Week Seventeen NFL Power Rankings
Updated: December 24, 2012
32. Kansas City Chiefs (2-13)
It was another week another loss for the Chiefs. The effort is gone from this team, and it showed against the Colts. Now all they have to do is not screw up and win next week and lose the Number 1 pick. Don’t worry Chiefs fans; with Peyton Manning coming to town, I am sure they won’t be in danger of that.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-13)
Jacksonville made it somewhat interesting in the first half, but in the end they wilted to a much, much better team. Rumors are swirling that hometown hero, Tim Tebow, will be with this team next year. About time, get it over with so they can see he really can’t save them either.
30. Oakland Raiders (4-11)
How could the Raiders play Matt Lienart over Terrelle Pryor? They said that Pyror is not ready, but who cares? Does it matter if playing Pyror costs them a game next week? You need to find out what you have in him, because you already know Lienart is not a starter.
29. Philadelphia Eagles (4-11)
I what may have been Andy Reid’s last home game as Eagles head coach this team took the surging Redskins literally down to the last second (which Nick Foles ran off the clock). I threw this out on Twitter (@BackyardBanters) yesterday, imagine what Chip Kelly could do as Eagles head coach if they could get their hands on Geno Smith in the draft to pair with Lesean McCoy and Bryce Brown. They could be an exciting offense again with those three.
28. Arizona Cardinals (5-10)
The Cardinals are back! They trotted out their fourth quarterback of the season, Brian Hoyer, and he even got in on the interception parade. It will be interesting to see what happens with Ken Whisenhunt. He is a good coach, and this QB situation is a nightmare, but if they could find a solution at quarterback and bolster the offensive tackle spots he may be able to lead them on another run.
27. Tennessee Titans (5-10)
Titans were obliterated on Sunday and I think wholesale changes are coming to this team. Jake Locker does not look like an NFL quarterback and Mike Munchak doesn’t seem to have to owner’s backing. Not a good sign for the future of this team. The Titans take a big drop, because they were noncompetitive on Sunday, and that has been a theme far too often this year.
26. Detroit Lions (4-11)
It was a good thing that Calvin Johnson broke the receiving yardage record, because it took the national attention off of how poorly the Lions played on Saturday, and overall this season. Jim Schwartz summed it up all very well when Stefan Logan kneeled a kickoff at the four-yard line by mouthing, “that’s the stupidest fucking thing I’ve ever fucking seen”. Classic Lions.
25. Buffalo Bills (5-10)
The Bills are a total disgrace. They can seal a nightmarish season next week if they lose to the circus show that is the Jets. Either way, it is time to send the Chan Gailey-Ryan Fitzpatrick combo packing. I think we have seen just about enough of these guys’ “no playoff beards” at this point.
24. New York Jets (6-9)
Greg McElroy didn’t make much of a difference for this team. He took an alarming eleven sacks in this game, as he showed no ability to sense pressure or move in the pocket. If you haven’t read it, check out Trevor Pryce’s article on Rex Ryan. Pryce, who played under Ryan, says that Ryan’s nice guy ways could well be the end of him as a head coach. I agree, seeing Ryan “fall on his sword” for his players every week is getting old. If he is back next year I want to see Rex Ryan show some accountability and some harshness, even if his players may like him less.
23. Cleveland Browns (5-10)
Cleveland was also destroyed on Sunday. These guys appear to have quit on head coach Pat Shurmer, which will likely seal his fate come the end of the season.
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-9)
The final score of this game is not indicative of how much the Bucs were manhandled by the Rams. Josh Freeman was once again the main problem, and it may be time to move on from him. It is really not a good sign that there are already rumblings from inside the locker room that Greg Schiano needs to “go back to college”.
21. San Diego Chargers (6-9)
Congratulations San Diego, you beat an even sadder team than yourselves! This doesn’t change much in San Diego as changes are coming here. Head coach possibilities are already coming out of the woodwork for this team.
