Atlanta Falcons

NFL power rankings, Week 14: Steelers rise, Falcons fall

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are starting to look like a contender, while the Atlanta Falcons lost in the most brutal way possible.

Nov 27, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) and wide receiver Corey Coleman (19) celebrate Coleman

Cleveland Browns

0-12

Last week: BYELast rank: 32nd

Next Week: Could Hue Jackson’s team finally get a victory at the expense of the disappointing Cincinnati Bengals? While the latter comes off a 32-14 win over the visiting Philadelphia Eagles, Marvin Lewis’ squad is also a very substandard 1-5 on the road this year. However, the Bengals have beaten the Browns in four straight meetings.

Draft Talk: The Browns are closing in on the top pick in the 2017 NFL draft and it’s anyone’s guess what position they may be leaning towards. While the team still hasn’t settled on a long-term answer at quarterback, they do have some options. And perhaps a wise first-round selection would be help on an offensive line that is a shell of its recent self.

Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) drops back to pass against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco 49ers

1-11

Last week: L, 26-6, at CHILast rank: 31st

Next Week: The 49ers will continue their tour of playing horrible opponents when the Jets come to town. Both teams would technically fair better long-term taking a loss, but no one on the field has that mindset. San Francisco needs to attempt some deep passes and challenge the Jets secondary, which is depleted of young playmakers.

Draft Talk: San Francisco will be going into 2017 expecting to not have Colin Kaepernick, especially after he was benched Sunday. Deshaun Watson is expected to be a good fit for Chip Kelly’s offense, and could be available for the 49ers with a top-three draft pick. Kelly can’t wait like the Browns for a quarterback in 2018; his career in the NFL depends on the success of this pick.

Dec 4, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) reacts after a play in the second half against the Denver Broncos at EverBank Field. The Denver Broncos won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

Jacksonville Jaguars

2-10

Last week: L, 20-10, vs. DENLast rank: 30th

Next Week: It will be a battle of struggling teams meeting in Florida as the Jaguars, losers of seven straight games, host a Minnesota Vikings’ club that has dropped six of its last seven outings after a 5-0 start. But it’s worth noting that Jacksonville owns a dismal 1-5 home record in 2016.

Draft Talk: Just to make it official, the Jaguars have been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. When it comes to the backfield, the team has a young running back in second-year pro T.J. Yeldon, as well 2016 free-agent addition Chris Ivory and Denard Robinson. They are also terribly unbalanced on offense. Either a running back or some more help on the offensive line would be a good start.

Dec 4, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws the ball during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Rams

4-8

Last week: L, 26-10, at NELast rank: 28th

Next Week: Los Angeles hosts the Falcons, who will be coming off a tough game against Kansas City where they lost after Eric Berry converted a “pick-two” in the one-point loss. With the Buccaneers and Falcons now tied for first in the NFC South, Atlanta will give the Rams all they’ve got, despite losing multiple players to injury.

Draft Talk: Los Angeles has regressed despite having Todd Gurley and Jared Goff now the leaders on offense. Gurley’s sophomore slump has a lot to do with that, but the Rams need to add more talent around the two. With no first or third-round pick thanks to the Goff trade, Los Angeles will need to get creative this offseason. Watch for either an interior offensive lineman or defensive back in the second-round. Hopefully the allure of living in Los Angeles will be enough to attract free agents.

Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A “Bear Down” flag is flown after a fourth quarter touchdown during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bears

3-9

Last week: W, 26-6, vs. SFLast rank: 29th

Next Week: Detroit is next for the Bears, and will most likely kill their exuberance after winning their first game since November 1. Matthew Stafford is a darkhorse to win the MVP this year after losing Calvin Johnson, while also having no support in the run game. Chicago should not get comfy with winning after Sunday.

Draft Talk: Chicago will most-likely turn to a quarterback, but will have to settle for the second or third quarterback in the class. After Mitch Trubisky and Deshaun Watson, Chicago may have to hold off on taking a passer and turn to defense. Luke Falk out of Washington State is a potential mid-round quarterback who could surprise people.

