NFL Power 10- Week 17

By: Sean Mason

 

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1. Seahawks- (1) 12-3

Despite a loss Seattle remains atop my power 10. They are still the most dangerous team in the NFL an with a win or a San Fran loss they will clinch home field through out the playoffs. Percy Harvin will be healthy for the playoffs. Russell Wilson still has an amazing home record (14-1). The road to Met Life will be going through Seattle in the NFC, something no team wants to here.

 

2. 49ers- (2) 11-4

Staying at number two is the 49ers. At 11-4 they already have clinched a playoff spot and can potentially still be the 1,2,5, or 6 seed. This team has the ability to go into Seattle and beat them. The 49er defense is tough and physical. Colin Kaepernick has playoff experience and has shown he can win in big games. The 49ers are built to win on the road, in bad weather.

 

3. Panthers- (3) 11-4

The Panthers came away with a huge win on Sunday against the Saints. The Panthers clinched their first playoff birth since 2008 and with a win on Sunday they will clinch the 2 seed. The Panthers are another team that is built to win on the road in poor conditions. Luke Kuechly is a game changer on defense. He is the leader and the catalyst of this defense. Cam Newton has shown he can make the plays at the end when the team needs it.

 

4. Broncos- (5) 12-3

The Broncos move up one spot from 5 to 4. The team is one of three I could see winning the AFC. With out a doubt this offense is historically great, Peyton Manning is on pace to break the single season passing yard record as well as already having broke the single season touchdown record. The biggest question though revolve around their defense. The team cannot rely just on offense. Peyton is questionable in cold weather and has a losing playoff record. A huge loss to the Broncos was Von Miller who tore his ACL on Sunday.

 

5. Bengals- (8) 10-5

The Bengals came up huge on Sunday beating the Vikings and clinching the NFC north. They are undefeated at home and with a win and a Patriot’s loss they will clinch the 2 seed in the AFC. The Bengals have a tremendous defense that will cause havoc against any quarterback. AJ Green is one of the best receivers in the game. A steady running game is also present in Cincinnati. The only problem is turnovers. If Andy Dalton can reduce his turnovers and control the ball nobody will stop the Bengals in the AFC.

 

6. Patriots- (9) 11-4

I’ll admit it I was wrong. I thought New England was done; I thought they’d lose to the Ravens. But Tom Brady is hungry for his fourth ring. It bothers him that he doesn’t have number 4 yet, after coming up short twice to the Giants. Tom Brady is doing some amazing things considering his receiving core. He made Julian Edelman a 100-reception guy. His receiving core is made up of nobodys. New England has the postseason success. Watch out for them.

 

7. Eagles- (10) 9-6

The Eagles are a win away from the division. Chip Kelly’s offense has translated better then expected from college to the NFL. They have their quarterback in Nick Foles, a guy in my opinion who could be a future NFL MVP. Just look at his numbers for a guy who didn’t play all season. The Eagles are rolling as of late and are a team you won’t beat in a shoot out.

 

8. Chiefs- (6) 11-4

It looked like the Chiefs were rolling, until Sunday, when they lost at home to a banged up Colts team. Alex Smith had a rare three turnover game. No matter how good a teams defense is, turning the ball over three times on your side of the field is to much to overcome. The Chiefs are good but not great.

 

 9. Saints- (7) 10-5

The Saints have fallen apart. It’s night and day with them on the road and at home. They look lost on offense and defense while on the road. They were in prime position for two weeks to take the NFC’s 2 seed. But they were blown out by the Rams and then lost a heart breaker to the Panthers. This team has no guarantees regarding the post season either. They have to win to get the 6 seed on Sunday against a tough Buccaneers team who has turned around what looked a lost season.

 

10. Cardinals- (NR) 10-5

The Cardinals are a great football team, but they might not even make the playoffs. They are in the toughest division in football (NFC West) and could potentially be 11-5 and not make the playoffs. Bruce Arians is an outstanding coach and in my opinion is coach of the year. They went into Seattle and beat them despite 4 interceptions by Carson Palmer. If this team gets in they will be very dangerous in the NFC. 

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