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  • Backyard Banter Podcast
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 54: Kyle Crabbs - Build my own chair at the table
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 53: James Koh - Divorce the information from emotion
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 52: Will Brinson - That's how it'll have to be
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 51: Charles McDonald - Not an escape from reality
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 50: What you've learned - For you, by you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 49: Jourdan Rodrigue - Let's see what you think then
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 48: Justin Twell - Long process to come back
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 47: Justin Lonero - It's time to relearn life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 46: Scott Bischoff - Life presented the greatest challenge possible
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 45: Al Zeidenfeld - Little steps along the way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 44: Jason Romano - Just a different dream
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 43: Matt Harmon - But here we are (Season 1 finale)
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 42: Gregg Rosenthal - I have to make it work or else
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 41: Jon Moore - Determiner of what I want
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 40: Uncle Chaps - Just have fun with it
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 39: Bob Harris - The best addiction I've ever had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 38: Scott Fish - Everybody working together to make this big
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 37: Jene Bramel - Ask the questions you want answered
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 36: Mike Tagliere - Never going to leave this candy store
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 35: Ben Cummins - Starting at ground zero
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 34: Field Yates - It's the nature of what we do
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 33: Chris Heil - I gave it everything I had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 32: Sal Stefanile - Just make them notice you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 31: Adam Levitan - Accept an alternate lifestyle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 30: Matthew Freedman - It's not built for everyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 29: George Kritikos - If your heart's not in it people notice
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 28: Marcas Grant - Certainly never expected this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 27: Steve Palazzolo - I understand the questions that come
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 26: Matt Miller - To build bridges not burn them
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 25: Graham Barfield - A human game played by humans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 24: Pat Daugherty - I just said yes to everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 23: Eric Galko - There's always work to be done
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 22: TJ Hernandez - In some roundabout way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 21: Alex Gelhar - Homework for the rest of your life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 20: The Fantasy Footballers - Because we were fans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 19: Jessica Kleinschmidt - The scariest person you deal with is yourself
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 18: Evan Silva - A willingness to work hard
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 17: Jeff Risdon - It's hard to be in the middle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 16: Cecil Lammey - Because I didn't ask for anything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 15: Patrick Claybon - If you shine people will see you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 14: Denny Carter - People want to know you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 13: Adam Rank - Honestly just don't go away
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 12: Adam Pfeifer - Being happy is doing this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 11: Mark Schofield - You get one drive in this life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 10: Liz Loza - Ride the horse in the direction it's going
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 9: Matthew Berry - I've done it without being negative to anyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 8: Matt Franciscovich - Persistence is a huge deal
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 7: Matt Williamson - I got lucky, but I made my own luck
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 6: Eric Stoner - Passions are best left as hobbies
