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

Dec 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) passes the ball against the New York Giants during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) passes the ball against the New York Giants during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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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
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 /

12. team. 44. Atlanta has a well-documented history of collapsing under the pressure of a looming playoff appearance. The 2016 season looked to be different, but Sunday’s remarkable win could be a sign of things to come. Kansas City safety Eric Berry had two interceptions taken to the opposite end zone, totaling himself eight points in his first game in his hometown. Berry’s “pick-two” off Matt Ryan’s failed two-point conversion attempt late in the game sealed the Falcons loss, and brought déjà vu on to Falcons fans. Luckily for them, the schedule favors Atlanta down the stretch. <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p>. 7-5. Previous: . Atlanta Falcons