NFL Power Rankings - Week 17
Here we are, the final week of the season. I went 10-6 last week to even up my season and have everything riding on this week's picks. It was an interesting week in the NFL last week and it sets up a giant headache as far as playoff scenarios. As I wrote in my random thoughts, it doesn't matter who sneaks into those last spots in the playoffs. This isn't last year. The only game I'd keep an eye on is that Dallas-Philly game as Dallas is the only team not yet clinched that can win it all. The top of the Rankings sees another shake up to end the season and I think that's fitting. Any one of those top 6 or 7 teams can win it all this year so it really doesn't matter how you rank them. Home field is nice, but I guarantee you that the Giants and Titans wouldn't have been crying if they failed to clinch. I'll do my playoff preview next week once the field is set. For now, here's the season finale of the Rankings:
32. Detroit Lions (0-15)
What's funny is that when I watch the Lions play, I don't think of them as the worst team in history. They just lose all of the games they're supposed to lose, which is every game. They're not a good team and they play to their ability. They've been embarrassed a few times as all bad teams are, but they've also been right there in several games too. I expect this week's game in Green Bay to be competitive and I think it'll be interesting to see which horrible finishing team pulls this one out. A tie would be fitting.
31. St. Louis Rams (2-13)
Operation Bet Against The Rams hit a speed bump last week but I'm happy to say that we're 9-4-2 this year betting against the Rams. I see no reason to change course now. This team is awful. They deserve to be in the Lions spot more than the Lions do. I think they should have to play each other.
30. Kansas City Chefs (2-13)
Yeah, they still stink. I don't think Miami's won a cold weather game pretty much ever. The windchill was -12 degrees and Miami still won. Kansas City's not good. They'll be not good again this week. I haven't even looked at who they're playing but I'm pretty sure I'm taking that other team.
29. Cleveland Browns (4-11)
I don't think it's fair to blame Ken Dorsey's performance on Romeo Crennel. But I think it's fair to say that Romeo isn't helping. This team is too young and too old at the same time. They need a major overhaul and lucky for them, they'll have another high draft pick this season.
28. Cincinnati Bengals (3-11-1)
I didn't watch the game, because, well, who would watch a Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. Ken Dorsey matchup? But Cincinnati doesn't get too much credit for beating Cleveland. They just get to stand pat here for remaining slightly competitive. Marvin Lewis had better be gone after this season.
27. Oakland Raiders (4-11)
Am I wrong to start buying in slightly to the JaMarcus/McFadden era? I'm starting to like what I'm seeing. Zach Miller is a solid tight end. If the defense can add a player or two, I think that the Raiders can . . . oh who am I kidding? Al Davis will just draft a really fast guy who weighs 210 lbs. and the Raiders won't be able to stop the run, again.
26. Seattle Seahawks (4-11)
The Seahawks decided that they want to try and be respectable again so they're going to play hard. Don't underestimate the power of the Walrus' departure from coaching. I think the Seahawks put up another good fight this week to end the season.
25. Green Bay Packers (5-10)
I don't even know what to say about the Packers anymore. Now that San Diego may make the playoffs, there is not a more disappointing team than Green Bay (I know Jacksonville could be more disappointing, but they beat Green Bay).
24. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-10)
They're pretty disappointing too though.
23. San Francisco 49ers (6-9)
Sorry, if you don't cover the spread against the Rams, you have to drop at least one spot. By the way, I couldn't have been happier to hear that Mike Singletary is getting a multi-year deal with the Niners. If he mooned his team in his first game, imagine what he's got up his sleeve for this less than mediocre team in the years to come.
22. Houston Texans (7-8)
They got physically manhandled by the Raiders. Enough said.
21. Buffalo Bills (7-8)
They're a different team with Trent Edwards in there. Actually, I think it's just that J.P. Losman isn't there. I'd rather have UCLA's current QB than J.P. Losman at this point. Yes, I'm just saying that because Losman single-handedly set UCLA football back 10 years by going from a local Venice High School standout commit to transferring to Tulane and forcing a drunk Cory Paus on us.
20. Arizona Cardinals (8-7)
What's the betting limit against this team in the playoffs? They'll be at home and I can't wait to see what the line will be. There is a zero percent chance of them winning a playoff game without a defense or running game.
19. San Diego Chargers (7-8)
I almost hope they win because people are starting to buy what the Chargers are selling. I know they beat Indy in the playoffs, but I can promise you that won't happen again this year. San Diego does not make it out of the wildcard round, and that's if they somehow beat the Broncos. I really don't like Philip Rivers by the way. He looks like a guy who wears two fluorescent golf shirts at the same time with both collars popped.
