NFL Week 14 power rankings: It's safe to believe, Vikings fans; It's safe to hope, Packers fans

December 6, 2017 at 5:37AM
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) celebrated the Vikings 14-9 win over the Falcons at Mercedes -Benz Stadium Sunday December 3, 2017 in Atlanta, GA.] JERRY HOLT • jerry.holt@startribune.com
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) celebrated the Vikings 14-9 win over the Falcons at Mercedes -Benz Stadium Sunday December 3, 2017 in Atlanta, GA.] JERRY HOLT • jerry.holt@startribune.com (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Biggest jump: Cowboys No. 22 to No. 16

Biggest fall: Colts No. 21 to No. 26

1. Patriots, 10-2 (Last week: 1)

If there's a Classless WWE Play of the Year, Rob Gronkowski clinched the belt on Sunday.

2. Steelers, 10-2 (3)

They've mastered the art of playing down to an opponent, stomping the gas and making the kick.

3. Vikings, 10-2 (4)

Oh, what the heck. Dive in, fans. This just might be the year Lucy doesn't pull the ball away at the end.

4. Eagles, 10-2 (2)

Philly picked on someone its own size and saw its record against teams with a winning record drop to 1-2.

5. Rams, 9-3 (5)

Coach of the Year Sean McVay gives Rams their first winning season since 2003.

6. Saints, 9-3 (6)

Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara > Adrian Peterson.

7. Seahawks, 8-4 (9)

The Legion of Boom went bust, but don't sleep on Russell Wilson and Seattle's veteran savvy.

8. Panthers, 8-4 (7)

Cam Newton ranks 25th in passer rating (83.0) with 11 interceptions. #teamgame.

9. Titans, 8-4 (10)

Marcus Mariota ranks 27th in passer rating (80.4) with 12 interceptions. #teamgame.

10. Jaguars, 8-4 (11)

I know it was Indy, but Blake Bortles deserves a break from being the butt of some jokes.

11. Falcons, 7-5 (8)

Matt Ryan tried to walk through his front door Sunday night, but the Vikings stopped him a yard short.

12. Chargers, 6-6 (12)

Remember when they were 0-4 and the Chiefs were 5-0?

13. Ravens, 7-5 (13)

Wait, what? They're still hanging around? Joe Flacco still has a pulse?

14. Raiders, 6-6 (17)

They aren't particularly good. But they don't have to be to win the AFC West.

15. Bills, 6-6 (14)

5-31. That's what it feels like to be stuck in the same division with Belichick and Brady for 18 seasons.

16. Cowboys, 6-6 (22)

Welcome back to the NFL, Dak.

17. Packers, 6-6 (20)

Rodgers practices, Packers win, Browns up next. Cue the scary "Jaws" music?

18. Redskins, 5-7 (15)

Kirk Cousins is good. But his defense ranks 30th in points allowed. #teamgame.

19. Lions, 6-6 (16)

They're sliding toward the abyss, but the schedule-maker has thrown them a Buccaneer to grab on to.

20. Jets, 5-7 (25)

The pundits got it half right. A team from New York did quit on the season. It just wasn't the Jets.

21. Chiefs, 6-6 (18)

Stay classy, Marcus Peters. Oops. Too late.

22. Cardinals, 5-7 (19)

Peterson (neck) sat while his backup, Kerwynn Williams, ran for 97 yards and a 6.1 average.

23. Buccaneers, 4-8 (22)

They're pretty lousy, but they're still fighting.

24. Bengals, 5-7 (24)

Strong start ends with just another loss to a better Steelers team.

25. Dolphins, 5-7 (30)

They stopped a five-game losing streak by dominating one of Denver's quarterbacks. That counts, right?

26. Colts, 3-9 (21)

Swept by the Jaguars for only the second time since 2002.

27. 49ers, 2-10 (29)

Jimmy Montana-Young, er, I mean Garoppolo puts up five FGs to beat the Bears in his 49ers starting debut.

28. Texans, 4-8 (27)

It's almost over, Houston.

29. Bears, 3-9 (26)

Ex-Bear Robbie Gould literally kicked his old team when it was down. Five times.

30. Giants, 2-10 (28)

If Ben McAdoo-doo wants to continue evaluating Geno Smith, he'll have to get DirecTV.

31. Broncos, 3-9 (31)

In desperate need of a quarterback to replace Larry, Curly and Moe, will John Elway turn to another Manning?

32. Browns, 0-12 (32)

Two games clear of the 49ers and Giants with four to go. We must Defend the Draft!

about the writer

about the writer

Mark Craig

Sports reporter

Mark Craig has covered the NFL nearly every year since Brett Favre was a rookie back in 1991. A sports writer since 1987, he is covering his 30th NFL season out of 37 years with the Canton (Ohio) Repository (1987-99) and the Star Tribune (1999-present).

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