Week 17 NFL Power Rankings

The final week is upon us. The Colts chose rest over history and ended their perfect season, but still are number 1. The Chargers continued to win while the Saints lost their second in a row and swap spots. The Eagles won and the Vikings didn't so they swapped spots. Divisions and playoff spots are at stake this week and we could see some more moves in the middle of the rankings again.

2009 Power Rankings (going into Week 17):
1.(1) Colts (14-1): They chose rest over history. They now must go all the way.
2.(3) Chargers (12-3): The way they are playing right now makes many think this could be their year.
3.(2) Saints (13-2): A couple tough losses are aided by the fact they clinched home field with the Vikings losing.
4.(5) Eagles (11-4): Their winning coupled with the Vikings' losing opens the door for them to get the second seed in the NFC along with the NFC East.
5.(4) Vikings (11-4): They are starting to show signs of weakness. They must play like a desperate team this week to head into the playoffs really confident.
6.(6) Cowboys (10-5): They are starting to show signs that might be able to erase the past of December misery and even playoff defeat along with winning the NFC East.
7.(8) Packers (10-5): A strong response after a tough loss and now can finish strong against a possible playoff foe.
8.(7) Patriots (10-5): They can control who might make the wildcard round in the AFC with a win or loss.
9.(9) Bengals (10-5): They might rest starters and give Jets another break.
10.(10) Cardinals (10-5): They probably won't play hard this week and hope they can catch fire again in the playoffs.
11.(15) Steelers (8-7): They shot themselves in the foot over the course of a few weeks, but now could still make the playoffs with their late push.
12.(11) Ravens (8-7): They stumbled a bit last week, but still look very good.
13.(19) Jets (8-7): They received a big gift from the Colts and now only need to beat the Bengals, who might not play many starters, to make the postseason.
14.(13) Broncos (8-7): They went from 6-0 to wildcard team to possibly out of the playoffs in a span of two months.
15.(20) Texans (8-7): They need one win to possibly make the postseason and it would also give them their first winning season.
16.(16) Falcons (8-7): Since they were eliminated from playoff contention, they have focused on getting at least 9 wins. Can do it this week.
17.(12) Giants (8-7): They didn't show up in their last game at Giants Stadium and now are playing for pride this week.
18.(14) Titans (7-8): They gave a strong effort in coming back from 0-6, but are going to come up short.
19.(17) Dolphins (7-8): The loss last week put them in a tough spot this week to make the postseason.
20.(21) Panthers (7-8): The way they are ending the season gives them a lot of confidence to contend again next year.
21.(18) Jaguars (7-8): Another disappointing season closes with a game against the Browns.
22.(22) 49ers (7-8): WR Isaac Bruce might retire and this could be his last game. It's fitting it is going to be played in St. Louis.
23.(24) Bears (6-9): A tough season, but a big win over a rival and QB Brett Favre.
24.(23) Raiders (5-10): Just when they look to be turning the corner, they trip over their feet.
25.(25) Bills (5-10): Another blowout loss has many wondering if this team can turn it around any time soon.
26.(26) Seahawks (5-10): They have suffered two big losses back to back. They have many questions regarding this once prominent team this off season.
27.(27) Browns (4-11): This team is playing very good and ending their season on a very high note moving towards next season.
28.(28) Redskins (4-11): Another troubling loss. Blew out one week and shut out the next.
29.(30) Buccaneers (3-12): They can now say they gave the Saints one of their losses in 2009.
30.(29) Chiefs (3-12): Offensive changes might need to be made this off season. HB Jamaal Charles is the running back of the future and now for this team though.
30.(31) Lions (2-13): They are barely edging the Rams for the worst team.
32.(32) Rams (1-14): Another loss and they can put themselves on the clock and get ready for next year.

A big playoff-esc weekend awaits as the NFC's 2nd seed and the NFC East are on the line. While in the AFC, several teams are fighting for two wildcard spots. How will the Colts attack this "meaningless" game? Sure to be a great weekend.