Nov 27, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles coaches against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

New York Jets

3-8

Last week: Mon. night vs. INDLast rank: 27th

Next Week: The Jets will have a short week and make their second trip out west this year when they invade Levi’s Stadium to face the struggling San Francisco 49ers. Chip Kelly’s club has dropped 11 straight games after a Week 1 win over the Rams. However, Bowles’ squad is 0-3 vs. interconference competition this season.

Draft Talk: This past April, general manager Mike Maccagnan used a second-round pick on quarterback Chris Hackenberg. The team also has two-year pro Bryce Petty on the roster. The team needs to find out exactly what they have behind center. What is not disputable is that the Jets need an heir apparent to rapidly-aging cornerback Darrelle Revis.

Dec 4, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) warms up before the start of a game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Carolina Panthers

4-8

Last week: L, 40-7, at SEALast rank: 24th

Next Week: San Diego travels across the country to play the Panthers in an early game next Sunday. With Carolina’s inability to protect Cam Newton, first-round pick Joey Bosa will be due for another strong performance. The realistic possibility Luke Kuechly will not play means Melvin Gordon could explode in the running game.

Draft Talk: The Panthers need to better protect Cam Newton going forward, so the offensive line should be their primary focus. Cam Robinson, an offensive tackle from Alabama, is a popular choice should he persuade NFL teams his character will not be an issue. Running back and cornerback will also be addressed.

Dec 4, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) against the Detroit Lions during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Lions defeated the Saints 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Saints

5-7

Last week: L, 28-13, vs. DETLast rank: 21st

Next Week: The Saints take their fading playoff hopes to Tampa Bay, who is now tied for the division lead with Atlanta. Jameis Winston has an opportunity to dismantle the leagues’ worst defense at home, and will take full advantage of that. Who will cover Mike Evans, no one is quite sure.

Draft Talk: New Orleans has more holes on defense than the College Football Playoff committee’s explanations. They have drafted Hau’oli Kikaha, Sheldon Rankins, and Stephone Anthony to be the future of their front-seven. Middle linebacker, defensive end, and cornerback still need to be fixed on a defense that has been historically bad for years.

Dec 4, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) walks off the field following the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Texans

6-6

Last week: L, 21-13, at GBLast rank: 20th

Next Week: The Texans visit their city of horrors next Sunday when they travel to Indianapolis to face the division- rival Colts. Last season, Houston won on the road in this series for the first time in 14 meetings. Back in Week 6 on a Sunday night in their own building, Bill O’Brien’s club rallied in the fourth quarter against a stunned Indianapolis club and then prevailed in overtime, 26-23.

Playoff hopes: You could say there are dwindling. But the fact is that the Texans are still tied for the lead in the AFC South despite the club’s recent skid. And the fact remains that with four games remaining, O’Brien’s club still owns a pristine 3-0 record against its division rivals. It’s not an ideal situation but at least for now, Houston controls its destiny when it comes to the postseason.

Dec 4, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) reacts during a stop in play against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 32-14. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Eagles

5-7

Last week: L, 32-14, at CINLast rank: 19th

Next Week: The Eagles will face the Redskins for the second time this year. Washington held off Philadelphia 27-20 last month, and the Eagles will have revenge in mind. If the Eagles defense can contain Kirk Cousins, which has not been easy to do this year, they at-least have a chance of splitting the season series.

Draft Talk: Philadelphia has multiple needs, but wide receiver and cornerback will be highlighted and circled repeatedly. John Ross and Mike Williams are worth first round picks among wide receivers. Ross’s teammate Sidney Jones could be a fit at cornerback, a position the Eagles have struggled with since losing Asante Samuel. Philadelphia owns the Vikings first round pick from the Sam Bradford trade, and will be rooting for their continued slide.

