In the second to last edition of these Power Rankings find out who rounds out the top-10 in the in week 16. The last two weeks should be a fun ride. Where do the Denver Broncos rank this week?The 2016 NFL season has two weeks to go. The top two teams in the NFL cannot be questioned, and have shown up on top of these Power Rankings all year long. It appears that there is a better chance than not that both Super Bowl teams from a year ago will miss the playoffs. It has been a crazy year, and will probably only get even crazier in the next two weeks. Buckle up.
The Rankings
Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) passes during the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
1. New England Patriots (1)
The Patriots finally got a win in their most feared spot—Denver, Colorado. Despite playing his worst game of the season, Tom Brady and the Patriots got a relatively easy victory over their conference rival Broncos, and clinched a bye in the first round of the playoffs.
Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) celebrates with running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) and head coach Jason Garrett after scoring a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
2. Dallas Cowboys (3)
Back on track Cowboys, back on track Dak. An 88% completion percentage isn’t bad for a game. The Cowboys are easily the class of the NFC, and could be on the fast track to the Super Bowl.
Dec 18, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) looks to pass against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Steelers won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (4)
It wasn’t pretty early but the Steelers found a way to win the football game. Big Ben hasn’t seemed quite the same since returning from his knee injury. Lucky for the Steelers, LeVeon Bell is playing the best football of his career and it has kept the Steelers on track. A win against Baltimore on Christmas Day should lock up the division.
Dec 18, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) dives but is unable to score a touchdown against San Francisco 49ers defensive back Vinnie Sunseri (40) in the first quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
4. Atlanta Falcons (5)
This Falcons offense is clicking on all cylinders. If not for a couple late game gaffes, this team really could be right there with the Cowboys, fighting for the number one seed. This team will not be an easy out once the playoffs begin.
Dec 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) reaches forward with the ball for the first down on a run after getting by San Diego Chargers strong safety Jahleel Addae (37) during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
5. Oakland Raiders (6)
The world looked a lot different in 2002. That was the last time the Raiders qualified for the playoffs. As they have done all year long, the Raiders found a way to win a close game, and secured that much-desired return to the postseason.
Dec 18, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) catches the ball in front of Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
6. New York Giants (7)
Taking care of business. This should be the Giants motto this season. This is the least talked about 10-win team in the league. Week after week, they seem to take care of business. Last week it was the top-seeded Cowboys, this week the second seeded Lions. The Giants appear poised to make their first playoff appearance since their 2011 Super Bowl victory. They will be taken lightly, and it could propel them right back to the Super Bowl.
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
7. Kansas City Chiefs (2)
Talk about a blown opportunity. The Chiefs had no business losing that game. In doing so, they very well may have cost themselves the AFC West. Next up—a desperate Broncos team that hasn’t lost at Arrowhead since 2010.
Dec 17, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) and wide recievere Kenny Stills (10) and running back Jay Ajayi (23) celebrate a touchdown against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
8. Miami Dolphins (9)
The Dolphins are now in control of their own destiny. Win out and they are in. It will be tough having to go to a frigid Buffalo and beat the Bills in their stadium. Stay tuned.
9. Green Bay Packers (11)
Gimpy calf=no problem. After a little scare against the Bears, a famous Rodgers hail mary set up the game winning score, and perhaps a shot at the playoffs. If the Packers can beat the Vikings, and the Cowboys beat the Lions, the Packers will be playing in Detroit for the division title. You have to like their chances.
Dec 18, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws the ball over New York Giants defensive tackle Jay Bromley (96) during second half at MetLife Stadium. The Giants won 17-6. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
10. Detroit Lions (8)
From two-seed to out of the playoffs in three weeks time. This is the ultimate nightmare for Lions fans, and it is looking like a legitimate possibility at this point. A win against the Cowboys would go a long way.
Dec 15, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Frank Clark (55), defensive end Cliff Avril (56) and defensive end Cassius Marsh (91) celebrate after a sack against the Los Angeles Rams during a NFL football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
11. Seattle Seahawks (12)
This is go-time for the current NFC two-seed Seahawks. Since 2011, the Seahawks and the Patriots are tied for the best record in December. They have already clinched the division, but now they have a first round bye on their mind.
Dec 18, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs in for a touchdown during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Tennessee won 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
12. Tennessee Titans (14)
The Titans have now won two straight games that they likely should have lost. There is something to be said about finding a way to win. It is typically the mark of a good time. Marcus Mariota and Co. have to be considered the favorites to win the AFC South at this point.
Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) is gang tackled by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10)
In a game that was seemingly dominated by the Cowboys, the Bucs game themselves a chance to win. It didn’t happen this time, but they control their own destiny to get into the playoffs.
Dec 18, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jerraud Powers (26) reacts after breaking up a pass on a two point conversion in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
14. Baltimore Ravens (16)
The Ravens got away with one this past weekend. Despite that, they kept pace in the wildcard race. Sunday’s Christmas Day showdown with the Steelers will likely determine the fate of the Ravens.
