The champs are back on top. Shocker. Well, not to me. But, the thing is it still feels pretty wide open this season. The top clubs didn’t move much on this countdown. No one is willing to give an inch. Any one of 5 or so teams could end up number one on this countdown heading into the playoffs.
NFL Week 16 Power Index 2017
1- (2) New England Patriots – Clutch. Knowing how to win. Defending champs. These are the words that describe why this team is tops this week.
2- (1) Pittsburgh Steelers – They’re still in good shape, it’s just that they’re not as good as the team that they just lost to.
3- (3) Philadelphia Eagles – I will stubbornly keep Philly here, since they won their game and Foles put up a bunch of points. But the D is a little concerning.
4- (4) Minnesota Vikings – It’s tough when you clobber your opponent and can’t move up a slot on this list. But the Vikes can still finish as high as one on this list, if things break their way.
5- (5) Carolina Panthers – Everyone assumed that Aaron Rodgers would return and run the tables with Green Bay. Cam Newton had other ideas. Carolina is ready for the playoffs.
6- (6) Los Angeles Rams – Now THAT was a win. The Rams are a Super Bowl contender. But I still have this nagging feeling that Goff’s inexperience will be exposed at some point.
7- (7) New Orleans Saints – They’re still a team many believe can’t win on the road in January. But let’s remember that they now play good D and run the ball very, very well.
8- (8) Atlanta Falcons – Picking up a Monday night road win was required and they did it. But can they win one more road game?
9- (9) Jacksonville Jaguars – They seem to win even if Fournette doesn’t play. Now that’s a true testament to coaching, depth and a strong D.
10- (NR) Baltimore Ravens – It’s been a while since we’ve seen Baltimore on this list. They are very deserving, provided they win out and keep the momentum going.
Honorable Mentions
Kansas City Chiefs (They are back and a force to be reckoned with), Dallas Cowboys (America’s team is alive and well, for one more week, anyway), Buffalo Bills (Every time we write them off they come back. Could they win out?).
Matthew Ross is a sports commentator and a radio host on TSN 690 Radio in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Follow him @MatthewWords.