18. New Orleans Saints (8-7)
I don't think it's fair to give them too much credit for killing the Lions. Sometimes people want some credit for some stuff they're supposed to do. You shouldn't want credit for some things a normal team just does. That's ignorant. -Chris Rock
17. Washington Redskins (8-7)
Where on Earth did that come from? They looked like they threw in the towel about a month ago and were content to just coast to a 7-9 record. I have no idea what prompted them to pull off that defensive performance against Philly. Maybe they like Zorn after all.
16. Chicago Bears (9-6)
Somehow, some way, they're getting the job done. But let's just say that I'm not buying into a miracle run led by Kyle Orton. I think that's fair.
15. Denver Broncos (8-7)
I've never seen a team's year in review video put to Tom Petty music, but if the Broncos continue the free fall, that's exactly what should happen. I don't understand how this has all transpired but maybe it would help to play defense and have a running back that's faster than me.
14. New York Jets (9-6)
Sorry, but when your season's on the line against Seattle, in the snow, you don't go for it with 4th and 5 on your own 20 with a few minutes left. You shouldn't have been in that spot in the first place, but I think we all saw through the facade that was the Jets this season. This team won't be in the playoffs and deservedly so.
13. Philadelphia Eagles (8-6-1)
You ever see a good boxer get unexpectedly knocked out against a half decent opponent? After they get up, they're still dazed and have that weird smile on their face because they don't know what else to do. That's what Donovan McNabb looks like. I think that sums up the Eagles' season.
12. Minnesota Vikings (9-6)
I just can't warrant putting a team led by Tarvaris Jackson any higher than this. Did he really fumble a ball backwards 25 yards last week? That was unreal. I'm almost as excited to bet against them in the playoffs as I am to bet against Arizona. Almost.
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-6)
Did they always have the worst run defense in the NFL or did I just start noticing. I may be reaching here, but when you can't stop the run, and you can't score points, you're not going to win very many ballgames.
10. Miami Dolphins (10-5)
They're a better version of the Chicago Bears. A slightly better QB, slightly better defense. I know Miami doesn't have all of the talent in the world, but they don't mess up and they win close games. Not bad traits to have.
9. New England Patriots (10-5)
There will be a lot of happy AFC teams if Miami wins and keeps this team out of the playoffs. The Patriots have come into their own and could make a run if given the chance. I don't think they'll get the chance though.
8. Dallas Cowboys (9-6)
They lose a lot of important games, but I can't imagine a team with this much talent losing another one. Maybe they're just a better version of the Packers, but I don't see them losing this week, or next.
7. Atlanta Falcons (10-5)
I know I've been on the bandwagon for a while, but I'm officially adopting the Falcons as my playoff sleeper team. I really hope that they don't win their division so they can be underdogs in the wildcard round. They will give either Carolina or the Giants a very tough game in the second round.
6. Baltimore Ravens (10-5)
They're solid all the way around. That's really all you need to know.
5. Indianapolis Colts (11-4)
Is there a team you'd less rather face in the playoffs than a confident Peyton Manning led, underrated Colts team?
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-4)
That loss to the Titans didn't help, but it wasn't the end of the world either. This is a well-coached, solid football team. Big Ben will be ready come playoff time in the cold weather and they will be a tough out to put it in March Madness terms.
2 (tie). Carolina Panthers (11-4) & New York Giants (12-3)
I know you New Yorkers will be annoyed by this, but can you really tell me after that game that the Giants are definitively better than the Panthers? If Kasay's field goal didn't get knocked off course by the win and the Panthers had won at the end of regulation could you have justified putting the Panthers definitively over the Giants? Well I can't. I hope these teams hook up again in the playoffs because it will be an unbelievable battle again. They have the same strengths and the same deficiencies. I think the Panthers have the X-factor in Steve Smith but the Giants were able to contain him. If they can do so again, I think they'll win again at home.
