NFL Power Rankings Week 17: Atlanta Falcons Fall While Chicago Bears Rise
The Atlanta Falcons suffered their first home loss of the season on Monday night and now need to win against Carolina this weekend to wrap up the division. It's been a great season for the Falcons despite the loss to New Orleans.
Nevertheless, Atlanta takes a tumble in this week's rankings, but how far?
And what about the Chicago Bears, who have quietly wrapped up the NFC North behind the efficient play of Jay Cutler? The Bears have flown under the radar for most of the season and have clinched a first-round bye thanks to Philadelphia's loss last night.
After a big win over the New York Jets, it's obvious that the Bears are going to rise, but who else will climb up the rankings this week, and which teams will take a tumble?
Read ahead to find out...
No. 32 Carolina Panthers
1 of 32
Jimmy Clausen's days as Carolina's starting quarterback are numbered if Andrew Luck declares for the draft. The Panthers lost to Pittsburgh this past Thursday, bringing their league-worst record to 2-13.
It wasn't a lost week for the organization, though, as the loss helped secure the No. 1 pick in the 2011 draft for the Panthers.
The future could be bright for Carolina if Luck decides to declare, and it certainly would add a positive spin to a dismal season.
No. 31 Denver Broncos
2 of 32
Tim Tebow followed up his productive debut with an even better performance against Houston. Tebow threw for over 300 yards and most importantly led the Broncos to a come-from-behind victory.
Many are still dismissing Tebow's prospects of being a successful signal caller in the years to come, although he always seems to rise to the occasion in big situations.
Despite the impressive comeback, it wasn't enough to move the Broncos up any spots.
No. 30 Cincinnati Bengals
3 of 32
It was only a matter of time before the Bengals pulled out a game like they did against San Diego. Cincinnati won its second in a row without the disruptive Terrell Owens.
In back-to-back weeks Cincy devoted its focus to running the football, something it has gone away from this season. Marvin Lewis' job was on the line this season, and he put his trust in Owens and the passing game.
It hasn't worked out and will ultimately cost Lewis his job. There are major changes on the horizon for the Bengals.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
No. 29 Buffalo Bills
4 of 32
Despite getting hammered by Tom Brady and co., the Bills can take solace that there are three teams worse than them.
Buffalo's been competitive this season even though they only have four wins to show for it. Laying an egg against one of the top teams in football is OK.
The Bills close out the season on the road against the NY Jets, which will be Ryan Fitzpatrick's final audition for the starting job next year.
No. 28 San Francisco
5 of 32
The Mike Singletary era is officially over. It ended with a loss to St. Louis, who put Singletary out of his misery.
No matter how well Singletary can motivate and speak, we have seen that he can't coach. In a division the Niners were supposed to win, they have failed miserably.
San Fran needs a whole lot of change, and it has already started with Singletary getting the ax. Next up is getting rid of Alex Smith and finding a signal caller to lead this offense next year.
No. 27 Houston Texans
6 of 32
The Texans were supposed to break out this season just like they were supposed to the past couple of years, but once again they have failed.
Houston started out the season with a 4-2 mark and had the look of a playoff team.
They promptly followed their impressive start by losing eight of their next nine games, turning a once promising season into a disastrous one.
Fans are calling for Gary Kubiak's head after another season without a playoff berth, and they just might get their way this time around. While it isn't all Kubiak's fault, somebody is going to take the blame, and the easy out is the head coach.
No. 26 Cleveland Browns
7 of 32
Three straight losses have dropped the Browns near the back of the pack. Peyton Hillis hasn't found the end zone in the past four games and has cooled off considerably down the stretch of the season.
Eric Mangini looked like he was going to keep his job when Cleveland was playing inspired football earlier in the year, but this recent slide could sway Mike Holmgren to look elsewhere.
A win over Pittsburgh this Sunday would add much-needed momentum heading into next season.
