As the 2016 regular season beings to wind down to a close, Niner Noise looks at NFL power rankings as Week 16 is now on the table. Where do all 32 teams sit?
The San Francisco 49ers are still way down towards the bottom of the barrel in NFL power rankings. And the New England Patriots still sit towards the top.
49ers
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16h - 2016 NFL Season: Which Former Backup QBs Can Keep Starting Job?1 d - 49ers vs. Falcons: The Good, Bad & Ugly from San Francisco's 41-13 Loss to Falcons1 d - 49ers vs. Falcons: Week 15 Grades & Analysis for San Francisco1 d - 49ers vs. Falcons: Live Thread & Scoring Updates for San Francisco1 d - Fantasy Football: Week 15 Targets on the 49ers Roster and BeyondMore News at Niner Noise
But a number of surprising finishes– yes, you, Kansas City Chiefs — shake up the rankings quite a bit heading into Week 16.
Oh, and lest we forget more head coaching axes and notable team meltdowns. Yes, you, Jacksonville Jaguars. And what happened there, Cincinnati Bengals?
The NFL playoff picture is starting to clear up, now with two weeks left on the regular-season schedule. A few bottom-dwelling teams can still play the spoiler role, although the focus of most non-playoff-bound teams falls on the offseason.
So let’s break down this week’s NFL power rankings, focusing on all 32 teams around the league.
Who rose, who fell and who stays put? And what’s on the table for each franchise hitting the final stretch?
Let’s take a look.
Dec 18, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) is chased by Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Jerry Hughes (55) during the second half at New Era Field. Bills beat the Browns 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Browns
0-14
Last week: 32
Credit to the winless Cleveland Browns. At least they…
Oh, forget it. Cleveland is terrible, and it’s hard to see the Browns winning either of their remaining games. And it isn’t a shock to see them in the basement of NFL power rankings on a seemingly week-to-week basis.
Quarterback Robert Griffin III had some vintage RGIII moments. But that’s about the only bit of positive news from Cleveland’s 33-13 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Did you understand what you’re getting into, head coach Hue Jackson?
Dec 18, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) talks on the sideline in the third quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 41-13. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
San Francisco 49ers
1-13
Last week: 31
The 49ers had no business trying to go on the road and upset the No. 1 offense in the league, the Atlanta Falcons, with the NFL’s worst defense.
And it’s a historically bad defense, as Eric Branch of SFGate.com pointed out:
If #49ers allow 20 points and 311 yards in final two games, they'll set franchise record for points, yards and rushing yards allowed.
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) December 19, 2016
The 41-13 defeat tells us everything we need to know about head coach Chip Kelly’s squad. San Francisco’s defense is non-existent, Kelly’s offense lacks any sort of playmaking ability and quarterback Colin Kaepernick isn’t going to be a difference maker moving forward.
Perhaps the best moment from this lopsided, ugly defeat was seeing a not-so-thrilled general manager Trent Baalke on the sidelines early in the game.
Hey, at least the Niners can feel pretty good about landing a top-two pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
That’s about the only thing San Francisco can get excited about right now.
Dec 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley argues with the officials during the second half against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jacksonville Jaguars
2-12
Last week: 30
You almost had us there, Jacksonville.
For a brief while, the Jaguars stymied the Houston Texans enough into benching quarterback Brock Osweiler and possibly coming away with win No. 3 in an utterly disappointing season.
But it was all too good to be true. Houston came back and won 21-20.
Head coach Gus Bradley might have been on the outs before the game. But the team made no bones about it immediately after.
What’s worse is Bradley had to fly back home with the team after his firing. Awkward.
Dec 17, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) leaves the field after sustaining an injury against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
New York Jets
4-10
Last week: 28
You know things are bad when defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson goes on a Snapchat rant complaining about having to play games with a horrid New York Jets team.
Richardson and the Jets defense weren’t much of a factor in New York’s 34-13 uninspiring loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
Quarterback Bryce Petty looked nothing like he did against an inept 49ers defense a week ago, tossing a touchdown against two picks en route to a 61.7 passer rating. But it isn’t as if bringing in now-backup QB Ryan Fitzpatrick made things any better.
Hey, at least running back Bilal Powell looked OK.
