NFL power rankings, Week 16: Colts roll, Cardinals and Bucs flop
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 19: Kyle Pitts #8 of the Atlanta Falcons completes a catch over Ambry Thomas #20 of the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter of the game at Levi’s Stadium on December 19, 2021 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
6-8. Previous: . Atlanta Falcons. 24. team. 44.
The Falcons made their way to San Francisco for the second time in three years. Arthur Smith’s team would squander an early opportunity but still owned a 3-0 lead midway through the first quarter. And the game was tied at 10-all with four minutes to go before halftime.
But it was mainly all Niners the rest of the way. Quarterback Matt Ryan was under duress throughout the afternoon, was sacked three times and took his share of hits.
6-7. Previous: . Minnesota Vikings. 23. team. 60.
The Purple Gang was looking to get to the .500 mark on the season and had some extra time to prepare for its first clash of the season with the rival Bears. But this has not been a good match-up for the Vikings as of late as the team has dropped five of its last six meetings with their longtime divisional adversary.
Green Bay clinched the NFC North title on Sunday so it’s the wild card route for Kirk Cousins and company. Can they put it all together?
5-8. Previous: . Seattle Seahawks. 22. team. 36.
A downer in the Pacific Northwest. It’s been a long year for a team that’s used to being in the playoff chase. But the Seahawks have won their last two games and are still in the postseason mix (barely).
Russell Wilson and the Seattle offense has had its issues and he and backup Geno Smith have been sacked a combined 39 times. After 14 weeks of play, no team in the NFL has allowed more total yards and more passing yards than Carroll’s club.