NFL Week 16 Power Rankings

Well, we are down to one week left in the NFL season and what an exciting final week it should be. Granted, the games scheduled aren't that amazing but there are a lot of possibilities/scenarios still when it comes to the playoffs. And the way this season has gone, there's no telling how this final week is going to be.

Sorry for the lack of power rankings last week but yours truly had to visit a good friend, causing me to forget about the weekly power rankings. But I'm back on schedule now. And after starting with the NFC the past few weeks, I'll begin with the AFC this time.

1. Tennessee (13-2) - Good win against Steelers and now they're the #1 seed. Not sure though if they are truly the #1 team in the AFC. (Next @ IND)
2. Pittsburgh (11-4) - Didn't look real inspired to beat the Titans. I wouldn't worry though. They'll be ready when for their playoff opponent. (Next vs. CLE)
3. Indianapolis (11-4) - Have won 8 in a row and may be the hottest team in the NFL right now. I feel bad for the DEN/SD winner who has to face them. (Next vs. TEN)
4. New England (10-5) - Still need help to get in the playoffs but props to Matt Cassel for at least getting the Pats this far after the Tom Brady tragedy. (Next @ BUF)
5. Baltimore (10-5) - As usual, the defense played great. But the offense did its part too, including two big runs to clinch the win vs. DAL. (Next vs. JAX)
6. Miami (10-5) - Can't praise Chad Pennington enough for what he's done. Another tough game and he leads them to victory. Mad props. (Next @ NYJ)
7. San Diego (7-8) - Should be 8-7 and in playoffs if not for Ed Hochuli's mistake. But the way they're playing, they'll beat DEN and get in anyways. (Next vs. DEN)
8. NY Jets (9-6) - Well, Favre is not a miracle worker. The fact that he has them in this position should be good enough. But this is New York. (Next vs. MIA)
9. Denver (8-7) - If you look in the dictionary, under the word "inconsistent", you'll find the 2008 Denver Broncos. Should be in playoffs by now. (Next @ SD)
10. Houston (7-8) - Well, losing to Oakland hurts the pride a bit but with no playoffs this season, it may help their draft status right? (Next vs. CHI)
11. Buffalo (7-8) - That win may have saved Dick Jauron's job. Or maybe it will be this week's game vs. NE. Either way, tough 2nd half for them. (Next vs. NE)
12. Cincinnati (3-11-1) - I thought they should've tried and choked the rest of the way for draft position. But Marvin Lewis knows wins may save his job. (Next vs. KC)
13. Jacksonville (5-10) - Really tough seeing my Super Bowl pick struggle this badly. expect some big changes before the 2009 season. (Next @ BAL)
14. Kansas City (2-13) - They may have just two wins but they've been in a lot of their games. They could be the Atlanta Falcons of 2009. (Next @ CIN)
15. Oakland (4-11) - It was nice of the Raiders to show the home fans one last win. That way, the fans think good thoughts until next year's home opener. (Next @ TB)
16. Cleveland (4-11) - As if the season wasn't bad enough for Browns fans, the team loses its final home game to the Bungals. 2009 can't come fast enough. (Next @ PIT)

1. NY Giants (12-3) - Obviously, they are a much better team with Jacobs in the backfield. Now, two weeks to rest up before defending their title. (Next @ MIN)
2. Carolina (11-4) - As if losing home-field wasn't bad enough, they could lose the division to the Falcons. NO won't lay an egg for them at all. (Next @ NO)
3. Atlanta (10-5) - Yes, they are in the playoffs. And it's because of a steady offense and a defense that forces mistakes. Look out for them in playoffs. (Next vs. STL)
4. Dallas (9-6) - Tough loss to Ravens. The two long runs eclipsed what was a decent defensive effort. Better bring it again against Philly. (Next @ PHI)
5. Philadelphia (8-6-1) - Had to think the Redskins would win for their "dumb" coach. But now, backs are against the wall. And that's when McNabb plays his best. (Next vs. DAL)
6. Tampa Bay (9-6) - Jeff Garcia is the epitome of tough. But that doesn't equal winning. Especially when the defense gives up 34 points. (Next vs. OAK)
7. Minnesota (9-6) - Look at the 4 lost fumbles and it's almost as if the Vikings didn't want to go to the playoffs. Thankfully, Giants will play nice. (Next vs. NYG)
8. Arizona (8-7) - Most teams like to go into the playoffs with some momentum. That is not the case for the Cardinals right now at all. (Next vs. SEA)
9. Chicago (9-6) - Won 3 in a row but haven;t looked impressive at all. If they back in to the playoffs, don't expect them to go far at all. (Next @ HOU)
10. New Orleans (8-7) - It has to bug them that a team like AZ has clinched and has the same record. Drew Brees deserves a better defense. (Next vs. CAR)
11. Washington (8-7) - Glad Jim Zorn got a win to get people off his back somewhat. No playoffs this season but at least they'll be .500 or better. (Next @ SF)
12. San Francisco (6-9) - Great win for the Niners, coming back to beat the lowly Rams. Hard to think they could finish the season with 7 wins. (Next vs. WAS)
13. Seattle (4-11) - 2 wins in a row with Seneca Wallace under center. Talk about a team wanting to win for their coach despite a lack of talent. (Next @ AZ)
14. Green Bay (5-10) - Another game, another loss. That makes it 5 in a row and now, the doubts about letting Favre go are gaining strength. (Next vs. GB)
15. St. Louis (2-13) - Just one of those teams that seems cursed in close games. Not sure now if Jim Haslett will keep the job, though he should. (Next @ ATL)
16. Detroit (0-15) - I can't wait to tell my kids about the infamous 2008 Detroit Lions. The first and only team to go 0-16 in the NFL. Go Pack Go! (Next @ GB)