NFL Power Rankings: Detroit Lions and Wild-Card Contenders Hitting Their Stride

Being a wild-card team is not the curse that it used to be. In fact, there are a lot of great teams that win championships coming out of the wild-card spot (see: Green Bay in 2010).

The key to winning is not to be the best team in the NFL all season, but to be playing your best football when the playoffs roll around. That is what is happening with a few of the wild-card contenders this season. 

It is hard to figure out what is going to happen in the postseason at this point. However, as far as teams making their move late in the regular season, we are seeing that right now. 

So, which wild-card contenders are making their moves right now?

 

Detroit Lions (9-5)

The fact that the Lions are even in playoff contention is a story in and of itself. However, they aren't content to just be flirting with the postseason. 

They had a hard time against the Raiders last week, but were able to pull out a victory in the final seconds. Some may see that as a sign that they are slipping. On the other hand, it could also be a sign that they have found their rhythm in the final weeks.

Every team has to face adversity at some point in the season to see how strong they are. Right now, it's so far, so good with the Lions. 

 

Atlanta Falcons (9-5)

It has been a quiet season for the Falcons, which is surprising because they started the year with big dreams after winning 13 games in 2010. 

Nevertheless, they started slow and had to build themselves back up. I don't know how much of a threat they are to win a postseason game, but I am interested to see how they do this year. 

Even if they don't win a playoff game, they are certainly making a strong case to become one of the most dangerous wild-card teams. 

 

Cincinnati Bengals (8-6)

After a lull that saw them lose four out of five games, the Bengals were able to get back on track against the Rams last week. 

Much like the Lions, the fact that they are still in contention is a testament in itself. Even if they don't get into the playoffs, they have nothing to be ashamed of.

I would be interested to see how they do in a playoff game against a team like the Broncos or Texans, because their defense is very good. Meanwhile, Andy Dalton and A.J. Green make a nice battery at the quarterback-wide receiver position. 

 

1. Green Bay Packers
2. New England Patriots
3. San Francisco 49ers
4. New Orleans Saints
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
6. Atlanta Falcons
7. Baltimore Ravens
8. Houston Texans
9. Detroit Lions
10. Dallas Cowboys
11. Cincinnati Bengals
12. Denver Broncos
13. Seattle Seahawks
14. New York Jets
15. San Diego Chargers
16. Arizona Cardinals
17. New York Giants
18. Philadelphia Eagles
19. Oakland Raiders
20. Tennessee Titans
21. Kansas City Chiefs
22. Carolina Panthers
23. Miami Dolphins
24. Chicago Bears
25. Buffalo Bills
26. Cleveland Browns
27. Washington Redskins
28. Jacksonville Jaguars
29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30. Minnesota Vikings
31. St. Louis Rams
32. Indianapolis Colts
Adam Wells' Week 16 NFL Power Rankings

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