NFL Week 17 Power Rankings

From worst to the top 15, the Miami Dolphins are back to being relevant in the Week 17 Power Rankings!

We once had the Miami Dolphins as the worst team in the NFL and now they have climbed their way back into playoff contention in Week 17. It’s not about how you start the season, it’s about how you finish. Let’s look at all of the teams in the top 15.

The Miami Dolphins are back! In our Week 9 Power Rankings, the Dolphins were sitting in last place for the second straight week, and here they are, climbing to the 15th spot! The Dolphins have been on a hot streak, winning seven straight games to get into the AFC playoff race at the 7th seed. Not only are they looking at the playoffs, but they’re also just one game back from the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots. Crazy times we live in. – Justin Bauerle

Next Week: Tennessee Titans (10-5)

The Ravens are completely decimated by injuries and Covid protocol. It showed on Sunday against a Cincinnati team that is looking to wrap up the division. Joe Burrow had a massive day, along with basically the rest of the Bengals offense. Josh Jackson gave it an excellent effort, and Mark Andrews has a good day, but it simply wasn’t enough. The Ravens still hold the 7th and final spot in the playoff hunt (barring a Dolphins win on Monday Night), but it is getting very tight in the AFC.

They weren’t the only team to lose as the Chargers and Steelers both had poor days on Sunday. They need to win at least one of the remaining two against the Rams and Steelers to make it, winning both is the best way to ensure they get a chance to play a game in January. Getting Lamar Jackson back would go a long way. Stafford struggled against the Vikings and the Steelers got annihilated by the Chiefs, so it’s still within reach. There’s still hope in Baltimore. – Kyle Henning

Next Week: Los Angeles Rams (11-4)

The Chargers’ lack of roster depth was completely exposed this past weekend after suffering an embarrassing loss at the hands of the Houston Texans. With a chance to punch their ticket to the playoffs, the Bolts committed three costly turnovers which Houston efficiently converted into 17 points. The Texans entered the game only averaging 14.8 points per game, the second-lowest in the NFL. Handing points to a team that has proven all season it struggles to score proved to be extremely detrimental and could cost Los Angeles a playoff berth.

Now, the easiest path to the postseason for the Bolts will require the squad to win its last two games against division rivals Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders with the Baltimore Ravens also losing one of their final two games. The Chargers still have a legit chance to make the playoffs but will need to finish the season off strong if they wish to do so. – Zac Alfers

Next Week: Denver Broncos (7-8)

The San Francisco 49ers let one slip away with costly turnovers and very little production in the running game. Deebo Samuel was effective but wasn’t utilized much in the run game— Having only five attempts with 32 yards. Receiving wise Deebo had a wonderful day with nine receptions for 159 yards. Crazy how Jimmy Garoppolo has excellent yards at 322 but those two interceptions killed any momentum. The 49ers have very little room for error as they are on the verge of being out of the playoffs. – Josh Braegger

Next Week: Houston Texans (8-7)

Kyler Murray without DeAndre Hopkins against a run-heavy team in Indianapolis leaves very little room for error as shown by the score of 16-22. Murray wanted to win through Zach Ertz with 13 targets but their leading receiver threat was chasing Edmonds at 9 targets and 8 catches for 71 yards. This isn’t a recipe for success and the weapons need to step up with DeAndre Hopkins absent. They’re running out of room and the division is no longer theirs. – Josh Braegger

Next Week: Dallas Cowboys (10-5)