NFL Rankings: Week 16
By Ben Almquist
Welcome to this week’s NFL rankings, Addicts. This week features a very welcome change at the top of the board as the Broncos got bounced by the Steelers, putting the Chiefs in a position where the AFC West might just be attainable. That, plus a few other big moves as the playoff picture took a big step forward, especially in the NFC East where the Redskins now have a game on the rest of the division.
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However, overall there was not a lot of movement from last week. For the most part, the teams that were supposed to win, did. When that happens, it doesn’t create a lot of room for teams to make an argument to jump up the board. Which is also why the Redskins were able to secure such a big jump (+6) ahead of the middle of the pack. On top of multiple teams ahead of them losing, Washington also took the division lead which definitely had to be factored in. As far as the losers go this week, well I won’t pretend not to be smiling as I type that Denver led the way there (-5).
The Chiefs gained a spot in the rankings, jumping ahead of the Broncos. With a recent victory over Denver, an eight game winning streak, and an impressive victory this week, there was enough on hand evidence to move KC ahead in spite of having the worse record.
| Team | Status | Lst Wk | Lst Result | Streak | W-L | ||
| 1. | Panthers | — | 1 | W 38-35 vs NYG | W14 | Tough test on the road, but the Panthers answered. | 14-0 |
| 2. | Cardinals | — | 2 | W 40-17 vs PHI | W8 | The Cards will be a tough team to beat in the playoffs. | 12-2 |
| 3. | Patriots | — | 3 | W 33-16 vs TEN | W2 | The Patriots will likely have homefield advantage. Not good for rest of the AFC. | 12-2 |
| 4. | Bengals | +1 | 5 | W 24-14 vs SF | W1 | A real test for the Bengals coming next week against Denver. | 11-3 |
| 5. | Packers | +1 | 6 | W 30-20 vs OAK | W3 | Green Bay has bounced back nicely. | 10-4 |
| 6. | Chiefs | +1 | 7 | W 34-13 vs BAL | W8 | Closing out the season strong is a good thing for playoff football. | 9-5 |
| 7. | Steelers | +2 | 9 | W 34-27 vs DEN | W3 | That was the last real test for the Steelers. Should waltz into the playoffs now. | 9-5 |
| 8. | Seahawks | — | 8 | W 30-13 vs CLE | W5 | Seattle is peaking at the right time. | 9-5 |
| 9. | Broncos | -5 | 4 | L 27-34 vs PIT | L2 | Two tough losses in a row are not good news with Cincy looming. | 10-4 |
| 10. | Jets | — | 10 | W 19-16 vs DAL | W4 | The Jets know they have to win every game to stay in contention. | 9-5 |
| 11. | Vikings | — | 11 | W 38-17 vs CHI | W1 | Minnesota can be dangerous in the postseason. | 9-5 |
| 12. | Texans | +3 | 15 | W 16-10 vs IND | W1 | Big win, but who will be leading this team if they make the postseason? | 7-7 |
| 13. | Redskins | +6 | 19 | W 35-25 vs BUF | W2 | Suddenly the Redskins control their own destiny. | 7-7 |
| 14. | Giants | -2 | 12 | L 35-38 vs CAR | L1 | The NFC East might have just slipped away along with any composure OBJ had. | 6-8 |
| 15. | Bills | -2 | 13 | L 25-35 vs WAS | L2 | Things fell apart pretty quickly for Rex and company. | 6-8 |
| 16. | Eagles | -2 | 14 | L 17-40 vs ARI | L1 | The Eagles had looked to be gaining momentum in the division, but that was short-lived. | 6-8 |
| 17. | Buccanneers | -1 | 16 | L 23-31 vs STL | L2 | The Bucs playoff hopes are gone, but their future hopes are still bright. | 6-8 |
| 18. | Raiders | -1 | 17 | L 20-30 vs GB | L1 | 13 seasons without a winning record. | 6-8 |
| 19. | Falcons | +1 | 20 | W 23-17 vs JAX | W1 | Too little, too late? | 7-7 |
| 20. | Rams | +1 | 21 | W 31-23 vs TB | W2 | The Rams suddenly discover offense. | 6-8 |
| 21. | Colts | -3 | 18 | L 10-16 vs HOU | L3 | The Colts had a chance to put away the division and choked. | 6-8 |
| 22. | Lions | +5 | 27 | W 35-27 vs NO | W1 | They get a win, but this team is still very poorly managed. | 5-9 |
| 23. | Bears | -1 | 22 | L 17-38 vs MIN | L3 | The Bears are starting to play like we expected them to…bad. | 5-9 |
| 24. | Saints | -1 | 23 | L 27-35 vs DET | L1 | Rumors say Sean Payton might be gone after this year. | 5-9 |
| 25. | Jaguars | -1 | 24 | L 17-23 vs ATL | L1 | The Jags remain the ultimate “just wait til next year” team. | 5-9 |
| 26. | Dolphins | -1 | 25 | L 14-30 vs SD | L3 | This is what they paid Suh all that money for? | 5-9 |
| 27. | Cowboys | -1 | 26 | L 16-19 vs NYJ | L2 | Well, that was fun. | 4-10 |
| 28. | Chargers | +4 | 32 | W 30-14 vs MIA | W1 | One last hurrah for the Chargers fans…many of whom were probably at their first game. | 4-10 |
| 29. | Browns | -1 | 28 | L 13-30 vs CLE | L1 | There needs to be some big changes in Cleveland. | 3-11 |
| 30. | 49ers | -1 | 29 | L 14-24 vs CIN | L2 | So…Jared Goff or Paxton Lynch? | 4-10 |
| 31. | Titans | -1 | 30 | L 13-34 vs NE | L2 | There is some talent to work with for whoever takes over this head coaching gig. | 3-11 |
| 32. | Ravens | -1 | 31 | L 14-34 vs KC | L3 | The state of the franchise isn’t as bad as this one year. Kind of unfair for this front office to get such a high pick. | 4-10 |
Well, that does it for me Addicts. Check back next week to see who is ending up where as we approach the conclusion of the 2015 season.