Andrew Ortenberg
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The 2019 NFL regular season is starting to come to a close. Things have taken shape, and the playoff field is just about set. Accordingly, the Pickswise team has come up with their final NFL power rankings as we head into Week 17. There are a lot of great games in Week 16 so make sure to check our NFL Picks as well. For our top plays, check out our ‘best bets’ tab.
You can check out last week’s power rankings here. Now, let’s check out below who went up and down in the new NFL Power Rankings!
1. Ravens (1)
The Ravens started off slow against the Browns, but ended up cruising to victory, clinching the top seed in the AFC in the process. The road to the Super Bowl goes through Baltimore.
2. Chiefs (2)
Kansas City dominated the Bears in front of a national audience on Sunday Night Football. For some reason they’ve been a bit overlooked, but they’re still very much a Super Bowl contender.
3. Saints (3)
New Orleans picked up a big win over the Titans to help keep them alive for the number one seed in the NFC. They’re looking decent for a bye.
4. 49ers (5)
The 49ers picked up a crucial win over the Rams in an exciting game. If they win in Week 17 then they’ll be the top seed in the NFC.
5. Packers (7)
The Packers have been called overrated by a lot of people, but they silenced some of their critics with an impressive road win over the Vikings on Monday Night Football.
6. Patriots (4)
New England looked unimpressive once again, barely squeaking by the Bills on Saturday. They just don’t look like their normal selves, especially on offense.
7. Texans (9)
The Texans squeaked by the Buccaneers on Saturday. They’ve got a lot of question marks, but they also have enough talent to make some noise in the postseason.
8. Vikings (8)
The Vikings had been playing really well recently, and then they got embarrassed at home against Green Bay. It’ll be very interesting to see how Kirk Cousins fares on the road in the playoffs.
9. Seahawks (6)
The Seahawks have been a bit of a mess recently, and they lost in embarrassing fashion to the Cardinals even after Kyler Murray got hurt. Signing Marshawn Lynch isn’t going to solve all their problems.
10. Bills (10)
The Bills nearly pulled off a massive upset in New England, but came up just short. If Josh Allen can pull off a road win in the playoffs, they might build him a statue in Buffalo.
11. Eagles (15)
Philadelphia has struggled all year, but they came up big in the most important game of the season. With a win over the Giants in Week 17, they’ll clinch the division.
12. Titans (13)
I’ve been skeptical of this Tennessee resurgence with Ryan Tannehill, and I’m not sure they’ll be able to beat the Texans in Week 17 and make the playoffs.
13. Buccaneers (11)
The Buccaneers’ hot streak came to an end with their loss to the Texans. Live by the Jameis gunslinging, die by the Jameis gunslinging.
14. Steelers (14)
The Steelers had a lot of momentum that has been suddenly halted by back to back losses. They’re now a complete mess, and with Mason Rudolph hurt they’re stuck with Devlin Hodges.
15. Cowboys (12)
Dallas was a road favorite against Philadelphia, and they fell flat on their faces in the biggest game of the year. They’ll need a miracle to win the NFC East now.
16. Raiders (22)
The Raiders blew their final game in Oakland, but they bounced back with a big win over the Chargers. They can even still make the playoffs, although they’ll need a few things to bounce their way.
17. Rams (16)
The Rams had one last stand against the 49ers, and blew the game in the final minutes. The defending NFC champions won’t be going back to the playoffs.
18. Bears (17)
Chicago got smoked by the Chiefs on SNF. The offseason, and what they do with Mitch Trubisky, is much more important than their final game.
19. Colts (19)
The Colts have been underachieving over the last month-plus, but they bounced back in a big way with their dominant win over Carolina. Given the circumstances of Andrew Luck’s retirement, this season hasn’t been a complete bust.
20. Cardinals (20)
The Cardinals picked up an impressive road win over Seattle, although unfortunately Kyler Murray went down with an injury in the process.
21. Falcons (21)
The Falcons are still fighting hard to save Dan Quinn’s job, most recently toppling the Jaguars. It’ll be interesting to see if Quinn gets another year from Arthur Blank.
22. Chargers (18)
This Chargers team might be the biggest disappointment in the league, once again failing to deliver on boatloads of talent and potential.
23. Broncos (24)
Drew Lock continues to excite Broncos fans everywhere, and Denver has won three of his four starts. John Elway might’ve finally found his guy.
24. Jets (26)
The Jets picked up an upset win over the Steelers, although the offensive production was still ugly. The Adam Gase/Sam Darnold partnership is still a bit rocky.
25. Browns (23)
The Browns suffered another embarrassing defeat, and Freddie Kitchens isn’t guaranteed a second season in Cleveland.
26. Panthers (25)
The Panthers sunk even lower this past week, getting blown out by Indianapolis in Will Grier’s first career start. This season can’t end fast enough for Carolina.
27. Jaguars (27)
Jacksonville got beat soundly by the Falcons, although it at least looked like they were trying hard. With Tom Coughlin getting fired, the Jaguars are entering uncertain times.
28. Dolphins (28)
The Dolphins picked up another win, as they continue to exceed preseason expectations. Ryan Fitzpatrick has been one of the best stories in football this season.
29. Giants (30)
The Giants won another game, and Daniel Jones finally looked good again in his first start back from injury.
30. Redskins (29)
The Redskins played a surprisingly interesting game against the Giants, and unfortunately Dwayne Haskins was hurt during it. He was playing pretty well before going down, which is at least a good sign for the future.
31. Lions (31)
Detroit lost yet again, and they’re now in good shape to get the third overall pick.
32. Bengals (32)
The Bengals almost completed one of the wildest comebacks in NFL history, but then lost in overtime. With the loss, they clinched the first overall pick and are officially on the clock.
