NFL Power Rankings Week 17: Nobody Wants to Make the Playoffs
By Dean Holden
Dec 22, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Lance Briggs (55) and defensive end Julius Peppers (90) speak on the bench during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Chicago Bears 54-11. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
In this week’s edition of NFL Power Rankings, we ask a simple question: Does anybody want to go to the playoffs?
If Week 16 in the NFL is any indication, the answer is no. The playoffs are scary, and nobody wants in, least of all the denizens of the NFC North and the seekers of the AFC’s sixth playoff seed.
The Detroit Lions could have revived their playoff chances, but instead snuffed them out with an overtime loss to the woeful Giants.
The Bears could have clinched the division with a win on Sunday night, but got blown out by more than 40 points against an Eagles team playing a meaningless game.
Meanwhile, in the AFC, the Ravens and Dolphins held the door open for each other to earn the AFC’s final unclaimed playoff spot, but only the Chargers and Steelers walked through. Now we’re set up for a wacky four-team finish in which everybody needs help and nobody has the coveted “win and you’re in” scenario.
It’s going to be crazy to see how it works out, but by this point next week, we’re going to determine our last few NFL playoff teams for the 2013 season.
Whether they like it or not.