Dec 18, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach John Fox during the second half against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Green Bay defeats Chicago 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bears
3-11
Last week: 29
You have to hand it to the Chicago Bears. At least they held their own against one of the hottest teams in the NFL right now, the Green Bay Packers, for nearly a full 60 minutes.
The Bears managed to tie things up at 27 apiece late in the fourth quarter, only to see Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers do Rodgers-like things and deliver a 60-yard bomb to wide receiver Jordy Nelson that set up a game-winning field goal as time expired.
Just like that, Chicago’s hopes for a fourth win evaporated.
Quarterback Matt Barkley’s three interceptions didn’t help matters, but he should get some serious consideration for a starting gig next year.
Dec 15, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett (72) sacks Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) during a NFL football game at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Rams 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Rams
4-10
Last week: 27
No Jeff Fisher. Same old Los Angeles Rams.
Yes, Thursday Night Football games might still be a “poopfest,” as Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman calls them.
And that’s exactly what it was between the Rams and Hawks.
Los Angeles had no business winning this game, and it showed in the 24-3 lopsided defeat. Quarterback Jared Goff was ineffective. So was running back Todd Gurley.
Prepare yourselves for a long offseason, Rams fans.
Dec 18, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews (81) has the ball knocked away by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jerraud Powers (26) on a two point conversion in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia Eagles
5-9
Last week: 26
At least the Philadelphia Eagles made things interesting in Week 15 in Baltimore against the Ravens.
Trailing 27-20 late in the fourth quarter, Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz scrambled for a four-yard touchdown run to put Philadelphia behind by one point in regulation. A simple field goal would have tied things, but head coach Doug Pederson elected to go for two.
It failed. The Ravens won.
Credit Pederson for being aggressive on the road, especially considering how far the Eagles have fallen since earlier this season. But flawed execution doomed any chances for Philly.
Dec 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Ronnie Hillman (36) is pursued by Oakland Raiders linebacker Malcolm Smith (53) during a NFL football game at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
San Diego Chargers
5-9
Last week: 25
Qualcomm Stadium certainly didn’t feel like a home venue for the San Diego Chargers on Sunday.
No, fans of Oakland poured into San Diego and watched the now-AFC West-leading Raiders topple the Chargers 19-16 in what had to seem like a road game for quarterback Philip Rivers and Co.
Rivers was OK, but he got no help from San Diego’s ground game.
At least San Diego can feel pretty good about holding Oakland’s high-flying offense to a mere four third-down conversions on 13 attempts.
Dec 18, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) watches from the sideline against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Steelers won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Cincinnati Bengals
5-8-1
Last week: 23
Things are always going to get chippy between the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers.
They did. Just ask linebacker Vontaze Burfict. Or don’t ask him. You wont get anywhere.
Vontaze Burfict denied our interview request. Laughed and said "I ain't got s*** to say. F*** everybody." #Bengals @FOX19
— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) December 18, 2016
Cincinnati’s Week 15 loss was indicative of so much. The Bengals were up 20-9 at halftime, only to completely implode in the second half. Pittsburgh posted 17 unanswered points.
Anyone questioning who the dominant team is in this rivalry doesn’t need any clearer of an answer. It’s completely one-sided in the Steelers’ favor.
It’s such a shame this team has remained in the bottom of NFL power rankings for the vast majority of 2016.
Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) looks on during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Cardinals
5-8-1
Last week: 21
Who needed defense in Week 15?
Well, the Arizona Cardinals sure could have used some in a 48-41 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, in what looked more like a college shootout game than anything else.
On one hand, it’s good to see Arizona get a 300-yard, two touchdown performance out of quarterback Carson Palmer. And running back David Johnson continues to do his thing.
Granted, this was against a weak New Orleans defense though. So take those numbers with a grain of salt.
What’s more troubling is how inconsistent the Cardinals defense has played this season. Head coach Bruce Arians can call out as many players as he wants. But the results and record speak for themselves.
Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton reacts in the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Saints defeated the Cardinals 48-41. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans Saints
6-8
Last week: 22
We all know the Saints defense is bad.
But if quarterback Drew Brees and Co. are firing on all cylinders, the Saints have a chance in any game.
