The week 17 NFL Power Rankings are in and I am pretty excited to have two knowledgeable football analysts with me to help with the rankings. We have taken the average of the three analysts’ votes. Each analyst has ranked the teams as they choose 1-32 and we have added comments for each team. I am Sam Brief, of Sam’s Sports Brief, a 14 year old who created Sam’s Sports Brief to give you a refreshing new perspective on the wild world of sports. I hope someday become a sports broadcaster or a sports writer and am following my dreams, providing readers with a wealth of information and keen perspective.
Joining me today is JB Knox of 1313 Sports, who keeps readers informed with the latest news in the sports world, and provides us with opinionated analysis and has a very polished site. I highly recommend checking his site out to brush up on your sports knowledge through the eyes of JB Knox.
Also joining me today for the first time is Nik of The News of Sports, who brings readers the latest sports news, and has opinionated posts about the biggest sports stories. He has 2 other sites, which I recommend to all: Fresh Fantasy Help and Video Games Guide.
Congratulations to Drew Brees- The NFL's single-season passing leader.
| RANK | TEAM | RECORD | TREND | COMMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Packers |
14-1 |
– |
Aaron Rodgers has a quarterback rating of 122.5 on the season and is on pace to break Peyton Manning’s 2004 record of 121.1. The defense is second with a +22 Turnover ratio and their 29 interceptions are more than all but five NFL teams total touchdown passes this season. That stat is flat out ridiculous. (Knox) |
2 |
Saints |
12-3 |
– |
Drew Brees passed Dan Marino for the most single season passing yards, the Saints defense held Matt Ryan and the Falcons to 16 points. The Saints have locked up they NFC South. (Nik of The News of Sports) |
3 |
Patriots |
12-3 |  |
The Patriots eked out a 27-24 win over the Dolphins on Sunday. If they beat the Bills this week, then they will have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. If the Patriots can get their run-game going, then they will be a dangerous team in the playoffs. (Brief) |
4 |
49ers |
12-3 | |
They have the least amount of turnovers in the NFL at ten, they have the best turnover ratio in the NFL at +26 and they lead the league in rushing defense at a paltry 75.1 yards per game. and they lead the NFC in Time of Possession at 31:47 per game. That’s a recipe for winning I’d say. (Knox) |
5 |
Ravens |
11-4 |
– |
Their playoff spot is punched, but all they’re fighting for right now is the AFC North division title with the Steelers. Even if it was only a six point victory over the lowly Browns, a win is a win, is it not? (Nik of The News of Sports)
|
6 |
Steelers |
11-4 |
– |
Even though they were without starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers still managed to shut-out the Rams, 27-0. That is a testament as to how loaded their offense and defense is, or to how bad the Rams really are. (Brief) |
7 |
Lions |
10-5 |
|
A very big game at Green Bay this week will decide the #5 or #6 seed. The #5 takes on the NFC East winner and the #6 meats at SF or New Orleans. I would take door #1. Can their one-dimensional offense continue to carry this team to victory in the playoffs? (Knox) |
8 |
Bengals |
9-6 |
|
The Bengals (The BENGALS!) are 9-6 after a seven-point win over the Cardinals, but the fact that they are in the AFC North hurts them, because it is one of the toughest divisions in the NFL. Still, rookie QB Andy Dalton continues to shine on the field, and the defense has been impressive as well. Kudos to them for holding up all season, unlike some teams (cough, Bills, cough). (Nik of The News of Sports) |
9 |
Texans |
10-5 |
|
The Texans became the second-straight team to lose to the Colts. Arian Foster had a great game, T.J. Yates did his job, and the defense only allowed 1 touchdown. How they managed to lose remains a mystery to me and the Texans coaching staff. (Brief) |
10 |
Falcons |
9-6 |
|
I think they have proven that their secondary is no match for teams such as the Saints and yet they refuse to eat the clock by running Turner even when they are trailing. I don’t care if you are down by two touchdowns your best bet to beat big time passing attacks if you have a weak defensive backfield is to run the heck out of the ball, not to try and throw with them. (Knox) |
11 |
Giants |
8-7 | |
It all comes down to this. After a fantastic win over their cross-town rivals, the Giants have the upper hand and a win against the Cowboys this week will book them a playoff spot. But that’s IF they win. If the lose? See ya, they’re going home for what will be a long winter for Eli Manning and Co. (Nik of The News of Sports) |
12 |
Cowboys |
8-7 |
|
The Cowboys were downed by the Eagles, 20-7 in a game where they really never had a chance. With Tony Romo banged up with a bruised right hand, the questions are plentiful for the Cowboys, who are going in to a win-or-go-home game against the Giants this Sunday Night. (Brief) |
