NFL Power Rankings Finale: Jets, Colts, Packers and Seahawks Surge into Playoffs

I'd like to start off by thanking the NFL for making Week 17 games divisional. If they hadn't, we wouldn't have been able to see the "NFC West's Lackluster Bowl" on Sunday Night Football. Just kidding—I really do believe that the change made the games more competitive. 

Even though the Texans, Redskins, Cowboys and Lions had nothing on the line, they still showed up and played until the end. I wonder if the threat of a lockout gave the players a little extra motivation.

Anyway, the playoff matchups are set. Let's take a look.

AFC Wild Card Round

No. 6 New York Jets (11-5) at No. 3 Indianapolis Colts (10-6)

Saturday, January 8, 2011, Lucas Oil Stadium, 8 p.m. ET, NBC

No. 5 Baltimore Ravens (12-4) at No. 4 Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)

Sunday, January 9, 2011, Arrowhead Stadium, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

First-Round Byes: New England, Pittsburgh

NFC Wild Card Round

No. 5 New Orleans Saints (11-5) at No. 4 Seattle Seahawks (7-9)

Saturday, January 8, 2011, Qwest Field, 4:30 p.m. ET, NBC

Green Bay Packers (10-6) at No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)

Sunday, January 9, 2011, Lincoln Financial Field, 4:30 p.m. ET, FOX

First-Round Byes: Atlanta, Chicago

And now, what you've all been waiting for: the greatest end of season power rankings in the history of the world. #YeahISaidIt

Don't like my list? I want to hear from you! Share yours in the comments section below. Let's discuss people! Have any mock headlines? Share those too.

For more NFL coverage, head over to http://www.BearConsults.com or you can follow @BearConsults and @RamsReport on Twitter.

32. Carolina Panthers 2-14

Scott Halleran/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 02: Mike Goodson#33 of the Carolina Panthers loses a fumble in the second quarter during their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on January 2, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Previously Ranked: 32

Week 17: 31-10 loss at Atlanta

Memo to Carolina: Thanks for being competitive. Once again, you failed to create any sort of excitement on Sunday.

2011 Offseason Headline: "Panthers Get Kiper-ed Again"

31. Arizona Cardinals 5-11

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 02: John Skelton #19 of the Arizona Cardinals passes against the San Francisco 49er during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on January 2, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Previously Ranked: 31

Week 17: 38-7 loss at San Francisco

Some guy named Richard Bartel played quarterback for the Cardinals on Sunday. That's just in case you were wondering how bad things have gotten in Arizona.

2011 Offseason Headline: "Fitzgerald Has Bags Packed and Is Ready To Go"

30. Denver Broncos 4-12

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos looks to deliver a pass behind the protection of offensive lineman Ryan Clady #78 as he blocks Antwan Barnes #98 of the San Diego Chargers at INVESCO Field at Mile High on January 2, 20

Previously Ranked: 29

Week 17: 33-28 loss to San Diego

It's nice to see John Elway back with the Broncos. Hopefully he can bring some tenacity to the team. 

29. Cincinnati Bengals 4-12

Larry French/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - JANUARY 2: Jerome Simpson #89 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs the ball against Lardarius Webb #21 of the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens lead the Bengals 6-0 at the half. (Photo by

Previously Ranked: 25

Week 17: 13-7 loss at Baltimore

I wonder if the Bengals will re-sign Terrell Owens. #hahayeahright

2011 Offseason Headline: "Marv Drives TO and Ocho to El Aeropuerto" 

28. Buffalo Bills 4-12

Michael Heiman/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 02: Dwight Lowery #26 of the New York Jets recovers a fumble by the Buffalo Bills at New Meadowlands Stadium on January 2, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Michael Heiman/Getty Images)

Previously Ranked: 24

Week 17: 38-7 loss at New York Jets

Both Brian Brohm and Levi Brown performed terribly in place of Ryan Fitzpatrick. It's a sad state of affairs in Buffalo. 

2011 Offseason Headline: "Bills Move Up in First Round To Snag Another Star Running Back"

27. San Francisco 49ers 6-10

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 02: Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers passes against the Arizona Cardinals during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on January 2, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Previously Ranked: 28

Week 17: 38-7 win over Arizona

Maybe they should've fired Mike Singletary a long time ago. #statingtheobvious

2011 Offseason Headline: "Palmer Joins Harbaugh in San Fran"

26. Washington Redskins 6-10

Win McNamee/Getty Images

LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Rex Grossman #5 of the Washington Redskins is hit by defensive end Osi Umenyiora #72 of the New York Giants at FedEx Field on January 2, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. The Giants won the game 17-14. (Photo by Win McNa

Previously Ranked: 26

Week 17: 17-14 loss to New York Giants

I saw that Albert Haynesworth is supposed to rejoin the team on Monday. #why

Offseason Headline: "Shanny Still in Love with Cutler"

25. Cleveland Browns 5-11

Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 02: Wide receiver Mike Wallace #17 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs the ball past defensive back Abram Elam #26, T.J. Ward #43 and Coye Francies #36 of the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Clevelan

Previously Ranked: 23

Week 17: 41-9 loss to Pittsburgh

No way Mangini returns after the bogus way the Browns finished the season.

