NFL Power Rankings Year End
Looking for 2017 NFL Power Rankings? Another sensational season of NFL Football is in the books and what a way to end – the first Overtime game in Super Bowl History. It is never too early to look into the crystal ball to determine which teams will be contenders next season.
It isn’t too late either to list, in order, which teams were most impressive in 2016/2017 and should continue to be so in 2017/2018.
The Pats obviously hold onto the #1 spot as they did for a huge majority of the season – the Falcons climb to #1 thanks to their Cinderella run and heartbreaking loss on Sunday.
So where does your favorite team sit as we head into the off-season. Let’s take a look at Dave B’s 2017 Year End Power Rankings.
1. New England Patriots (14-2)
Pretty hard to argue here! The Patriots refused to die in Super Bowl 51 and provided the biggest comeback in the History of the big game – and they did it without perhaps their best player – Rob Gronkowski!
This team had the best record in the league in the Regular Season despite Tom Brady’s four game ban, they traded away some of their best defensive talent and they lacked a serious downfield threat at receiver – AND THEY STILL WON IT ALL.
As long as Bill Belichick is patrolling the sidelines and Brady is under center New England is the best team in the game – period.
2. Atlanta Falcons (11-5)
The Falcons let one slip away – understatement of the year!!!! Still they were far and away the best offense in the game this past season and the defense took some serious steps toward dominance in 2016/2017.
With Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman, Taylor Gabriel and Mohammad Sanu back in the fold Atlanta should be electric again next year. The loss of Kyle Shanahan will be big, but the emerging defense should make up for it.
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3. Dallas Cowboys (13-3)
The Dallas Cowboys were #1 or #2 in my Power Rankings all season long and could be better next year with a season under Dak Prescott’s and Ezekiel Elliot’s belts.
Buoyed by the best O-line in the game, the Boys will be able to concentrate on defense in the upcoming draft. Some help with their anemic pass-rush will make this team a whole lot better!
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)
The #4 rank assumes that Ben Roethlisberger doesn’t retire! With Ben throwing the ball to Antonio Brown and with Le’Veon Bell dominating the way he has, Pittsburgh still looks like the second best team in the AFC.
Not saying that there won’t be adversity – there always is with Pittsburgh but they look like the only team in the Conference that can give New England a run for their money.
5. Green Bay Packers (10-6)
The Packers were the most dangerous team in the league down the stretch – they won eight straight before running into the Falcons in the NFC Championship game.
To say that injuries were a big story is an enormous understatement indeed – defense was decimated particularly down the stretch which hampered them in the playoffs.
With Aaron Rodgers being Aaron Rodgers, with Jordy Nelson healthy and with Ty Montgomery looking like the answer at RB expect the Packers to be a team to watch next year.
6. Kansas City Chiefs (12-4)
Something HAS to give for the KC Chiefs at some point – doesn’t it?
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Their defense was tops in the league in 2016/2017 in takeaways with 33 and the offense will go with breakout stars Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill next year.
I don’t know if KC becomes a serious threat with Alex Smith at the helm but the recent formula for success in the NFL is stout defense and a manageable defense – exactly what the Chiefs have.
7. Seattle Seahawks (10-5-1)
The return of Earl Thomas from injury should boost the Seahawks next year but if they don’t address their glaring need on the O-line, the Hawks look poised for another short playoff run.
That said as long as the defense continues to be a central part of Seattle’s success and if Russell Wilson is slightly better than he was last year, Seattle could return to glory in 2016/2017.
8. Oakland Raiders (12-4)
The Raiders’ year was derailed by the injury to Derek Carr – it will be interesting to see if he can return to form right away next year. Oakland has been blessed with a terrific O-line and some serious playmakers on both sides of the ball.
The defense was just average in 2016 – my guess is that they spend some money and improve on that side of the ball this offseason.
9. New York Giants (11-5)
The Giants became a serious threat in the NFC thanks to some quality free agent signings last offseason particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Landon Collins and Janoris Jenkins alone transformed the Giants into one of, if not the best overall defense in the game.
Odell Beckham is still the most electric player in the game – if New York can figure out their running game they should be just fine in 2017/2018.
10. Denver Broncos (9-7)
The Broncos will be heard from again next year thanks in large part to a defense that didn’t lose a whole lot this past season. There are a ton of questions on offense for this team that could push them into a top 5 spot – will they sign Tony Romo?
Will Paxton Lynch take the next step? Will the running game finally produce when they are healthy?
11. Washington Redskins (8-7-1)
Will he or won’t he? The question of whether or not Kirk Cousins will be a Skin next year is crucial to their success. My guess is that he returns and that Washington adds a few necessary pieces in the offseason.
The Skins just need a few tweaks on both sides of the ball in order to contend – the defense in particular is a serious area of need heading into this offseason.
12. Carolina Panthers (6-10)
Don’t agree? Ya – maybe it is a bit high. But the Panthers are just one year removed from total domination in the league. They still have the same offensive corp., the same Head Coach and same defensive scheme that allowed them to go 15-1 in 2015.
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The running game could use an upgrade and the O-line could afford another piece but something tells me that Carolina is prime for a huge bounce back next year.
13. Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
14. Detroit Lions (9-7)
15. Houston Texans (9-7)
16. Miami Dolphins (10-6)
17. Arizona Cardinals (7-8-1)
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)
19. Minnesota Vikings (8-8)
20. Indianapolis Colts (8-8)
21. Tennessee Titans (9-7)
22. Cincinnati Bengals (6-9-1)
23. New Orleans Saints (7-9)
24. Philadelphia Eagles (7-9)
25. Buffalo Bills (7-9)
26. San Diego Chargers (5-11)
27. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-13)
28. Los Angeles Rams (4-12)
29. New York Jets (5-11)
30. Chicago Bears (3-13)
31. San Francisco 49ers (2-14)
32. Cleveland Browns (1-15)
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