NFL power rankings: Falcons positioned for strong finish
1. Patriots (12-2)
Offense was shaky at Denver but still grinded out a rare W there. They have QB Tom Brady and a first-round bye and no one wants to see them in playoffs.
2. Cowboys (12-2)
Clinched playoff spot with win against Bucs. But they looked vulnerable against an opponent with a good D and middling offense.
3. Raiders (11-3)
Clinched first playoff berth since 2002 with win at Chargers. They certainly are capable of handling the Pats.
4. Steelers (9-5)
Rallied for a W at Cincy that kept them in control in AFC North. A victory at home vs. Ravens on Sunday clinches the division.
5. Falcons (9-5)
The soft part of the schedule came at the right time for beat-up defense and hobbled star receiver. The Panthers figure to be a tougher challenge.
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6. Seahawks (9-4-1)
They didn’t have to work very hard to clinch awful NFC West. They still need to secure some postseason home games.
7. Chiefs (10-4)
Followed up very good W at Raiders with ugly home loss to Titans. Chiefs were shut out in second half, the latest evidence of why their offense can’t be trusted.
8. Giants (10-4)
Victory over Lions puts them in good position for a wild card. The defense gives them a chance to do something.
9. Lions (9-5)
The defense showed up at Giants but Lions couldn’t move the ball in loss. Packers are one game back in division.
10. Dolphins (9-5)
QB Matt Moore filled in for injured Ryan Tannehill and led them to win at Jets. Win their last two games and they are in the playoffs.
11. Buccaneers (8-6)
Good effort in loss at Dallas. They’ll be a better team once Jameis Winston has fewer bad moments to go along with his moxie.
12. Texans (8-6)
QB Tom Savage replaced benched Brock Osweiler and rallied them to victory over Jags. Texans control AFC South.
13. Titans (8-6)
They seemed finished not long ago but victory over Chiefs was third in a row.
14. Ravens (8-6)
They turned back a furious comeback attempt by Eagles to stay in AFC wild-card race.
15. Packers (8-6)
After impressive W vs. Seahawks, scored winning field goal in final minute against Bears. Losses by Bucs and Washington put them in thick of NFC wild-card race.
16. Broncos (8-6)
Fans in Denver are grumbling about John Elway’s failure to fix offense. They have a point when D holds Pats to 16 points and Broncos still lose, making playoffs a long shot.
17. Washington (7-6-1)
Not a good look to lose at home to Panthers with so much on the line. Now Washington needs help to earn a wild card.
18. Bills (7-7)
They beat the Browns to stay barely alive for playoffs.
19. Vikings (7-7)
Lopsided home loss to Colts all but eliminated them from playoff contention.
20. Colts (7-7)
They still have a chance for postseason after big win at Minnesota.
21. Panthers (6-8)
QB Cam Newton (above) was sharp against Washington in spite of sore shoulder. Is there any doubt he’ll be ready for Falcons?
22. Saints (6-8)
QB Drew Brees broke out of slump with 389 yards and 4 TDs at Cardinals.
23. Bengals (5-8-1)
24. Eagles (5-9)
25. Cardinals (5-8-1)
26. Jets (4-10)
27. Chargers (5-9)
28. Bears (3-11)
29. Rams (4-10)
30. Jaguars (2-12)
31. 49ers (1-13)
32. Browns (0-14)
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