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 5: Josh Norris - You don't have to have an opinion on everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 4: Rumford Johnny - Elevate somebody or get out of their way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 3: JJ Zachariason - No one cares because you're not established
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 2: Matt Waldman - Popular doesn't necessarily make it good
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 1 - Sigmund Bloom
  • Fantasy Hipsters
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 28: We''l see you in a bit.
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 27: "Ehhh how about you people relax with that one"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 26: Mail Satchel - Davante Adams debate & "friends of the show"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 25: NFL Network's Top 100 Players This or That
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 24: Mail Satchel - Surviving without Charlie and Tight Ends to Watch
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 23: Jeremy Maclin reaction, news recap and did Harmon pull off that hat?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 22: Mail satchel - WE ARE THE PODCAST OF THE PEOPLE
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 21: Reception Perception review of sleepers, breakouts and surprises
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 20: Evan Silva destroys our MFL10 hopes and dreams
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 19: Mail satchel - Will Brandon Marshall thrive with the Giants in 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 18: We Are Pretty Mad
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 17: Mail satchel - Rompers, clean eating and the 2007 NFL Draft class
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 16: NFL depth chart breakdowns and being sick of bad Eddie Lacy jokes
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 15: Mail satchel - Drafting too many rookies, breakouts and bell-cow RBs
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 14: French press vs. pour over coffee & mock draft review with James Koh
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 13: Mail satchel - Los Angeles Chargers the hipster's team of 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 12: NFL Draft rookie fits and a cast iron running back with Matt Waldman
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 11: NFL Draft preview and drumset vomit with Josh Norris of Rotoworld
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 10: Mail satchel - Dynasty debate, bad impressions and hipster bands
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 9: Perfect Prospect Parings — identifying NFL fits for draft prospects
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 8: Corey Davis, DeVante Parker and what to drink at your draft
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 7: Carlos Hyde, Laquon Treadwell and NFL Draft rookie big board part 3
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 6: Valuing Jordan Howard for 2017 and NFL Draft rookie big board part 2
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 5: NFL Draft rookie top-12 big board and in-depth beer interview
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 4: Kaepernick saga, Harmon shaves his beard and Franchise gets roasted
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 3: Eddie Lacy, Free Agency, music & beer and picking best QB roommate
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 2: Early Free Agency Fallout, Combine Standouts & Mailbag
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 1: NFL Scouting Combine preview and washed vets
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast: Teaser episode introduction
  • Reception Perception: 2017
    • Reception Perception: Investigating any correlation between the results and draft prospect age
  • The 2016 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception: 11 flags planted for the 2016 season
    • Reception Perception: Nelson Agholor can bounce-back in Doug Pederson's offense
    • Reception Perception: Improved technician Donte Moncrief is set to explode in 2016
    • Reception Perception: Only one concern can hold Sammy Watkins back from his ceiling
    • Reception Perception: Bruce Ellington has a chance to flash this season with the 49ers
    • Reception Perception: Albert Wilson and the Diary of a Truther
    • Reception Perception: Willie Snead built an impressive resume we must not ignore
    • Reception Perception: Welcome the ascending Tyler Lockett to rarified status
    • Reception Perception: Kamar Aiken is the answer to the Ravens receiver riddle
    • Reception Perception: DeSean Jackson and Josh Doctson make the Washington wide receivers a strength
    • Reception Perception: Browns make a refreshing first pick in Corey Coleman
    • Reception Perception: The fruitless search for fatal flaws with Laquon Treadwell
    • Reception Perception: Why there will never be a cumulative or overall grade
    • Reception Perception: The changing variables for Torrey Smith point to a rebound
    • Reception Perception: 2016 media appearances
