NFL Power Rankings Week 16: Denver Broncos are NFL’s Best
Dec 23 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) before the start of the game against the Cleveland Browns at Sports Authority Field. The Broncos defeated the Browns 34-12. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
With only one week remaining in the NFL’s regular season, the playoff picture is nearly set. Not only that, but some teams are already locking into their 2013 NFL Draft order positions. Here’s how this week’s power rankings are shaking out:
1. Denver Broncos
It’s about time the Broncos started getting some hype as the best team in the NFL. They have won 10 in a row and are the most complete team in the league.
2. Green Bay Packers
Green Bay is the most dangerous team in the NFC at this point, in my opinion. They should be 12-3 and are coming off of a huge win over Tennessee.
3. Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta is so good they are boring. Their running game could be their Achilles heel this season. We’ll see if that is a factor come playoff time.
4. New England Patriots
The Patriots have suffered some odd losses this season. Still, there are not many teams I’d take before them in January.
5. Seattle Seahawks
The high-flying Seahawks are a joy to watch right now. Russell Wilson should be the NFL rookie of the year.
6. San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco could live or die by Colin Kaepernick this season. They got crushed in front of a national audience in Seattle.
7. Houston Texans
Hopefully Arian Foster is able to come back and be the MVP for this team that he was all season. Scary way to leave a game in which the Texans were beat down.
8. Washington Redskins
RG3 for rookie of the year? He is certainly a deserving candidate, and his team is one win away from the playoffs.
9. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens need to find some consistency and get healthy, but they had yet another 10 win season under John Harbaugh. Great consistency.
10. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts need a win over the Texans in week 17 to keep their positive momentum rolling. Houston has never won in Indy.
11. Minnesota Vikings
Impressive win over Houston could help vault the Vikings into the postseason.
12. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals clinched a playoff spot with a win on the road against the Steelers. That is some guts right there.
13. Chicago Bears
The Bears need a win and some help in week 17 to make that final NFC wildcard spot after starting 7-1. Incredible.
14. Dallas Cowboys
Dallas had a shot to win a really important game over New Orleans on Sunday, and missed it. They will have to beat Washington to get in on Sunday.
15. New York Giants
The Giants’ lackadaisical approach to the regular season finally bit them. They don’t deserve to go to the playoffs.
**All other teams out of playoff contention**
16. St. Louis Rams
17. New Orleans Saints
18. Pittsburgh Steelers
19. Miami Dolphins
20. Carolina Panthers
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
22. San Diego Chargers
23. New York Jets
24. Cleveland Browns
25. Buffalo Bills
26. Tennessee Titans
27. Arizona Cardinals
28. Detroit Lions
29. Philadelphia Eagles
30. Oakland Raiders
31. Jacksonville Jaguars
32. Kansas City Chiefs