NFL Power Rankings Week 17: Predicting Standings After Season Finales

After Monday Night Football, it's on to Week 17, which brings surprisingly little drama in the playoff races.The NFC playoff picture is just about set, with only the seeding of the six teams yet to be decided.In the AFC, three teams have clinched, with the Denver Broncos one win away from becoming the fourth.While most the playoff picture is almost set, the Super Bowl favorite is certainly still up for debateespecially after the Carolina Panthers' upset loss at the hands of the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday afternoon.Here's a look at the updated power rankings entering the Cincinnati Bengals-Denver Broncos showdown on Monday night.Notable Teams1. Arizona CardinalsWhile the Arizona Cardinals don't own the best record in the league, and may not even end up with the No. 1 seed in the NFC, they look like the hottest team in the NFL right now.Carson Palmer has received much of the attention during the Cardinals' impressive run to the NFC West title, but it was the defense on display Sunday against the Packers.The Cardinals defense held Aaron Rodgers to just eight points, the third-lowest output of his career as a starting quarterback.Based on their recent performance, the Cardinals are now the Super Bowl favorite, according to FiveThirtyEight, with a 23 percent chance of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.4. Minnesota VikingsIt's been a strange month for the Minnesota Vikings, who are just 2-2 in their last four games.After consecutive losses to the Seattle Seahawks and Cardinals, it appeared as though the Vikings might be more pretenders than contenders due to their lack of wins against quality opponents.Their most recent victories against the New York Giants and Chicago Bears certainly don't boost the resume by a considerable margin, but the Vikings' offensive performance in those games has allowed them to rise up the rankings.Mike Zimmer's squad has been buoyed by a dominant defense all season, but suddenly, Teddy Bridgewater has the offense clicking as well. Over the past two weeks, the Vikings have combined to score 89 points.Minnesota can wrap up the NFC North division with a victory in Green Bay on Sunday.9. New York JetsThe New York Jets have been a tough team to figure out this season, but an upset of the New England Patriots on Sunday gave a considerable boost to their resume.With the victory, the Jets are now 2-2 against teams currently over .500, with both victories coming at home (Patriots, Washington Redskins) and both losses on the road (Patriots, Houston Texans).Unfortunately for the Jets, even if they sneak into the playoffs, they will be forced to play on the road as one of the AFC's two wild-card teams.The Jets are currently the No. 6 seed in the AFC and can clinch a playoff berth with a victory in Week 17 in Buffalo against former head coach Rex Ryan.
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