NFL power rankings, Week 17 Cowboys surge…

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

20. Denver Broncos (7-8)

Last week: 18

As it has traditionally gone, the Denver defense held up their end of the bargain. The Broncos took the ball away three times against the Raiders and held them to 17 points. Offensively, the Broncos only mustered 13 points of their own as QB Drew Lock started for the injured Teddy Bridgewater (concussion).

19. Las Vegas Raiders (8-7)

Last week: 22

Slim playoff hopes have been held onto by the Raiders in their win against the Broncos but there weren’t any style points. Bouncing back from an early fumble, RB Josh Jacobs had 129 yards. QB Derek Carr complemented that by tossing for 201 yards, completing passes to seven different targets as TE Darren Waller is still sidelined.

18. Cleveland Browns (7-8)

Last week: 17

The Browns kept it close in a 24-22 loss to the NFC’s best team in the Packers. That does not help them in their own playoff push, though. RB Nick Chubb was a workhorse with 126 rushing yards but QB Baker Mayfield returning off the COVID list and throwing four picks was ugly, even if some were questionable calls.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7-1)

Last week: 15

A 36-10 loss to the Chiefs was an embarrassing way for any playoff hopes, in what is QB Ben Roethlisberger’s likely final season, to go out the window. Roethlisberger only had 159 passing yards with two giveaways. Clearly Pittsburgh’s defense didn’t do much, either.

16. Philadelphia Eagles (8-7)

Last week: 20

Winners of six of their last eight, the Eagles handed their rivals in the Giants a crushing defeat. A huge second half turnaround was the reason. Philadelphia scored 31 after halftime. They saw their fortunes turn with improved play from QB Jalen Hurts.