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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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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 23: Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 23, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 23: Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 23, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Chargers. 15. team. 13. . 8-7. Previous:

The Bolts looked to rebound from last week’s overtime loss by beating the Texans at Houston. But their hosts had other plans as the Los Angeles’ defense, minus some key performers, had no answers for a club that came into the game ranked last in the league in total offense.

The Chargers surrendered 437 yards, 189 of those on the ground. Justin Herbert threw for 336 yards and one score. But he had two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown.

7-7. Previous: . Miami Dolphins. 14. team. 59.

After the smoked cleared after Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, Brian Flores’ team was still very much in the AFC postseason picture. The Dolphins are riding a six-game winning streak, the second-longest in the league at the moment behind the Chiefs (8).

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been solid but the real difference has been on defense. Miami has improved its run defense as of late and the ‘Fins have regained their opportunistic touch.

13. team. 42. . 8-7. Previous: . San Francisco 49ers

It was a short week for Kyle Shanahan’s club, which looked for a third straight win as the Niners invaded Nashville. San Francisco dominated the first half, 10-0, and limited the Titans’ offense to 55 total yards.

It was a far different after intermission as Tennessee outscored the 49ers, 20-7. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo threw for 322 yards and one score but was picked off twice. Deebo Samuel was targeted 11 times and caught nine passes for 159 yards.

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