With just two weeks to go the playoff field is getting set and the NFL Power Rankings reflect that. There’s very little movement at the top or the bottom, but lots of scrambling in the middle. On to the rankings.
1. New England Patriots – (12-2) If the playoffs started today, the Patriots would have homefield advantage and the inside track to the Super Bowl. So God help us all. They must be stopped. No matter the cost. Last week: 1
2. Dallas Cowboys – (12-2) After another terrific performance from Dak Prescott, sanity seems to have taken hold in Cowboys country. As it is, Dallas has already clinched a playoff spot and is a game away from clinching home field and the NFC East. So congratulations. Don’t get stupid. Last week: 2
3. Oakland Raiders – (11-3) Derek Carr and the Raiders bounced back from the turd they laid in Kansas City to deliver a come from behind victory over the Chargers. It was enough to put them back in the driver’s seat in the AFC West and clinch a playoff spot. Last week: 3
4. New York Giants – (10-4) The Giants are a game away from confirming their own playoff berth and just like their previous two Super Bowl seasons, they’ll have to be road warriors to get to the Super Bowl. So, basically, they have the entire NFL where they want them. By the way, if you think New England fans aren’t already panicking over a real possibility of losing three Super Bowls to Eli Manning, you’re nuts. And if you’re a Patriots fan who hasn’t thought of that nightmare scenario until now, you are welcome. Last week: 5
5. Seattle Seahawks – (9-4-1) Thanks to the Los Angeles Rams, the Seahawks had their ticket punched to the playoffs and the NFC West title last Thursday. They’re still playing for a home game in the playoffs, so there’s no rest for the soggy. Last week: 6
6. Pittsburgh Steelers – (9-5) The Steelers are currently the three seed in the AFC, but that’s not set in stone. They can carve it in marble Sunday with a win over the Ravens. Last week: 7
7. Atlanta Falcons – (9-5) The Falcons can wrap up their playoff chase this week with a win, but like the Seahawks, they’re still in it for the two seed so they can’t lay down their muskets just yet. Last week: 8
8. Miami Dolphins – (9-5) Ryan Tannehill is out, but Matt Moore played like an NFL starter in keeping the Dolphins in the wild card rankings. He’ll have to keep it up because there are too many AFC teams ready to take their place with even the slightest stumble. Last week: 11
9. Green Bay Packers – (8-6) Has Mike McCarthy improved as a coach and a playcaller? It’s possible. This Packers team does look different, even from a scheme standpoint. Maybe even different enough that McCarthy not only keeps his job, but deserves to. I’ll reserve judgement for now. Last week: 14
10. Detroit Lions – (9-5) The Lions are currently the four seed, but sit just a game ahead of the Packers with games against the Cowboys and the regular season finale against Green Bay coming up. It’s not looking good. Last week: 10
11. Kansas City Chiefs – (10-4) Chiefs, I don’t get it. You follow up a season-changing win over the Raiders by shitting the bed against the Titans, of all teams. Mike Mularkey is over there. His name is, literally, shit. Last week: 4
12. Tennessee Titans – (8-6) Speaking of unbelievable shit, Mike Mularkey has the Titans in the playoff race in December and just had the biggest win of his entire coaching career. He also won three games in a row. All things I though impossible just a week ago. Last week: 16
13. Houston Texans – (8-6) Unlike Mike Mularkey, Bill O’Brien’s name doesn’t literally translate to “shit” but that doesn’t stop him from coaching like it does. A mid-game quarterback change kept the Texans in the playoff mix for another week. Let’s see if they can go for two. Last week: 17
14. Denver Broncos – (8-6) If you’ve been following my work here at GMS all season, you’ll know that I never bought into Trevor Siemian as a starting quarterback. The kid is good. He’s one of the best back-up level quarterbacks in the league, which, frankly, probably makes him the 28th best QB in a league with 32 teams, but not 32 starter-level quarterbacks. But he’s not a clutch player, he’s not got that extra mojo a legit starter does and that’s why the Broncos won’t get a chance to defend their Super Bowl title. Last week: 9
To see Part Two of Week 14’s NFL Power Rankings, click here.
To make a wager on this week’s NFL games, go to the world famous Diamond Sportsbook by clicking here.
