NFL Divisional Round Power Rankings

We are on the road to the Super Bowl NFL fans. Buckle up, because this year’s Divisional Round of the playoffs will without a doubt provide more exciting games than Wild Card weekend delivered. Featuring the top five MVP candidates in the league this year, we are certain to be on the edge of our seats all weekend. Eight teams have their sights set on this year’s Lombardi Trophy. Let it be known that outside of the top two teams and the last ranked team, the middle of the pack can be very interchangeable because all of these teams are on such an elite level. Here are my Divisional Round playoff team power rankings.

1. New England Patriots (14–2)

The New England Patriots hold the best record in the NFL for a reason, and that leaves them as the top seed in my “Elite 8” playoff power rankings. They are the clear favorite in the win the AFC and make it to the Super Bowl. With their MVP caliber quarterback, a future Hall of Fame coach, and probably the most experienced roster of the remaining playoff teams closely followed by the Seattle Seahawks, they undoubtedly deserve the top spot. With only Pittsburgh and Kansas City as the only true threats to the Patriots, they slide by easily again having to only be forced to play one of them, as the two will face off this weekend in the Divisional Round. Sorry Houston, you’re going home.

2. Dallas Cowboys (13–3)

If you’re looking to write a sports novel mixed in with a little fairy tale someday, let it be based on these Dallas Cowboys. You’ll be rich. If the story plays out the way all of Cowboys nation hopes it does, you’ll see the first ever rookie quarterback to win the Super Bowl. Oh, did I forget to mention the league’s leading rusher, Ezekiel Elliot, he’s also a rookie. This dynamic duo along with a late-blooming defense has placed them in my number two spot. Rest in the last week of the regular season and the full bye week for the number one seed in the NFC has allowed for their cornerstone players and injured players to get healthy and ready for the tournament.

3. Atlanta Falcons (11–5)

This Falcons offense is dynamic. Julio Jones, the two-headed monster of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman, and MVP candidate Matt Ryan. This team is ranked 1st in points per game (33.8) and 2nd in yards per game (415.8). The concern for this team is with their defense which has allowed 25th most yards per game (371.2) and ranks 27th in points allowed per game (25.4). The positive for the Falcons defense is the leagues sack leader, Vic Beasley and the disruption to the passing game he can bring. Look for any game this team plays to become a shootout.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (11–5)

The Divisional Round is full of high powered offenses, and that sells. The Pittsburgh Steelers with the 3 B’s consistently provide the fans with an explosive offensive performance. Ben Roethlisberger, Le’veon Bell, and Antonio Brown are excellent play makers. Bell and Brown alone combine for 52% of the Steelers offensive production, totaling the highest of any teammate duo in the league. Once again, a shaky defense is what could hold this team back.

5. Green Bay Packers (10–6)

We’ve all heard it, the Packers are so hot, Aaron Rodgers is unstoppable right now, he’s on fire. Rodgers himself said he would carry his team to run the table and reach the playoffs. Congratulations, you made it, and on top of that you defeated a sorry Giants team. But now is when the party starts. We are down to the final eight teams in the tournament and I have ranked you 5th. The Miami Dolphins won 9 of their last 11 and looked what happened to them. Jordy Nelson’s complications may end up being a huge blow to the Packers offense. They don’t have the best defense in the league, and actually rank less than average in points per game and yards per game. Let’s just say without a few Hail Mary’s, I can’t put in all the chips on this team.

6. Seattle Seahawks (10–5–1)

The second most experienced playoff team of the list. Although, excluding the Texans, probably the most inconsistent of the teams in the tournament. Now, I like the Seahawks, I really consider them as the dark-horse of the loaded NFC. Since Russel Wilson came into the league, he has taken the Seahawks to the playoffs all five years. Unfortunately, this is not the same Seahawks team. No Earl Thomas, no Marshawn Lynch, no Bruce Irvin, the offensive line has been changed up dramatically, and quite frankly, the defense hasn’t been what has carried them like years past. What remains the same? Quarterback and head coach, the two most prime positions of any organization. With the combination of Pete Carroll and DangeRuss Wilson, anything is possible.

7. Kansas City Chiefs (12–4)

Now, based on record alone, you may be wondering why I have chosen to rank the Chiefs at 7th. It’s because above you Kansas City, I see six teams that can score 30+ on any given Sunday. Now, given that, the chiefs have a very strong defense to counter opposing teams, holding them to less than 20 points a game on average for the season. Add in an explosive Tyreek Hill, a game managing Alex Smith, and a roaring home field advantage at Arrow Head and you’ve got a respectable team. You can’t sleep on the Chiefs, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they are one and done.

8. Houston Texans (9–7)

So, at this point is has been well recognized that the Texans have only reached my “Elite 8” because Derek Carr got injured, right? Yes, that is true. This team has so much potential to be great, I love their defense (1st), the signing of Lamar Miller to bolster their run game has certainly paid off, but they made a grave mistake in shoveling over money to sign Brock Osweiler. Honestly, it is almost as if he stole from the Houston Texans, robbed them from their hopes and dreams. Yet, before I go too far antagonizing Brock Osweiler, we must recognize that they are in fact a playoff team. Let’s hope Jadeveon Clowney and the back end can provide at least one score and a few turnovers, without that, all hope is lost.