    • Reception Perception: Rashard Higgins - never tell me the odds
    • Reception Perception: Keyarris Garrett is a unicorn in this draft class
    • Reception Perception: Malcolm Mitchell is a top-10 receiver in the 2016 NFL Draft
    • Reception Perception: 2016 NFL draft prospects results
    • Reception Perception: Golden Tate won't be able to replace Calvin Johnson
    • Reception Perception: Jeff Janis, trump cards and sorting through the noise
    • Reception Perception: Top-four college receiver primer
  • The 2015 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception Based Media Appearances
    • Reception Perception: Steve Johnson is the Surest Sleeper Around
    • Reception Perception: Target and Contested Catch Data for Sophomore WRs
    • Reception Perception: Success Rate vs. Coverage Scores for the Sophomore Wide Receivers
    • Reception Perception: Why we Must Consider the Entire Range of Outcomes for Sammy Watkins
    • Reception Perception: Data Results from Year 1
    • Reception Perception: Scanning Through the Dolphins Receiving Corps for Fantasy Answers
    • Reception Perception: Allen Robinson is Quietly on the Precipice of a Massive Breakout
    • Reception Perception: Michael Crabtree is Exactly What the Raiders’ Passing Game Needs
    • Reception Perception: Justin Hunter and Wisely Shopping the Clearance Bins
    • Reception Perception: How Kevin White Began His Ascension to the Top
    • Reception Perception: Sammie Coates Falls Along a Dangerous Archetype
    • Reception Perception: A Video Rundown of the Data
    • Reception Perception: New Browns Receiver Dwayne Bowe Bring Value to a Depleted Pass Game
    • Reception Perception: Expectations and an Odd Coupling Doomed Mike Wallace in Miami
    • Reception Perception: Andre Johnson Still has Plenty Left to Offer the Colts
    • Reception Perception: Randall Cobb Made the Right Call Sticking With the Packers
    • Reception Perception: Where Do We Go From Here, Percy Harvin?
    • Reception Perception: Devin Smith and The Value of a Trump Card (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: The Siren Song of Dorial Green-Beckham (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Impending Free Agent Michael Crabtree
    • Reception Perception: Amari Cooper Under the Microscope (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Sammy Watkins and Cordarrelle Patterson
  • Matt Harmon's in-season film review blog
  • Bio Page
  • Harmon's Fantasy Football Tiered Rankings
  • The Backyard Banter Quarterback Typology
  • Analyzing the Landing Spots for the First Round Wide Recievers
  • Reception Perception
    • Reception Perception: Cordarrelle Patterson and a Developing Story
    • Reception Perception: Jordy Nelson and Mastering the Little Things
  • Ramblings
    • Rebuilding a broken house: losing weight, changing my lifestyle and never looking back
    • Fighting through negativity bias and a wide receiver's drops
    • Saying Goodbye to Dixie
    • The #FreeAustinTice Campaign
    • My Reaction to Adrian Peterson and The Cycle of Abuse
    • Steve Smith: A Lesson in the Dangers of Emotional Football
    • The Arizona Cardinals Will Make the Playoffs
    • The Redskins Better Not Blow This Thing Up
    • The Commodification of NFL Players
    • Digging Deeper: Why Josh Freeman Failed with the Buccaneers
    • The Fall of Aaron Hernandez and the Patriot Way
    • Washington Redskins Injury Concerns
    • Carolina Panther's Draft Bungles
    • Stubbornness the Silent Coaching Killer
  • The Fantasy Gameplan Podcast
  • Draft Class Jersey Number Grades
  • The Eye in the Sky
    • The Eye in the Sky: The St. Louis Rams Should Commit to Sam Bradford for 2014
    • The Eye in the Sky: Why the Cardinals Struggle Against Tight Ends
    • The Eye in the Sky: Uncovering a Diamond in the Rough, Mike Brown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Uncovering a Diamond in the Rough, Brandon Bostick
    • The Eye in the Sky: E.J. Manuel's Improvement All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Why Defending the Colts Offense is too Easy All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Picking Apart the Jets Defense All-22 Breakdown
    • Eye in the Sky: Texans vs. Chiefs (Week Seven) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Redskins vs. Cowboys (Week Six) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Panthers vs. Cardinals (Week Five) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Colts vs. Seahawks (Week Five)
  • 2014 Free Agent Profiles
    • Josh McCown Free Agent Profile
    • Jason Hatcher Free Agent Profile
    • Jarius Byrd Free Agent Profile
    • T.J. Ward Free Agent Profile
    • Lamarr Houston Free Agent Profile
    • Darrelle Revis Free Agent Profile
    • Eric Decker Free Agent Profile
    • Jared Veldheer Free Agent Profile
    • DeMarcus Ware Free Agent Profile
    • Tyson Jackson Free Agent Profile
    • Jon Asamoah Free Agent Profile
    • Michael Johnson Free Agent Profile
    • Brandon Albert Free Agent Profile
    • Louis Delmas Free Agent Profile
    • Red Bryant Free Agent Profile
    • John Carlson Free Agent Profile
    • D'Qwell Jackson Free Agent Profile
  • BYOB Forums (Bring Your Own Banter)
  • 2014 NFL Free Agency Position Breakdowns
