NFL Power Rankings: Where Does Every Team Stand Heading into Week 17?

If your favorite team is in playoff contention, Week 16 was a big one. If your favorite team is out of the playoffs, you were probably rooting for a favorite player to have a big day, for limited injuries and maybe for better draft positioning through a loss. Or you tuned in during Week 16 because of fantasy football implications.

There's a good bet you didn't tune in to see Jimmy Clausen, Ryan Lindley, Case Keenum or Josh McCown play quarterback, and yet all four started games in Week 16—and Lindley did so for a team looking to clinch home-field advantage in the NFC.

The football wasn't all pretty in Week 16, but it was intriguing when teams like the New England Patriots and New York Jets or San Diego Chargers and San Francisco 49ers went toe-to-toe. And hey, we got another week of Johnny Football, so everyone is happy, right?

With just one more week to go, here's a look at how the NFL teams rank. This isn't a playoff bracket or a list of standings, but a power ranking of which team is best right now. And that's totally subjective, but that's what makes it fun.

32. Tennessee Titans (2-13)

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Last Week: 32

This Week: 32

Change: 0

Losing to the Jacksonville Jaguars moves the Tennessee Titans to 2-13, but more importantly, it really helps their resume for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft.

The Titans will be watching to see what the Tampa Bay Buccaneers do, but with the Indianapolis Colts coming to town in Week 17, it's a pretty safe bet that the Titans will finish 2-14 this year. Ken Whisenhunt's first season wasn't a success on the field, but landing the No. 1 pick and being able to build this team with his own vision will be crucial to his long-term success in Nashville.

So if you're a fan of the Titans, you probably want to root for the Colts next week.

31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-13)

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Last Week: 31

This Week: 31

Change: 0

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers weren't expected to do much damage to the Green Bay Packers, but this was one of the worst offensive performances I've seen all year. If the Buccaneers weren't already the worst team in the NFC, they would move down in a big way this week.

The Buccaneers scored just three points and had only 109 total yards on offense in an embarrassing defeat that sums up the year for Lovie Smith's team. Too little offensive firepower and inconsistent play at quarterback has been their undoing.

Now the Buccaneers enter an offseason that could see them secure the No. 1 pick in the draft. Tied at 2-13 with the Tennessee Titans, Week 17 against the New Orleans Saints could have major offseason repercussions.

30. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12)

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Last Week: 30

This Week: 30

Change: 0

Beating the Tennessee Titans in an exciting (no, really) Thursday night game moved the Jacksonville Jaguars up to 3-12 overall on the year. With that third win, they've improved over the 2012 season's 2-14 record and are within reach of last year's 4-12 mark. But would eight wins in his first two seasons as head coach be enough to keep Gus Bradley's job safe?

Yes.

Bradley inherited a terrible team and general manager Dave Caldwell inherited a terrible salary cap/roster situation when he took over the job. Caldwell and Bradley are committed to building the Jaguars through the draft, and many of those draft picks from the past two years are playing huge roles on both sides of the ball now. 

If the Jaguars don't win in Year 3, then we can start talking about a change. But right now, they're showing progress, and I still believe they're heading in the right direction.

29. Washington (4-11)

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Last Week: 29

This Week: 29

Change: 0

A Week 16 game against the Philadelphia Eagles with the NFC East on the line for Chip Kelly's team wasn't a game many thought Washington could win. But Jay Gruden and Robert Griffin III put aside any differences and executed a game plan that attacked a very bad Philadelphia secondary. And the result was an impressive win for Washington and a potentially season-ending loss for Philadelphia.

It's tough to rank Washington because RGIII attacked a bad defense but still didn't play all that well. The defense, led by Jim Haslett, had its best game of the year in stopping Mark Sanchez and creating opportunities off of turnovers.

This may be the type of year-end momentum Gruden and Griffin need, but it's way too soon to assume things are fixed in D.C.

