Where Each Team Stands Heading Into Week 16
Another insane weekend of NFL football is in the books – what a strange set of games it was! Two teams clinched their divisions, a previously untouchable team looked simply average on the road and the defending champs have officially arrived as the team to beat in the NFC.
NFL Spreads & Matchup Insight
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So what does it all mean? Let’s try to clear it all up in the Week 16 edition of the NFL Power Rankings.
1. Patriots (11-3) Last Week: 2
The Pats absolutely dismantled the Dolphins on Sunday and clinched their division… again! There isn’t a weakness on this team right now – don’t expect them to take the foot off the gas either – top seed in the AFC is still theirs to lose.
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2. Seahawks (10-4) Last Week: 3
The Seahawks defense has now given up a total of 27 points in the last four games combined! The team looks awfully scary on both sides of the ball right now – as physical a team as there is on offense and on defense!
3. Packers (10-4) Last Week: 1
Huge loss in Sunday moves the Packers from the #1 to the #6 seed in the NFC. This team has proven unbeatable at home… but on the road they are a totally different team! Aaron Rodgers delivered an uncharacteristic dud and his receivers didn’t help him either. Don’t expect two duds in a row – the Packers should be back this coming week!
4. Broncos (11-3) Last Week: 4
The Broncos sure don’t look like the frightening offense they once were – but their running game has come alive and has allowed them to rely less on quick strike and more on quality, clock eating drives. On the other hand their defense hasn’t allowed more than 17 points in their last three games. Super Bowl contender? Not convinced!
5. Cowboys (10-4) Last Week: 9
The Cowboys avenged their Thanksgiving loss in style on Sunday night and re-took control of the NFC East. The stars shone – Dez Bryant was dominant and DeMarco Murray was effective. Dallas is now 7-0 on the road this year – impressive indeed.
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6. Lions (10-4) Last Week: 7
The Lions are a tad difficult to figure out right now – they have been held under 275 yards four times in the past 10 yards – on Sunday against a poor Vikings team. But quietly they have won three straight games and still possess one of the best defenses in the game. With Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson able to light it up any time, Detroit is a scary team.
7. Colts (10-4) Last Week: 5
The Colts secured another AFC South crown on Sunday but it wasn’t easy. The offense looked out of sync against Houston which is a major concern. The good news is that they proved they can win an ugly slugfest and that Andrew Luck is unlikely to deliver another dud like the one he did Sunday.
8. Eagles (9-5) Last Week: 6
The Eagles didn’t have enough to slow down Dez Bryant or DeMarco Murray Sunday and when it came down to it – Mark Sanchez didn’t measure up to Tony Romo. That makes two big home losses in the last two weeks – playoff positioning is a real concern in the City of Brotherly Love all of a sudden!
9. Cardinals (11-3) Last Week: 8
The Cardinals are the first team to clinch a playoff spot but they will be forced to play with their third-string QB the rest of the way. Arizona’s defense can only carry them so far. But at 11-3 this team still deserves a top 10 spot! Bruce Arians is Coach of the Year – hands down!
10. Steelers (9-5) Last Week: 11
The Steelers look good – as long as Big Ben, Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown are on the field this team is a serious threat to score. The defense is a bit of a concern although they do have playmakers galore! Pittsburgh controls their own destiny right now – winning out means an AFC North crown.
11. Ravens (9-5) Last Week: 10
The Ravens have won four of the last five games and look like the best rounded team in the crowded AFC North right now. They have Houston and Cleveland left and are my favorite to come out of the North. Letting the Jags hang around has them out of the top 10 however.
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12. Bengals (9-4-1) Last Week: 14
The Bengals humiliated the Browns on Sunday and lead the tight AFC North. But do you trust this team? Me neither! Still, leading the AFC North means an automatic spot in the dirty dozen!
13. Bills (8-6) Last Week: 17
14. Chiefs (8-6) Last Week: 13
15. Chargers (8-6) Last Week: 12
16. Texans (7-7) Last Week: 15
17. 49ers (7-7) Last Week: 16
18. Dolphins (7-7) Last Week: 18
19. Browns (7-7) Last Week: 19
20. Rams (6-8) Last Week: 20
21. Vikings (6-8) Last Week: 21
22. Saints (6-8) Last Week: 26
23. Panthers (5-8-1) Last Week: 24
24. Falcons (5-9) Last Week: 22
25. Giants (5-9) Last Week: 23
26. Bears (5-9) Last Week: 25
27. Jets (3-11) Last Week: 29
28. Raiders (2-12) Last Week: 27
29. Redskins (3-11) Last Week: 28
30. Jaguars (2-12) Last Week: 30
31. Buccaneers (2-12) Last Week: 31
32. Titans (2-12) Last Week: 32
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