This was the case in New Orleans’ 48-41 shootout victory over the Cardinals. Brees passed for nearly 400 yards and four touchdowns, putting to rest any concerns about his recent cold spell.
Although it was interesting to see how head coach Sean Payton might be on the trade block this offseason.
Who knows if a change of scenery would help everyone involved. But with the Saints’ season going nowhere fast, it wouldn’t be the strangest of rumors to come true.
Dec 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) is sacked by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Erik Walden (93) during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Colts defeated the Vikings 34-6. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Vikings
7-7
Last week: 18
The Minnesota Vikings might just want to forget Week 15 ever happened.
They welcomed the inconsistent Indianapolis Colts, and their weak defense, to town and were subsequently walloped 34-6 in front of their home crowd.
Not a good look.
Here are some interesting notes — Minnesota got a total of 34 combined yards from running backs Adrian Peterson and Jerick McKinnon over the game. And quarterback Sam Bradford had no answers through the air either.
Tack on three turnovers from the Vikings offense, and thoughts of all that was good from early this season have evaporated into a distant memory. And they’ve slipped a great deal in NFL power rankings as a result.
Dec 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) rushes against the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Colts win 34-6. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Indianapolis Colts
7-7
Last week: 24
The Colts may be one of the most inconsistent teams in the NFL this season. But they get a huge jump in our NFL power rankings this week, thanks to quarterback Andrew Luck’s stellar performance and the seemingly ageless efforts from former 49ers running back Frank Gore.
Gore rushed for 101 yards during the game, which has to make many Niners fans cringe at the thought of him leaving two offseasons ago.
And while the Colts offense has never been much of a question mark, it’s their defense which stood tall in Minnesota.
This group held the Vikings to a mere 282 all-purpose yards, forced three turnovers and only allowed three successful third-down conversions en route to the 34-6 dominating victory.
Dec 19, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) carries the ball as Washington Redskins cornerback Quinton Dunbar (47) chases in the first quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Carolina Panthers
6-8
Last week: 20
The Carolina Panthers looked like the vintage Panthers of a year ago on Monday Night Football, knocking off the playoff-hopeful Washington Redskins 26-15 in what looked like an easy contest for the road team.
Maybe this is more of a consolation prize for head coach Ron Rivera and Co. — being able to all but destroy an opponent’s playoff hopes.
Quarterback Cam Newton tossed for 300 yards and two touchdowns, and Carolina’s running game looked as if the year was 2015.
More importantly, that stout Panthers defense allowed the Redskins just two third-down conversions on 12 attempts.
Too bad this momentum came far too late in the season.
Dec 18, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) runs with the ball during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at New Era Field. Bills beat the Browns 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Buffalo Bills
7-7
Last week: 19
Congratulations, Bills fans. Your team beat the winless Browns.
OK, that’s what any OK-to-good team should do. And the Bills did it in decisive enough fashion on Sunday, coming away with an easy 33-13 victory.
Quarterback Tyrod Taylor bounced back nicely, going 17-of-24 for 174 yards, a touchdown and a passer rating of 105.2.
But the biggest star was running back LeSean McCoy, who tore through Cleveland’s defense for 153 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Dec 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) warms up prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Texans
8-6
Last week: 17
The Texans barely got by the lowly Jaguars in Week 15 and had to bench their big-time free-agent quarterback acquisition, Brock Osweiler, to do it.
Sure makes these contract numbers all the more interesting:
Osweiler was 6-of-11 for 48 yards and two interceptions before being replaced by backup quarterback Tom Savage.
Savage’s numbers were notably better, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see head coach Bill O’Brien roll with Savage over the rest of the season to ensure Houston doesn’t let the AFC South crown slip away.
Dec 18, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Tennessee Titans punter Brett Kern (6) celebrate after kicker Ryan Succop (not pictured) kicks the winning field goal during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Tennessee won 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Tennessee Titans
8-6
Last week: 15
Yes, the Tennessee Titans slip one spot in our NFL power rankings this week. And a slight fall would have been justified, had it not been for the late-game heroics from quarterback Marcus Mariota and kicker Ryan Succop.
