NFL power rankings, Week 17: Jaguars rise, Raiders fall

In this week’s NFL power rankings, the Jacksonville Jaguars continue their rapid ascent, while the Las Vegas Raiders hit a new low.

The Texans remain on the bottom of the list, but a nice win after two games of showing up against Dallas and Kansas City.

Chicago plays hard every week, it simply doesn’t have the talent to win games.

At least the Cardinals showed fight. The Broncos were gutless in defeat.

The Cardinals gave Tampa Bay a good fight, but couldn’t stave off Tom Brady late in the game.

Three points isn’t going to get it done.

Atlanta is now finished off in the NFC South. Time to focus on 2023.

Where did that come from? The Rams lighting up the Broncos for 51 points wasn’t on the Christmas bingo card.

How many games can you lose when blowing a late lead? The Raiders are hellbent on setting the record.

For the Browns, this entire season has ben an exercise in frustration.

New Orleans is clinging to playoff hopes, but it would take a miracle.

Somehow, the Panthers control their own destiny. Win out and host a playoff game.

Pittsburgh, like the Saints, needs a miracle. Can it somehow find magic?

The Patriots could easily be 9-6 right now, but two huge miscues have cost them. Yet, they win out, they make the playoffs.

New York still has a chance, but it must win out and get some help.

The Seahawks need to beat the Jets and Rams at home, and then get some favorable results elsewhere.

This feels like the end. Week 17 means nothing for Tennessee, but beating the Jaguars in Week 18 with Malik Willis? Good luck.

Somehow, the Buccaneers moved up the rankings. Good defense, horrific offense and coaching.

Crushing loss to the Panthers. Now, the Lions are in real trouble when it comes to the playoff picture.

The Packers need to win out at home against the Vikings and Lions, and get either one loss from Washington, or two from New York.

Win and in despite the recent two-game skid. And keep Taylor Heinicke as the quarterback.

New York lost at the gun in Minnesota, but should still find the playoffs with relative ease.

Alarms are going off in Miami. Four straight losses, and Tua Tagovailoa has played poor football.

The Jaguars deserve a top-10 spot having won five of their last six, while taking control of the AFC South.

Baltimore isn’t impressing anybody, but it is surviving while Lamar Jackson is on the mend.

Justin Herbert will never again have to hear talk about his not being in the playoffs. Well done.

How the Vikings are 12-3, nobody knows. It’ll make for a great investigation one day.

Dallas proved to everybody it can torch the Eagles’ defense. Now, when Jalen Hurts is under center, can it stop Philadelphia’s offense should they meet again?

Brock Purdy? Trey Lance? Jimmy Garoppolo? Who cares. The Niners keep rolling.

Cincinnati almost had a complete meltdown in New England, but survived. If the Bengals can beat the Bills this week, they move into the second seed — at the least.

Buffalo pulled away late from Chicago, but ultimately handled business. Next up, a trip to Cincinnati.

The Chiefs put together their best game in over a month, easily handling Seattle. Kansas City is still very much alive for the AFC’s top seed.

We’re not moving the Eagles down because they lost a one-score game in Dallas with a backup quarterback.