No. 25 Dallas Cowboys
8 of 32
It's been a lost season for the Cowboys, and things didn't get better when they lost on Christmas to Arizona by a point.
Dallas has played hard under Jason Garrett and has been impressive without Tony Romo.
Nevertheless, losing to an NFC West opponent drops the Cowboys down.
No. 24 Arizona Cardinals
9 of 32
John Skelton is 2-1 as a starter, although he hasn't looked very good in any of his three starts. The Cardinals are going to need to find a new QB next season because Skelton isn't the long-term answer.
Arizona's won two out of its past three and will finish up the season against San Fran.
No. 23 Detroit Lions
10 of 32
The roar has been restored in Detroit with the Lions winners of three in a row. Looking for a team that has a chance to be a potential sleeper next season? Look no further than the Motor City Kitties.
Despite not knowing who would start under center each game because of injuries, the Lions have put together a nice season.
Detroit's last three wins have come against quality opponents in Green Bay, Tampa Bay and Miami, so it isn't as if they are beating up on poor teams. A four-game win streak to close out the year would be huge for the Lions heading into the offseason.
No. 22 Minnesota Vikings
11 of 32
The Joe Webb-led Vikings pulled off a huge upset over Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles. Hats off to the Vikings, who have had to deal with unusual circumstances the last three weeks.
It was a big win for Leslie Frazier's candidacy to remain the head coach of the Vikes heading into next season.
Minnesota played with energy and passion for the first time in a couple of weeks while the Eagles looked disinterested. Nice win for the Vikes heading forward.
No. 21 Seattle Seahawks
12 of 32
It would be ridiculous if a 7-9 team made the playoffs, but that's exactly what the Seahawks are threatening to do if they can pull out a win against the Rams. Seattle isn't a good team, and all nine of their losses have come by double digits.
Yet they still have a chance to host a playoff game, which would be an absolute embarrassment for the NFL.
No. 20 Tennessee Titans
13 of 32
Chris Johnson, Randy Moss and Kenny Britt sounds like a dynamic offensive trio; instead it has been the exact opposite for the Titans.
Moss is a non-factor, Johnson has been productive but not nearly to the level of last year and the inconsistent play at the QB position has killed Tennessee.
The Titans close out the season on the road against Indianapolis, which likely means a 6-10 season for Jeff Fisher's squad.
No. 19 Washington Redskins
14 of 32
Mike Shanahan's team has played better with Donovan McNabb on the sidelines instead of leading the offense. The much criticized move to bench McNabb for the rest of the season in favor of Rex Grossman hasn't backfired as expected.
Washington has gone 1-1 in its past two games and was competitive in the loss to Dallas.
Shanahan still has a lot of work to do with the Redskins as a whole, but getting rid of McNabb appears to be the smart move in the long term.
No. 18 Miami Dolphins
15 of 32
Inconsistency has plagued the Dolphins this season, as they've been unable to string wins together.
Let's take a look back at Miami's schedule from Week 6 to Week 13. It looks like this: W-L-W-L-W-L-W-L. One week the Dolphins can look like a playoff team, and the next they fall flat on their face.
The addition of Brandon Marshall hasn't helped Miami as expected, as the offense still remains stagnant. Miami closes out the season at New England with a chance at getting to 8-8 on the line.
No. 17 St. Louis Rams
16 of 32
The young Rams have a chance to go to the playoffs in Sam Bradford's first year with a win over Seattle. For the sake of the NFL, the Rams need to win to avoid the embarrassment of having a team with a losing record make the postseason.
With Bradford taking snaps and Steven Jackson running the football, St. Louis has nice pieces going forward.
Making the playoffs would be a valuable experience for a franchise that has a very bright future.
No. 16 Oakland Raiders
17 of 32
It's been a good season for the Raiders, and they will have to take solace in the fact that some key pieces have emerged over the year. Darren McFadden finally busted out, living up to the promise that he showed at Arkansas.
