NFL Power Rankings: Looking at Teams Making Late Pushes

Whether they're already in the playoffs or still fighting for the playoffs, making a late push can really payoff in January. Just ask the 2010 Green Bay Packers.

That said, here are three teams making a push through Week 17.

Pittsburgh Steelers (11-4)

After their loss to San Francisco, Pittsburgh got back on track with a win over the St. Louis Rams in Week 16. And thanks to the Baltimore Ravens losing at San Diego that same week, Pittsburgh remains alive for the AFC North division title on top of having already clinched a playoff spot.

The Steelers may have lost to Baltimore twice, but the Ravens are just 3-4 on the road and play at Cincinnati this week. In turn, Pittsburgh plays at Cleveland, so the odds of The Steel City winning another division title is quite good.

A 12-4 record nonetheless is solid and Pittsburgh will have the mo' going into mid-January. This late push will benefit no doubt.

New York Giants (8-7)

Thanks to their win over the Jets in Week 16 along with the Eagles upsetting the Cowboys in Dallas, the New York Giants are one game away from winning the NFC East and getting a playoff berth.

Obviously a loss ruins everything, however, it's for certain that the Giants have more confidence and is making a stronger push than Dallas. Not to mention their win over the Cowboys in Dallas a few weeks ago.

When the first half of the season was over, New York was 6-2, but then lost four straight games. Going 2-1 to get back above .500 and sit at 8-7 though, has rejuvenated Big Blue's motivation for their Week 17 playoff game in The Big Apple.

Tennessee Titans (8-7)

It's without a doubt that Tennessee needs a lot of help to get into the playoffs. And after a road loss to Indianapolis, it seemed that all hope was lost.

With that being said, however, the Titans responded with a much needed win over Jacksonville in Week 16. Now, a win over banged up Houston in Week 17 along with a bunch of help and Tennessee can sneak in.

After avenging an early season loss to the Jaguars directly after losing to Indy, it would not be surprising to see The Music City best the Texans in Houston. With a lot on the line, Tennessee appears to have finally found a rhythm.

Week 17 NFL Power Rankings (LW = Last Week's Rank)

1. Green Bay Packers (14-1) (LW 1)	17. New York Giants (8-7) (LW 20)
2. New Orleans Saints (12-3) (LW 2)	18. San Diego Chargers (7-8) (LW 14)
3. New England Patriots (12-3) (LW 3)	19. Tennessee Titans (8-7) (LW 19)
4. Baltimore Ravens (11-4) (LW 4)	20. New York Jets (8-7) (LW 18)
5. San Francisco 49ers (12-3) (LW 5)	21. Carolina Panthers (6-9) (LW 23)
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-4) (LW 6)	22. Buffalo Bills (6-9) (LW 26)
7. Detroit Lions (10-5) (LW 9)	23. Miami Dolphins (5-10) (LW 21)
8. Cincinnati Bengals (9-6) (LW 11)	24. Kansas City Chiefs (6-9) (LW 22)
9. Atlanta Falcons (9-6) (LW 7)	25. Chicago Bears (7-8) (LW 24)
10. Oakland Raiders (8-7) (LW 16)	26. Washington Redskins (5-10) (LW 25)
11. Houston Texans (10-5) (LW 8)	27. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-11) (LW 27)
12. Denver Broncos (8-7) (LW 10)	28. Minnesota Vikings (3-12) (LW 30)
13. Seattle Seahawks (7-8) (LW 13)	29. Cleveland Browns (4-11) (LW 29)
14. Philadelphia Eagles (7-8) (LW 17)	30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-11) (LW 28)
15. Dallas Cowboys (8-7) (LW 12)	31. Indianapolis Colts (2-13) (LW 32)
16. Arizona Cardinals (7-8) (LW 15)	32. St. Louis Rams (2-13) (LW 31)

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27