28. Oakland Raiders (3-12)

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Last Week: 28

This Week: 28

Change: 0

The Oakland Raiders started the year 0-10 and with a fired head coach. Since then, they've found their rhythm and are finishing the season on a high note, going 3-2 down the stretch. Perhaps most impressive is that the three wins came against the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills—three teams with good defenses and explosive offensive playmakers.

The Raiders are far from being a perfect team or even a competitor, but I still believe all of the pieces are in place for them to build a competitive football team over the next two seasons. Rookies Derek Carr and Khalil Mack, at quarterback and linebacker, respectively, are the nucleus this team should be built around. And whoever the next head coach (and maybe general manager) is should recognize that.

27. New York Jets (3-12)

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Last Week: 27

This Week: 27

Change: 0

In what should be his last game against the New England Patriots as head coach of the New York Jets, Rex Ryan unleashed everything he had at Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. And it nearly worked.

The Jets were impressive on both sides of the ball in defeat, and the one-point loss is proof of that. When two huge rivals play and one coach's job is likely ending soon, you can throw out the records and on-paper talent because it's a grudge match. And Ryan does that very well, but it's too little too late for the Jets.

The team has one more week to evaluate quarterback Geno Smith and the upcoming free agents on the roster, but the reality here is that there could be an entirely new regime running things in New York very soon.

26. Chicago Bears (5-10)

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Last Week: 26

This Week: 26

Change: 0

Jimmy Clausen wasn't the answer for the Chicago Bears at quarterback in Week 16, and the Chicago wide receivers struggled with drops throughout a game that was still closer than I expected it to be. A 20-14 loss to the Detroit Lions was as good as the Bears have looked in weeks, sadly.

Four straight losses and benching a quarterback with $54 million guaranteed in his contract won't help endear general manager Phil Emery and head coach Marc Trestman to ownership. And while Jay Cutler may also be on his way out, it's very hard to see the current regime saving their jobs in Chicago.

25. Cleveland Browns (7-8)

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Last Week: 19

This Week: 25

Change: -6

With the Cleveland Browns eliminated from the playoffs, most fans were tuning in to see what Johnny Manziel could do in his second NFL start. And then Manziel left the game before halftime with an injury after taking a shot on what looked like a routine tackle. Enter Brian Hoyer and nap time for Browns fans.

Another loss keeps the Browns from a winning record this year, but they can still get to .500 with a Week 17 win over Baltimore. A healthy Manziel and draft positioning on the line will have most fans tuning in, but this is still a fun team to watch thanks to Isaiah Crowell and the Browns defense.

They take a move down this week, but the Browns are more concerned with finding out what they have on the roster for 2015 right now.

24. St. Louis Rams (6-9)

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Last Week: 20

This Week: 24

Change: -4

The St. Louis Rams are a very tough team to play, but the New York Giants proved in Week 16 that a speedy wide receiver can take the top off of Gregg Williams and Jeff Fisher's defense. And if you can protect the quarterback decently well, which the Giants did, he will have time to tear apart a secondary that takes way too many chances on the ball. 

The Rams were chippy—too chippy, especially after the whistle—and it didn't play to their favor once the Giants started making plays down the field. Odell Beckham Jr. and Eli Manning took over the game, leaving the Rams looking foolish for their late hits and trash-talking.

This is a good football team, but they're still a quarterback and a better secondary away from competing.

23. Minnesota Vikings (6-9)

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Last Week: 21

This Week: 23

Change: -2

For 58 minutes, the Minnesota Vikings were impressive as they went toe-to-toe with the playoff-caliber Miami Dolphins. But NFL games are 60 minutes long, and the Vikings struggled to close out the game on both sides of the ball. 

It's easy to blame the secondary and the offensive line for this loss—the defense couldn't keep Miami from scoring a touchdown on their final drive and the offensive line couldn't protect Teddy Bridgewater or the punter when Minnesota got the ball back. That's going to happen when a team is still lacking talent, but even a close loss to Miami is a positive sign for the Vikings. A team already out of the playoffs, and with so many players missing from the lineup, refused to give up. That's a credit to head coach Mike Zimmer.

