2008 NFL Power Rankings: Week 17

Let us recap the Vikings embarrassing loss to the Falcons: The Vikings fumbled the football a total of seven times, losing four of them. Tarvaris Jackson’s Week 15 performance could not be replicated in Week 16’s loss. Now the Vikings will have to upset the 12-3 Giants in Week 17 to keep their playoff dreams alive.

11.  Dolphins  10-5

Ok, they were blessed with easiest schedule for any NFL team, but going from 1-15 to 10-5 in the course of a year is impressive. Now, will Chad Pennington have his revenge on his former Jet team in Week 17 in hopes of clinching a division title?

10.  Buccaneers  9-6

It has been a rough last stretch of the season for the Buccaneers after dropping their third straight game in Week 16. Do the Buccaneers have enough left in the tank to earn a playoff spot? Better yet, will the Buccaneers overcome losing defensive genius Monte Kiffin at the end of the season and go out with a bang?

9.  Cowboys  9-6

Once again, the Cowboys blew a perfect chance to take the next step into the playoffs. The Ravens blew up the Cowboys' defense in the fourth quarter, leaving the Cowboys' last chance at making the playoffs a road game against division rival Philadelphia. Will Tony Romo and Company overcome their season frustrations or fade into the sunset?

8.  Patriots  10-5

The Patriots put a hurting on the Cardinals in a snowy Week 16 game. After Week 16’s win, the Patriots now must pray for a Jets win to keep their playoff dreams alive. Who would have thought that through all the injuries, the Patriots would still be in the position they are now?

7.  Ravens  10-5

This Ravens team is for real. The Ravens tore apart a Cowboys defense in the fourth quarter of their Week 16 game en route to their 10th win of the season. With the playoffs on the mind, who would have thought that a new head coach and a rookie quarterback could accomplish so much in so little time?

6.  Falcons  10-5

Matt Ryan is the real deal in Atlanta and has silenced critics who have doubted him. But who would have seriously thought a new head coach and rookie quarterback could turn around a franchise like the Atlanta Falcons this quickly?

5.  Colts  11-4

The Colts have gone on a roll, winning eight games in a row, and are still not done. Peyton Manning has gone from offseason knee surgery to MVP candidate in just a short few months.

4.  Steelers  11-4

They have the AFC North locked up, but the Steelers blew a golden chance to make a huge statement in Week 16’s loss to the Titans. The Steelers surrendered five fumbles and four turnovers en route to a 31-14 loss.

3.  Panthers  11-4

In what was quite possibly Week 16’s best game, the Panthers blew a late lead en route to an overtime loss to the Giants. DeAngelo Williams has been the Panthers' key player all season long, but not even his multiple touchdowns could solidify a Panthers win.

2.  Giants  12-3

Forget not having Michael Strahan, Plaxico Burress, or even Osi Umenyiora. The Giants overcame all adversity to beat a red-hot Panthers team in Week 16. The Giants have shifted momentum back in their favor. See what a healthy Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward combo can do for your team?

1.  Titans  13-2

Even without their top defensive weapons, Albert Haynesworth and Kyle Vanden Bosch, the Titans demolished the Steelers to stay atop our Power Rankings. Even with the best record in all of NFL, let us see what the Titans can do heading into the playoffs.

This is the way the rankings look for right now. Stay tuned next week to see how your team fares!

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