20. Carolina Panthers (6-9)
Carolina beat a lesser team and that is good because a loss to the Raiders would have sealed Ron Rivera’s fate. The Giants’ Marc Ross is being mentioned as the favorite for the GM opening with this team, and I say that is a good fit (and a given with former Giants’ GM Ernie Acorsi helping in the search). Not many teams have had as well rounded drafts over the last five years than the Giants and as I wrote earlier in the year, the Panthers have struggled outside of the first round for years now.
19. St. Louis Rams (7-7-1)
The Rams vindicated me for supporting them, as they manhandled the Buccaneers. I have only one question, what will become of Sam Bradford? He has not shown the type of consistency you want from a former top pick in the draft, but his supporting cast lacks talent. I am sure they can afford to roll with him next year, because Jeff Fisher has job control for years. However, please build around the guy with all those resources please.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-8)
I backed the Steelers relentlessly all season, but it is over as they have finally been eliminated from playoff contention. I can’t believe that after all of the times Ben Roethlisberger has carried this declining team, it was his interceptions that ultimately cost them two weeks in a row. Ben is still a great player, but they need to rebuild the rest of this team, and take weight off of his shoulders.
17. Miami Dolphins (7-8)
Miami is a solid young team that is capable of beating retreads like the Bills any week. Reggie Bush showed why Miami should probably keep him around as a free agent, but Lamar Miller also played a great game and could make Bush expendable. I would keep both and let Bush shine more as a pass catcher, which he showed he is still capable of on Sunday.
16. New Orleans Saints (7-8)
The Saints fumbled their way to win on Sunday. The Saints have to be killing themselves for that loss to the Chiefs early in the year. If it wasn’t for that loss against the worst team in the league, they might still have a shot at the post season.
15. Dallas Cowboys (8-7)
Dallas almost did it. They almost came back and won in a clutch situation, but instead they did just what they always do, find some ridiculous way to lose. Now I remember why I ranked the Cowboys so low at the beginning of the year. Not because I don’t believe in Garrett and Romo or any silly “I don’t trust them” deal. Rather, this is a young team that is still building and just isn’t ready yet. Stil, with all that, they can make the playoffs next week.
14. New York Giants (8-7)
I am so close to being done with these guys. They got blown out by teams two weeks in a row that they probably could have beaten if they brought their A game. If we hadn’t seen them slump into the playoffs in previous years and win the super bowl, I would cast them aside, but their act is wearing thin. It is up to Tom Coughlin to destroy this attitude that backing into the playoffs every year is okay.
13. Cincinnati Bengals (9-6)
The Bengals told me, and the rest of their critics, to shut up on Sunday as they clinched a playoff berth for the second year in a row. However, I still maintain that they won’t last long in the post season. They have some great players, AJ Green, a stellar defensive line, and a stout offensive line, but their deficiencies will hold them back. They aren’t a great running team, and I don’t believe Andy Dalton can carry this team past the elite teams in the AFC.
12. Chicago Bears (9-6)
Are the Bears back in the playoff mix? It remains to be seen, but I worry about this team regardless. They desperately need to have a great offseason, as they need to add a ton of depth to an older defense and really need an influx of talent on offense. Even if they make the playoffs, they could suffer a precipitous fall next year if they do not fill holes.
11. Minnesota Vikings (9-6)
That was a big win by the Vikings against Houston. Reminding everyone that they actually have a lot more to play for than just letting Adrian Peterson break the rushing yardage record. If they win next week then they are in the playoffs and that would be quite an accomplishment.
10. Indianapolis Colts (10-5)
I cannot say just how impressed I am that this team has gone from 2-14 to be right back in the playoffs this year. Perennial losing teams that can’t seem to get it right (Bills, Browns, Raiders) must really hate the Colts. They have one awful year without Peyton Manning and suck so much they land Andrew Luck and are right back in the playoff hunt. That is a pretty sweet deal.
9. Baltimore Ravens (10-5)
The Ravens, and particularly Joe Flacco, showed that they are a still a force to be reckoned with. Now if Flacco could just play the way he plays on national TV for sixteen weeks, this may be an elite team again.
