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2021 NFL power rankings: Final regular season edition

By Russell S. Baxter

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 09: Kicker Daniel Carlson #2 of the Las Vegas Raiders gets ready to kick a 47-yard field goal in overtime to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers 35-32 at Allegiant Stadium on January 9, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 09: Kicker Daniel Carlson #2 of the Las Vegas Raiders gets ready to kick a 47-yard field goal in overtime to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers 35-32 at Allegiant Stadium on January 9, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 09: K.J. Osborn #17 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates with teammates after a 21-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 09: K.J. Osborn #17 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates with teammates after a 21-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

7-10. Previous: . Atlanta Falcons. 24. team. 44.

The Falcons knocked off the Saints earlier this year at the Superdome and looked to sweep this series for the first time since 2016. But Arthur Smith’s team ran for only 62 yards and Atlanta turned over the ball three times.

Dean Pees’ defensive unit allowed Alvin Kamara and company to run for 195 yards. It was the fourth straight losing season for the franchise. The team scored 313 points and allowed 459 points – a miserable minus-146 differential.

It wasn’t all that long ago that Ron Rivera’s club was 6-6 and would be closing the season with five straight games vs. their NFC East rivals. But the first four would result in losses and Washington would not be defending its division title.

But they ended a four-game skid by completing a sweep of the rival Giants. Antonio Gibson ran 21 times for 146 yards and one score. And Bobby McCain totaled two interceptions, returning one 30 yards for a TD.

60. . 8-9. Previous: . Minnesota Vikings. 22. team

Mike Zimmer’s team was eliminated from the playoffs a week ago but could still sweep the rival Bears for the first time since 2017. But the Vikings had to rally from a 14-0 second-quarter deficit. Kirk Cousins overcame three sacks by throwing for 250 yards and three scores.

Minnesota’s defense allowed Andy Dalton to throw for 325 yards and one score. But they also picked him off twice, with Patrick Peterson taking one back 66 yards for a touchdown.

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