NFL Power Rankings Week 16: Have Michael Vick's Eagles Grabbed the Top Spot?

NFL Power Rankings Week 16 are up and ready for you, the good people of Bleacher Report. This has been an amazing week for football. As always, there were upsets as well as blowouts. There were amazing feats of athletic talents. Some of which came from the most unlikely of players. 

So as the season comes to a close, we take a look at the movers and shakers of the league. Some of these teams need to be productive in order to squeak into the playoffs. Other teams just need a miracle. 

So here is the NFL as I see it. Where does your favorite team fall? You may have an idea, but assured surprises are in store. 

The Bottom Feeders: No. 32-21

Larry French/Getty Images

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 12: Cheerleaders for the Washington Redskins perform a dance during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers defeated the Redskins 17-16. (Photo by Larry F

32. Panthers (2-12) beat the Cardinals

Last Week's Ranking: 32

The NFL's worst just got their second win. Plan the parade accordingly. 

31. Bengals (3-11) beat the Browns

Last Week's Ranking: 31

I was beginning to think that the Bengals streak would last long into next season. 

30. Broncos (3-11) lost to the Raiders

Last Week's Ranking: 30

Not even the chosen one, Tim Tebow, could help the Broncos today. 

29. Cardinals (4-10) lost to the Panthers

Last Week's Ranking: 26

The Panthers just did what most of the NFL has been doing all year, beat up on the Cards. 

28. Bills (4-10) beat the Dolphins

Last Week's Ranking: 29

The Ryan Fitzpatrick guys are alright. He might get the Bills to five wins next year. 

27. Lions (4-10) beat the Buccaneers  

Last Week's Ranking: 28

Lions dawned their spoiler gear and may have knocked Tampa Bay out of the running. 

26. Redskins (5-9) lost to the Cowboys

Last Week's Ranking: 27

You may be able to close the book on Donovan McNabb's career, perhaps even Mike Shanahan's

25. Seahawks (6-8) lost to the Falcons

Last Week's Ranking: 24

Seattle fans can find solace in the fact that they really never had a shot at winning this game. Feel better?

24. Cowboys (5-9) beat the Redskins

Last Week's Ranking: 25

If we could just restart the season, this may be the Cowboys thing to lose.

23. Vikings (5-8) idle until Monday Night

Last Week's Ranking: 23

The Vikings have a daunting task in facing the Bears. Did I say daunting? I meant impossible. 

22. Texans (5-9) lost to the Titans

Last Week's Ranking: 20

Houston is a train that has fallen off the track, ran into a gas station and exploded. It is entertaining though. 

21. 49ers (5-8) lost to the Chargers

Last Week's Ranking: 21

Really, it is amazing that the 49ers have not accidentally won the division by now. The NFC West is that bad. 

20. Browns (5-9) Lost to the Bengals

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 21: Colt McCoy #12 of the Cleveland Browns passes during a game agaisnt the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on November 21, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Last Week's Ranking: 19

Why they move down:

The Browns are a team that are just a few pieces away from being a top team in the league. Colt McCoy should finally have the spot as assured starter. 

The Bengals just have to be more consistent on defense. Cedric Benson completely ran all over them today. They will try to get some momentum going into the next season with a couple of late wins. This team has tremendous potential. 

19. Rams (6-8) Lost to the Chiefs

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 19: Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams passes against the Kansas City Chiefs at the Edward Jones Dome on December 19, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Chiefs beat the Rams 27-13. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Last Week's Ranking: 17

Why they move down:

Today, the Rams showed why they will make the playoffs but be ousted instantly. They are the proud citizens of a horrible division. They have promise but are by no means worthy of a playoff spot. 

The real sad fact is whoever does represent the NFC West will most likely have a losing record. How is that for parity?

18. Titans (6-8) Beat the Texans

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 19: Coach Jeff Fisher of the Tennessee Titans calls instructions to his team against the Houston Texans at LP Field on December 19, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Texans, 31-17. (Photo by Grant Halverson/G

Last Week's Ranking: 22

Why they move up:

The Titans may have no real shot at the postseason. But it is nice to know that there is a little bit of hope. That does wonders for a team's morale. Every little bit of success erases the saga that took place a few weeks back. 

Quarterback Vince Young was thrown out of a team meeting, and the subsequent fall out was disastrous. The once contending Titans fell out of favor with the league as they dropped game after game. It seems all they really needed was a healthy Kerry Collins. 

