NFL Power Rankings: Week 17 Expert Consensus from Around the Web

Yet another thrilling week of football is in the books, as Week 16 of the NFL season saw a few shocking outcomes that will have major implications on how the playoff picture (and NFL draft standing) shakes out.

The playoff picture in the NFC is particularly cloudy. We know most of the teams who will represent the conference, but the seedings are still up in the air:

Upsets and unexpected blowouts were the themes of the week, and the power rankings heading into Week 17 are reflective of the unpredictable slate of games. Check out what the experts from around the Web are saying prior to the season's final week of regular-season games.

Rank	Matt Miller	Frank Schwab	USA Today
1	Patriots	Patriots	Patriots
2	Seahawks	Seahawks	Seahawks
3	Packers	Packers	Packers
4	Cowboys	Cowboys	Broncos
5	Broncos	Broncos	Cowboys
6	Lions	Lions	Lions
7	Steelers	Steelers	Steelers
8	Bengals	Bengals	Colts
9	Colts	Colts	Bengals
10	Cardinals	Chargers	Cardinals
11	Eagles	Ravens	Chargers
12	Chargers	Cardinals	Eagles
13	Ravens	Eagles	Texans
14	Texans	Chiefs	Ravens
15	Bills	Dolphins	Chiefs
16	Chiefs	Texans	49ers
17	Falcons	Bills	Bills
18	Dolphins	49ers	Dolphins
19	49ers	Browns	Falcons
20	Panthers	Falcons	Panthers
21	Giants	Panthers	Browns
22	Saints	Giants	Saints
23	Vikings	Rams	Vikings
24	Rams	Vikings	Giants
25	Browns	Saints	Rams
26	Bears	Redskins	Bears
27	Jets	Raiders	Redskins
28	Raiders	Jets	Jets
29	Redskins	Bears	Raiders
30	Jaguars	Jaguars	Buccaneers
31	Buccaneers	Buccaneers	Jaguars
32	Titans	Titans	Titans

Matt Miller's power rankings can be found here.

Frank Schwab's power rankings can be found at Yahoo Sports.

USA Today's power rankings can be found at USAToday.com.

Kenny DeJohn's Power Rankings

32. Tennessee Titans (2-13)

Hopefully Marcus Mariota likes the state of Tennessee.

After falling to the Jacksonville Jaguars this week, the Titans are poised to nab the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. That's about the only positive to pinpoint, as losing to Jacksonville is an utter embarrassment.

Then again, we should expect that from this year's Titans.

31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-13)

There's one simple way to sum up the Buccaneers' season:

"

The 2014 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ya'll! http://t.co/yM74t2aOPm

— Cork Gaines (@CorkGaines) December 22, 2014"

Week 16 was arguably their worst showing of the year. There wasn't much hope for them against the Green Bay Packers, but mustering just three points and 109 yards of total offense is horrific.

Tampa Bay could use Mariota, but the offense really represents Swiss cheese right now—holes everywhere.

30. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12)

John Raoux/Associated Press

Taking down the Titans is good news for Gus Bradley's job, but not so good news for the No. 1 pick in the draft. Jacksonville is still in line for a pick within the top five, though. Without the need for a quarterback, that type of selection can still do a ton of good for this franchise.

Young players are starting to make impacts for this team. The Jaguars won't be so laughable once a few more begin to step up and capitalize on their potential.

29. New York Jets (3-12)

The Jets had the New England Patriots on the ropes. Then Tom Brady did his thing.

A costly pick late in the game by Geno Smith didn't help his team's cause, and general manager John Idzik should put a star next to this game as just the latest example of why Smith isn't cut out to be a starter in the NFL.

In a position to possibly take a franchise-changing quarterback, the Jets need to do so in the upcoming draft. Do that, sign a veteran, let the rookie sit for a year and then focus on the future.

28. Washington Redskins (4-11)

Shockingly, Washington didn't come out of Week 16 a loser.