8. Washington Redskins (9-6)
The Redskins are peaking at the right team and are riding high into the postseason. I don’t want to pump hope into the fan base too much, but I really do believe this team has the right elements to make a run. Great running game to lean on and they really believe in themselves and think they can beat anyone. There is something to be said about that.
7. Houston Texans (12-3)
I gave the Texans a big drop, and that my not be fair, but this part of the power rankings were tough to order. In truth I am beginning to wonder if this Texans team really has the killer instinct to go far in the postseason. Their lack of effort on Sunday was particularly disconcerting.
6. San Francisco 49ers (10-4-1)
I dropped the Niners pretty far too and frankly they deserved it. To not even play a division rival close and lose in such grand fashion was pretty humiliating. People are calling for Alex Smith, but I am sorry if they play Smith in that game, they probably lose by and even greater margin. Kaepernick is the answer, but the rest of the team needs to play better around him.
5. Seattle Seahawks (10-5)*
Russell Wilson is the man. He really has developed into a star before our very eyes. His poise may be what is his best asset. He played a top-10 team, with the best defense in the league, and completely demolished them. By now you know Wilson is my offensive rookie of the year. I was not totally sold on it a few weeks ago, but now, I have zero doubts.
4. Atlanta Falcons (13-2)
The Falcons blew away a terrible Detroit team, and good they should have. The story on the Falcons is a little redundant at this point. I can rank them wherever, but none of this matters. It’s all about January for this team.
3. New England Patriots (11-4)
Some people may bash New England for that semi-stinker against Jacksonville, but the thing is they showed how dangerous they are. They clearly were not even putting much thought into the first half, likely suffering a hangover from last game, and they still won. Dangerous teams can beat bad teams even when they don’t play their best.
2. Green Bay Packers (11-4)*
Green Bay looks primed to be the great team that we all thought they would be. They are getting healthy and we have seen this team make a run before. Out of all the NFC teams, I really trust them the most to win the super bowl.
1. Denver Broncos (12-3)
Not much has changed for the Broncos. Everything I wrote about them last week still applies and if they finish the year on an eleven game winning streak, we may just have to gift-wrap the MVP to Peyton Manning.
32. Kansas City Chiefs (2-13)
It was another week another loss for the Chiefs. The effort is gone from this team, and it showed against the Colts. Now all they have to do is not screw up and win next week and lose the Number 1 pick. Don’t worry Chiefs fans; with Peyton Manning coming to town, I am sure they won’t be in danger of that.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-13)
Jacksonville made it somewhat interesting in the first half, but in the end they wilted to a much, much better team. Rumors are swirling that hometown hero, Tim Tebow, will be with this team next year. About time, get it over with so they can see he really can’t save them either.
30. Oakland Raiders (4-11)
How could the Raiders play Matt Lienart over Terrelle Pryor? They said that Pyror is not ready, but who cares? Does it matter if playing Pyror costs them a game next week? You need to find out what you have in him, because you already know Lienart is not a starter.
29. Philadelphia Eagles (4-11)
I what may have been Andy Reid’s last home game as Eagles head coach this team took the surging Redskins literally down to the last second (which Nick Foles ran off the clock). I threw this out on Twitter (@BackyardBanters) yesterday, imagine what Chip Kelly could do as Eagles head coach if they could get their hands on Geno Smith in the draft to pair with Lesean McCoy and Bryce Brown. They could be an exciting offense again with those three.
28. Arizona Cardinals (5-10)
The Cardinals are back! They trotted out their fourth quarterback of the season, Brian Hoyer, and he even got in on the interception parade. It will be interesting to see what happens with Ken Whisenhunt. He is a good coach, and this QB situation is a nightmare, but if they could find a solution at quarterback and bolster the offensive tackle spots he may be able to lead them on another run.
27. Tennessee Titans (5-10)
Titans were obliterated on Sunday and I think wholesale changes are coming to this team. Jake Locker does not look like an NFL quarterback and Mike Munchak doesn’t seem to have to owner’s backing. Not a good sign for the future of this team. The Titans take a big drop, because they were noncompetitive on Sunday, and that has been a theme far too often this year.
