Jack’s NFL Power Rankings after Week 16

After every week during the NFL season, Section 400 writer Jack Albanese will give us his updated power rankings of all 32 teams across the league.

Here is where each team stands after last week’s action.

1. Baltimore Ravens (12-3)

Lamar will win MVP. This defense is elite, just ask Brock Purdy. Last Week was a huge win on the road in San Francisco for the Ravens in primetime. This team just cemented themselves as the front runner to win it all this year.

2. San Francisco 49ers (11-4)

It was a tough showing for San Francisco last week against the aforementioned Ravens. Quarterback Brod Purdy needs to be better (4 interceptions) but the whole team didn’t play up to par in this one. The 49ers are still the top dogs in the NFC rankings and will be serious contenders down the stretch.

3. Cleveland Browns (10-5)

Joe Flacco deserves the love he’s getting. In his 4 starts, he’s averaging 326.75 passing yards per game and has tossed 10 touchdowns. Backed by a top-3 defense, this team is legit. Let’s see if Papa Joe can hold up down the stretch.

4. Buffalo Bills (9-6)

The Bills have been playing desperation football for a few weeks now in hopes of climbing their back back into the AFC playoff race. It’s paid off, as Buffalo has reeled off four-straight wins. The best part of it all? They’re not relying on big plays from Josh Allen to get it done. With two games left against divisional foes, the Patriots and Dolphins, they control their own destiny in the Wildcard race.

5. Miami Dolphins (11-4)

Miami’s defense looked legit in a close 22-20 win over the Cowboys at home. I’m still not sold on Miami as a legitimate contender to win it all, but these next two games against the Ravens and Bills should answer any remaining questions we have about Mike McDaniel’s squad. 

6. Detroit Lions (11-4)

The Lions have clinched their division and Detroit is rocking. I for one am happy for Dan Campbell and Jared Goff. These Lions will be a tough out in the playoffs.

7. LA Rams (8-7)

The Rams are the last team I would want to play right now. With a fully healthy offense and Aaron Donald kicking his game into gear, this team is much better than their 8-7 record. There is no reason to believe Sean McVay can’t lead the Rams to the Super Bowl for a third time.

8. Kansas City Chiefs (9-6)

Just a few weeks ago it looked like the Chiefs and Eagles were going to rematch in the Super Bowl. Now it looks like Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs won’t win a playoff game. I’m not betting they get first-round-bounced, but the door has definitely opened for that possibility. Kansas City is in panic mode after losing to the Raiders for just the second time in the career of Patrick Mahomes.

9. Dallas Cowboys (10-5)

Dallas came so close to beating a good team on the road, but Jason Sanders said “No Deal, Jerry”. The Dolphins kicker banged-through 5 field goals to take down Dallas last Sunday. The loss was tough, but I think it was actually a good sign for the Cowboys and their defense. Dak needs to get the offense going if Dallas hopes to win playoff games on the road. The Cowboys run game is also a major concern.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (11-4)

The Eagles beat the Giants, barely. I didn’t see enough from them to say “they’re back” though.

• 11 Seattle (8-7)
  12 Tampa Bay (8-7)
  13 Las Vegas (7-8)
  14 Cincinnati (8-7)
  15 JAX (8-7)
  16 Indianapolis (8-7)
  17 Houston (8-7)
  18 New Orleans (7-8)
  19 Denver (7-8)
  20 Minnesota (7-8)
  21 Atlanta (7-8)
  22 Chicago (6-9)
  23 Pittsburgh (8-7)
  24 Green Bay (7-8)
  25  NY Jets (6-9)
  26 Tennessee (5-10)
  27 Arizona (3-12)
  28 NY Giants (5-10)
  29 Washington (4-11)
  30 Los Angeles Chargers (5-10)
  31 New England (4-11)
  32 Carolina (2-13)