NFL Network's Albert Breer noticed good things from Robert Griffin III during the contest:

RGIII is arguably the biggest X-factor in the NFL for next season. If he can return to the talent level he displayed during his rookie campaign, the Redskins can move back toward respectability and possibly playoff contention.

27. Oakland Raiders (3-12)

Oakland has now gone 3-2 over its past five games. Taking down the Buffalo Bills on Sunday was impressive, especially considering Buffalo's smothering defense.

The Raiders still aren't a good football team in any sense of the word, but another solid draft will do a lot to make them far better. Just look at what Derek Carr and Khalil Mack have done in their first years.

26. Chicago Bears (5-10)

Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press

Benching Jay Cutler was a bold move that was met with the exact same results, but the Jimmy Clausen experiment is now over, as the team's official Twitter account noted:

With no choice but to turn back to Cutler, it'll be interesting to see how the Bears fare in Week 17 against the Vikings. Cutler's fate might already be sealed in Chicago, but there's a chance he's fighting for his job this weekend.

25. St. Louis Rams (6-9)

A strong defense was absolutely dismantled by Odell Beckham Jr. and the New York Giants. The Rams hadn't yielded over 30 points since Nov. 9 against the Arizona Cardinals, yet they allowed Big Blue to post 37.

One of the lone bright spots for the Rams was Tre Mason, who scored a touchdown and further cemented himself as the go-to back in 2015.

24. Cleveland Browns (7-8)

Johnny Manziel was historically bad in his first two NFL starts, as ESPN Stats & Info noted:

Granted, he attempted only eight passes in start No. 2.

Manziel didn't show a ton of potential in his brief audition as starter, but the Browns must still trust that he can turn the franchise around. Bleacher Report's Ryan Riddle reminds us that his days at Texas A&M aren't that far behind him:

If Manziel can bring even a modicum of that playmaking ability to the table, Browns fans will be happy they stuck by him.

23. New Orleans Saints (6-9)

Bill Haber/Associated Press

Eliminated from playoff contention, it's time for the Saints to blow it up.

The defense was expected to be stifling this year. Sure, injuries to Jairus Byrd and others didn't help, but those expectations couldn't have been further from what really happened. The unit ranks 31st in the NFL in yards allowed per game.

This team needs a boost on defense and some new life on the sidelines. It's the only way to remedy the issues New Orleans dealt with this year.

22. Minnesota Vikings (6-9)

Despite a tough loss to the Dolphins on Sunday, there's a lot for the Vikings to be proud of. Teddy Bridgewater turned out to be exactly the quarterback Minnesota hoped for when it traded back into Round 1 to grab him with the final pick.

With more talent and consistent weapons around him, he can shine. The secondary also needs a boost, so with a few general upgrades it's easy to see the Vikings with a reversed record at this time next year.

21. New York Giants (6-9)

Tom Gannam/Associated Press

Suddenly on a three-game winning streak, the Giants are playing their best football of the year. Granted, their wins have come against Tennessee, Washington and St. Louis—three teams who are far below .500.

Regardless, the offense has been strong in each contest. Eli Manning and Beckham are a formidable duo, and nearly every Giants fan in the world is wondering the same thing right about now: How good will this passing game be with Beckham and Victor Cruz healthy in 2015?

The answer? Potentially dominant.

20. San Francisco 49ers (7-8)

Expect changes across the board in San Francisco following arguably the most disappointing season in the NFL.

An inconsistent offense and questions surrounding the future of head coach Jim Harbaugh have plagued the 49ers. Harbaugh could very well be gone, and weapons Frank Gore and Michael Crabtree will probably leave as free agents.

Carlos Hyde is the likely successor to Gore, but who will Colin Kaepernick have to throw to? Anquan Boldin and Vernon Davis are far from the options they once were.

It's time for a mini-rebuild in the Bay Area.