Head coach Mike Mularkey’s decision to go for two late in the fourth quarter, when an extra-point attempt would have likely sent the game into overtime, can be scrutinized a bunch. While the aggressive nature can’t be faulted, it’s hard to see why a call on the road against a good defense would have been a good idea there.
Nonetheless, Mularkey got away with it and the Titans won.
Keep an eye on their Week 17 matchup with the Texans, in what will likely determine the winner of the AFC South.
Dec 19, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) attempts a pass against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Redskins
7-6-1
Last week: 14
Boy, Redskins fans. That Monday Night Football loss certainly hurt Washington’s playoff chances.
The Redskins fell behind early against the Panthers at home but managed to close the gap before halftime, only to see Carolina put up 10 unanswered points in the third quarter.
Those scores proved to be killers — both to head coach Jay Gruden’s prospects for a game win and, likely, the postseason.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins managed to throw for 315 yards. And wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon were major contributors. But Cousins and the passing game got zero help from the guys on the ground.
That hurt. And Washington’s destiny is no longer in their own hands.
Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) looks to throw the ball under pressure from New England Patriots defensive end Jabaal Sheard (93) in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Patriots won 16-3. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos
8-6
Last week: 11
It’s time to fully admit the Denver Broncos are in real trouble, after they fell 16-3 to the New England Patriots at home.
If the season were to end today, the Broncos would be on the outside and looking in. And they’re the No. 9 seed in the AFC playoff picture too. Climbing over at least three teams to get into the postseason won’t be easy.
Yes, Denver’s defense is still good enough to keep the team in contention. But the Broncos don’t have a starting-caliber quarterback, no running game and a seemingly impossible task of beating the Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders over the following two weeks.
Quite the fall for the defending Super Bowl champions.
Dec 17, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore (8) drops back to pass against New York Jets linebacker Jordan Jenkins (48) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Dolphins
9-5
Last week: 16
No Ryan Tannehill under center for the Dolphins, no problem.
Raise your hand if you thought backup quarterback Matt Moore would toss four touchdowns against one interception for 236 yards and a passer rating of 126.2.
Yeah, we didn’t think so.
Granted, this was against the hapless Jets. But still, the Dolphins have to be feeling pretty good about Moore’s efforts.
Miami won’t catch the division-leading Patriots but are still holding onto a wild-card spot. And wins like these help ensure the Dolphins keep the momentum down the stretch.
Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws a pass in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Dallas Cowboys won 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
8-6
Last week: 13
Yes, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers manage to climb a spot on our NFL power rankings this week despite a 26-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football.
Why? Well, if you haven’t noticed, the Buccaneers are still piping hot right now. And they nearly became only the second team to beat the Cowboys this entire season. Yeah, it was that close.
Quarterback Jameis Winston’s numbers weren’t pretty — 17-of-35 for 247 yards and two touchdowns against three interceptions, amounting to a 55.3 passer rating.
Those three turnovers were killers, and yet the Bucs managed to stay in the game all the way deep into the fourth quarter.
Factor in this was a prime-time game on the road against a two-loss team, and Tampa Bay deserves some credit.
The Buccaneers have some winnable games on their remaining schedule, so we’ll see if wins there might push them into a playoff berth.
Dec 18, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) reacts during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore Ravens
8-6
Last week: 12
Quarterback Joe Flacco is an OK quarterback. And he has some OK offensive weapons around him.
But the Ravens are predicated on their defense — a group that nearly put them at risk of losing a should-be victory against the Eagles on Sunday.
As noted earlier, Philadelphia’s decision to go for two points instead of a game-tying field-goal attempt at the end of regulation essentially handed the Ravens a win. And credit Baltimore for standing firm when it mattered most.
Baltimore remains one game behind the Steelers in the AFC North. And they’re the No. 7 overall seed in the AFC playoff picture.
So Week 17 against their division-rival Steelers has huge implications, to put things mildly.
Dec 18, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) catches a 50 yard pass from quarterback Aaron Rodgers (not pictured) with Chicago Bears cornerback Cre’von LeBlanc (22) defending late in the second half at Soldier Field. Green Bay won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Green Bay Packers
8-6
Last week: 10
After such a horrid start to their season, the Packers likely had to win out down the stretch to put themselves in contention for a divisional crown.