    • 2014 Quarterback Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Running Back Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Fullback Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Wide Receiver Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Tight End Free Agent Rankings
    • 2014 Offensive Tackle Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Offensive Guard Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Offensive Center Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Interior Defensive Lineman Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Edge Player Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Linebacker Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Cornerback Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Safety Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Specialist Free Agent Breakdown
  • 2014 NFL Draft Content
    • 2014 NFL Draft Tiered Prospect Big Board (Top 75)
    • 2014 Tiered Colored Position Board
    • 2014 NFL Draft Tiered Prospect Big Board (Top 32)
    • 2014 NFL Draft Top 10 Quarterback Ranking
    • 2014 NFL Draft Running Back Top 10 Ranking
    • 2014 NFL Mock Draft--Post Free Agency
    • 2014 NFL Mock Draft--Pre Free Agency
    • 2014 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Top 10 Ranking
  • Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down
    • April 27th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • April 13th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • April 6th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • March 30th Sunday Morning Coming Down
  • 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Seventeen 2013 Power Rankings
    • Week Sixteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Fifteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Fourteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Thirteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Twelve 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Eleven 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Ten 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Nine 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Eight 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Seven 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Six 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Five 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Four 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Three 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Two 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • 2013 Season Preview Edition/Week One
  • 2013 Weekly NFL Previews
    • Super Bowl Preview
    • Playoffs- Conference Championship Round NFL Preview
    • Playoffs- Divisional Round NFL Preview
    • Playoffs- Wildcard Round NFL Preview
    • Week Sixteen NFL Preview
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    • Week Twelve Picks
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  • Week in Review 2013
    • Playoffs- Wildcard Round in Review
    • Week Seventeen in Review
    • Week Sixteen in Review
    • Week Fifteen in Review
    • Week Fourteen in Review
    • Week Thirteen in Review
    • Week Twelve in Review
    • Week Eleven in Review
    • Week Ten in Review
    • Week Nine in Review
    • Week Eight in Review
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    • Week Six in Review
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    • Week Four in Review
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    • Week One in Review
  • 2013 Team Record Predictions
    • AFC Record Predictions
    • NFC Record Predictions
  • Rapid Reactions
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Eleven
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Ten
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Nine
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Eight
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Seven
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Six
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    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Four
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Three
  • The 2013 All-Surprise Teams
    • AFC 2013 All-Surprise Team
    • NFC 2013 All-Surprise Team
  • NFL Player Rankings (2013)
    • Top 10 NFL Quarterback Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Running Back Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Wide Receiver Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Tight End Rankings
    • Top 10 Offensive Linemen Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Defensive Lineman Rankings
  • 2013 Season Archives
    • How to Fix 'em (2013 Offseason) >
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  • 2012 Season Archives
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    • Fantasy Football Corner >
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    • NFL Power Rankings (2012) >
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      • Week 17
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    • My Weekly NFL Picks (2012) >
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2013 Week Sixteen NFL Power Rankings