1. Tennessee Titans (13-2)
I'm sorry I doubted you and jumped off the bandwagon. Remember I loved you since Week 4. I'm allowed one transgression, aren't I? I hope so. I'm back though. I'll stay with you til the end Tennessee. I promise
WEEK 17 PICKS
Oakland +13 at Tampa Bay (how can Tampa even score 13)
Pittsburgh -11 vs. Cleveland
Tennessee -3 at Indianapolis (Indy minus Peyton is not very good)
Atlanta -14 vs. St. Louis
New England -6 at Buffalo
Detroit +10.5 at Green Bay
Houston -3 vs. Chicago
Cincinnati -2.5 vs. Kansas City
New York Giants +7 at Minnesota
Carolina -2.5 at New Orleans (take the over)
San Francisco -3 vs. Washington
Baltimore -11 vs. Jacksonville
Seattle +7 at Arizona
Dallas +1.5 at Philadelphia
Miami +2.5 at New York Jets
Denver +8 at San Diego
Season: 116-116-8
32. Detroit Lions (0-15)
What's funny is that when I watch the Lions play, I don't think of them as the worst team in history. They just lose all of the games they're supposed to lose, which is every game. They're not a good team and they play to their ability. They've been embarrassed a few times as all bad teams are, but they've also been right there in several games too. I expect this week's game in Green Bay to be competitive and I think it'll be interesting to see which horrible finishing team pulls this one out. A tie would be fitting.
31. St. Louis Rams (2-13)
Operation Bet Against The Rams hit a speed bump last week but I'm happy to say that we're 9-4-2 this year betting against the Rams. I see no reason to change course now. This team is awful. They deserve to be in the Lions spot more than the Lions do. I think they should have to play each other.
30. Kansas City Chefs (2-13)
Yeah, they still stink. I don't think Miami's won a cold weather game pretty much ever. The windchill was -12 degrees and Miami still won. Kansas City's not good. They'll be not good again this week. I haven't even looked at who they're playing but I'm pretty sure I'm taking that other team.
29. Cleveland Browns (4-11)
I don't think it's fair to blame Ken Dorsey's performance on Romeo Crennel. But I think it's fair to say that Romeo isn't helping. This team is too young and too old at the same time. They need a major overhaul and lucky for them, they'll have another high draft pick this season.
28. Cincinnati Bengals (3-11-1)
I didn't watch the game, because, well, who would watch a Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. Ken Dorsey matchup? But Cincinnati doesn't get too much credit for beating Cleveland. They just get to stand pat here for remaining slightly competitive. Marvin Lewis had better be gone after this season.
27. Oakland Raiders (4-11)
Am I wrong to start buying in slightly to the JaMarcus/McFadden era? I'm starting to like what I'm seeing. Zach Miller is a solid tight end. If the defense can add a player or two, I think that the Raiders can . . . oh who am I kidding? Al Davis will just draft a really fast guy who weighs 210 lbs. and the Raiders won't be able to stop the run, again.
26. Seattle Seahawks (4-11)
The Seahawks decided that they want to try and be respectable again so they're going to play hard. Don't underestimate the power of the Walrus' departure from coaching. I think the Seahawks put up another good fight this week to end the season.
25. Green Bay Packers (5-10)
I don't even know what to say about the Packers anymore. Now that San Diego may make the playoffs, there is not a more disappointing team than Green Bay (I know Jacksonville could be more disappointing, but they beat Green Bay).
24. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-10)
They're pretty disappointing too though.
23. San Francisco 49ers (6-9)
Sorry, if you don't cover the spread against the Rams, you have to drop at least one spot. By the way, I couldn't have been happier to hear that Mike Singletary is getting a multi-year deal with the Niners. If he mooned his team in his first game, imagine what he's got up his sleeve for this less than mediocre team in the years to come.
22. Houston Texans (7-8)
They got physically manhandled by the Raiders. Enough said.
21. Buffalo Bills (7-8)
They're a different team with Trent Edwards in there. Actually, I think it's just that J.P. Losman isn't there. I'd rather have UCLA's current QB than J.P. Losman at this point. Yes, I'm just saying that because Losman single-handedly set UCLA football back 10 years by going from a local Venice High School standout commit to transferring to Tulane and forcing a drunk Cory Paus on us.
20. Arizona Cardinals (8-7)
What's the betting limit against this team in the playoffs? They'll be at home and I can't wait to see what the line will be. There is a zero percent chance of them winning a playoff game without a defense or running game.
19. San Diego Chargers (7-8)
I almost hope they win because people are starting to buy what the Chargers are selling. I know they beat Indy in the playoffs, but I can promise you that won't happen again this year. San Diego does not make it out of the wildcard round, and that's if they somehow beat the Broncos. I really don't like Philip Rivers by the way. He looks like a guy who wears two fluorescent golf shirts at the same time with both collars popped.
18. New Orleans Saints (8-7)
I don't think it's fair to give them too much credit for killing the Lions. Sometimes people want some credit for some stuff they're supposed to do. You shouldn't want credit for some things a normal team just does. That's ignorant. -Chris Rock
17. Washington Redskins (8-7)
Where on Earth did that come from? They looked like they threw in the towel about a month ago and were content to just coast to a 7-9 record. I have no idea what prompted them to pull off that defensive performance against Philly. Maybe they like Zorn after all.