With the right moves in the offseason, it's easy to see Minnesota competing for a playoff spot in 2015.

22. New Orleans Saints (6-9)

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Last Week: 24

This Week: 22

Change: +2

A home loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16 knocks the New Orleans Saints out of the playoffs. And while heads won't roll at the top level in New Orleans, the team could be looking for new assistant coaches and a lot of new talent (especially on defense) in the offseason.

The Saints used to be unstoppable at home, but this season they were an abysmal 3-5 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome despite playing in a weak NFC South. The struggles on defense are well documented, but neither Drew Brees nor Jimmy Graham had the year the Saints needed them to have. And for the amount of money each are paid, that's unacceptable. 

The Saints will take the field playing only for pride—and draft positioning—in Week 17.

21. New York Giants (6-9)

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Last Week: 25

This Week: 21

Change: +4

For a game between two non-playoff contenders, the Week 16 matchup between the Giants and the St. Louis Rams was extra chippy. Late hits, fights and penalized celebrations were the highlights after the whistle, but during the actual game, it was all Odell Beckham Jr. again.

Eli Manning and Beckham have found an amazing chemistry from the get-go, especially when you consider that Beckham missed training camp and much of the early season due to injury. But since he's been in the lineup, he's had Manning's trust, and that's an underreported story that needs to be told. It has been awesome to watch.

The Giants head into Week 17 with little to play for, but the connection between Manning and OBJ is worth turning the game on for.

20. Carolina Panthers (6-8-1)

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Last Week: 22

This Week: 20

Change: +2

A long season of ups and downs after a roster exodus following the 2013 season has led to this—Week 17 against the Atlanta Falcons, with the winner going to the playoffs and the loser going to the offseason.

The Panthers will travel to Atlanta—where the Falcons are 3-4 on the year—as they try to be the first NFC South team to beat the Falcons this season. They'll do so with an on-paper matchup that doesn't favor them. But in a division game with the playoffs on the line, those things rarely matter.

The Panthers haven't always looked like a playoff team this year, but now they're one win away. And that's why they're ranked here this week.

19. San Francisco 49ers (7-8)

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Last Week: 18

This Week: 19

Change: -1

A season that began with legitimate Super Bowl expectations will end with, at best, an 8-8 record. The 2014 year has been a major disappointment for the San Francisco 49ers, and the result of it will be major changes in the way this team looks next year.

Frank Gore and Michael Crabtree are locks to be gone, and Mike Iupati and Chris Culliver could also leave as free agents. And that doesn't even include the potential of the team moving at least one of their inside and outside linebackers with the emergence of Chris Borland and Aaron Lynch this year.

But the big change everyone expects will be at head coach. Jim Harbaugh has one year left on his deal, and his suitors are already lining up. If Harbaugh is gone, this team looks drastically different in 2015. And that may be exactly what it needs.

18. Miami Dolphins (8-7)

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Last Week: 17

This Week: 18

Change: -1

The Miami Dolphins pulled off a crazy comeback win over the Minnesota Vikings to reach eight wins—and after the game, owner Stephen Ross told the team that head coach Joe Philbin would return as head coach in 2015, per Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald. Merry Christmas, Miami.

Fans may be torn on Philbin's ability to lead, but continuity will be a good thing for the quickly improving Ryan Tannehill at quarterback. As this team settles in after a ton of turnover before the 2014 season—and as the offensive line gets healthy—they will be a tough opponent in the future.

But the present looks pretty good, too. The Dolphins need a win in Week 17 against the Jets to secure a winning season and continue to build on their strong finish for 2015.

17. Atlanta Falcons (6-9)

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Last Week: 23

This Week: 17

Change: +6

The Atlanta Falcons won in New Orleans and kept their playoff hopes alive for another week. Now they host Carolina, with the winner of Week 17's game taking the NFC South crown. The Falcons' sweep of the Saints this season and their undefeated record against the South are the only reasons they're still alive at this point of the season with a 6-9 record.