13 |
Raiders |
8-7 |
|
The Raiders are 25th in the NFL in third-down conversions per game. They rank dead last at 10.3 penalties per game. They also are 27th in 1st quarter pts/gm. You can’t expect this karma to keep going well for you, not when your defense is yielding 435 yards to a lowly offense like the Chiefs. Try that versus the Chargers and see what that final score looks like. (Knox) |
14 |
Seahawks |
7-8 |
– |
Here come the Seahawks! From out of pretty much nowhere, Seattle could finish the season .500. They lost to the division leading 49ers in Week 16, but only by two points and they had the edge throughout the game before San Francisco showed them who was boss. Still, with a 3-2 record in their last five games, there is a rising confidence within the organization. (Nik of The News of Sports)
|
15 |
Broncos |
8-7 |
|
It seems as if Tebowmania has taken a quick break, because Tim Tebow and the Broncos were exposed this week during a 40-14 loss to the Bills. Tebow turned the ball over four times, and two times in Tebowtime, when he’s at his best. With a win, the Broncos are headed to the playoffs, where both Tebow and their defense will be tested to their fullest. (Brief) |
16 |
Eagles |
7-8 | |
Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. “Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent…” -Calvin Coolidge. There is more to this quote, but this is the part that should be read by all Eagles players and coaching staff. All skill and no heart. That is the definition of the 2011 Eagles. (Knox) |
17 |
Cardinals |
7-8 |
|
The first three quarters of their Week 16 game against Cincinnati were a disaster, being outscored by the Bengals 23-0. However, they showed resolve and gritty determination in the final quarter, shutting out Cincinnati and scoring all 16 points, falling just short by a touchdown. Things are looking upward as well for Arizona. A few things need to fall in place and they could be playoff bound in just a few short years. (Nik of The News of Sports)
|
18 |
Jets |
8-7 |
|
The Jets lost to the Cross-town rival Giants this week. It seems as if the Jets talked the talk, but surely did not walk the walk. They now rest on a long-shot chance at making the playoffs. (Brief) |
19 |
Titans |
8-7 |
|
With a faint chance to still get in, this team needs to make changes and starting Jake Locker this week would be a wise move for them moving forward. They need to fix their offensive line’s ability to run-block and pass-protect. Another weapon at the wide receiver position is much needed as well. (Knox) |
20 |
Chargers |
7-8 |
|
Ah, the Chargers. The biggest disappointment, and also the most confusing team. They struggled throughout the season, but just when you thought they were turning the corner after winning three of their past four games quite handily, they laid an egg against the Lions, who are celebrating their first postseason appearance since 1999. The 38-10 game was ugly to watch, and even uglier to look at on paper. Matthew Stafford ran all over the San Diego defense, throwing for 373 yards, completing 29 of 36 passing attempts, and throwing for three touchdowns. Talk about a beatdown. (Nik of The News of Sports) |
21 |
Chiefs |
6-9 |
– |
The Chiefs’ long-shot playoff chances were put to rest with a 16-13 loss to the Raiders. Romeo Crennel will most likely get the job as the Chiefs’ head coach, and when they are fully healthy, this is a team that could be a playoff threat as soon as next year. (Brief) |
22 |
Bears |
7-8 |
– |
Mike Martz needs to be fired. If the starting QB is the only guy that understands your offense and even he seems confused half of the time, then it is time to go. Needed for next year: a contract extension for Forte and a wide receiver that can stretch the defense as well as a left tackle that can keep Jay Cutler upright. (Knox) |
23 |
Panthers |
6-9 | |
In what was supposed to be a game that nobody would watch, Cam Newton made at least some people watch them thrash the worst team in the NFC South, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, by a score of 48-16. The Panthers made the Buccaneers look like they weren’t even in the same league. If Raheem Morris was angry by his team’s performances before this game, I can’t imagine how furious he is now. (Nik of The News of Sports)
|
24 |
Dolphins |
5-10 |
|
The Dolphins barely lost to the Patriots this week, but they showed that they meant business, as they lead 17-0 at one point. If they hadn’t started the season 0-7, this would be a playoff team right now. (Brief) |
25 |
Bills |
6-9 |
|
Honestly, I’m not mad at the Bills. They were overachieving early on, but once Fred Jackson went down and the defense stopped creating turnovers, reality struck. They have some talent, but need pass-rushers badly. 1.7 sacks per game isn’t going to cut it when Tom Brady is in the same division. (Knox) |
26 |
Redskins |
5-10 |
|
