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2021 NFL power rankings, Week 17: NFC playoff field almost complete

By Russell S. Baxter

CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 26: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws a pass during the first quarter in the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium on December 26, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 26: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws a pass during the first quarter in the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium on December 26, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 26: Zach Wilson #2 of the New York Jets escapes the pocket and runs for a touchdown during the first quarter in the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at MetLife Stadium on December 26, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 26: Zach Wilson #2 of the New York Jets escapes the pocket and runs for a touchdown during the first quarter in the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at MetLife Stadium on December 26, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) /

4-11. Previous: . New York Jets. 28. team. 30.

It’s been a very long year for first-time NFL head coach Robert Saleh. But a victory over the visiting Jaguars meant that the Jets would double their victory total from 2020. The team got a 52-yard touchdown run from rookie quarterback Zach Wilson, who also threw for 102 yards and a score.

All told, New York rolled up 273 yards on the ground (118 by Michael Carter). Still, the Jets had to hold off the Jaguars in the closing minute to preserve the win.

27. team. 36. . 5-10. Previous: . Seattle Seahawks

The team is in the midst of its first losing campaign since 2011. The Seahawks hosted the Bears on Sunday and despite a big game from running back Rashaad Penny (135 yards, 1 TD), Pete Carroll’s club couldn’t put Chicago away.

A Nick Foles-to-Jimmy Graham TD pass with 1:01 to play and a successful two-point conversion spelled doom for the team. The Seahawks lost their 10th game of the season, the most by the franchise since 2009 (11).

Previous: . Houston Texans. 26. team. 10. . 4-11

Could David Culley’s team make it two straight wins as they hosted the dangerous Chargers? The Texans played arguably their most complete game of the season.

Running back Rex Burkhead amassed 149 yards and two scores on the ground, rookie quarterback Davis Mills threw for 254 yards and a pair of touchdowns and the Houston defense came up with three takeaways, including a 48-yard pick-six of Justin Herbert courtesy of Tavierre Thomas.

. 5-10. Previous: . Chicago Bears. 25. team. 57

Off a Monday night home loss to the Vikings, Matt Nagy’s club made its way to the snowy Pacific Northwest. The Bears and Seahawks engaged in a back-and-forth affair and twice Chicago rallied from 10-point deficits. Nick Foles got the start for Nagy’s club.

He overcame four sacks and threw for 250 yards and one touchdown to tight end Jimmy Graham. That came with 1:01 to play and a successful two-point conversion put the Bears ahead for good.

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