19. Carolina Panthers (6-8-1)

It's amazing to think that the Panthers would be in the playoffs if the season ended today. That tie with the Cincinnati Bengals earlier in the season looms large, as it's the only thing separating Carolina and the Atlanta Falcons in the playoff standings.

Carolina has survived two games without Cam Newton this season, though, so perhaps it can be a dark horse in the NFC.

18. Atlanta Falcons (6-9)

It all comes down to Week 17 for the Falcons and Panthers, as the two division rivals will square off with the NFC South title on the line.

Matt Ryan is turning in his most successful season in terms of personal numbers, as Bleacher Report's Scott Carasik tweets:

That makes Ryan the X-factor. If he can continue his career-best campaign, then the Falcons will be successful. Remember, he was 31-of-45 for 268 yards and a touchdown in a win over the Panthers in Week 11.

17. Miami Dolphins (8-7)

Wilfredo Lee/Associated Press

Like it or not, head coach Joe Philbin will be back in 2015.

Much of the flak he receives is deserved, but it cannot be overlooked that Ryan Tannehill is enjoying the best season of his career under Philbin. He has set career highs in rush yards, passing touchdowns, interceptions and completion percentage. He is also less than 200 yards away from setting a career high in pass yardage.

Bringing Philbin back is the right decision.

16. Buffalo Bills (8-7)

The Bills entered Week 16 knowing a win over the lowly Raiders would put them in a great position to make the playoffs. Instead, Oakland stole the game.

Buffalo has an interesting decision to make during the offseason. Which quarterback is best for 2015? Kyle Orton looked good as the starter, but E.J. Manuel is still regarded as the quarterback of the future.

Is the future now in Buffalo?

15. Kansas City Chiefs (8-7)

The Chiefs are still in the hunt for the playoffs after running into the red-hot Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. They have a date with the San Diego Chargers in Week 17 to decide the fate of both squads.

Kansas City has found success despite a clear weakness in the passing game. Alex Smith is a decent enough signal-caller, but he needs wide receivers who can stretch the field and get open in the end zone.

14. Houston Texans (8-7)

Case Keenum was 0-8 in his career as a starting quarterback prior to Week 16. Needless to say, the expectations weren't high.

Keenum played poorly, completing just 47.6 percent of his passes for 185 yards and a pick. The Texans still pulled it out, though, in large part because of Arian Foster and head coach Bill O'Brien.

Health is crucial for Houston next year, but so is the quarterback position. Ryan Fitzpatrick and Ryan Mallett aren't the answer. Neither is Keenum. Tom Savage might be the guy in a few years, but the Texans need someone who can perform well now.

13. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6)

Mark Tenally/Associated Press

The Eagles are a team worthy of making the playoffs, but they won't thanks to the phenomenal play by the Dallas Cowboys in December. Does that bother head coach Chip Kelly? Not one bit, according to ESPN's Britt McHenry:

There's one clear upgrade this team can make in the offseason, and that's at quarterback. We know Mark Sanchez isn't Option A. Nick Foles is the big question mark. Philadelphia must assess if his 2013 season was just a flash in the pan.

12. Baltimore Ravens (9-6)

Losing to Houston really hurt the playoff chances of the Ravens.

They're still in the hunt, but they no longer control their own destiny. There is only one scenario left in which Baltimore will make the playoffs, according to ESPN's Jamison Hensley. Beating the Browns and watching the Chargers lose against the Chiefs would do the trick.

Neither outside contest is close to a cupcake, so the chances of seeing Joe Flacco make another run in January are slim.

11. San Diego Chargers (9-6)

The Chargers didn't fold when they were down big at the half against the 49ers on Sunday. Philip Rivers' team forced overtime and then won on a field goal, keeping their postseason hopes alive.

There isn't a team in the NFL that wants to play the Chargers after that kind of performance. San Francisco isn't necessarily the most resilient team in football, but a 28-7 lead after a half should be insurmountable.

10. Cincinnati Bengals (10-4-1)

The Bengals clinched a playoff spot with a win over the Broncos on Monday night, but there's still work to be done. They can still win the AFC North with a win over the Steelers in Week 17.