Nov 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen (83) against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Steelers won 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis Colts

5-6

Last week: Mon. night at NYJLast rank: 22nd

Next Week: This is a crucial seven-day stretch for Chuck Pagano’s struggling squad. After visiting the Jets, the Colts return home to face the Texans. Back in Week 6, Indianapolis squandered a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter on a Sunday night at Houston and eventually fell in overtime, 26-23. The Texans seek their first-ever season sweep of the Colts.

Draft Talk: At 5-6, the Colts are hardly out of the race for the top spot in the AFC South. But this team still has a lot of issues in terms of talent. In April, general manager Ryan Grigson did address the offensive line with four picks and used four other selections on defense. But it may be time for the club to add a pair of young legs at running back.

Dec 4, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) runs against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 32-14. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Bengals

4-7-1

Last week: W, 32-14, vs. PHILast rank: 25th

Next Week: Cincinnati makes the extremely short road trip to face the winless Cleveland Browns. Back in Week 7, Lewis’ club managed a 31-17 victory over their intrastate rivals. Cincinnati has not only prevailed in the last four meetings by a combined 129-30 score, its last two trips to Cleveland have resulted in a pair of wins by an astonishing 67-3 count.

Draft Talk: This is one of the better organizations in the league when it comes to the selection process. The team has made a habit of taking cornerbacks in the first round in recent years. But this is a club that could use some more wide receiver help. Another big-play wideout would be a big help. The Bengals could also use a little more oomph at defensive tackle.

Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) passes against the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Cowboys win 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Vikings

6-6

Last week: L, 17-15 vs. DALLast rank: 18th

Next Week: The Vikings go to Jacksonville, with or without their head coach. Reports are that even if Mike Zimmer is unable to fly to Jacksonville, arraignments have been made to drive him there. A 1,500 mile trip that normally takes three hours by plane would require two days worth of driving to make an approximate 21-hour trip.

Playoff hopes: Currently tied with the Packers for second place, the Vikings will have a tough hill to climb to make the playoffs. They won’t have the depth or health tome a legitimate playoff push. Without a first round pick, and the future of Teddy Bridgewater in serious doubt, Minnesota finds themselves in an unenviable spot.

Dec 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) reacts after throwing an interception that was returned for a touchdown by Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (kneeling) during the second half at Qualcomm Stadium. Tampa Bay won 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego Chargers

5-7

Last week: L, 28-21, vs. TBLast rank: 17th

Next Week: The Bolts pack their bags and will make the long trip east to face the defending NFC champion Carolina Panthers. It’s the first road game in this series for the Chargers since 2004 and the first meeting between these interconference foes since ’12. Carolina leads the all-time series with a 4-1 record.

Draft Talk: Could this team possibly look at a quarterback sometime this April? Rivers has a lot of mileage on him and is still effective but it’s never too early to plan for the future. More realistically, the Bolts could go for some wide receiver help given the injuries that have plagued the position in recent years.

Dec 4, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) celebrates after making a catch during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Green Bay Packers

6-6

Last week: W, 21-13, vs. HOULast rank: 26th

Next Week: Seattle comes to Green Bay looking to break a trend that has stood for over a decade. The road team in this series has not won since 1999 when the Seahawks knocked off Brett Favre in Lambeau Field. If there were ever a year that could change, this would be it.

Playoff hopes: Green Bay will need a lot of help to make the playoffs this year. Tied with the Vikings for second in the division, the Packers need several teams above them to fall in the wild card standings. Missing the playoffs would mean a draft pick in the mid-teens for Green Bay to work with. Drafting depth at linebacker and finding a productive running back will be on their shopping list come spring.

Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) makes a catch during the first half against the Washington Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Cardinals

5-6-1

Last week: W, 31-23, vs. WSHLast rank: 23rd

Next Week: Carson Palmer will look to continue his recent success in Miami against the Dolphins. Miami saw their six-game win streak come to an end, but will hang their hats on being an excellent team in the comforts of home. Both teams are battling for playoff position, and could spell the end of their opponents season. With the Seahawks pulling away in the NFC West, it will be tough for the Cardinals to make a run at the playoffs. A distant wild card opportunity is available, but in all likelihood their season will end in four weeks.