By: Matt Harmon

32. Washington Redskins (3-11)
  • Its actually mildly impressive the Redskins were in position to win that game considering they committed seven turnovers. Emphasis on mildly. For that reason, there really should not really be any outrage over Mike Shanahan’s decision to go for the win on a two-point conversion. The game is meaningless, might as well have some fun. 

31. Houston Texans (2-12)
  • The Texans switch to Wade Phillips did nothing to spark this team. Case Keenum had a really nice run in the middle of this season, but the magic seems to be gone. Many were impressed with him, myself included, but he never took the next step. He still could have a very nice career in the mold of Ryan Fitzpatrick, as a backup quarterback.

30. Oakland Raiders (4-10)
  • The Raiders are settling in to be the team many thought they would be before the season; which is not a good thing. However, with $49 million in dead cap money this year they were forced to field a terrible roster. Next season they will reportedly have $60M in cap space. With how well Dennis Allen had that undermanned defense playing early in the year, he deserves another chance with better pieces to work with. 

29. Cleveland Browns (4-10)
  • There have been plenty of positive things to take away from the Browns season; they just have not translated to wins recently. With a stellar coaching staff in place, the front office just needs to infuse talent to key positions.

28. Buffalo Bills (5-9)
  • The Bills looked much better than they have in recent weeks. However, despite a really talented front seven, they have been giving up tons of yards to running backs recently. Kiko Alonso has been a part of the problem, but it still should not be this bad. Mike Pettine must find out if the issue lies with schemes or other personnel.  

27. Atlanta Falcons (4-10)
  • The Falcons have to put a ton of resources into their defense this offseason. The problem is, they need help on the offensive line as well. The team has to wonder if their offensive skill positions will begin to decline as their defense improves. The old see-saw theory. We have seen that happen to a couple teams this season. 

26. New York Giants (5-9)
  • The Giants seem to give up whenever the possibility of a miracle run no longer exists. This coaching staff needs to be completely overhauled. Their offense continues to disappoint, and the team seems to tune out Tom Coughlin far too often. 

25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-10)
  • The Buccaneers did next to nothing positive on Sunday. The question now is if Mike Glennon has shown enough to continue to quarterback this team in the future. He has begun to regress in the past few weeks. He is just a rookie, but even his bright moments were not all that impressive to begin with.

24. New York Jets (6-8)
  • It was a little surprising that the Jets allowed DeAngelo Williams to have such a nice day against them. The veteran running back had been rather quiet recently, but made some explosive plays against their stout front seven. Given that that is the only good unit on their team, that greatly decreased their odds of winning. 

23. Minnesota Vikings (4-9-1)
  • The Vikings have looked much better in recent weeks. Matt Cassel has been their best quarterback by far this season. Leslie Frazier will likely lose his job because he failed to identify that fact before it was too late.

22. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-10)
  • The Jaguars discovered that Jordan Todman could be their foundation running back next season. Even if the plan is to bring back Maurice Jones-Drew next season, they would be wise to give Todman the majority of the work in 2013. With more tape available on Todman, they can decide whether to attack the running back position in the draft. 

21. Tennessee Titans (5-9)
  • There was not enough Fitzmagic to win the game on Sunday. Even though this defense has been much better this year, they have struggled some against the run lately. Andre Ellington and Rashard Mendenhall were just the latest runners to break off big runs against the Titans.  

20. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-8)
  • The Steelers still have the offense to stifle the “little brother Bengals”. It is too bad this unit could not click early in the season. The offense was a big culprit behind their 0-4 start, but it has turned things around in a major way in the second half of the season.

19. Dallas Cowboys (7-7)
  • What more is there to say about Dallas? They will choke in December, and finish around .500. Rinse and repeat each year. 

18. Indianapolis Colts (9-5)
  • It will be interesting to see how the Colts approach their upcoming matchup with the Chiefs, since the Chiefs will almost certainly be coming to their building in the playoffs. Given that the Colts have everything wrapped up with their division, how much will they show the Chiefs in the regular season? 

17. Miami Dolphins (8-6)
  • Really impressive win, or as one team beat writer would say KILL by the Dolphins on Sunday. They have two very winnable games coming up against the Bills and Jets. By the math, all they need to do is to win those two games and they are in the playoffs. 

16. St. Louis Rams (6-8)
  • The Rams showed off their talent by beating the Saints on Sunday. This team needs to stick with the physical identity they have developed in the second half of the season. With a monstrous pass rush and a foundation back, they have some things to build on. 

15. San Diego Chargers (7-7)
  • The Chargers defense was beyond impressive last Thursday. If this unit had played to that level the entire season, perhaps San Diego would be in a better playoff position. As it stands, they need to win out, and receive a lot of help to get into the dance. 

