they aren’t getting much help from the offense. Quarterback Mac Jones has thrown two touchdowns and four interceptions over the past two weeks and will need to be better for the Patriots to do much of anything in the postseason. With their next game against the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars, one would hope they can get back on track.

10) Arizona Cardinals (10-5) (8)

How the mighty have fallen. The Arizona Cardinals were riding high at 7-0 going into a Thursday night game with a severely depleted Green Bay Packers team. Since then, the Cardinals are just 3-5 over their last eight and have lost three straight. Arizona clinched a playoff spot this week, but they have plenty to work on. Offensively, the playcalling and Kyler Murray’s accuracy leaves plenty to be desired. In their three-game losing streak, Arizona has averaged just 17 points per game. Defensively, Arizona struggles to kill of opponent’s drives and gets tired fast due to their fast-paced offense rarely staying on the field for long. Arizona needs to figure it out quickly. For now, they continue falling in the NFL Power Rankings.

11) Tennessee Titans (10-5) (16)

12) Baltimore Ravens (8-7) (12)

13) San Francisco 49ers (8-7) (13)

14) Los Angeles Chargers (8-7) (10)

15) Miami Dolphins (8-7) (22)

16) Philadelphia Eagles (8-7) (19)

17) Las Vegas Raiders (8-7) (18)

18) New Orleans Saints (7-8) (14)

19) Minnesota Vikings (7-8) (21)

20) Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7-1) (15)

21) Cleveland Browns (7-8) (20)

22) Denver Broncos (7-8) (17)

23) Chicago Bears (5-10) (24)

24) Atlanta Falcons (7-8) (25)

25) Washington Football Team (6-9) (23)

26) Houston Texans (4-11) (30)

27) Seattle Seahawks (5-10) (26)

28) Carolina Panthers (5-10) (27)

29) New York Giants (4-11) (28)

30) Detroit Lions (2-12-1) (29)

31) New York Jets (4-11) (31)

32) Jacksonville Jaguars (2-13) (32)