Draft Talk: Arizona did not expect to be drafting early this year, but will ultimately be benefit by adding some young talent. Finding someone to help Patrick Peterson at cornerback will be on the docket, as will finding the long-term solution at quarterback. If Brad Kaaya falls to the late-first round or early-second, I can see Arizona turning in a card with his name on it.

Nov 27, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee Titans

6-6

Last week: BYELast rank: 16th

Next Week: For the first time since 2011, the Denver Broncos will pay a visit to Nashville. The last time these two original AFL franchises met was three years ago in the Mile High City when Peyton Manning was leading his club to a 51-28 win. The Broncos bring a 4-2 road record into this tilt.

Playoff hopes: Here’s a team that’s tied for the AFC South lead with the Houston Texans and seeking a playoff berth for the first time since 2008. The division title could possibly come down to these teams’ meeting in Tennessee in Week 17 (although the Colts may have a say on the matter). The Titans’ 1-3 divisional record doesn’t help their cause.

Dec 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker James Cowser (47) sacks Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) during a NFL football game at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo Bills

6-6

Last week: L, 38-24, at OAKLast rank: 13th

Next Week: Ryan and his talented squad will look to cool off the suddenly-rejuvenated Pittsburgh Steelers. Ben Roethlisberger and company have won three straight games after a surprising 4-5 start. For what it’s worth, the Bills have dropped five straight games in this series. It will be interesting to see if Ryan’s defense can slow down red-hot running back Le’Veon Bell.

Playoff hopes: They took a big-time hit with the loss at Oakland. The 38-24 loss dropped Buffalo’s record in the AFC to 3-5, which includes losses to non-divisional contenders such as the Ravens and Raiders. Unless this team gets a lot of help, the Bills will remain the only team in the league not to make the playoffs this century.

Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) signals to teammates during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Redskins

6-5-1

Last week: L, 31-23, at AZLast rank: 12th

Next Week: The Redskins travel to Philadelphia, a team they squeaked a win over in their first game of the season. The Eagles have struggled lately, and Doug Pederson is beginning to hear it from the fans.This game becomes a must-win for Washington to boost their resume heading towards the finish line of the playoff race.

Playoff hopes: Currently there are three teams from the NFC East projected to make the playoffs. Dallas has virtually clinched the division, while New York and Washington are looking at wild card spots. The Redskins have a New Years Day game against New York, which could ultimately knock one of them out of the playoff race.

Dec 4, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) runs after the catch as Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Zach Orr (54) defends during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated Miami Dolphins 38-6. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Dolphins

7-5

Last week: L, 28-6, at BALLast rank: 9th

Next Week: For the first time since 2004, the Arizona Cardinals visit Miami to take on the Dolphins. After winning the first eight meetings in this interconference series, the Cards have prevailed in the last three encounters. Miami has won four straight at home while Arizona sports a 1-4 road mark this season.

Playoff hopes: They certainly took a bit of a hit with the loss to the Ravens. Miami now sits three games out of first place in the AFC East with four games to play. And a head-to-head loss to Baltimore could possibly come back to haunt Gase’s team come tie-breaker time. But there’s still a lot of football to play and the Dolphins remain in the thick of the playoff discussion.

Dec 4, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) carries the ball as Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry (29) defends during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Chiefs won 29-28. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Falcons

7-5

Last week: L, 29-28, vs. KCLast rank: 7th

Next Week: The Falcons face rookie quarterback Jared Goff, who’s still looking for his first professional win. Los Angeles has scored no more than 10 points in two Goff’s three career starts. Atlanta’s defense will welcome that deficiency after allowing 24 points in all but one game this year.

Playoff hopes: Now tied with Tampa Bay for the NFC South title, the Falcons must strap on their hard hats, and get to work. After splitting their season series, division record would determine a tie at seasons end. At the moment, Atlanta holds that advantage with one more win in the division. However, Tampa Bay hasn’t played New Orleans yet, and sits with two wins already. Atlanta needs to keep an eye on the wild card scenarios just in case.