The play of Devonta Freeman in the running game and the continued solid play from quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Julio Jones were all the Falcons needed offensively in Week 16. The defense did its part, too, keeping Jimmy Graham out of the end zone on a controversial fumble call that ultimately was the difference.

The Falcons move up this week as they eye a chance at a redeeming playoff berth in what has been a disappointing season overall.

16. Kansas City Chiefs (8-7)

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Last Week: 15

This Week: 16

Change: -1

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the hottest teams in the NFL, and in Week 16, the Kansas City Chiefs found that out the hard way.

With the playoffs a slim possibility at best for the Chiefs, this week was crucial. Now Week 17 becomes about playing for a win, hoping for help and trying to avoid the offseason. But this week was more of the same for Andy Reid's team, as the passing game struggled and the secondary had no answer for the matchup of the speed and size the Steelers offer at wide receiver. It's easy to say wide receiver and defensive back will be high on the Chiefs' offseason wish list.

Winning in Week 17 against San Diego is a must for the Chiefs, and they'll be watching other AFC teams and hoping for upsets to keep their playoff hopes alive.

15. Buffalo Bills (8-7)

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Last Week: 13

This Week: 15

Change: -2

The Buffalo Bills traveled to Oakland and saw their playoffs hopes die at the hands of the Raiders. Now they'll be heading home for Week 17, and head coach Doug Marrone has to think about playing to the future of the franchise instead of trying to win a meaningless ninth game.

The Bills switched to quarterback Kyle Orton after EJ Manuel struggled to start the year, and doing so kept their playoff hopes alive for 16 weeks. But now they're eliminated, it's time to see what Manuel can do in the season finale. The 2012 first-round pick's future is in question with the Bills, and while one game won't answer his long-term ability, the front office needs to see what they have in Manuel. It's time to ready him for action.

14. Houston Texans (8-7)

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Last Week: 16

This Week: 14

Change: +2

The Houston Texans stepped up and slapped the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16, holding Joe Flacco to one of the worst days of his career while quarterback Case Keenum went on to win his first NFL game after starting 0-8.

The Texans put it all on the line this week, even letting running back Arian Foster throw the ball (which resulted in a touchdown). It's impressive to see head coach Bill O'Brien prepare for each week's game and find ways to out-scheme the opponent. O'Brien won't win Coach of the Year after the work Bruce Arians has done in Arizona, but he'll be the No. 2 coach on my ballot. 

O'Brien is one hell of a coach, and the Texans are a quarterback away from competing in the AFC South.

13. Baltimore Ravens (9-6)

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Last Week: 12

This Week: 13

Change: -1

With the playoffs a possibility but not guaranteed, the Baltimore Ravens needed to show up big against the Case Keenum-led Houston Texans in Week 16. They didn't.

Joe Flacco was flat-out bad as the offense stalled. At halftime, Flacco was 3-of-17 with 27 yards and two interceptions. The second half wasn't much better, either, as the Ravens were held to 13 points and only 211 total yards on offense. Not quite a playoff performance.

Now the Ravens need to win in Week 17 against Cleveland and get help from other teams or they'll be at home watching the playoffs for the second straight year after winning Super Bowl XLVII.

12. San Diego Chargers (9-6)

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Last Week: 14

This Week: 12

Change: + 

Down 28-7 at halftime and with Philip Rivers battling a back injury, the San Diego Chargers could have limped through the second half and let their playoff hopes die in San Francisco. But Mike McCoy's team put on a show instead, fighting its way back to force overtime. After a 49ers fumble on the first possession in overtime, a San Diego field goal won the game.

Amazingly, the Chargers allowed over 350 yards rushing and still won the game. It was a picture in adapting and persevering for the Chargers—and the opposite for San Francisco. It wasn't a pretty game for San Diego, but the win was.