17. Dolphins (7-7) Lost to the Bills

Marc Serota/Getty Images

MIAMI - DECEMBER 19: Defensive tackle Paul Soliai #96 of the Miami Dolphins walks off the field against the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Miami, Florida. The Bills defeated the Dolphins 17-14. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Imag

Last Week's Ranking: 14

Why they move down:

While the main element that keeps Miami moving is their offense, their defense has been the focal point of some great victories this year. But today it was the exact reason they lost. 

The Dolphins could not contain Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Buffalo Bills. If the Dolphins want to be considered a tougher NFL team, they must be able to stop a team like the Bills. As it is, they are mediocre, much like their record. 

16. Raiders (7-7) Beat the Broncos

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 19: Rock Cartwright #25 celebrates after Hiram Eugene #31 of the Oakland Raiders recovers a fumble by7 Syd'Quan Thompson #22 of the Denver Broncos at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 19, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Ph

Last Week's Ranking: 18

Why they move up:

This has been an up-and-down year for the Raiders. One week they look like the best offense in the NFL, the next they are getting pummeled into submission. One thing is certain, they own the Broncos. For Raider fans, that will have to be enough. 

15. Buccaneers (8-6) Lost to the Lions

J. Meric/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 19: Defensive end Cliff Avril #92 of the Detroit Lions sacks quarterback Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Last Week's Ranking: 16

Why they move down:

This is no way to make a late season push for the playoffs. Tampa Bay, for all intents and purposes, has had a remarkable season. Josh Freeman and company have turned the corner from young start up to real legitimate threats. 

But if they are to make another turn into contenders, they are going to have to take these "give me" games. There is no reason to drop a game to the Lions at this point in the season. 

14. Packers (8-6) Lost to the Patriots

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FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Matt Flynn #10 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates a first down during the third quarter of the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by El

Last Week's Ranking: 13

Why they move down:

It is hard to knock this team at all this weekend. They had the unenviable task of taking on the league's best team without their leader. Aaron Rodgers had to sit out this game as he deals with a concussion he was dealt last weekend. 

Matt Flynn did his best to impersonate the Pro Bowl quarterback. He was amazing in the Packers' eventual loss. He passed for over 250 yards and had three touchdown passes. 

13. Chargers (8-6) Beat the 49ers

Donald Miralle/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 16: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers speaks to his teammates in the huddle during their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 16, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Don

Last Week's Ranking: 15

Why they move up:

The Chargers may just have a chance to slip into the postseason. It's a long shot, but if the Chargers win out and the Chiefs stumble at the end, San Diego may find themselves in as the AFC West winners. I, for one, will find it better if they don't 

I am just tired of seeing the Chargers underachieve at the start of every season only to make a late surge into the playoffs. Maybe they should take the easy road and play a full season. 

12. Jaguars (8-6) Lost to the Colts

Scott Boehm/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 19: Mike Sims-Walker #11 of the Jacksonville Jaguars holds up the football after scoring a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts defeated the Jagu

Last Week's Ranking: 10

Why they move down:

The Jaguars may have just missed their chance to clinch something they never thought they would have this season—the division. 

Now, they have to win out and hope that a team that features Peyton Manning can find a loss in the next two weeks. That loss may just be the biggest one of their season. 

11. Colts (8-6) Beat the Jaguars

Scott Boehm/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 19: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts passes against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

Last Week's Ranking: 12

Why they move down:

It was looking mighty grim there for a second. The Colts looked absolutely awful for a few weeks. They lost just enough ground to lose control of the AFC South. But they may have regained their composure just in time. 

The Colts had a huge win Sunday. It got them back into first place, now they just have to share it for the time being. It is a race between them and the Jaguars. Who will blink first?

10. Chiefs (9-5) Beat the Rams

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 19: Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs scrambles against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on December 19, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Chiefs beat the Rams 27-13. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Last Week's Ranking: 11

Why they move up:

The Chiefs are doing their best to keep the surging Chargers at bay. They received an early Christmas present in the Rams on Sunday. That simple fact of scheduling allowed them to stay a game ahead of San Diego. 

Now, all they have to do is remain victorious the rest of the season. That is completely within reason considering their fairly easy schedule. 

9. Giants (9-5) Lost to the Eagles

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks to pass against the New York Giants during their game on December 19, 2010 at The New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images

Last Week's Ranking: 5

Why they move down:

The Giants didn't just lose to the Eagles today. They choked. The Giants were up by 21 points in the fourth quarter before they decided to let the Eagles get back into it. They completely forgot how to cover Michael Vick. Then, they allowed a late punt return for a touchdown. 

That is the kind of loss that ruins a team. The Giants now have to fight to the finish with the Packers for the last Wild Card spot. 

