NFL Power Rankings Week 16: Colts Remain Unbeaten But Chargers Charging Not Far Behind

For the last few weeks, the following historical question has been asked: could we have two undefeated teams in the Superbowl?

That question was answered this week on the NFL Network’s Saturday Night Football when the Dallas Cowboys handed the New Orleans Saints their first loss of the season. The Saints loss left the Indianapolis Colts as the NFL’s lone unbeaten team at 14-0 (coincidentally, the same regular season record that the Miami Dolphins had in 1972).

So we now that the Colts are #1, but do the Saints hang onto their #2 ranking? Read on to find out.

(Also, as a little treat, make sure to read to the end of this week’s rankings for a little surprise, and a Christmas gift from a writer to his editor.)

1. Indianapolis Colts  (14-0)

Only one remains.

The Colts extended their streak to 23 regular season wins after a tough battle with Jacksonville that saw nine lead changes before the Colts struck the final blow on Peyton Manning’s 65 yard pass to Reggie Wayne.

This team is seemingly clicking on almost all cylinders.

Joseph Addai and the running back committee have been running more effectively, and Dallas Clark now has five touchdowns in the last two games. The only question remaining is how long will Jim Caldwell play the starters, and will this team achieve perfection?

2. New Orleans Saints (13-1)

It’s been quite a while since the city of New Orleans has experienced a loss on the football field, but with very little to play for in terms of playoff positioning, the Saints came out flat against a desperate Dallas team that opened up a 14-0 lead early. New Orleans made a strong charge, falling just short at the end of this game and lost 24-17.

Without a doubt, this is still the best team in the NFC, and a loss may actually do them more good than harm; only time will tell.

3. San Diego Chargers (11-3)

Nine in a row. This team is hot and it seems that they are most likely on a collision course with undefeated Indianapolis in the AFC Championship game.

Be afraid Indy. Be very afraid.

Philip Rivers continues to play at a very high level, and the Chargers are rallying around him and coach Norv Turner. This is one team NO ONE wants to see in the playoffs,

4. Minnesota Vikings (11-3)

Here come the “I-told-you-so-ers”.

• He’s too old.
• He doesn’t have enough in the tank.
• Blah blah friggin blah.

Brett Favre and the Vikings are just fine. They have secured a playoff spot, and will likely own the #2 seed and a bye in the first round of the playoffs, which will provide plenty of rest for the “old man” and his compadres.

I see New Orleans as the only team that will be able to knock the Vikes out of the playoffs, and that won’t happen until the NFC Championship.

5. Philadelphia Eagles (10-4)

The Eagles have once again held onto their lead in the NFC East, and with a win or a Dallas loss, can clinch the division this coming week.

It seems that no one can even begin to stop DeSean Jackson, and perhaps no one is trying.

Philly could end up posing problems for several NFC Playoff teams, but I just don’t see them being as good as Minnesota or New Orleans.

6. Cincinnati Bengals (9-5)

What a terrible week for the Bengals.

First, the unfortunate, tragic passing of Chris Henry occurred early this week, then a heart breaking loss to San Diego on Sunday put the cap on a very dark week for this franchise and the NFL as a whole. Even Chad Ochocinco could do nothing more than drop to his knees in honor of his fallen teammate.

7. Green Bay Packers (9-5)

Now Green Bay knows Arizona’s pain. Pittsburgh did it again with a leaning tip-toe-touching catch in the closing seconds for the one point victory. Green Bay played very well in this game, and at 9-5 will likely make the playoffs as a Wild Card entry (they clinch with one win.)

8. New England Patriots (9-5)

New England may have won against the Bills, and with Miami’s loss have all but clinched the AFC East; but I’m still not buying them. With teams like Indianapolis and San Diego playing as well as they are, a 17-10 victory over a horrible Buffalo team does not inspire my confidence in the Patriots as a contender.

This defense is not a Bellichick defense. Perhaps in a couple of years they may prove me wrong, but at this point, I consider New England to be a disappointment. I may be biased in saying this, but I’m not sure they have completely put the debacle in Indy behind them.

9. Arizona Cardinals (9-5)

Arizona is a good team, don’t get me wrong, but I feel that they are one of those teams that, in a different division, a tougher division, would not have as good a record. That being said, they have clinched their division, and even have a shot at Minnesota’s second seed in very extreme circumstances.

10. Dallas Cowboys (9-5)

My jaw is still on the floor. Dallas shocked not only this writer, but the entire NFL world on Saturday, as they put their December skid to a stop. What’s more important for Big D is that they remain within one game of Philly for the NFC East, and move one game closer to clinching a spot in the playoffs.

11. Denver Broncos (8-6)

12. Baltimore Ravens (8-6)

The Broncos have now lost six of their last eight games, and despite the fact that they and the Ravens are tied and hold the two wild card spots in the AFC, neither team, by any means, has secured that spot with still two games to go.

Jacksonville, Tennessee, Miami, Pittsburgh, Houston, and the New York Jets are all waiting in the wings at 7-7, and for the most part, all are playing very good football. This AFC wild card race is proving to be one hell of a show, and I don’t think we’ll know who is in and who is out until the last bell rings in week 17.

13. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-7)

14. Miami Dolphins (7-7)

These two teams have a lot in common.

They are both from Florida, both are coming off of tough losses to AFC South teams, and most of all, both are only one game out of the Wild card races. Either of these two teams could make a run into the playoffs.

Jacksonville gave all they had against the undefeated Colts and came up just short while Miami made an impressive come-from-behind surge to send it to overtime, only to lose by a field goal in OT.

15. Cleveland Browns (3-11)

Ok…I know what your saying….

“With all of those teams racing for the wild card spots in the AFC why the hell is Cleveland at 15????”

Simple. These rankings are not just based solely on the season, but recent performance, and despite Brady Quinn’s despicable performance, the amazing abilities of Joshua Cribbs and Jerome Harrison combined to give Cleveland their first win streak of the season after their victory against K.C.

OK, so I get it…that’s still not enough, but for all of those Cleveland fans, such as our own Jerod Morris, I wanted to provide a little ray of sunshine in what has been another rough season in Browns Town.

The good news for the franchise is that it looks as though Mike Holmgren is going to take over operations for the franchise, which could mean the dismissal of coach Eric Mangini.

So there is a silver lining for Browns fans out there. Hang on, there may be hope for the future.

Merry Christmas Browns Fans (and Jerod)….

Just Missed the Cut – Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans, New York Jets

I would like to send very special holiday wishes out to our troops, and their families, who are risking their lives this Christmas in what has become the longest war in American History. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and it is my wish that next year you will truly be “Home for Christmas”

[Editor's note: Amen to that Myles.]

---------------