2011 Offseason Headline: "Holmgren Cleans the Entire House" 

24. Dallas Cowboys 6-10

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 02: Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys runs the ball after a reception for a long gain late in the fourth quarter against Daniel Te'o-Nesheim #52 of the Philadelphia Eagles on January 2, 2011 at Lincoln Financial Field in P

Previously Ranked: 22

Week 17: 14-13 win at Philadelphia

I'm not sure Jerry Jones could have taken another loss.

2011 Offseason Headline: "NFL Determines Jones Broke Rooney Rule"

23. Minnesota Vikings 6-10

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 02: Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on from the bench while playing the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 2, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Previously Ranked: 21

Week 17: 20-13 loss at Detroit

Did the Vikings have the worst year of any sports franchise?

2011 Offseason Headline: "Favre Now Wants To Return After Vikings Sign McNabb"

22. St. Louis Rams 7-9

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams lays on the ground after being hit by defensive end Raheem Brock #98 of the Seattle Seahawks during their game at Qwest Field on January 2, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo b

Previously Ranked: 15

Week 17: 16-6 loss at Seattle

The Rams got hosed by the officials on more than one occasion. Tough break for a team that needs all the breaks it can get.

2011 Offseason Headline: "With the 15th Pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Rams Select WR Julio Jones"

21. Tennessee Titans 6-10

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 26: Quarterback Kerry Collins #5 of the Tennessee Titans in action during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 26, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Previously Ranked: 27

Week 17: 23-20 loss at Indianapolis 

Thanks for putting up a fight. Made the late games more interesting. 

2011 Offseason Headline: "Titans Rid Themselves of Moss Problem"

20. Houston Texans 6-10

Bob Levey/Getty Images

HOUSTON - JANUARY 02: Troy Nolan #33 of the Houston Texans celebrates after sacking quarterbacl Trent Edwards #5 of the Jacksonville Jaguars at Reliant Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Previously Ranked: 30

Week 17: 34-17 win over Jacksonville

I think the Texans will underachieve as long as Gary Kubiak is around.

2011 Offseason Headline: "Kubiak's Last Stand"

19. Miami Dolphins 7-9

Elsa/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 02: Chad Henne #7 of the Miami Dolphins is brought down in the first half by Jerod Mayo #51 and Landon Cohen #66 of the New England Patriots on January 2, 2011 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Ima

Previously Ranked: 19

Week 17: 38-7 loss at New England

When Tyler Thigpen is your leading passer and rusher, you've got problems. #newcoachwanted

2011 Offseason Headline: "Dolphins Lose Another One at Home"

18. Seattle Seahawks 7-9

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 02: Running back Justin Forsett #20 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates after a run against the St. Louis Rams during their game at Qwest Field on January 2, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Previously Ranked: 20

Week 17: 16-6 win over St. Louis

Does Matt Hasselbeck start next week against New Orleans?

Next up: No. 5 New Orleans Saints at No. 4 Seattle Seahawks, Qwest Field, 4:30 p.m. ET, NBC

17. Jacksonville Jaguars 8-8

Scott Boehm/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 19: David Garrard #9 of the Jacksonville Jaguars hands off to Maurice Jones-Drew #32 against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

Previously Ranked: 14

Week 17: 34-17 loss at Houston

If I were Maurice Jones-Drew, I'd want to get out of town as soon as possible.

2011 Offseason Headline: "Jaguars Headed West" 

16. Detroit Lions 6-10

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 02: Percy Harvin #12 of the Minnesota Vikings tries to escape the tackles of Ndamukong Suh #90, Nathan Vasher #30 and Eric King #43 of the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 2, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus

Previously Ranked: 18

Week 17: 20-13 win over Minnesota

Great to see the Lions finish the season on a four-game win streak. 

2011 Offseason Headline: "Prince Joins Suh in Detroit" 

15. San Diego Chargers 9-7

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - JANUARY 02: Running back Ryan Mathews #24 of the San Diego Chargers steps into the endzone as he rushes for a 31 yard touchdown on fourth down and one yard to go in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on J

Previously Ranked: 17

Week 17: 33-28 win at Denver

Nice of Ryan Mathews to finally show up to the party. 

2011 Offseason Headline: "He gone! Rivers to V-Jax No More" 

14. Oakland Raiders 8-8

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Jason Campbell #8 of the Oakland Raiders passes to Michael Bush #29 as Derrick Johnson #56 of the Kansas City Chiefs defends during the game on January 2, 2011 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Pho

Previously Ranked: 16

Week 17: 31-10 win at Kansas City

Is it time to give up on Darrius Heyward-Bey?