Dec 4, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Terrance West (28) blows a kiss to the fans after his fourth quarter touchdown against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore Ravens

7-5

Last week: W, 38-6, vs. MIALast rank: 32nd

Next Week: One of the AFC’s better rivalries is renewed next Monday night at Foxborough as Harbaugh’s squad visits the AFC East leading Patriots. It’s been an interesting venue for the Ravens, who are 0-6 lifetime in the regular season but have won two of the team’s four playoff meetings at Gillette Stadium.

Playoff hopes: The teams both own 7-5 records, but the Ravens still own the tie-breaker over the rival Steelers because of their win over Pittsburgh in Week 9. Baltimore also owns an impressive 7-2 record within the conference and a 4-0 record in the division. Like the Steelers, this club controls its own destiny in terms of the AFC North title.

Dec 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) gestures against the San Diego Chargers during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

7-5

Last week: W, 28-21, at SDLast rank: 14th

Next Week: The Saints arrive in Tampa Bay attempting to remain in the playoff hunt themselves. New Orleans is two games behind Atlanta and Tampa Bay, and needs this first game of the seasons series to gain leverage. Tampa Bay hasn’t had the best home record this season at 2-4, but has recently turned a page on their season.

Playoff hopes: Tampa Bay still has their two games against the Saints to be played, a major piece of the tiebreaker puzzle. Should the Falcons and Buccaneers finish tied for first place in the NFC South, division record would be a critical tie breaker. Having played more games, the Falcons have one more division win. Tampa Bay needs to sweep New Orleans to stay relevant in the division race.

Dec 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

New York Giants

8-4

Last week: L, 24-14, at PITLast rank: 6th

Next Week: The Giants host the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football as a stretch of tough match ups continues. Dallas would be undefeated if not for the Giants, so they’ll be looking to play spoilers while leading the division.

Playoff hopes: Injuries within the Giants’ front seven could spell the start of a fall. New York has four tough games to finish the season, including two division games on the road to finish the year. I said last week it was possible the Giants could lose-out heading into the Steelers game. They must buck their December trends now if they wish to hold onto the top wild card spot.

Pittsburgh Steelers

7-5

Last week: W, 24-14, vs. NYGLast rank: 11th

Next Week: The Steelers make the short trip to Orchard Park, New York, to take on the 6-6 Buffalo Bills, who squandered a big lead at Oakland in Week 13. As for this series, Pittsburgh has prevailed in the last five meetings between the clubs, but these franchises haven’t squared off since 2013. Tomlin’s club owns a 3-3 road record this season.

Playoff hopes: The Steelers and rival Baltimore Ravens both own 7-5 records but the latter owns the temporary tie-breaker because of their 21-14 win in November. It’s hard to believe that the AFC North will produce a pair of playoff teams this year. If Mike Tomlin team wins out, they will be division champions. But there’s an awfully long way to go.

Dec 4, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) looks on prior to a play against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter at EverBank Field. The Denver Broncos won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Broncos

8-4

Last week: W, 20-10, at JAXLast rank: 9th

Next Week: The defending Super Bowl champions remain on the road and within the AFC South as they travel to Nashville to clash with the much-improved Tennessee Titans. Mike Mularkey’s team had the week off but still managed to gain ground on the slumping Houston Texans. The teams are now tied for the division lead with 6-6 marks. The Denver defense will have to deal with the explosive combination of Marcus Mariota and DeMarco Murray.

Playoff hopes: At 8-4, the Broncos would be by themselves in first place in both the AFC North and AFC South. They would trail the New England Patriots by just two games in the AFC East. But these days, that mark is only good enough for third place in the wild AFC West. But there are still opportunities for this club to win a division title.