The Raiders are another team that has a shot to make a big leap next year, especially if they can find consistent play at the QB position. Oakland will finish the season off against Kansas City on the road.
No. 15 Jacksonville Jaguars
18 of 32
All the Jaguars had to do to control their playoff fate was beat the Redskins. Instead they fell in overtime and will need the Colts to lose this Sunday to the Titans.
Jacksonville's inability to shut the door on the Colts is proof that they aren't ready for the playoffs. Jack Del Rio did a nice job with this team, but it likely won't be enough.
The only thing the Jags can do now is beat the Texans and hope that the Colts fall at home.
No. 14 San Diego Chargers
19 of 32
The picture above pretty much sums up the Chargers' season. Philip Rivers has had a remarkable individual season, but he laid an egg against the Bengals.
Finally, the Chargers' slow start came back to haunt them. It will be a long offseason for Charger fans and players, who will have to watch the playoffs from the comfort of their homes.
Norv Turner and A.J. Smith won't be punished for missing the playoffs, as San Diego's owner has said both will be back. Just another reason for fans to complain.
No. 13 New York Giants
20 of 32
The Giants got hammered in Green Bay following the collapse at home to Philadelphia the week before. New York's recent two-game slide has the Giants on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoff picture. To keep their hopes alive they will have to win on the road against Washington.
Don't discount the Redskins, though; they've played good football the past two games and will get the chance to knock a division rival out of the playoffs at home.
Eli Manning is going to have to take care of the football better, or the Giants' hopes of making the playoffs will be shattered.
No. 12 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
21 of 32
Because of the Giants' recent struggles, Tampa Bay hops them in the rankings. The Bucs will need New York and Green Bay to lose to have a shot at the playoffs. But right now, Tampa Bay's focus is on the New Orleans Saints.
It will be a tall task for Tampa to go into the Saints' building and come away with a W, although the Bucs have proven doubters wrong many times this year.
They will have to do so once again if they want to keep their slim playoff chances alive.
No. 11 New York Jets
22 of 32
Rex Ryan's Jets have lost three of their past four games, and the vaunted defense New York possessed last year has disappeared.
The Jets' defense gave up 38 to Chicago, and let's not forget the 45 they gave up to New England. New York is crumbling at the wrong time, as the playoffs are right around the corner.
Ryan's squad will have a chance to fix some things against Buffalo before the playoffs begin.
No. 10 Indianapolis Colts
23 of 32
The Colts have won three in a row, as they are getting hot at the right time. A win Sunday against the Titans and they are in the playoffs.
It's been an up and down season for Indy, but the early struggles won't matter if they make the postseason again.
You can never count out Peyton Manning and co. come playoff time.
No. 9 Green Bay Packers
24 of 32
Talk about a statement win. The Packers handled the Giants with ease, winning 45-17 last week. Now all the Packers have to do is win at home against Chicago to make the playoffs.
With the Eagles' loss, the Bears don't have anything to play for Sunday, which is great news for Packer fans. Maybe Lovie Smith will try to knock out a division rival out of the playoffs to avoid seeing them in the playoffs, but that doesn't seem likely.
This should be a game Green Bay wins with Chicago having nothing on the line.
No. 8 Kansas City Chiefs
25 of 32
The Chiefs clinched the AFC West with the Chargers' loss to the Bengals. It's been quite the turnaround for Kansas City, which was one of the worst teams in the NFL a year ago.
But behind a dynamic rushing attack and Matt Cassel's extremely efficient play, the Chiefs are a potential sleeper team when the playoffs start. Cassel has gone virtually unnoticed this season despite throwing just five interceptions to 27 touchdowns.
Todd Haley has the Chiefs playing well at the right time, and it's why they find themselves ahead of some high-profile teams such as the Colts.
No. 7 Philadelphia Eagles
26 of 32
What a terrible loss for the Eagles as they enter the final week of the season. Effort-wise the Eagles didn't bring it against Minnesota, and it cost them a shot at a first-round bye.
