NFL Power Rankings Week 17: Who Looks Best As Season Ends?

NFL power rankings change each and every week and offer a look at the landscape of the league. Here is a look at my NFL power rankings heading into the final week of the season.

1.) New England Patriots

Riding a seven-game winning streak and homefield advantage secured through the playoffs, fans have to wonder: Can anyone stop these Patriots?

2.) Atlanta Falcons

Last week’s loss to New Orleans, aside, the Falcons are a team to be reckoned with. With homefield advantage throughout the NFC playoffs in sight, the Falcons welcome all comers to the Georgia Dome.

3.) Pittsburgh Steelers

After recovering from their Week 15 loss to the Jets, the Steelers routed the Panthers and appear to be back on track. Remember, Pittsburgh is a terribly tough place to play in the playoffs. The Steelers will take the No. 2 seed with a win or Baltimore loss this week.

4.) New Orleans Saints

Timing is everything and the defending Super Bowl champions are peaking at the right time. Experience of last year’s run will only help New Orleans whether it gains entry as the NFC South’s champion or via the Wild Card.

5.) Baltimore Ravens

With a shot at taking the AFC North crown this weekend, the Ravens have quietly become one of the most balanced teams in the league. Joe Flacco’s emergence as an error-free quarterback will only improve Baltimore this postseason.

6.) Philadelphia Eagles

Was Tuesday’s loss to Minnesota a sign that these high-flying Eagles may not be for real? The jury is still out on Michael Vick and Co.

7.) Kansas City Chiefs

A superb defense, coupled with the methodical and turnover-free offense led by quarterback Matt Cassel, can make these Chiefs a scary postseason matchup.

8.) Chicago Bears

After being dismantled by the Patriots a few weeks back, Jay Cutler and Co. have secured the AFC North crown and could finish with homefield advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.

9.) Indianapolis Colts

After an up-and-down season, Peyton Manning has seemed to turn the ship around. With a win in Week 17, the Colts are in the postseason as the AFC South champions.

10.) Green Bay Packers

After an impressive dismantling of the reeling New York Giants, the Packers now hold their playoff destiny in their own hands against Chicago.

11.) New York Jets

Despite a rough patch a few weeks back with successive losses, the Jets are primed and ready for a playoff run.

12,) Jacksonville Jaguars

Reeling as of late, the Jaguars hope for the Colts to fall to the Titans this weekend. If the Colts lose and Jacksonville wins, it will be postseason-bound.

13.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Still in the playoff mix, the Buccaneers are a victim of their location. In the tough NFC South, the Bucs have battled against the Falcons and Saints all year long.

14.) New York Giants

The late-season collapse can be avoided with a win this weekend, followed by some help. Regardless of the final regular season record, though, expect changes to be made after the Giants’ struggles.

15.) San Diego Chargers

Plenty of talent, not enough winning. The Chargers’ 2010 season will be characterized with a “what if” phrase after the impressive statistics put forth by Philip Rivers.

16.) St. Louis Rams

Rookie quarterback Sam Bradford has the Rams on the verge of the NFC West title and playoff spot.

17.) Miami Dolphins

Much like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Dolphins took a hit playing in a tough conference. Between losses to the Patriots, Jets and Bills, Miami’s strong start was washed away by midseason.

18.) Oakland Raiders

The Raiders made steps this season and moved in the right direction. With the emergence of quarterback Jason Campbell as the potential future leader, Oakland could continue to climb next year.

19.) Dallas Cowboys

A season lost to injuries, the Cowboys still possess some of the league’s best talent. Look for Dallas to be back to the top half of the poll early next season.

20.) Buffalo Bills

Don’t look now, but Buffalo has four wins and a handful of near-misses against some of the top teams in the league. Ryan Fitzpatrick and Fred Jackson are building blocks for next season in Buffalo.

21.) Washington Redskins

The Redskins showed spurts of solid play but will look at the 2010 season as a lost chance in the NFC East. What will come of next year when looking at the Donovan McNabb situation?

22.) Detroit Lions

With three straight wins, the Lions are showing that their youthful talent is beginning to mesh. Look out for even more improvement next season.

23.)  Cleveland Browns

A few solid wins and a regular-season record right in line with where they were predicted. The Browns need to first and foremost figure out their quarterback situation. Is Colt McCoy the future?

24.) Seattle Seahawks

It’s a wonder how the NFC West became this bad. The 6-9 Seahawks have a chance at reaching the playoffs with a win in Week 17.

25.) Denver Broncos

Tim Tebow has provided a breath of fresh air in recent weeks for Denver, but the season spiraled quickly in the Mile High city. Is Tebow the answer in Denver?

26.) Houston Texans

Given the Texans’ explosive and impressive offense, they should have been in the playoff mix this season. The league’s worst passing defense, however, had Matt Schaub and Co. playing catchup all year long.

27.) Minnesota Vikings

Last night’s win over Philadelphia came at the hands of quarterback Joe Webb. Perhaps the Vikings have found their replacement for Brett Favre under center.

28.) San Francisco 49ers

Uncertainty on the sidelines and under center, these ‘Niners have only one place to go: up.

29.) Cincinnati Bengals

Much like the Chargers and Texans, the Bengals struggled all season despite a boatload of talent on the offensive side of the football.

30.) Tennessee Titans

From where they were to where they are now, the Titans have fallen from grace more than any other team. The loss of Vince Young (both to injury and perhaps another mental breakdown) and the addition of Randy Moss have done nothing to save the ship.

31.) Arizona Cardinals

Despite what Derek Anderson said, this very well could be a laughing matter. The Cardinals again finish last in the NFL’s worst conference.

32.) Carolina Panthers

Watch out Jimmy Clausen. The depth chart at the quarterback position is bound to fill up in April.