NFL Power Rankings Week 17: Where does every NFC team stand?

The NFC Power Rankings continue to take shape entering Week 17 of the 2021 NFL season. There are just two weeks remaining in the regular season. Teams are battling for position as the NFL playoffs approach. Here's how the NFC stacks up this week.

NFC Power Rankings: Teams struggling the most

NFC teams ranked #16-#13 in the Week 17 Power Rankings of the 2021 NFL season.

#16 - Detroit Lions (2-12-1)

Last week: #16

Next week: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell

The Detroit Lions are an easy selection for last place in the NFC Power Rankings. They have the worst record in the conference and second worst in the NFL. They continue to play hard down the stretch, as both of their wins this season have come in the last four weeks.

#15 - New York Giants (4-11)

Last week: #14

Next week: vs. Chicago Bears

The New York Giants continue to plummet down the Power Rankings as they have now lost four games straight. They will have big decisions to make after the season. The futures of quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley are uncertain.

#14 - Carolina Panthers (5-10)

Last week: #13

Next week: vs. New Orleans Saints

The Carolina Panthers have lost their last five consecutive games. They have the longest active losing streak in the NFC. Sam Darnold and Cam Newton have both struggled this season. The Panthers will need to evaluate the quarterback position this offseason.

#13 - Seattle Seahawks (5-10)

Last week: #12

Next week: vs. Detroit Lions

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson

The Seattle Seahawks have been one of the most disappointing teams this year. They expected to be towards the top of the NFC, but instead, they are towards the bottom. NFL rumors have been heating up that this could be Russell Wilson's last season with the team.

NFC Power Rankings: Teams that need to do better

NFC teams ranked #12-#9 in the Week 17 Power Rankings of the 2021 NFL season.

#12 - Chicago Bears (5-10)

Last week: #15

Next week: vs. New York Giants

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields

The Chicago Bears improved their spot in the Power Rankings for the first time in over two months. They earned their second win of the season this week when they defeated the Seattle Seahawks. Unfortunately, it was only their second win since Week 5 of the season.

#11 - Washington Football Team (6-9)

Last week: #10

Next week: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

The Washington Football Team had won four straight games to get back to .500 this season. Since then they have lost their last three consecutive games. They were sixth in the NFC Power Rankings at their peak but have plummeted since then. They are in real danger of missing the playoffs this year after winning their division last year.

#10 - Atlanta Falcons (7-8)

Last week: #11

Next week: vs. Buffalo Bills

The Atlanta Falcons are having an odd season. They have a negative 122 point differential this year. The Lions are the only NFC team with a worse number. The Falcons are just one game under .500 and one game out of a playoff spot. The numbers don't add up, but they have found a way to survive.

#9 - New Orleans Saints (7-8)

Last week: #9

Next week: vs. Carolina Panthers

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton

The New Orleans Saints have had a frustrating season. They held their spot in the Power Rankings this week despite suffering another loss. They had to play with their fourth string quarterback, Ian Book, due to injuries and COVID-19 issues. Despite their struggles, they are still within striking distance of a Wild Card spot.

NFC Power Rankings: Teams that are close

NFC teams ranked #8-#5 in the Week 17 Power Rankings of the 2021 NFL season.

#8 - Minnesota Vikings (7-8)

Last week: #7

Next week: vs. Green Bay Packers

Minnesota Vikings' Justin Jefferson and Dalvin Cook

The Minnesota Vikings are the only team in the NFL with a top five rusher and receiver entering Week 17. Justin Jefferson ranks second with 1,451 receiving yards. Dalvin Cook ranks fourth with 1,067 rushing yards. Despite their offensive superstars, they are still below .500 this year. They barely made the top half of the NFC Power Rankings.

#7 - San Francisco 49ers (8-7)

Last week: #6

Next week: vs. Houston Texans

The San Francisco 49ers have been hot over the last two months. Despite losing this week to the Tennessee Titans, they have still won five of their last seven games. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is questionable to play this week with a thumb injury. Trey Lance could start the second game of his young career.

#6 - Philadelphia Eagles (8-7)

Last week: #8

Next week: vs. Washington Football Team

The Philadelphia Eagles are surging up the Power Rankings. They have an active three-game winning streak as they make their push for the playoffs. This is the highest they have been in the Power Rankings this year. The Eagles lead the NFL with 163.2 rushing yards per game. Jalen Hurts ranks second among quarterbacks with 740 rushing yards.

#5 - Arizona Cardinals (10-5)

Last week: #5

Next week: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray

The Arizona Cardinals sat at the very top of the Power Rankings three weeks ago. They have lost three straight games as they continue to struggle down the stretch. They have already clinched a playoff spot but are in danger of losing the NFC West division title to the Los Angeles Rams.

NFC Power Rankings: The top teams

NFC teams ranked #4-#1 in the Week 17 Power Rankings of the 2021 NFL season.

#4 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-4)

Last week: #4

Next week: vs. New York Jets

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rob Gronkowski and Tom Brady

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been in the top five in the NFC Power Rankings for the entire 2021 NFL season. Tom Brady leads the top rated passing attack this year, averaging 300 yards per game. He also leads the NFL in touchdown passes. The Buccaneers recently lost Chris Godwin for the remainder of the season. Antonio Brown's return somewhat makes up for the lost production.

#3 - Los Angeles Rams (11-4)

Last week: #3

Next week: vs. Baltimore Ravens

The Los Angeles Rams have surpassed the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC West division race by winning their last four games. Cooper Kupp continues to dominate defenses as he is on pace to set a new single-season record in receiving yards. He is currently on pace for 1,965 receiving yards.

#2 - Dallas Cowboys (11-4)

Last week: #2

Next week: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Dak Prescott had a career game this week, throwing five touchdown passes against Washington. He has led the Dallas Cowboys to a four-game winning streak and the second spot in the Power Rankings. If they win their final two games of the season, they have a shot at the top seed in the playoffs. They would just need the Green Bay Packers to lose one more game.

#1 - Green Bay Packers (12-3)

Last week: #1

Next week: vs. Minnesota Vikings

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers

The Green Bay Packers own the top spot in the Power Rankings. They have the best record in the NFL. If they win the remainder of their games, they will earn the top seed in the NFC playoffs. Aaron Rodgers is once again one of the favorites to win the NFL MVP award. He has won three times, including last year.