26. Detroit Lions (4-11)
It was a good thing that Calvin Johnson broke the receiving yardage record, because it took the national attention off of how poorly the Lions played on Saturday, and overall this season. Jim Schwartz summed it up all very well when Stefan Logan kneeled a kickoff at the four-yard line by mouthing, “that’s the stupidest fucking thing I’ve ever fucking seen”. Classic Lions.
25. Buffalo Bills (5-10)
The Bills are a total disgrace. They can seal a nightmarish season next week if they lose to the circus show that is the Jets. Either way, it is time to send the Chan Gailey-Ryan Fitzpatrick combo packing. I think we have seen just about enough of these guys’ “no playoff beards” at this point.
24. New York Jets (6-9)
Greg McElroy didn’t make much of a difference for this team. He took an alarming eleven sacks in this game, as he showed no ability to sense pressure or move in the pocket. If you haven’t read it, check out Trevor Pryce’s article on Rex Ryan. Pryce, who played under Ryan, says that Ryan’s nice guy ways could well be the end of him as a head coach. I agree, seeing Ryan “fall on his sword” for his players every week is getting old. If he is back next year I want to see Rex Ryan show some accountability and some harshness, even if his players may like him less.
23. Cleveland Browns (5-10)
Cleveland was also destroyed on Sunday. These guys appear to have quit on head coach Pat Shurmer, which will likely seal his fate come the end of the season.
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-9)
The final score of this game is not indicative of how much the Bucs were manhandled by the Rams. Josh Freeman was once again the main problem, and it may be time to move on from him. It is really not a good sign that there are already rumblings from inside the locker room that Greg Schiano needs to “go back to college”.
21. San Diego Chargers (6-9)
Congratulations San Diego, you beat an even sadder team than yourselves! This doesn’t change much in San Diego as changes are coming here. Head coach possibilities are already coming out of the woodwork for this team.
20. Carolina Panthers (6-9)
Carolina beat a lesser team and that is good because a loss to the Raiders would have sealed Ron Rivera’s fate. The Giants’ Marc Ross is being mentioned as the favorite for the GM opening with this team, and I say that is a good fit (and a given with former Giants’ GM Ernie Acorsi helping in the search). Not many teams have had as well rounded drafts over the last five years than the Giants and as I wrote earlier in the year, the Panthers have struggled outside of the first round for years now.
19. St. Louis Rams (7-7-1)
The Rams vindicated me for supporting them, as they manhandled the Buccaneers. I have only one question, what will become of Sam Bradford? He has not shown the type of consistency you want from a former top pick in the draft, but his supporting cast lacks talent. I am sure they can afford to roll with him next year, because Jeff Fisher has job control for years. However, please build around the guy with all those resources please.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-8)
I backed the Steelers relentlessly all season, but it is over as they have finally been eliminated from playoff contention. I can’t believe that after all of the times Ben Roethlisberger has carried this declining team, it was his interceptions that ultimately cost them two weeks in a row. Ben is still a great player, but they need to rebuild the rest of this team, and take weight off of his shoulders.
17. Miami Dolphins (7-8)
Miami is a solid young team that is capable of beating retreads like the Bills any week. Reggie Bush showed why Miami should probably keep him around as a free agent, but Lamar Miller also played a great game and could make Bush expendable. I would keep both and let Bush shine more as a pass catcher, which he showed he is still capable of on Sunday.
16. New Orleans Saints (7-8)
The Saints fumbled their way to win on Sunday. The Saints have to be killing themselves for that loss to the Chiefs early in the year. If it wasn’t for that loss against the worst team in the league, they might still have a shot at the post season.
15. Dallas Cowboys (8-7)
Dallas almost did it. They almost came back and won in a clutch situation, but instead they did just what they always do, find some ridiculous way to lose. Now I remember why I ranked the Cowboys so low at the beginning of the year. Not because I don’t believe in Garrett and Romo or any silly “I don’t trust them” deal. Rather, this is a young team that is still building and just isn’t ready yet. Stil, with all that, they can make the playoffs next week.