And that’s what they’re trying to do, even if the Bears made things a bit too interesting in Chicago last weekend.
Granted, Green Bay will be a contending team as long as quarterback Aaron Rodgers is under center. His clutch 50-yard pass to wide receiver Jordy Nelson helped set up the game-winning field goal, which gave the Packers a 30-27 victory on the road over the lowly Bears.
There’s no climb in NFL power rankings this week. The Packers are still on the outside, looking in, in the playoff picture.
But a date with the Detroit Lions in Week 17 could say a lot about how the NFC North pans out.
Dec 18, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger runs off the field after the Steelers defeat of the Bengals 24-20 at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers
9-5
Last week: 9
Like the Packers, the Steelers can boast of a great offense frequently let down by a porous defense.
And such was on the case in Week 15, as the Bengals got off to a 20-9 lead over the first two quarters.
We know Cincinnati is almost always going to implode against Pittsburgh though, and that’s what precisely happened in the second half.
Fantasy owners had to be pretty pleased with Steelers kicker Chris Boswell, who made six field goals and accounted for 18 of the 24 points Pittsburgh scored in the contest.
What separates the Steelers from the Packers in this week’s NFL power rankings is the fact Pittsburgh holds onto the No. 1 seed within its own division. That’s more than Green Bay can say right now.
But look for things to get very interesting with a divisionally decisive game against the Ravens this week.
Dec 18, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Detroit Lions running back Dwayne Washington (36) is tackled by New York Giants defensive end Kerry Wynn (72) during first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Lions
9-5
Last week: 5
Week 15 was a must-win game for the Lions. And that’s exactly what they didn’t do when they visited the red-hot New York Giants.
The Lions’ 17-6 loss, paired with the Packers’ win over Chicago, means Green Bay is just one game behind Detroit in both the playoff picture and NFC North standings. More importantly, the Lions have back-to-back tough games against the Cowboys and Packers in Weeks 16 and 17, respectively.
Who knows what happens there and what the implications will be. But it’s safe to say the Lions couldn’t afford to let this one slip away.
Detroit’s defense is still good. But for the Lions to right the ship, they’ll need to get more out of their running game, which ranks 29th in the league through 16 weeks.
Dec 18, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) hands the ball off to running back Devonta Freeman (24) in the third quarter of their game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 41-13. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Falcons
9-5
Last week: 8
So the Falcons welcomed the embarrassing 49ers to town in Week 15, and what you thought might happen did happen.
Atlanta demolished San Francisco 41-13 in a game that was decided by 21 unanswered Falcons points in the first quarter.
Quarterback Matt Ryan was brilliant, throwing for 286 yards and two touchdowns before being sat in garbage time for backup Matt Schaub, who was also effective enough against the 49ers’ abysmal defense.
The Falcons’ own defense was good enough too. Although they didn’t have much of any competition from the Niners.
Nothing more to see here — the Falcons offense is excellent. The 49ers are trash.
Dec 18, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid looks on during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Arrowhead Stadium. The Titans won 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Chiefs
10-4
Last week: 3
So let me get this straight… the Titans failed on a two-point conversion to tie things up in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter, and the Chiefs still managed to lose 19-17?
Yeah, that happened.
An almost-always stout Kansas City couldn’t stop a perfectly executed two-minute drill by Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota, despite Tennessee being out of timeouts. And all that led to a game-winning, last-second field goal by Titans kicker Ryan Succop from 53 yards out.
Ouch.
But FanSided’s Matt Verderame puts a lot of the blame on quarterback Alex Smith:
#Chiefs deserve what they got. Trash game by Smith and the offense. Trash result. Trash seed.
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) December 19, 2016
True, Smith wasn’t good at all. He was 15-of-28 for 163 yards and an interception. And with the loss, Kansas City watched its grasp on the AFC West slip away.
It sure hurt in NFL power rankings too.
Dec 18, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) celebrates with quarterback Eli Manning (10) after scoring a touchdown against the Lions during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
New York Giants
10-4
Last week: 7
The Giants are getting hot at the right time, and their climb from the No. 8 spot two weeks ago to No. 5 in this week’s NFL power rankings is a perfect indication of such.