With the rival Kansas City Chiefs remaining in Week 17, the Chargers' playoff hopes are still alive.

11. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6)

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Last Week: 9

This Week: 11

Change: -2

A Week 16 loss to Washington meant the Philadelphia Eagles were rooting for the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. A Dallas win over Indianapolis meant an NFC East title for Jerry Jones' team and no playoffs for Philadelphia. The offseason starts now for Chip Kelly's team.

What put them in this position? Bad secondary play on defense and uneven quarterback play. With Washington taking advantage of Bradley Fletcher in man coverage, the Eagles were put in a position to play in a shootout. That would have been fine a month ago, but the Eagles haven't been as explosive offensively the past three weeks and couldn't get the points needed to take the game away.

Week 17 against the New York Giants will be about personal gains, getting to 10 wins and building for 2015 in Philadelphia.

10. Arizona Cardinals (11-4)

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Last Week: 8

This Week: 10

Change: -2

The Arizona Cardinals were confident in Drew Stanton's ability to lead the team to the Super Bowl after quarterback Carson Palmer was lost to injury. And they were confident in Ryan Lindley's ability once Stanton was lost due to injury. That faith was ill-placed.

Lindley's struggles were on display Sunday night against the NFL's leading defense, and the Seattle Seahawks had their way with the Cardinals because of it. The difference between a playoff team and a team with a chance to win in the playoffs is at quarterback, and the Cardinals don't have one good enough with Palmer and Stanton out.

If Stanton can return for the postseason, the Cardinals may be able to make noise, but right now, they look like a very good team that can't compete with the NFL's best.

9. Indianapolis Colts (10-5)

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Last Week: 7

This Week: 9

Change: -2

If good teams find momentum heading into the final weeks of the season, the Indianapolis Colts are in trouble. A 42-7 beatdown at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys was embarrassing enough, but the score was so out of hand that the Colts benched Andrew Luck in the third quarter.

The Colts have already clinched a playoff berth as AFC South champions, but this looks like a team that's destined to be one-and-done in the playoffs. Until Andrew Luck comes out of his slump, until the offensive line can consistently make plays and until the defense finds the balance to stop offenses, this just isn't a complete enough team to make noise in the postseason.

8. Cincinnati Bengals (9-4-1)

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Last Week: 11

This Week: 8

Change: +3

The Cincinnati Bengals needed a statement win on Monday Night Football, and they got one against the Denver Broncos. 

In every facet of the game, the Bengals dominated. Offensively, coordinator Hue Jackson schemed a brilliant attack that got the ball out of Andy Dalton's hand fast and out into space, where the Broncos had to try and tackle in the open field. Couple that with the pounding running style of Jeremy Hill, and the Cincinnati offense had the upper-hand all game.

And then the defense. Wow. Coordinator Paul Guenther unleashed his defenders to go after Peyton Manning and trusted his coverage to stop the Broncos' passing attack. And they did, baiting Manning into four interceptions and exposing what looked like a very weak arm from No. 18.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5)

Last Week: 10

This Week: 7

Change: +3

The Pittsburgh Steelers have quietly had a very good season, and now at 10-5, they'll play the Cincinnati Bengals for the division title in Week 17. If they play like they did in Week 16 against Kansas City—or as they have in the past three weeks—it'll be hard for the Bengals to keep up.

Can the Steelers get the job done and win the AFC North? What are their playoff chances? Find out in the video above.

6. Detroit Lions (11-4)

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Last Week: 5

This Week: 6

Change: -1

A loss by the Denver Broncos moves the Lions down this week. But that's not to say the Detroit Lions aren't a talented team. They didn't get the national attention of the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers or Seattle Seahawks this season, but here they are with a chance for a playoff bye if they can beat the Packers in Week 17. And they've done that once already this year, way back in Week 3.

