This last week was not as kind to The Power Rank predictions of winners as previous weeks have been. A divisional upset in Atlanta, a poor showing in Cincy, and a postponed gamed in Philly all threw off last week’s predictions from The Power Rank.
Some of these misses made little difference in who is and is not expected to continue to the postseason, but two major changes did take place.
In the AFC West, San Diego’s (#7) abysmal loss to Cincinnati (#19) and Kansas City’s (#15) triumph over Tennessee (#16) made these two swap places as division winners and playoff spectators. Little else has changed in the playoff expectations in the AFC. In fact, five of the six playoff spots have already been clinched. The last spot open is for the AFC South winner, who we predict will be the Indianapolis Colts (#9). The Colts control their destiny, and earn their division title with a win over Tennessee (#16) this Sunday. If the Colts lose and the Jaguars (#25) beat Houston (#22), then Jacksonville may just sneak into the playoffs with a 9-7 record.
There has been a change in the NFC playoff projection as well. The St. Louis loss to Kansas city two weeks ago put the Rams’ playoff hopes in jeopardy and kept those of the Seahawks (#30) alive. These two teams face off in Seattle on Sunday night for a nationally televised game. The home field advantage tips the scales in favor of the Seahawks, who The Power Rank now predicts will knock the Rams out of the playoffs.
The NFC playoff picture still has some uncertainty to it. The Packers (#2) control their destiny and can take the last wildcard spot with a win at Green Bay against the Bears (#11). If the Packers lose and the Giants (#17) defeat the Redskins (#24), then the Giants will be in the playoffs. If both the Packers and Giants lose, Tampa Bay (#18) will have a chance to slide into the postseason with a miraculous road win against the Saints (#6). If all three teams lose, the Packers will make the playoffs.
This week presents some interesting viewing options for NFL fans. Since so many of the games have little to no impact on the playoffs, a few games can really be spotlighted as the most important to watch:
St. Louis (#27) at Seattle (#30) – The Rams travel to meet the Seahawks and fight for the NFC West division title. Neither team is particularly impressive so the game may be sloppy, but with a playoff spot on the line it should also be emotionally charged. Luckily, this is also the Sunday night game so everyone will have a chance to enjoy it. Although the numbers predict a Seattle victory, the game is really too close to call. Expect the team that makes the fewest mistakes to win.
Chicago (#11) at Green Bay (#2) – The Bears travel to the Frozen Tundra to battle the Packers who are no doubt looking for redemption after their last minute loss to the Bears earlier this year. Even though the Bears have clinched homefield advantage is still on the table, so do not expect them to go quietly. The Power Rank predicts a solid victory for the Packers.
Tennessee (#16) at Indianapolis (#9) – Even though the Titans are out, they have a chance to spoil against a hated division rival. The Colts can seal their playoff hopes with a win, and are playing at home where they have been 5-2 this year. The Power Rank predicts a win for the Colts.
1. New England, 13-2, 10.36
2. Green Bay, 9-6, 6.92
3. Baltimore, 11-4, 5.94
4. Pittsburgh, 11-4, 5.40
5. Atlanta, 12-3, 4.64
6. New Orleans, 11-4, 3.52
7. San Diego, 8-7, 3.46
8. Philadelphia, 10-5, 3.39
9. Indianapolis, 9-6, 3.13
10. New York Jets, 10-5, 3.04
11. Chicago, 11-4, 2.78
12. Cleveland, 5-10, 1.38
13. Miami, 7-8, 0.41
14. Detroit, 5-10, 0.21
15. Kansas City, 10-5, 0.17
16. Tennessee, 6-9, 0.15
17. New York Giants, 9-6, -0.25
18. Tampa Bay, 9-6, -1.25
19. Cincinnati, 4-11, -1.31
20. Oakland, 7-8, -1.38
21. Dallas, 5-10, -1.51
22. Houston, 5-10, -1.55
23. Minnesota, 6-9, -1.58
24. Washington, 6-9, -2.59
25. Jacksonville, 8-7, -2.72
26. Buffalo, 4-11, -3.05
27. St. Louis, 7-8, -3.48
28. San Francisco, 5-10, -4.89
29. Denver, 4-11, -5.16
30. Seattle, 6-9, -5.78
31. Arizona, 5-10, -7.03
32. Carolina, 2-13, -11.37
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