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
15. Denver Broncos (13)
If the wheels haven’t come off yet for the defending champs, they are really really loose. After the most recent loss, the offense and defense got into a heated exchange after the game. The Broncos playoff hopes are fading but not dead. What is necessary now is for them to win the next two games, and hope for some good fortune.
Dec 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) throws as Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Dan Skuta (55) defends during the second half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
16. Houston Texans (21)
The Brock experiment failed in a miserable way. Tom Savage is up and probably proves to be a better option if the Texans would like to hold onto this ever-so-slight division lead.
Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) throws during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
17. New Orleans Saints (22)
The Saints are all over the place on the offensive side of the ball. Sometimes it’s just incredible—other times it’s just bad. Either way, they will be stuck in mediocrity for a long time moving forward with the way they have managed their salary cap.
Dec 19, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) carries the ball as Washington Redskins safety Will Blackmon (41) chases in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Panthers won 26-15. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
18. Carolina Panthers (19)
Too little, too late for Cam Newton and the Panthers. However, they have shown games over the second half of the season that much more resembled their NFC championship team for a year ago—Monday Night included.
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
19. Washington Redskins (15)
It’s going to be a very tough road for the Redskins to get into the playoffs now. They have an elite level offense, but very little on the defensive side of the ball. Perhaps spending a few draft picks on defense may help the long-term prospects of this team.
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
20. Buffalo Bills (24)
The playoffs are probably out of reach for the Bills, but that doesn’t mean they are playing for nothing. Bills players have repeatedly stated how fond they are of Rex Ryan, and rumor has it he is on the hot seat. It wouldn’t seem likely that this team would quit now.
Dec 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) throws a pass against the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
21. Indianapolis Colts (26)
It’s hard to understand the Colts. One week they are losing at home to the now-benched Brock Osweiler, and the next they are dismantling a Minnesota team that was fighting for their playoff lives. It’s bizarre to say the least.
Dec 18, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) reacts to a touchdown by running back Jeremy Hill (not pictured) against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
22. Cincinnati Bengals (18)
Dalton and Co. certainly made the Steelers sweat for a bit. However, this has truly been a lost season. At what point does Marvin Lewis finally get shown the door?
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
23. Minnesota Vikings (17)
For a team fighting for their playoff lives, that was absolutely pathetic. It has to make Adrian Peterson wonder why he made such a quick comeback.
Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) scores a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Saints defeated the Cardinals 48-41. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
24. Arizona Cardinals (20)
That 2015 week 17 pounding they took really seems now like it was the beginning of the end. The Cardinals, despite a very similar roster has been a shell of what they were for 15 games a year ago. Time to rebuild around David Johnson.
Dec 18, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) throws the ball away under pressure from Baltimore Ravens defensive end Lawrence Guy (93) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
25. Philadelphia Eagles (23)
This season, for the Eagles has shown promise. They have a good young quarterback. They’ve beat some good teams. But they’ve played like a young team that is a year away. If they push the right buttons this offseason, they could be ready to contend a year from now.
Dec 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Seth Roberts (10) runs with the ball after a catch while defended by San Diego Chargers cornerback Trevor Williams (42) during the second half of the game at Qualcomm Stadium. The Raiders won 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
26. San Diego Chargers (25)
The Chargers aren’t as bad as their record shows. Really, the only thing that separates the Chargers from the Raiders is the ability to close the deal. For every close game the Raiders have won, the Chargers have seemed to lose one in similar fashion.
Dec 18, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears strong safety Deon Bush (26) breaks up a pass intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
27. Chicago Bears (28)
There hasn’t been much to be proud of this season if you are the Bears. However, the effort they brought Sunday, despite the loss, was an effort to be proud of. It probably wasn’t enough to save John Fox’s job though.
Dec 17, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Miami Dolphins corner back Xavien Howard (25) breaks up a pass intended for New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
28. New York Jets (27)
You don’t expect Bryce Petty to go and light up the scoreboard. However, you do expect your defense to be able to contain Matt Moore. The fact that Moore threw four TD passes shows that this team has quit.
Dec 15, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Los Angeles Rams punter Johnny Hekker (6) reacts after throwing an incomplete pass on the fourth down against the Los Angeles Rams during a NFL football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
29. Los Angeles Rams (29)
Who chose to put the white helmets with the regular jersey? Football is so bad in L.A. that uniform comments are the only ones that can be made.
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
30. Jacksonville Jaguars (30)
Finally—Gus Bradley is out. The talent is in place. A quality head coach could end up turning around the Jags in a hurry.
Dec 18, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Taylor Gabriel (18) runs down the sideline against San Francisco 49ers strong safety Antoine Bethea (41) during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the 49ers 41-13. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
31. San Francisco 49ers (31)
Now that Gus Bradley is out, please name a worse coach in the NFL than Chip Kelly. You can’t do it can you?
Dec 18, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end Kyle Williams (95) sacks Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) during the second half at New Era Field. Buffalo beats Cleveland 33 to 13. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
32. Cleveland Browns (32)
Which team was worse? The 2008 Lions or the 2016 Browns? That seems to be the only question left about this team.
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