The Lions have clinched a playoff berth, so they'll be alive for another week no matter what happens in Week 17. But sweeping the Packers and winning the NFC North would be a perfect ending to Jim Caldwell's first year as head coach.

The Lions have the talent on both sides of the ball and are healthy enough heading into the finale to give the Packers a scary matchup. This is the game to watch next week.

5. Denver Broncos (11-4)

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Last Week: 4

This Week: 5

Change: -1

The Denver Broncos were supposed to walk into Cincinnati and smack the Bengals around before heading into Week 17 with a clear path to a first-round playoff bye. Someone forgot to tell the Bengals.

Cincinnati had a game plan tailor-made for pressuring Peyton Manning and throwing off the timing of his receivers. We also saw Manning struggle with arm strength that threw off his velocity (which in turn throws off timing), and this became more of an issue once the rain started falling in the second half.

The Denver offensive line struggled to keep Manning clean all night, but the defense also had a hard time bottling up Jeremy Hill and Andy Dalton. Not exactly a good sign when you consider the AFC playoffs will go through New England. 

The Broncos move down this week, and the play of both Manning and the defense should give fans in Denver big reason for concern.

4. Dallas Cowboys (11-4)

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Last Week: 6

This Week: 4

Change: +2

Good luck stopping the Dallas Cowboys right now.

With the NFC East clinched, the Cowboys will have a home playoff game and currently feature an offense no one can stop. With three straight wins and four of their last five, the Cowboys are red hot and one of the more consistent teams in the league as the season ends.

Week 17 against Washington means nothing for the East, but the Cowboys still have a very small chance to earn a first-round bye with a win and some help. The key is to stay healthy. The last thing they can afford is for Tony Romo or DeMarco Murray to agitate existing injuries before the postseason.

With Denver losing, the Cowboys move up this week after their own strong performance against a top-tier team the Colts. 

3. Green Bay Packers (11-4)

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Last Week: 3

This Week: 3

Change: 0

The Green Bay Packers have had an amazing season thus far, but the year will be defined starting in Week 17. A win over the Detroit Lions will give the Packers the NFC North title and likely a first-round playoff bye. A loss means a wild-card berth, a game the following week and no home playoff game.

The Packers are among the league's most talented teams, but the offense has been running at less than full speed the past two weeks. If quarterback Aaron Rodgers is over the cold that affected him in Week 16, the Green Bay offense is a good matchup against Detroit. But the Packers must score more than the seven points they managed when the two teams met in Week 3.

Win and they'll have a home playoff game. Maybe even a bye. The pressure is on for Green Bay.

2. Seattle Seahawks (11-4)

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Last Week: 2

This Week: 2

Change: 0

The Seattle Seahawks started the year with a bang, and a win over the Green Bay Packers had everyone talking about their chances of repeating. But then the season got underway and the Seahawks lost four games while falling behind the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC West. For a bit, it looked like they were beatable. 

Well, they aren't anymore.

The Seahawks have won five straight games heading into Week 17, and with a decisive win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 16, they've clinched the NFC West and are a favorite to take the No. 1 seed in the NFC. That means home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs, and we all know how hard it is to beat them at home.

Seahawks vs. Patriots in the Super Bowl? That's a strong favorite right now.

1. New England Patriots (12-3)

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Last Week: 1

This Week: 1

Change: 0

With a win over the New York Jets in Week 16, the New England Patriots become the first team to 12 wins in 2014. They also clinched their fifth-straight playoff berth with a bye, something unheard of in this age of parity.

The Patriots barely got by the Jets in a classic trap game, but they're healthy and dangerous heading into the playoffs. While this may not be the most talented team Bill Belichick has coached, this is definitely one of the most balanced teams he's seen in Foxborough. And the combination of Tom Brady's offense and a defense anchored by a top-tier secondary makes the Patriots a scary opponent for any team coming to New England.

The season hasn't been perfect, but since starting 2-2, the Patriots have been the most consistent team in football. That's why they're ranked atop the board heading into Week 17.