Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 10
Next
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 25: Carson Wentz #2 of the Indianapolis Colts has the ball knocked out of his hand by Chandler Jones #55 of the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 25, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 25: Carson Wentz #2 of the Indianapolis Colts has the ball knocked out of his hand by Chandler Jones #55 of the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 25, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Cincinnati Bengals. 9. team. 56. . 9-6. Previous:

Zac Taylor’s club was in position to sweep the slumping Ravens for the first time since 2015. And it wound up being a huge outing for one of the most improved clubs in the league. In the first half alone, Bengals’ quarterback Joe Burrow hit on 18-of-21 passes for 299 yards and three touchdowns.

He finished the afternoon with an incredible 525 yards through the air and four scores. Cincinnati exploited the Ravens defense for a whopping 575 yards.

48. . 11-4. Previous: . Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 8. team

While the Buccaneers are the defending Super Bowl champions, the franchise had not won the NFC South since 2007. And that changed on Sunday at Charlotte as Tom Brady and company made easy work of the Panthers.

Tom Brady threw for 232 yards and one score and the Bucs not only played turnover-free football but did not allow a sack. And Todd Bowles’ defense finished with a combined seven sacks of Cam Newton (3) and Sam Darnold (4).

. 9-6. Previous: . Indianapolis Colts. 7. team. 46

The surging Colts, winners of eight of their last 11 games after a 0-3 start, headed to the desert for a Christmas clash with the Cardinals. The team was missing its share of starters (COVID-19) but it was another workhorse effort by running back Jonathan Taylor.

While he didn’t score a touchdown, he totaled 27 carries for 108 yards. On the other hand, Carson Wentz threw for 225 yards and a pair of TDs. Make it three straight wins for Frank Reich’s club.

Home/NFL Power Rankings