NFL Power Rankings Week 16: Top Teams Backing In
By Dean Holden
SLR’s Week 16 NFL Power Rankings: The Top 8
Dec 15, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) bobbles a pass from Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) (not pictured) against Tennessee Titans cornerback Jason McCourty (30) during the second half at LP Field. Arizona won 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
8. Arizona Cardinals (9-5) ▲2
They’ve won six of their last seven, but they’ve done it against some of the softest competition the NFL has to offer. Now they have San Francisco and Seattle in their last two. If they’re going to sneak into a Wildcard spot, they’re sure going to have to earn it.
7. New England Patriots (10-4) ▼3
If that’s a glimpse of what this team has to offer without Rob Gronkowski, then their playoff run is not going to be pretty. At least they got a gift in the Bengals-Steelers game keeping them in the No. 2 spot. For now.
6. New Orleans Saints (10-4) ▼3
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen Drew Brees play a game that shaky. That’s what the Rams defense does to people. The Saints’ offense was disrupted all day, and never truly got comfortable. They really need to handle the Panthers next week, because if they don’t, they may lose home field advantage, and the Saints are just not the same team on the road. And yes, that game is on the road.
5. Kansas City Chiefs (11-3) ▲3
They did their best Broncos impression this week, both in that they put up a 50-burger on the scoreboard, and in that they gave up over 30 points to a team with no offensive prowess. It’s great that they can score, but what happened to all the suffocating defense from their 9-0 run? This team isn’t built to win shootouts, especially against teams with real offense (or defense).
4. San Francisco 49ers (10-4) ▲2
If Colin Kaepernick is heating up as much as he seems to be, the 49ers are going to be a very interesting playoff team. They look like they’re starting to flip the switch in every phase of the game.
3. Carolina Panthers (10-4) ▲2
When a young team like the Panthers gets its first taste of success in a long while, sometimes getting that winning streak snapped results in a bit of a funk. Not this time. Carolina looked to be in full control against the Jets, and now they welcome the Saints in a game that could decide the fate of the NFC South, and a first-round bye.
2. Denver Broncos (11-3) NC
Dear everyone who wondered why the Broncos weren’t first last week after the Seahawks lost to the 49ers: that’s why. This team has a great quarterback and a video game offense when things go their way, but I have said from day one that they are vulnerable, and they just proved it again. They won’t move down, because the teams I would have moved past them also lost.
1. Seattle Seahawks (12-2) NC
I trust there are no questions about this ranking now? The Seahawks not only won this week, but they shut out the Giants in the midst of the biggest scoring frenzy in NFL history. It’s not official, but they can basically coast to home field advantage now. Which is good for them, because Seattle’s home field advantage is terrifying.
Check out Dean Holden’s team-by-team breakdown of the NFC playoff picture, and/or follow him on Twitter to yell at him for slighting your favorite team.