2011 Offseason Headline: "Raiders No Longer Want To Pay for Cable"

13. New York Giants 10-6

Win McNamee/Getty Images

LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 02: Linebacker Keith Bulluck #53 of the New York Giants intercepts a pass against the Washington Redskins during their game at FedEx Field on January 2, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. The Giants won the game 17-14. (Photo by Win McNa

Previously Ranked: 13

Week 17: 17-14 win at Washington

No reason to think that Tom Coughlin won't be the Giants coach next season.

2011 Offseason Headline: "Coughlin Has Staying Power"

12. Kansas City Chiefs 10-6

Tim Umphrey/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a pass while falling down in a game against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Tim Umphrey/Getty Image

Previously Ranked: 9

Week 17: 31-10 loss to Oakland

Not a good way to enter the playoffs. #casselfalls

Next Up: No. 5 Baltimore Ravens at No. 4 Kansas City Chiefs, Arrowhead Stadium, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10-6

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 02: Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts to being sacked during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Image

Previously Ranked: 12

Week 17: 23-13 win at New Orleans

I would've loved to see Josh Freeman in the playoffs. #maybenextyear

2011 Offseason Headline: "Freeman Predicts Super Bucs" 

10. New York Jets 11-5

Al Bello/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 02: Braylon Edwards #17 and Santonio Holmes #10 of the New York Jets celebrate Edwards' third quarter touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at New Meadowlands Stadium on January 2, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo

Previously Ranked: 11

Week 17: 38-7 win over Buffalo

Jets management has to be feeling a little better about letting Danny Woodhead go after seeing Joe McKnight's big day.

Next Up: No. 6 New York Jets at No. 3 Indianapolis Colts, Lucas Oil Stadium, 8 p.m. ET, NBC

9. Indianapolis Colts 10-6

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 02: Joseph Addai #29 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball during NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Previously Ranked: 10

Week 17: 23-20 win over Tennessee

If I'm Rex Ryan, I'm not happy about having to go to Indy in the first round.

Next Up: No. 6 New York Jets at No. 3 Indianapolis Colts, Lucas Oil Stadium, 8 p.m. ET, NBC

8. Chicago Bears 11-5

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 02: Matt Forte #22 of the Chicago Bears carries the ball after making a catch against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 2, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Previously Ranked: 2

Week 17: 10-3 loss at Green Bay

I'm puzzled by Lovie Smith's decision to play the starters the entire game. I can't imagine the team isn't feeling a little deflated.

Next up: First-round bye

7. New Orleans Saints 11-5

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 02: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints looks to throw a pass during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Previously Ranked: 5

Week 17: 23-13 loss to Tampa Bay

Drew Brees makes a lot of mistakes for a guy who's supposed to be a top five quarterback.

Next Up: No. 5 New Orleans Saints at No. 4 Seattle Seahawks, Qwest Field, 4:30 p.m. ET, NBC

6. Green Bay Packers 10-6

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 26: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers is chased out of the pocket against the New York Giants at Lambeau Field on December 26, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Previously Ranked: 7

Week 17: 10-3 win over Chicago

No way the Packers were going to lose both games to the Bears. The city of Green Bay would've gone into mourning. 

Next Up: Green Bay Packers at No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles, Lincoln Financial Field, 4:30 p.m. ET, FOX

5. Philadelphia Eagles 10-6

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 02: Kevin Kolb #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles is sacked by Anthony Spencer #93 of the Dallas Cowboys on January 2, 2011 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles 14-13. (Photo by

Previously Ranked: 4

Week 17: 14-13 loss to Dallas

Probably Kevin Kolb's last game as an Eagle. #doesanyonecare

Next Up: Green Bay Packers at No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles, Lincoln Financial Field, 4:30 p.m. ET, FOX

4. Baltimore Ravens 12-4

Larry French/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - JANUARY 2: Ed Reed #20 of the Baltimore Ravens returns a last second endzone interception in the first half of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the

Previously Ranked: 7

Week 17: 13-7 win over Cincinnati

Not good to see the Ravens struggle at home against a bad Cincinnati team. 

Next Up: No. 5 Baltimore Ravens at No. 4 Kansas City Chiefs, Arrowhead Stadium, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

3. Pittsburgh Steelers 12-4

Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 02: Safety Ryan Clark #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers returns an interception as he is hit by tight end Benjamin Watson #82 of the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt

Previously Ranked: 6

Week 17: 41-9 win at Cleveland

Pittsburgh's defense had four sacks and three interceptions. #anyquestions

Next Up: First-round bye

2. Atlanta Falcons 13-3

Scott Halleran/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 02: Roddy White #84 and Jason Snelling #44 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrate after White's second quarter touchdown during the game against the Carolina Panthers at the Georgia Dome on January 2, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by

Previously Ranked: 3

Week 17: 31-10 win over Carolina

I wonder how the Falcons practice squad would have fared against the lowly Panthers.

Next up: First-round bye

1. New England Patriots 14-2

Elsa/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 02: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates a touchdown by teammate BenJarvis Green-Ellis in the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins on January 2, 2011 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa

Previously Ranked: 1

Week 17: 38-7 win over Miami

I'd like to send an early congrats to Tom Brady for winning the NFL MVP Award.

Next up: First-round bye