NFL

NFL Week 16 Power Rankings: Jaguars and Chargers Rise, Broncos and Lions Fall

NFL Week 16 Power Rankings: Jaguars and Chargers Rise, Broncos and Lions Fall

Another week of the NFL season is in the books, which means another opportunity to reassess the league as a whole as we head into the final two weeks of the regular season. With 10 of the 14 playoff spots already clinched, much of the remaining intrigue centers on seeding, momentum, and which teams are peaking at the right time. Here is how the league stacks up heading into Week 17.

32. New York Jets (3-12)

Weekly Change: Down 1

Well, that was fun while it lasted. The Jets find themselves right back at the bottom of these rankings after a disastrous showing against the Saints. Moving on.

31. Las Vegas Raiders (2-13)

Weekly Change: Up 1

The Raiders surprisingly remained competitive against the Texans on Sunday, but it was not enough to secure a win. They face the Giants next week in a matchup where the loser earns sole possession of the first pick in the NFL Draft.

30. Arizona Cardinals (3-12)

Weekly Change: Down 1

Arizona dropped its seventh straight game, falling to the middling Falcons. It is hard to see this team making real progress next season without a change at head coach.

29. New York Giants (2-13)

Weekly Change: Down 1

The Giants somehow reached a new low on Sunday, managing just 33 passing yards in a loss to the Vikings. It is imperative that they lose next week against the Raiders to secure the first pick in the draft.

28. Kansas City Chiefs (6-9)

Weekly Change: Down 5

I knew this Chiefs team would struggle without Patrick Mahomes, but not to this extent. A 26-9 loss to the Titans only reinforces how much work this roster needs moving forward.

27. Tennessee Titans (3-12)

Weekly Change: Up 3

Cam Ward and the Titans looked as good as they have all season in their win over Kansas City. If Ward can build on this performance, it could be a major positive heading into the offseason.

26. Cleveland Browns (3-12)

Weekly Change: Up 1

Cleveland kept things close against Buffalo but ultimately came up short. The main intrigue left for this team is Myles Garrett’s pursuit of the sack record, which is coming down to the wire.

25. Washington Commanders (4-11)

Weekly Change: Up 1

Washington was handled comfortably by the Eagles on Saturday. This team feels years removed from its NFC Championship Game appearance just one season ago.

24. Miami Dolphins (6-9)

Weekly Change: Down 3

Quinn Ewers’ debut was rocky, to say the least, as he threw zero touchdowns and two interceptions. The defense somehow played even worse, allowing 45 points to a high-powered Bengals offense.

23. Minnesota Vikings (7-8)

Weekly Change: Down 4

Minnesota slides four spots mainly because other teams in this range impressed more this week. A three-point win over the Giants only goes so far, and J.J. McCarthy’s injury remains a concern.

22. Atlanta Falcons (6-9)

Weekly Change: Up 3

Atlanta picked up another win in Arizona, continuing to stack victories a little too late. Despite the recent momentum, they have been eliminated from any playoff possibility.

21. New Orleans Saints (5-10)

Weekly Change: Up 3

Tyler Shough and the Saints continue to impress, picking up another win this week. The foundation appears to be in place for this team to take a step forward next season.

20. Cincinnati Bengals (5-10)

Weekly Change: Up 2

Cincinnati looked dominant against Miami, hanging 45 points on the Dolphins. Even in a lost season, it is encouraging to see the offense once again fire on all cylinders.

19. Indianapolis Colts (8-7)

Weekly Change: Up 1

Philip Rivers was solid in his second start after nearly a five year hiatus, but the defense has taken a step back in recent weeks. They looked helpless against the 49ers on Monday night.

18. Dallas Cowboys (6-8-1)

Weekly Change: Down 2

It feels like the same story every week with Dallas. Fixing the defense this offseason has to be the top priority.

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8)

Weekly Change: Neutral

Tampa Bay lost a critical game to Carolina in the NFC South race. If the Bucs miss the playoffs, Todd Bowles’ job security could be in serious jeopardy after losing six of their last seven.

16. Baltimore Ravens (7-8)

Weekly Change: Down 2

Baltimore simply does not have it this year. Their loss to New England on Sunday all but ended their playoff hopes, and it may be wise to shut down a banged-up Lamar Jackson.

15. Carolina Panthers (8-7)

Weekly Change: Up 3

In the biggest game of the Bryce Young and Dave Canales era, the Panthers rallied to knock off the Buccaneers. After several rough seasons, Carolina finally appears to be heading in the right direction.

14. Detroit Lions (8-7)

Weekly Change: Down 8

A steep fall for Detroit following its loss to Pittsburgh. The defense remains a major concern and limits how seriously this team can be taken as a playoff contender.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6)

Weekly Change: Up 2

The Steelers looked as good as they have all season in their win over the Lions. This team could be a difficult out for the top tier of the AFC.

12. Green Bay Packers (9-5-1)

Weekly Change: Down 2

Injuries are beginning to pile up for Green Bay, and it is starting to show. The Packers should still make the playoffs, but expectations should be tempered once they get there.

11. San Francisco 49ers (11-4)

Weekly Change: Neutral

It feels odd to have San Francisco this low, but the top of the league is incredibly crowded. The 49ers will have opportunities to move up with games against the Bears and Seahawks looming.

10. Los Angeles Chargers (11-4)

Weekly Change: Up 3

The Chargers were impressive in a dominant win over the Cowboys. Justin Herbert may finally be on track to earn his first playoff victory.

9. Houston Texans (10-5)

Weekly Change: Down 2

Houston struggled more than expected against the Raiders, but it is not overly concerning. If the defense maintains its standard, this team will cause some serious problems in the postseason.

8. Philadelphia Eagles (10-5)

Weekly Change: Up 1

The Eagles handled Washington with ease. It will be fascinating to see how this team performs once the playoffs arrive.

7. Chicago Bears (11-4)

Weekly Change: Up 1

Chicago earned a massive win over Green Bay, highlighted by Caleb Williams’ game-winning touchdown pass in overtime to clinch a playoff spot.

6. Denver Broncos (12-3)

Weekly Change: Down 2

Denver’s 10-game winning streak ended at the hands of Jacksonville, but there is no reason to panic. The Broncos still have a good chance for the AFC’s top seed.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4)

Weekly Change: Up 7

Jacksonville silenced doubters with an impressive road win in Denver. After this performance, it is hard not to view the Jaguars as a legitimate AFC contender.

4. New England Patriots (12-3)

Weekly Change: Up 1

The Patriots struggled early against Baltimore but eventually pulled away. Drake Maye threw for a career-high 380 yards in the win.

3. Buffalo Bills (11-4)

Weekly Change: Down 1

Buffalo had to grind out a win in Cleveland, but a win is a win. They remain my pick as the AFC’s best team until proven otherwise.

2. Los Angeles Rams (11-4)

Weekly Change: Down 1

Despite the loss, the Rams only slide one spot. There is little concern here, aside from special teams issues that need to be addressed quickly.

1. Seattle Seahawks (12-3)

Weekly Change: Up 2

Seattle earned a massive victory in what may ultimately be remembered as the game of the year against the Rams. This team has everything needed to reach the Super Bowl.

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