When it comes to Creative Misfortune Power Rankings, production is combined with potential to determine a team's true strength compared to the rest of the league. Winning isn't the only factor, but it is one of the most important components of the rating. I don't believe teams can be powerful if they consistently lose, even to other great teams.
Only the best teams still playing will continue to be ranked as we countdown to Super Bowl XLVIII! Say so long to The Forked Few, The Creatively Challenged and The Remarkably Average. They know what they've done.
The Fortunate Seven~
The best of those not yet elite
# 12 - Green Bay Packers (previous: 17)
The Packers may be far better than their 8-7-1 record with Aaron Rodgers back at the helm, but they needed a miracle to get by Chicago. San Francisco won't be nearly so easy to handle.
# 11 - San Diego Chargers (previous: 14)
The Chargers made it into the playoffs on a wing and a prayer and a kick just wide right.
# 10 - Philadelphia Eagles (previous: 11)
Kings of one of the worst divisions in the NFL this year, Chip Kelly now gets a chance to test his offense in the NFL playoffs.
# 9 - Indianapolis Colts (previous: 9)
Struggling after the loss of Reggie Wayne, the Colts seem to have things going their way again. A tough, tough Wild Card matchup against the Chiefs will test them.
# 8 - New Orleans Saints (previous: 8)
The Saints have fallen off the NFC pace a bit in recent weeks and now their road to the Super Bowl has to most likely go through Philadelphia, Seattle and Carolina - by no means an easy path. If they can make it to the end, they will have truly earned their place in the championship game.
# 7 - Kansas City Chiefs (previous: 6)
The Chiefs treated week 17 like a bye week - and still nearly won the game. I just wonder how "vanilla" their game plan was a few weeks ago when they lost to the Colts. Could they have been saving a few tricks up their sleeve for the expected Wild Card matchup with Indianapolis?
# 6 - Cincinnati Bengals (previous: 7)
Could a Sunday Wild Card game make a difference for the Bengals? Probably, especially with the Chargers coming to town.
The Creative Elite~
Wielding misfortune at its finest
# 5 - San Francisco 49ers (previous: 5)
The quietest of the NFC's 12-win teams, the 49ers have a chance to defend their NFC title from a year ago.
# 4 - New England Patriots (previous: 3)
Somehow the Patriots ended up being the second-best team in the AFC. With the establishment of their running game, who knows how far they can go.
# 3 - Carolina Panthers (previous: 4)
The Panthers came out of nowhere and took home the division title and a first-round bye. Their defense will determine if they make it to the Super Bowl or not.
# 2 - Seattle Seahawks (previous: 2)
After nearly letting it slip away, the Seattle Seahawks can rely on the Twelfth Man throughout the playoffs.
# 1 - Denver Broncos (previous: 1)
It's a Super Bowl Championship or bust for the Denver Broncos. Anything short of that will be a great disappointment.
Week 17 Power Ranking Awards:
The Free Fallers - New England Patriots (-1)
The Biggest Movers - Green Bay Packers (+5), San Diego Chargers (+3), Carolina Panthers (+1)
Maintaining The Status Quo - Denver Broncos (1), Seattle Seahawks (2), San Francisco 49ers (5), New Orleans Saints (8), Indianapolis Colts (9)
Creative Misfortune Super Bowl XLVIII Favorite ~ After Week 17
Denver Broncos
Check back on Friday for Wild Card Weekend game predictions.
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