14. New York Giants (8-7)
I am so close to being done with these guys. They got blown out by teams two weeks in a row that they probably could have beaten if they brought their A game. If we hadn’t seen them slump into the playoffs in previous years and win the super bowl, I would cast them aside, but their act is wearing thin. It is up to Tom Coughlin to destroy this attitude that backing into the playoffs every year is okay.
13. Cincinnati Bengals (9-6)
The Bengals told me, and the rest of their critics, to shut up on Sunday as they clinched a playoff berth for the second year in a row. However, I still maintain that they won’t last long in the post season. They have some great players, AJ Green, a stellar defensive line, and a stout offensive line, but their deficiencies will hold them back. They aren’t a great running team, and I don’t believe Andy Dalton can carry this team past the elite teams in the AFC.
12. Chicago Bears (9-6)
Are the Bears back in the playoff mix? It remains to be seen, but I worry about this team regardless. They desperately need to have a great offseason, as they need to add a ton of depth to an older defense and really need an influx of talent on offense. Even if they make the playoffs, they could suffer a precipitous fall next year if they do not fill holes.
11. Minnesota Vikings (9-6)
That was a big win by the Vikings against Houston. Reminding everyone that they actually have a lot more to play for than just letting Adrian Peterson break the rushing yardage record. If they win next week then they are in the playoffs and that would be quite an accomplishment.
10. Indianapolis Colts (10-5)
I cannot say just how impressed I am that this team has gone from 2-14 to be right back in the playoffs this year. Perennial losing teams that can’t seem to get it right (Bills, Browns, Raiders) must really hate the Colts. They have one awful year without Peyton Manning and suck so much they land Andrew Luck and are right back in the playoff hunt. That is a pretty sweet deal.
9. Baltimore Ravens (10-5)
The Ravens, and particularly Joe Flacco, showed that they are a still a force to be reckoned with. Now if Flacco could just play the way he plays on national TV for sixteen weeks, this may be an elite team again.
8. Washington Redskins (9-6)
The Redskins are peaking at the right team and are riding high into the postseason. I don’t want to pump hope into the fan base too much, but I really do believe this team has the right elements to make a run. Great running game to lean on and they really believe in themselves and think they can beat anyone. There is something to be said about that.
7. Houston Texans (12-3)
I gave the Texans a big drop, and that my not be fair, but this part of the power rankings were tough to order. In truth I am beginning to wonder if this Texans team really has the killer instinct to go far in the postseason. Their lack of effort on Sunday was particularly disconcerting.
6. San Francisco 49ers (10-4-1)
I dropped the Niners pretty far too and frankly they deserved it. To not even play a division rival close and lose in such grand fashion was pretty humiliating. People are calling for Alex Smith, but I am sorry if they play Smith in that game, they probably lose by and even greater margin. Kaepernick is the answer, but the rest of the team needs to play better around him.
5. Seattle Seahawks (10-5)*
Russell Wilson is the man. He really has developed into a star before our very eyes. His poise may be what is his best asset. He played a top-10 team, with the best defense in the league, and completely demolished them. By now you know Wilson is my offensive rookie of the year. I was not totally sold on it a few weeks ago, but now, I have zero doubts.
4. Atlanta Falcons (13-2)
The Falcons blew away a terrible Detroit team, and good they should have. The story on the Falcons is a little redundant at this point. I can rank them wherever, but none of this matters. It’s all about January for this team.
3. New England Patriots (11-4)
Some people may bash New England for that semi-stinker against Jacksonville, but the thing is they showed how dangerous they are. They clearly were not even putting much thought into the first half, likely suffering a hangover from last game, and they still won. Dangerous teams can beat bad teams even when they don’t play their best.
2. Green Bay Packers (11-4)*
Green Bay looks primed to be the great team that we all thought they would be. They are getting healthy and we have seen this team make a run before. Out of all the NFC teams, I really trust them the most to win the super bowl.
1. Denver Broncos (12-3)
Not much has changed for the Broncos. Everything I wrote about them last week still applies and if they finish the year on an eleven game winning streak, we may just have to gift-wrap the MVP to Peyton Manning.