Not a lot of movement this week, based on a wacky Week 17. But we can tell you that the loss by Baltimore kicked them off this list. A shame. We thought they’d have a chance to advance beyond the first round.
NFL 2018 Wildcard Week Power Index
1- (1) New England Patriots – Even when they half-ass it they destroy teams. They’re humming along right now.
2- (2) Pittsburgh Steelers – No Shazier means it’s a little harder, but the Steelers are up to the task – provided that Antonio Brown plays in the divisional round.
3- (3) Minnesota Vikings – Is it possible for a team with a bye week to be going under the radar? I think so. The Vikings deserve a lot of respect right now.
4- (4) Philadelphia Eagles – If they didn’t have home field advantage I would have dropped them down this list. But they do, and Eagles fans will help to propel them.
5- (5) Los Angeles Rams – The only thing that can stop the Rams is, well, the Rams! Can they grow up in time to go on a run?
6- (6) New Orleans Saints – Is this the last ride for Drew Brees? Will he pull a Peyton or John Elway and retire if he wins? We’ll find out.
7- (7) Carolina Panthers – This is a dangerous road team. No one is expecting much out of Carolina for some reason. I am.
8- (9) Kansas City Chiefs – K.C. is back on track and now has a home playoff game. Don’t sleep on them. They’re well-rounded and experienced.
9- (10) Jacksonville Jaguars – I hate to bump up a team after a loss. But the Jags should dispatch their first round opponent and are a solid team. Let’s see what Bortles is made of.
10- (NR) Atlanta Falcons – They’re in and that’s all that matters. Now what are they going to do? Matt Ryan and this Atlanta roster is certainly capable of doing great things. Then again, they almost missed the playoffs.
Honorable Mentions
Buffalo Bills (I’m happy for the fan base, but I’m also sad for them following this weekend’s quick loss), Tennessee Titans (The least sexy team in the playoffs, and it’s not even close. The Titans should get walloped this weekend as well).
Matthew Ross is a sports commentator and a radio host on TSN 690 Radio in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Follow him @MatthewWords.