Michael Vick was bottled up for most of the game and easily had his worst game of the year. The poor performance pretty much wrapped up the MVP award for Tom Brady.
Philly will close out the season against Dallas, and it would be wise for them to give Vick the week off after taking a beating against Minnesota.
No. 6 Baltimore Ravens
27 of 32
The Ravens still have a shot at the AFC North if Pittsburgh slips up against Cleveland. If that doesn't happen, Baltimore is going to have to hit the road in the playoffs, something no team wants to do.
Baltimore has won three straight and five out of its past six. The biggest black eye on the Ravens' season came when they lost at home to the Steelers.
The defense is no longer what it once was, meaning Joe Flacco is going to have to play some of his best football if the Ravens want to advance.
No. 5 Chicago Bears
28 of 32
The Bears find themselves in the top five after an impressive win over the Jets. Jay Cutler continues to play well, although it's been the running game that has made the biggest strides of late for Chicago.
After the Eagles' loss to the Vikings, the Bears have a first-round bye wrapped up. Having the luxury to rest players next week will be important for Chicago as they prepare for the playoffs.
Week 16 ended up being the perfect scenario for the Bears, and they can only hope the rest of the season goes the same way.
No. 4 Atlanta Falcons
29 of 32
The Falcons have lost just three games this season, yet they still seem like a bit of a fraud. Atlanta had plenty of opportunities to come up with a win at home against New Orleans but came up short.
Generally the Falcons don't shoot themselves in the foot like they did against the Saints. The loss to the Saints could prove to be devastating if the Falcons lose to Carolina on Sunday and the Saints were to win.
It doesn't seem likely that the NFL's worst team could beat one of the best in the league, but crazier things have happened.
Atlanta's fall in this week's rankings may seem a bit drastic considering how consistent they've been throughout the year. But in a big game at home, where they have been unbeatable, the Falcons were unable to rise to the occasion.
The good news for Atlanta fans is that with a win against the Panthers, the Falcons wrap up the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
No. 3 Pittsburgh Steelers
30 of 32
Mike Tomlin's squad bounced back after a tough loss to the Jets, as they took care of the Panthers rather easily. Pittsburgh has its eyes on a first-round bye, and as long as they don't slip up against Cleveland, they will have earned it.
With Ben Roethlisberger behind center, the Steelers remain one of the NFL's most dangerous teams. Roethlisberger's ability to make something out of nothing is what makes the Pittsburgh offense special.
On the defensive side of the ball, it's hard not to mention Troy Polamalu. Once the Steeler defense gets Polamalu back, there isn't a defense you would rather have heading into the playoffs.
No. 2 New Orleans Saints
31 of 32
It's hard not to admire this New Orleans team. They haven't had all the bounces go their way this season like they did a year ago and have had to deal with an assortment of injuries.
Drew Brees hasn't played nearly as well as he did last year, yet he has gritted out 11 wins for the Saints and has them peaking at the right time. New Orleans is a winner of seven of its past eight games and still has an outside shot at winning the division.
The defending champs have shown that last season wasn't a fluke and that they are a serious threat to repeat.
No. 1 New England Patriots
32 of 32
The Super Bowl favorites easily dismissed the Bills with a 34-3 win. New England's win over Buffalo stretched its season-high win streak to seven games. With Tom Brady playing arguably the best football of his career, the Patriots look unbeatable.
This New England team has the feel of the Super Bowl teams that the Patriots fielded during their mini-dynasty. The Pats close out the season at home against Miami, although the game means virtually nothing since New England has the top seed wrapped up.
It's been another successful season for Bill Belichick and Brady, but obviously another Lombardi Trophy is what the duo is seeking.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Post-June 1 Trade Candidates ☎️")
.JPG?w=600 "TO Talks Cowboys Relationship")
.jpg?w=600 "Taylor Heinicke Retiring")
.jpg?w=600 "49ers OC Hypes Mike Evans 🤩")