NFL Power Rankings Week 17: Hot Teams That Will Take a Step Back to End Season

Here's a look at three NFL teams that have been playing very well as of late, but will finish the 2011 season with a loss. 

Green Bay Packers (No. 1)

OK, I wouldn't necessarily call it a step back, but the Pack will lose at home to close out the regular season. 

Green Bay has already clinched everything it possibly can, so you'll likely see more Matt Flynn than Aaron Rodgers against the Lions in Week 17. While Flynn has proved to be a capable backup, the Lions are still fighting for the No. 5 spot, so they have something to play for.

Don't be surprised if Green Bay loses its second game of the season in this one.

Baltimore Ravens (No. 5)

The AFC North has yet to be decided, so Baltimore will certainly be going for a win at Cincinnati this week. 

If the Ravens win, they hold on to the No. 2 spot with a chance at No. 1. If they lose and the Steelers win, however, Baltimore drops all the way down to No. 5.

The Ravens have been great as of late, winning four of their last five, but I just don't trust them on the road. They have looked far too inconsistent away from home with embarrassing losses against Jacksonville and San Diego. You just don't know who will show up.

This is more of a must-win for the Bengals, and I think they come out and get a win to hold onto their playoff spot.

Carolina Panthers (No. 21)

The Panthers are 6-9, but they could easily be 9-6 as they've lost a bunch of close games this season. With two straight wins, it appears they are finally figuring things out.

Unfortunately, they are going up against a white-hot New Orleans Saints team on the road. New Orleans still needs to win for a chance at a first-round bye, so you can bet they'll be playing at full strength. 

The Panthers are better than their record indicates, but they aren't good enough to keep up with the Saints. Ten losses will look ugly, but Carolina fans have a lot to look forward to. 

Tim Keeney's Week 17 NFL Power Rankings

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