Can’t excuse a loss to one of the league’s worst teams, without their starting QB and definitely (not arguably, definitely) the best RB in the NFL, Adrian Peterson. 33 points? Are you kidding me? (Nik of The News of Sports)
|
27 |
Browns |
4-11 |
– |
The Browns nearly slayed the all mighty Ravens in Baltimore this week. Listen, the Browns are a mess. They are severely lacking in the talent department, and are not going to be a playoff threat anytime in the next five years. (Brief) |
28 |
Jaguars |
4-11 |
– |
Yet another Pro-Bowl season for Maurice Jones-Drew!!! Congratulations to him. I want this man to get traded to a contender more than any other player in the league. If you average 14.9 points per game and you have the leading rusher in the NFL, it shouldn’t take a rocket scientist to plan your off-season. If they select any player on the defensive side of the ball, the General Manager should be the first General Manager fired while still drafting in the 2nd round. (Knox) |
29 |
Vikings |
3-12 |
– |
While they did lose their two of their best offensive players, the Vikings looked great against the Redskins. Toby Gerhart stepped up big time with the absence of Adrian Peterson. And also, four for five for 84 yards and two touchdowns? Can’t ask much more of Joe Webb coming in relief of Christian Ponder. All compliments aside, the real thoughts in the Vikings organization should be about Adrian Peterson, who should come back for Week 1 of next season with a torn ACL and MCL. (Nik of The News of Sports)
|
30 |
Buccaneers |
4-11 |
– |
The Buccaneers are officially out of control. They have dropped to 4-11, and are on a nine-game losing streak. This week, I ranked them #32, as they have 34 points per game during ‘The streak,’ which is worst in the NFL. I guess being outscored 304-150 over the course of 9 games is not the winning formula.(Brief) |
31 |
Colts |
2-13 | |
Peyton Manning’s absence may have actually helped this team’s future for many reasons. 1) They realized that Jim Caldwell can’t coach. 2) It shone a bright light on the rest of the team’s defensive weaknesses 3) They need a running game to help keep Manning’s neck in order. The Colts have a lot to think about before the April draft. (Knox) |
32 |
Rams |
2-13 |
|
The Rams could be the new “Yo Mamma” jokes. Such as, “The Rams are so bad that Charlie Batch could beat them.” OK, not that good, but can you come up with better ones? (Nik of The News of Sports) |
There's a new kid in town: The Rams are 2-13 and have claimed the bottom spot in our rankings for the first time all year.
Only four playoff spots remain up-for-grabs: The NFC East, The AFC West, and one more AFC Wild Card spot.
The winner of Sunday Night’s Cowboys-Giants matchup wins the NFC East.
The Broncos win the AFC West with a win over the Chiefs OR a Raiders’ loss to the Chargers.
The Raiders win the AFC West with a win AND a Broncos’ loss.
The Bengals clinch a wild-card spot with a win
The Raiders clinch a wild-card spot with a win AND a Bengals’ loss AND a Jets’ loss.
The Jets clinch a wild-card spot with a win AND a Bengals’ loss AND a Titans’ loss AND a Raiders’ loss.
The Titans clinch a wild-card spot with a win AND a Bengals’ loss AND a Jets’ win AND a Raiders’ loss.
(Click here for more)
There is a lot of variation in the individual rankings this week. Sam and JB both rank the Patriots, 49ers, and Ravens 3rd, 4th, and 5th while Nik changes up the order as his 3,4,5 order is 49ers, Ravens, Patriots. Nik ranks the Seahawks 10th, while Sam and JB both have them at 18th. Sam and Nik rank the Eagles 13th and 14th, respectively, while JB ranks them 17th. JB and Sam rank the Raiders 13th and 14th, and Nik ranks them 19th. One of the biggest shocks was that Nik ranks the Vikings 21st, while Sam and JB rank them 29th and 30th. Sam and JB also rank the Bears 22nd, while Nik has them in the trenches, 26th. Same with the Chiefs, Nik has them at 27th, while Sam and JB have them at 21st. One of the biggest challenges was how to manage the Colts, who lost their first 13 games, but have won their last 2. Nik ranks them 28th, Sam ranks them 30th, and JB ranks them 31st. So, who is the worst team in the league? JB and Nik say Rams, and Sam says Buccaneers.
By Sam Brief- Sam’s Sports Brief @SamsSportsBrief
By JB Knox- 1313 Sports @TheKnoxScore
By Nik- The News of Sports Fresh Fantasy Help Video Games Guide
I think the 49ers are like the Baltimore Ravens in their championship season. No one expected a championship year that year, but it happened. And I wouldn’t count them out of being a contender.
I think that while their defensive stats are off the charts, their offense won’t bring them a victory in either Green Bay or New Orleans. The 49ers offense just can’t keep up with either of those offenses, especially on the road.
It was thought the Chiefs didn’t have enough offense to keep up with the Packers as well, but the Chiefs won in time of possession, got pressure on Aaron Rodgers and didn’t turn the ball over. Remind you of the things a certain team in San Fran can do and can do better than the Chiefs?
