The Strength Of Ten: Week 17 (2017)

Here it is. The final stretch of the 2017 season. In all honesty from Week 15 on people should not expect these rankings to ever change much. By the final quarter stretch of the season most franchises are already embedded into their narratives. There are still a few things to figure out in Week 17 but the playoff picture is clearing up rather smoothly. 

On today's podcast on the Football Show 'Boston' Jack and I discussed our positions. 

1. New England Patriots (12-3)
LAST WEEK: SAME

I’ll be totally honest. It’s not so far fetched for Rob Gronkowski to garner some late season MVP votes. He’s been ridiculous in recent weeks. The Patriots cannot win the Super Bowl this time around without him. End of discussion.  


2. Minnesota Vikings (12-3)
LAST WEEK: SAME

While it is possible they could fall out the #2 seed next week, the odds of that happening honestly are slim to none. They play Chicago. Enough said. 


3. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-3) 
LAST WEEK: SAME

Ugly start but then proceeded to dominate Houston. I was concerned initially which Steeler team showed up considering their heartbreaking loss tonNew England last week and their bad habit of playing down to their competition. 

That didn’t happen this week. 


4. Los Angeles Rams (11-4)
LAST WEEK: SAME 

I say it every week. Yet it remains true. The Rams are the most dangerous team in the NFC Playoffs. The one team where home field means nothing. You can argue they are a better road team than at home. 


5. Philadelphia Eagles (13-2)
LAST WEEK: SAME 

Defense played much better in their Monday Night win over Oakland. But it was their offense that all of a sudden disappeared. Still have concerns but at least they clinched home field throughout. 


6. Carolina Panthers (11-4)
LAST WEEK: #7

I’m sure people think it’s strange I have the Panthers ranked ahead of the Saints despite the fact that New Orleans swept the season series. Truth is I believe Carolina has the bigger upside overall and for some reason I trust them more.  


7. New Orleans Saints (11-4)
LAST WEEK: #8

In their win against Atlanta I finally am starting to figure out who this team is. No longer a Drew Brees reliant squad but can always use him in case of emergency. 


8. Jacksonville Jaguars (10-5)
LAST WEEK: #6

Total let down loss in San Francisco in Week 16. Would’ve helped add to the positive stock the Jags were gaining heading into the playoffs. Major setback. 


9. Kansas City Chiefs (9-6)
LAST WEEK: #10

A season of streaks, the Chiefs are peaking at the right time. Not convinced they are in the class of Pittsburgh and New England but anything is possible in the NFL’s second season. 


​10. Baltimore Ravens (9-6)
LAST WEEK: UNRANKED 

Strange to say but Joe Flacco has played much better in recent weeks. Could be the weird spoiler team in the postseason if they clinch next week.