14. Green Bay Packers (7-6-1)
  • The team squeezed one last great moment out of Matt Flynn against the Cowboys. If this group gets Aaron Rodgers back, they reminded us they have enough pieces in place to make a surprise Super Bowl run. 

13. Detroit Lions (7-7)
  • The skill position talent on the Lions offense is vastly overrated. Yes, Calvin Johnson is great and the running backs are very nice, but what is there after that? The number two receiver position is virtually nonexistent, and the tight ends are maddeningly inconsistent. Even Matt Stafford is as up and down as they come at his position. The Lions call plays like they are the “Greatest Show on Turf” but they are far from that talent level. 

12. Cincinnati Bengals (9-5)
  • With that terrible loss to the Steelers the Bengals now face a bit of trouble to get into the playoffs. They could get beat for the division crown by the Ravens, and then bounced from the wild card picture if the Dolphins win two pretty easy games. The Bengals will still probably find a way to get in, but after an “egg on the face” performance on Sunday night, it is even tougher to see them going anywhere once they arrive. 

11. Baltimore Ravens (8-6)
  • The Ravens beat the Lions on Monday night, but it was not all that impressive. They needed the Lions to beat themselves and for their kicker to nail a whopping six field goals. Why does the aura around this team feel so familiar?

10. Arizona Cardinals (9-5)
  • The Cardinals will likely now miss the playoffs, to no fault of their own. It is not much of a consolation prize, but the team should feel great that they have so much to build on. Get a new left tackle, and a developmental quarterback, and this team will be could look great for several years. 

9. Philadelphia Eagles (8-6)
  • The Eagles secondary reverted back to the liability it was earlier in the season. That unit alone could keep the team from advancing in the postseason. The NFC is filled with so many great quarterbacks; it is not hard to envision that group getting torched in its own stadium, come January. 

8. Chicago Bears (8-6)
  • If Aaron Rodgers remains on the shelf the Bears will be the odds on favorite to win the NFC North. That is quite a feat for a team with a historically bad run defense and that has had to juggle two quarterbacks all season. 

7. New England Patriots (10-4)
  • Sports Center actually had a nice montage of plays where Tom Brady would put the ball up for receivers and they would fail to haul in the catch in traffic. Those are the plays where they miss Gronk. They also miss him when it comes to hitting big plays down the field. With Josh Boyce, Julian Edleman, and Danny Amendola in the line up, the Patriots have no deep threats. 

6. Kansas City Chiefs (11-3)
  • If the return of Justin Houston also brings the return of a dominant Chiefs defense, look out. Scoring 56 points against the Raiders only put an exclamation point on a series of nice offensive performances from this team. If both sides of the ball can play at those high levels at the same time, they could advance all the way to the Super Bowl. 

5. New Orleans Saints (10-4)
  • The Saints continue to show they can be beat by physical teams on the road. Their offensive line, and particularly Charles Brown, was completely exposed on Sunday. They will not find things so easy against the Panthers in the rematch away from their dome. 

4. Carolina Panthers (10-4)
  • Nice business-like win over the Jets. The real test comes next week against the Saints. Ron Rivera seems determined to have his team come in prepared and extra humble. His insistence on this fact underscores his improvement as a head coach. 

3. San Francisco 49ers (10-4)
  • This move up the power rankings is probably overdue. This passing offense is now a legitimate threat with the return of Michael Crabtree. Now that teams are worried about him as the number one threat, Vernon Davis can excel as the second option, and Anquan Boldin is at home in the third spot.

2. Denver Broncos (11-3)
  • The Broncos are human, but it is okay, they are still a very good team. There are big holes at the last two levels of the defense and at the offensive line. However, their strengths are certainly great enough to cover those areas up. 

1. Seattle Seahawks (12-2)
  • The Seahawks were so dominant on Sunday that they decided to gloat after sacks instead of pick up forced fumbles. This team knows how good it is, and that can be both a good and bad thing. 

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