16. Chicago Bears (9-6)
Somehow, some way, they're getting the job done. But let's just say that I'm not buying into a miracle run led by Kyle Orton. I think that's fair.
15. Denver Broncos (8-7)
I've never seen a team's year in review video put to Tom Petty music, but if the Broncos continue the free fall, that's exactly what should happen. I don't understand how this has all transpired but maybe it would help to play defense and have a running back that's faster than me.
14. New York Jets (9-6)
Sorry, but when your season's on the line against Seattle, in the snow, you don't go for it with 4th and 5 on your own 20 with a few minutes left. You shouldn't have been in that spot in the first place, but I think we all saw through the facade that was the Jets this season. This team won't be in the playoffs and deservedly so.
13. Philadelphia Eagles (8-6-1)
You ever see a good boxer get unexpectedly knocked out against a half decent opponent? After they get up, they're still dazed and have that weird smile on their face because they don't know what else to do. That's what Donovan McNabb looks like. I think that sums up the Eagles' season.
12. Minnesota Vikings (9-6)
I just can't warrant putting a team led by Tarvaris Jackson any higher than this. Did he really fumble a ball backwards 25 yards last week? That was unreal. I'm almost as excited to bet against them in the playoffs as I am to bet against Arizona. Almost.
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-6)
Did they always have the worst run defense in the NFL or did I just start noticing. I may be reaching here, but when you can't stop the run, and you can't score points, you're not going to win very many ballgames.
10. Miami Dolphins (10-5)
They're a better version of the Chicago Bears. A slightly better QB, slightly better defense. I know Miami doesn't have all of the talent in the world, but they don't mess up and they win close games. Not bad traits to have.
9. New England Patriots (10-5)
There will be a lot of happy AFC teams if Miami wins and keeps this team out of the playoffs. The Patriots have come into their own and could make a run if given the chance. I don't think they'll get the chance though.
8. Dallas Cowboys (9-6)
They lose a lot of important games, but I can't imagine a team with this much talent losing another one. Maybe they're just a better version of the Packers, but I don't see them losing this week, or next.
7. Atlanta Falcons (10-5)
I know I've been on the bandwagon for a while, but I'm officially adopting the Falcons as my playoff sleeper team. I really hope that they don't win their division so they can be underdogs in the wildcard round. They will give either Carolina or the Giants a very tough game in the second round.
6. Baltimore Ravens (10-5)
They're solid all the way around. That's really all you need to know.
5. Indianapolis Colts (11-4)
Is there a team you'd less rather face in the playoffs than a confident Peyton Manning led, underrated Colts team?
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-4)
That loss to the Titans didn't help, but it wasn't the end of the world either. This is a well-coached, solid football team. Big Ben will be ready come playoff time in the cold weather and they will be a tough out to put it in March Madness terms.
2 (tie). Carolina Panthers (11-4) & New York Giants (12-3)
I know you New Yorkers will be annoyed by this, but can you really tell me after that game that the Giants are definitively better than the Panthers? If Kasay's field goal didn't get knocked off course by the win and the Panthers had won at the end of regulation could you have justified putting the Panthers definitively over the Giants? Well I can't. I hope these teams hook up again in the playoffs because it will be an unbelievable battle again. They have the same strengths and the same deficiencies. I think the Panthers have the X-factor in Steve Smith but the Giants were able to contain him. If they can do so again, I think they'll win again at home.
1. Tennessee Titans (13-2)
I'm sorry I doubted you and jumped off the bandwagon. Remember I loved you since Week 4. I'm allowed one transgression, aren't I? I hope so. I'm back though. I'll stay with you til the end Tennessee. I promise
WEEK 17 PICKS
Oakland +13 at Tampa Bay (how can Tampa even score 13)
Pittsburgh -11 vs. Cleveland
Tennessee -3 at Indianapolis (Indy minus Peyton is not very good)
Atlanta -14 vs. St. Louis
New England -6 at Buffalo
Detroit +10.5 at Green Bay
Houston -3 vs. Chicago
Cincinnati -2.5 vs. Kansas City
New York Giants +7 at Minnesota
Carolina -2.5 at New Orleans (take the over)
San Francisco -3 vs. Washington
Baltimore -11 vs. Jacksonville
Seattle +7 at Arizona
Dallas +1.5 at Philadelphia
Miami +2.5 at New York Jets
Denver +8 at San Diego
Season: 116-116-8
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