New York’s 17-6 victory over the Lions is a testament to both its offense and defense.
Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is still making one-handed catches, as seen below, and quarterback Eli Manning was as good as ever.
Odell Beckham makes ANOTHER incredible one-handed catch for the 4-yard TD! #GiantsPride #NYGvsDET pic.twitter.com/SOIEnrbNsy
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) December 18, 2016
Are you really surprised at this point?
Feasibly, the Giants could overtake the Cowboys for the No. 1 spot in the NFC playoff picture. But it’s highly doubtful Dallas loses out.
Keep an eye on New York’s Week 17 matchup versus the Redskins though. It could have some notable implications, depending on what happens next week.
Dec 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates with quarterbacks coach Todd Downing after a NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oakland Raiders
11-3
Last week: 4
Two things needed to happen for the Raiders to reassume the top spot in the AFC West — a win over the Chargers and a Chiefs loss.
Both happened. And now the Raiders control their own destiny down the stretch.
Oakland’s defense was actually the star of this contest over San Diego, registering three sacks of Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers and forcing two turnovers in the process.
The Colts figure to be more of an offensive challenge to this unit in Week 16. And the Raiders offense will look to get back on track as well.
Still, Oakland is playoff bound for the first time in a long time. That has to feel pretty good for fans of the silver and black.
The Raiders remain the second-highest AFC team in our NFL power rankings this week and, perhaps, the only squad that could legitimately challenge the top seed in the conference.
Dec 15, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Seattle Seahawks
9-4-1
Last week: 6
Good teams are supposed to trounce bad teams. And that’s what the Seahawks are and that’s what they did.
Even with those awful color-rush uniforms.
Seattle’s dominant 24-3 win over the Rams on Thursday Night Football might put a little bit of good feeling into cornerback Richard Sherman’s thoughts on Thursday night games. And it ensured the Seahawks would lock up the NFC West, paired with the Cardinals loss.
Quarterback Russell Wilson tossed three touchdowns against one interception and was only sacked twice.
And for those who haven’t noticed, wide receiver Tyler Lockett is a pretty special player.
The Seahawks won’t be able to edge the Cowboys for the No. 1 seed in the NFC. So don’t be too surprised to see head coach Pete Carroll and Co. put things into cruise control to finish off an easy remainder of the schedule.
Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) signals first down in the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Cowboys
12-2
Last week: 2
Good teams find ways to win, especially when the opposition is hot.
And that’s exactly what the Cowboys did in their 26-20 back-and-forth victory over the hot Buccaneers.
Please put to rest any thought about returning quarterback Tony Romo to the starter’s role. This is rookie Dak Prescott’s ship now and he’s earned the right.
Of course we can’t overlook running back Ezekiel Elliott either, who rushed for an amazing 159 yards and a touchdown.
Credit Cowboys defensive tackle David Irving too. He was a force within Dallas’ defense.
The Cowboys host the Lions in Week 16, which could be an enticing matchup but one that should still favor Dallas.
Still, the Cowboys are just outside the No. 1 spot on our NFL power rankings this week.
Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots strong safety Patrick Chung (23) celebrates after a play with cornerback Logan Ryan (26) and defensive back Duron Harmon (30) and defensive back Devin McCourty (32) in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Patriots won 16-3. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
New England Patriots
12-2
Last week: 1
Quarterback Tom Brady and the Patriots finally got some vengeance for what happened in the AFC Championship game in Denver last season, toppling the now-scuffling Denver Broncos 16-3 in the Mile High City.
Brady didn’t exactly have his best game though — going 16-of-32 for 188 yards, posting a 68.2 passer rating in the process.
Not like it mattered. The Patriots made easy work of Denver’s inept offense and held the Broncos to a mere 309 yards of total offense, forcing three turnovers in the process.
More from Niner Noise
New England now has back-to-back AFC East contests versus the hapless Jets and Dolphins in Weeks 16 and 17, respectively.
Judging on what we’ve seen this season, there isn’t any reason to assume the Pats finish with anything less than a 14-2 record on the year.
They’re clearly the top group in this week’s NFL power rankings, and it’s likely they’ll finish there when the regular season winds to a close.