Cincinnati needs Andy Dalton, A.J. Green and the rest of the offensive playmakers to stand out and keep up with the explosive offense of the Steelers. It'll be a long night otherwise.

9. Arizona Cardinals (11-4)

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

Things are looking terribly bad for the Cardinals. After Ryan Lindley looked embarrassing against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, head coach Bruce Arians decided to make yet another change at quarterback:

Logan Thomas offers a little more potential for excitement, but the fact of the matter is that the Cardinals are doomed if Thomas isn't productive. You can't roll into the playoffs with your fourth-string quarterback and expect success.

8. Indianapolis Colts (10-5)

Andrew Luck had a very bad game against Dallas. NFL.com's Michael Fabiano put the performance in perspective:

Indianapolis is a threat to the top teams in the AFC, but not if Luck can't bounce back. That's now three subpar games in a row, so hopefully he can right the ship in Week 17 against the Titans.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5)

Pittsburgh took down Cincinnati on Dec. 7, 42-21. The Steelers head into Week 17 with the utmost confidence given that outcome and the fact that the team has won three straight.

The game is so important (the winner takes the AFC North) that it has been moved to Sunday Night Football as the top game in the NFL next week. NFL on ESPN notes the implications of the contest:

Pittsburgh's offense is great and its defense is on the rise, so the advantage goes to the Steelers.

6. Detroit Lions (11-4)

Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press

The Lions have clinched their second playoff berth since 2000 with the loss by the Eagles. Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, Joique Bell and the rest of the offense are geared to go to work against the defenses of the NFC, but they'll have to figure out what seeding they'll have first.

The Packers are on the schedule next week. Both teams are 11-4, so the winner will take the division and a first-round bye. The loser takes the No. 6 seed.

5. Denver Broncos (11-4)

Denver is a better team now than they were at this time last year, despite the loss to Cincy. Sure, Manning isn't doing the same ridiculous things he was a year ago (in fact, he has been a bit inconsistent lately), but the defense is far better and somehow it seems as if the options in the passing game are even better as well.

The loss on Monday night did shed some doubt as to the candidacy of the Broncos in the AFC, but Denver can still compete with New England, the conference favorite.  

4. Dallas Cowboys (11-4)

Tim Sharp/Associated Press

Talk about a statement game.

The Cowboys aren't going anywhere. They've clinched the NFC East thanks to a 42-7 drubbing of the Colts, and Tony Romo is a legitimate MVP candidate thanks to another stellar performance.

How the Cowboys perform in the playoffs is another subject entirely, but they appear poised to make a run to the Super Bowl.

3. Green Bay Packers (11-4)

Aaron Rodgers didn't let the Packers slip again, taking care of business against the abysmal Buccaneers and moving to 11-4.

Rodgers wins the battle of the quarterbacks in next week's matchup against the Lions. But one could argue that the positional matchups at wide receivers and running back are essentially equal. That means it'll all come down to the defenses.

Coming off a performance in which they allowed just three points, the Packers are in good shape.

2. New England Patriots (12-3)

Remember when you wrote off the Patriots? You probably wrote off the Seahawks, too. That hasn't gone well for you, as ESPN's Chris Sprow tweets:

The Chiefs did get the better of both teams, but the likelihood of a Patriots-Seahawks Super Bowl is becoming better and better by the day. New England already locked up a bye, giving them the much-needed time off to both rest and prepare.

This team is dangerous. There isn't a team in the NFL the Patriots can't beat right now.

1. Seattle Seahawks (11-4)

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

The same goes for Seattle.

After dismantling Arizona, the Seahawks have proven that they are capable of defending their Super Bowl title. Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch are playing on another level, and the defense is providing its usual boom.

Barring a shocking collapse, Seattle will again be in Arizona, this time for the Super Bowl.

Follow Kenny DeJohn on Twitter: @kennydejohn