Dec 4, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) celebrates after throwing a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Lions defeated the Saints 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Lions

8-4

Last week: W, 28-13, at NOLast rank: 7th

Next Week: The Bears travel to Detroit after a big win over San Francisco. Matt Barkley will be starting for Chicago, giving the Lions defense a great opportunity to pounce on a division opponent. This game could get messy, and result in David Fales being thrown into the sacrificial fire late in the game.

Playoff hopes: Two games separates the Packers and Lions for the NFC North crown. Each team is on a multi-game win streak, although it appears the Packers are not as strong this time around. Injuries on defense and questions being drawn around the head coach will play in Detroits favor. The New Years Day game could be the determining factor in week 17.

Dec 4, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett (72) participates in during pregame stretches against the Carolina Panthers at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Seattle Seahawks

8-3-1

Last week: W, 40-7, vs. CARLast rank: 5th

Next Week: The Seahawks take a trip to venerable Lambeau Field, where they have not won in 20 years. Aaron Rodgers will provide a tough test for the banged-up Legion of Boom, which lost Earl Thomas to a broken leg on Sunday night against Carolina.

Playoff hopes: Seattle is now three games ahead of Arizona, virtually establishing themselves as the NFC West champions. With four winnable games to finish out the regular season, the Seahawks will compete for one of the top spots in the NFC.

Dec 4, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry (29) celebrates after defeating the Atlanta Falcons 29-28 at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Chiefs

9-3

Last week: W, 29-28, at ATLLast rank: 4th

Next Week: It’s a short week but a crucial one for the Chiefs as they host the AFC West leading Oakland Raiders on a Thursday night at Arrowhead Stadium. It was back in Week 6 in the Bay Area that Kansas City throttled the Silver and Black, 26-10. All told, the Chiefs have prevailed in their last four meetings with their longtime divisional rival.

Playoff hopes: All signs point to this resourceful club making its second consecutive postseason trip and third playoff appearance in four seasons under Reid. And if the Chiefs can knock off the first-place Raiders on Thursday night, they will put themselves in the driver’s seat when it comes to the AFC West title.

Dec 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) is defended by Buffalo Bills cornerback Kevon Seymour (29) on a 37-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter during a NFL football game at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Oakland Raiders

10-2

Last week: W, 38-24, vs. BUFLast rank: 3rd

Next Week: It’s a short week for the Silver and Black as Del Rio’s team looks to avenge this season’s 26-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. This time around, the teams play at Arrowhead Stadium and on a Thursday night. The Raiders are a sparkling 5-0 away from home this season, but Oakland has lost four straight in this series.

Playoff hopes: Pretty damn good barring an unimaginable collapse, the Silver and Black will be playoff-bound for the first time since 2002. But they still have some work to be done if they are to capture the AFC West. The Kansas City Chiefs sit just one game back in the division and have already beaten Del Rio’s team once this season.

Dec 4, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long (95) celebrates after sacking Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (not pictured) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots

10-2

Last week: W, 26-10, vs. LALast rank: 2nd

Next Week: The first-place Pats remain home for a second straight week and host the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night. Including four playoff encounters between the franchises, New England owns a 9-3 overall advantage in this series. But two of those wins by Baltimore have come at Foxborough and in the postseason.

Playoff hopes: Make it 14 consecutive seasons with 10 or more wins by this amazing franchise. The Patriots are also zeroing in on an eighth consecutive playoff appearance and a record eight straight division title. Of course, they’re also in the running for the top seed in the AFC as well.

Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Byron Jones (31) celebrates with safety Jeff Heath (38) the failed two-point conversion attempt by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Cowboys win 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys

11-1

Last week: BYELast rank: 1st

Next Week: The Cowboys travel to New York for Sunday Night Football, the start of a three-game primetime stretch for Dallas. Their only loss of the season came against New York in the first game of the year. New York will need this game should a tie-breaker become reality in the wild card race.

Playoff hopes: Dallas has turned their distant playoff dreams into reality. Who could have imagined when Tony Romo went down the kind of response this team would have throughout the season. It’s been a nearly perfect season for the Cowboys, and it will be one that could run through Dallas for the entirely of the NFC playoffs.