2021 NFL power rankings, Week 17: NFC playoff field almost complete
. 7-8. Previous: . Atlanta Falcons. 24. team. 44
The team’s lone home win this season was a victory over the Jets in London, England. This week, the Falcons hosted the rejuvenated Detroit Lions and the game would come down to the final minute.
Atlanta owned a 20-16 advantage in the closing minutes but Russell Gage put the ball on the ground – giving the Lions a chance. But Dean Pees’ defensive unit go the crucial stop. And amazingly, the Falcons still remain in the NFC’s postseason hunt.
Previous: . Minnesota Vikings. 23. team. 60. . 7-8
Back at the .500 mark, the Purple Gang looked to make it three wins in a row when they hosted the surging Rams. Minnesota spotted Los Angeles a 7-0 first-quarter lead and were never able to catch up. Mike Zimmer’s crew ran for only 66 yards.
While Kirk Cousins threw for 315 yards and one touchdown, he was also picked off once, sacked three times and fumbled on three occasions (zero lost). And the Vikings dipped below the .500 mark once again.
22. team. 55. . 7-7-1. Previous: . Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike Tomlin’s team had the tough task of ending the Chiefs’ seven-game winning streak. It was a rough first half for the club, outscored 23-0 and outgained 255-109 in total yards. It would only get worse, as the Steelers turned over the ball three times and gave up 381 total yards.
Pittsburgh did not get on the scoreboard until there was 3:34 left in the third quarter. And Tomlin’s shaky team allowed 36-plus points for the fourth time in six games.