Yes, the Chiefs did lay down the blueprint for beating the Packers, but that was in KC. We all know that, more than any other team, the Packers are a different team in Green Bay.
We shall see what happens. No one expected the Cardinals to make the Super Bowl the year they did either. Of course that Arizona team is different than the 49ers team, but still, no one expected them to be there.
Yes, but, as you said the dynamics of those teams are polar opposites. Players like Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald are not prevalent in San Francisco.
That’s true. But my point was that no one expected that team to be there and they were.
Yes, the 49ers have a chance at making a Super Bowl run. Hey, crazier things have happened.
Hey Sam, great job on the Rankings, I had a blast. Can’t wait for new ones and hopefully I’ll be a part of them! Seriously, I think you should start rankings for other sports as well, count me in every time. I didn’t think my Vikings rating would be so high compared to yours and JB’s!
Of course you can keep doing them. We will do NBA rankings also which you can do as well.
As far as the Vikings go, I just don’t see how a 3-12 team can be 21st!
It’s the last week the NFL regular season and we’ve still got to put up with the belly-aching as to the outcome of the game between the Cowboys and Giants and what it ultimately means ( divisional winner gains a berth into the playoffs) !
I’d prefer for there to be some reason where the game and result were nullified because it was found that the respective teams were tested and found positive for illicit substances prohibited by the league hierarchy ! Would that be too much to ask for at this juncture ? I can’t stand either the Cowboys or Giants ! Eli is a “nobody” and Romo isn’t what he’s cracked to be !
tophatal ……
I think that if the Giants win, then they could potentially make a deep run in the playoffs. Eli Manning is the most underrated quarterback in the NFL, and remember when they were 6-2? That’s how the Giants could play in the playoffs.
The Cowboys? No chance.
Looking forward to see how 49ers do as well and also if the Giants can make type of run.
Hey its MIke!
I don’t think that the 49ers offense will be able to take them far in the playoffs.
The Giants could be a strong dark horse NFC Champion pick.
Good job Sam and it’s certainly hard not to place the Bucs in the last position given the team has quit on the coaching staff.
Have a Happy New Year!
Thanks! There surely is a growing separation between the team and their coaches. It’s a total disaster.
Happy new year to you too!
On hindsight, my Vikings ranking was way too high. I used their win too much to make that ranking.
Of course, I don’t see how a 3-12 team could be 21st.
Hey Sam,
Wanted to wish you a Happy New Year! Great rankings, however after seeing my Jets lose in Week 17, I rather just watch the Super Bowl and get it over with. hehe
http://www.blogsurface.com
Thanks! Happy new year to you too!
The Jets blew their opportunity. They were in the driver’s seat to make the playoffs, but just couldn’t pull through. Good luck next year!
brief
Colts’ owner Jim Irsay is giving me very reason to believe that he’s still under medication ! Not that the firing of the Polians wasn’t justified but what does he now do in terms of new hire ? The Bucs in terms of the Glazers have simply shown that they haven’t any common sense . This year they’ll be on the hook for $6.5 million owed to both Gruden and Morris . ‘nough said !
In spite of it all Norv Turner can still walk around with his head held high because he still has his job .
tophatal ………..
I think that the Polian firing was a mistake by the Colts. Peyton Manning was not a fan of the firing, and that could lead to more trouble down the line.
Manning isn’t all that unhappy as he’s got $28 million worth of reasons to be grinning from ear to ear . His roster bonus due in April as part of his multi year deal facilitated by his agent Tom Condon and then Colts’ president Bill Polian . Need I say anymore on the matter ?
If the Colts cut him they’re still on the hook for a large part of that deal . These owners and gm’s in the NFL are not as financially astute as some would believe . Only an idiot would’ve resigned the player without using enough due diligence as to Manning’s medical condition . For God’s sake what part of nerve damage , severe shoulder and elbow weakness didn’t alert Polian and the owner as to the severity of the player’s injury ? What , the medical advice proffered up was done by a witch doctor and not a neurosurgeon ? LOL,LOL ,LOL !!!
tophatal ………….
I guess that Polian could have handled the Manning situation better, but Manning really likes him.
brief I guess that $28 million roster bonus due to Manning might well have been the last straw ! I mean they agreed to that in principle even in spite of the medical evidence concerning his injury . Bill Polian is a moron ! Subsequent to them (Colts ) having been knocked out in the playoffs in the year after the team won the Superbowl he blamed the team rather than Manning for the loss . During that game the quarterback put up one of the worst performances of his career . But all Polian could do was to lay the blame at the foot of the players ……….. calling out the likes of Wayne and Addai .