NFL Power Rankings: Week 16
By Al Stahl
Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins defeated the Eagles, 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
The Bonified Locks
There are now 11 of the 12 playoff spots clinched. Just the Jets and Steelers fighting for the last spot. The rest of this bunch is just jockeying for playoff seeds.
87. The Panthers suffered their first loss of the season, but they’re still the top seed in the NFC.. (14-1). Previous: . Carolina Panthers. 1. team
32. Arizona demolished Green Bay at home. They just keep getting better.. (13-2). Previous: . Arizona Cardinals. 2. team
New England Patriots. 3. team. 47. A boneheaded decision to kick in OT led to the Patriots losing for the third time in five games. When was the last time that happened?. (12-3). Previous:
4. team. 36. Aside from the Seahawks’ two losses to St. Louis, the hawks have lost to Arizona, Cincinnati, Green Bay and Carolina. A sign of a strong team, but it may not be the best indicator of playoff success.. (9-6). Previous: . Seattle Seahawks
Denver Broncos. 5. team. 45. The Osweiling continues as Denver locked up a playoff spot.. (11-4). Previous:
AJ Mccarron is not winning the Bengals any playoff games.. (11-4). Previous: . Cincinnati Bengals. 6. team. 56
team. 124. You would think after winning nine straight the Chiefs would start getting some respect. Now that they’ve locked up a ticket to the dance, what’s to keep them for winning it all?. (10-5). Previous: . Kansas City Chiefs. 7
8. team. 49. Green Bay played Carolina tight, but got blown out by Arizona and Denver. They just don’t look as good as they did in first half of the season.. (10-5). Previous: . Green Bay Packers
Minnesota has looked great the last two weeks against poor competition. If they can beat the Packers in Lambeau, they’ll host a playoff game.. (10-5). Previous: . Minnesota Vikings. 9. team. 60
11. team. 10. While Houston hasn’t officially clinched, the Colts just need too much to go their way to steal the division.. (8-7). Previous: . Houston Texans
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