Dave B’s NFL Power Rankings – Week 16
Week 15 is in the books – it was characterized by another slate of totally shocking results, underwhelming performances from previously highly ranked teams and by amazing shutout performances from some of the other elite teams in the Wild World of the NFL. The Week 16 Power Rankings certainly reflects the fluidity of the ever-changing league with just two weeks to go.
Enough talk – let’s get on with Dave B’s Week 16 edition of the Rankings!
1. BRONCOS (3) – the Broncos have won nine straight games and with a quality running game and elite passing attack and solid defense, there is little reason to expect this team to slow down the rest of the Regular season. Denver is a scary team – finally at the pinnacle of Dave B’s Power Rankings!
2. 49ERS (4) – The Niners nearly let a four touchdown advantage slip through their paws on Sunday but when it mattered this team delivered. The Patriots looked like the overwhelming favorite to win it all this year before they ran into the 49ers – arguably the most complete team in the NFL at the moment.
3. PATRIOTS (1) – From dominating on Monday night to being dominated Sunday night, the Patriots had a 1st half to forget! But they did make a game of it and deserve a mulligan for Sunday’s ugly performance. It is unlikely they turn over the ball four times again this season – they are still an elite NFL team and therefore the Pats have to stay in the top 3.
4. TEXANS (2) – clinched the AFC South against Andrew Luck and company in Week 15 – a true bounce back after getting pummeled by the Pats the week before. They have the best record in the NFL but balance has them Top 5. Now if the defense would get back to early season form!
5. FALCONS (5) – The Falcons came up with a statement game for the ages in Week 15 – a shutout win against the defending champs! Despite the best record in the NFL the Falcons still aren’t getting a whole lotta love. But with home field advantage nearly sewed up it is difficult to bet against this team!
6. PACKERS (6) – The Packers officially won the NFC North – unbelievable after a pedestrian start to the season! They got Clay Matthews back from injury in Week 15 and he made an impact. More of the regulars are slated to return which makes the Pack a scary team down the stretch. Are you betting against Aaron Rodgers?
7. SEAHAWKS (9) – Last nine quarters: Seattle 114, Foes 17. The Seahawks have won five of six, and in five of the last six, Russell Wilson has a passer rating over 100 and had three rushing touchdowns against Buffalo. The Seahawks are a legitimate Super Bowl contender, and Wilson is afraid of nothing. But it’s hard to imagine a playoff-green team with a rookie quarterback winning three straight on the road in January, which is what they’ll almost certainly have to do to make it to New Orleans.
8. REDSKINS (13) – The Skins are in the driver’s seat to win the NFC East? It’s true – wins in their last two games has them in the playoffs – unbelievable. Even with Kirk Cousins in at QB this team has shown a will to win thanks to Alfred Morris and a defense that has steadily gotten better as the season has worn on.
9. BENGALS (12) – The Bengals looked great in all aspects of the game against Philadelphia and they currently own the 6th seed in the AFC. They have Baltimore and Pittsburgh left on the schedule – wins in those games will make them a much deserved playoff team.
10. GIANTS (7) – Ugh! The Giants continued their Jekyll and Hyde season with one of the ugliest games I can remember this team playing! New York is suddenly on the outside of the playoff picture looking in but we have seen this act before haven’t we? [soliloquy id=”82219″]
11. COLTS (8) – just need one win in their last two games in order to qualify for the playoffs – they have KC and Houston left on the schedule. No shame in losing to the Texans in Week 15 – nearly everyone has this year!
12. RAVENS (10) – are 0-3 in the month of December and are slipping off the radar. Injuries on defense could be blamed but Joe Flacco and the offense have not exactly been doing their jobs either! Remember when the Ravens were 9-2? Seems like a long time ago!
13. COWBOYS (14) – It’s hard to believe that the Cowboys are still alive but they are and have an 8-6 record! An OT win against Pittsburgh really showed in Week 15! They have to win out to guarantee a playoff spot and with New Orleans coming to town in Week 16, they will be in very tough!
14. BEARS (11) – The Bears are 1-5 in their last six games and are a far cry from the team that occupied the top 3 form many weeks this season. The defense has taken a major step back due to injuries and the offense is not near the level they need to be to be considered among the elite teams in the NFL. One more loss and the playoffs are out of reach – so is a top 15 spot on my Weekly Rankings!
15. STEELERS (15) – Like the Bears injuries on defense have taken this team back a step or two. They have a chance to make the playoffs despite some unflattering recent play – Cincinnati in Week 16 is a HUGE game!
16. VIKINGS (18)
17. SAINTS (19)
18. RAMS (17)
19. DOLPHINS (23)
20. BUCCANEERS (16)
21. CHARGERS (20)
22. LIONS (21)
23. PANTHERS (28)
24. BILLS (24)
25. BROWNS (22)
26. TITANS (27)
27. RAIDERS (29)
28. CARDINALS (31)
29. JETS (25)
30. EAGLES (26)
31. CHIEFS (30)
32. JAGUARS (32)