8. Steelers (10-4) Lost to the Jets

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 19: Drew Coleman #30 of the New York Jets reaches for a loose ball in front of Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game on December 19, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wicker

Last Week's Ranking: 4

Why they move down:

The Steelers ran into a rambunctious bunch this weekend. The Jets were on the outs. But unfortunately for Pittsburgh, they rallied around their recent demise and beat one of the NFL's better teams on Sunday. The solace is that Pittsburgh did not necessarily need this one. But their home-field advantage should be taken into account. Playing at Heinz is very different than playing away. Teams shudder at the thought. 

It should be noted that the Steelers very well could have taken this one late. Big Ben and company put a scare into the Jets' sideline at the end. That will be on the Jets' minds for the remainder of the season. 

7. Saints (10-4) Lost to the Ravens

Larry French/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 19: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints walks off the field after the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Saints 30-24. (Photo by Larry F

Last Week's Ranking: 3

Why they move down:

This should show you why the NFL is such a great league. There is absolutely no certainty to the science of winning. Any of a number of teams could still be standing in February. The Saints showed they can get beat on any weekend. 

The key for New Orleans is that they get hot at the right time. This loss was a devastating blow for morale, but it is not the end of the world. The Saints have bigger fish to fry in a couple of weeks. 

6. Jets (11-3) Beat the Steelers

Karl Walter/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 19: Mark Sanchez #6 and Ben Hartsock #84 of the New York Jets celebrate after Sanchez ran for a touchdown during their game against Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 19, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by

Last Week's Ranking: 6

Why they move up:

Don't count the Jets out just yet. After two weeks of miserable defeats, the team rallied to take down one of the best teams in the league. 

The Jets showed a lot of heart today. They stepped into a must win scenario and did the unthinkable. They turned around their season against a fierce opponent. Much lesser teams would have rolled over and called it a season. We will be seeing much more of Rex Ryan's boys. 

5. Bears (9-3) Idle until Monday Night

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 12: Devin Hester #23 of the Chicago Bears runs after fielding a punt against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on December 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Patriots defeated the Bears 36-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty

Last Week's Ranking: 8

Why they move up:

The Bears have the pleasure of moving up with losses by the Saints and Steelers. It is fitting as they will most likely take a win on Monday Night against the very much maligned Vikings. This team will cruise into the postseason. Then, we will really see what they are made of. 

4. Ravens (10-4) Beat the Saints

Geoff Burke/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 05: Ray Rice #27 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images)

Last Week's Ranking: 7

Why they move up:

Every great team has a group of stars that help them win. But every so often, one of those stars must be even more special. Ray Rice was that man today. 

The Ravens won today keeping them level with the Steelers. But it was Ray Rice who should be commended. Playing the defending champions is no treat. But it helps when your running back runs for over 230 yards and two touchdowns. 

3. Eagles (10-4) Beat the Giants

Nick Laham/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19: DeSean Jackson #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates his game winning touchdown with teammates Jeremy Maclin #18 and Brodrick Bunkley #97 against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 19, 2010 i

Last Week's Ranking: 6

Why they move up:

The Eagles were dead in the water. Then suddenly, they were not. The seemed to switch on their ability to score and defend. Suddenly, that 21-point deficit they had against the Giants did not seem so taxing. 

Michael Vick was moving the offense and suddenly, winning the game looked plausible. That hope is all this team needed to win the game. It enabled the DeSean Jackson punt return to happen. Without the timely blocks, he received from renewed and fresh blockers, he never would have made history. Now, the Eagles are the team of the moment. 

2. Falcons (12-2) Beat the Seahawks

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons passes against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on December 19, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Falcons defeated the Seahawks 34-18. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Last Week's Ranking: 2

Why they stay the same:

There is no doubt that the Falcons are one of the better teams in the NFL. They did what all good teams should try and do more often. They beat up on a lesser team and made their lives much easier. The fact that this team is slotted a No. 2 is inconsequential to the overall theme. 

They are literally the best in the NFC. The game Matt Ryan had on Sunday illustrated that this team has exactly what they need to win the whole thing—an elite reliable quarterback. 

1. Patriots (12-2) Beat the Packers

Elsa/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 19: Cornerback Kyle Arrington #27 of the New England Patriots celebrates scoring a touchdown after intercepting the ball and running 36 yards against the Green Bay Packers during the third quarter of the game at Gillette Stadium on

Last Week's Ranking: 1

Why they stay the same:

The Patriots stay pat as they pick up yet another win today. It seemed a bit shaky today against the Packers, but in the end, the cream rose to the top. The Patriots are the bane of every other team's existence. 

As long as they are around, the title is not a certainty. It is abundantly clear that if the Patriots don't win the Super Bowl, the team that does win will have to go through them to get it. NFL fans should not want it any other way.