NFL Power Rankings Week 17: Identifying the Strongest Playoff Teams

Whether it's because of experience, late season momentum, or star-power, the strongest playoff teams obviously have the best odds to bring home The Lombardi Trophy.

Health also makes a big difference, as the following three teams are or will be fully loaded come January.

Green Bay Packers (14-1)

No doubt the NFL's current best team is here. Last season the Packers needed a win in Week 17 to make the playoffs, then made a miraculous run despite having umpteen players on the IR. This season, they have some injuries but nothing nearly as significant as 2010.

Green Bay is better than 2010 because of their health, and making them more dangerous though, is the level of experience. If there is one concern aside from the defense, it's the question of living up to expectations.

This Packers team has yet to experience the intangible pressure of the team that is supposed to win. So far they've done just that but, it'll be interesting to see how they answer the call at home next month.

New Orleans Saints (12-3)

Although the Saints have the No. 30 ranked pass defense and are just as concerning to watch as Green Bay's, New Orleans' defense is becoming more opportunistic with every game.

The single coverage has improved and they've been physical all year. The offense is virtually unstoppable and can keep pace with anyone. The only concern about New Orleans is playing on the road in the playoffs.

This season the Saints have improved when away from the Superdome, however, their previous two postseason losses were on the road in cold-weather cities (Seattle, Chicago). And as we all know, it will be cold come January in Green Bay.

New England Patriots (12-3)

Much like the Packers and Saints, the New England Patriots have an explosive passing offense with an effective ground game (when used). Tom Brady is arguably the most clutch QB of his generation in the NFL and he's the reason why the Pats' are Super Bowl contenders every year.

Also, with three straight playoff losses, you know New England is giddy about kickoff this January to avenge previous postseason slip-ups. That said, their defense be ware of literally any opposing offense

Along the same lines as New Orleans and Green Bay also, the Pats' have a weak defense. Anyone can throw on them, but they are solid when backed-up inside their own redzone. The biggest reason for New England's strength though, is TE Rob Gronkowski.

As long as Gronk continues to roll, no defense will stop him or Brady. In turn, coach Bill Belichick's vulnerable defense can play with less pressure.

Week 17 NFL Power Rankings (LW = Last Week's Rank)

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

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