The 2014 season has ended. Remember where it began?
It was a Thursday night and Green Bay traveled to Seattle. I had no idea both teams would be in my top 5 when all was said and done.
The 2014 season was a bit nutty. There was a lot of off-the-field drama that captured peoples' attention. Then the games would start and the other nonsense was quickly forgotten.
Truly, there was uproar over various things that occurred off-the-field. And that uproar was justified. So for 2015, I hope to see less of that and more talk about the action on the field.
As usual, I'm not sure how I'll cover the playoffs. I may do something here on NHC...and I may not.
Here are the Rankings for Week 17:
1.) Green Bay (12-4) [+1]
A minor course correction, I guess. A couple weeks ago, the Packers were a particularly easy choice at #1. Even now it's not that difficult, but Rodgers has cooled considerably (thanks to Buffalo). I doubt we'll see "domination" in the playoffs, but I wouldn't be surprised to see them in the conference championship either.
Next opponent: to be determined.
2.) Dallas (12-4) [+2]
It's a fine day when I can put my favorite team near the top of my rankings and not have to explain it away via a set of excuses. Dallas truly was one of the best teams this season and my hope is that they'll keep it going in the playoffs.
Next opponent: vs. Detroit (1/4/2015)
3.) Seattle (12-4) [+2]
The league's hottest team is riding a six-game winning streak and looks prepared to dominate. So naturally, people are jumping on the bandwagon as quickly as they can. A lot of peripheral things are in their favor, but it's been proven that they're beatable, just like everyone else.
Next opponent: to be determined.
4.) New England (12-4) [-3]
A bit of a drop after not playing to their full capability. I can't say I blame them for it, but a loss is a loss. The first-round bye ought to help, though I'm not sure of their prospects as a whole.
Next opponent: to be determined.
5.) Denver (12-4) [+1]
Despite Peyton's struggles over the last month of the season, Denver is still one of the good teams and has a bye in the first round. Their prospects may be a bit murky.
Next opponent: to be determined.
6.) Pittsburgh (11-5) [+2]
A surprising division winner given how the season played out. I thought it'd be Baltimore, but then they screwed it up by losing to Houston. The injury to Le'Veon Bell could be huge...if he misses the game.
Next opponent: vs. Baltimore (1/3/2015)
7.) Indianapolis (11-5) [+2]
Closed out in fine fashion by beating Tennessee. While that's not a tremendous victory by any means, they're at least going in at a higher temperature than "lukewarm". I'm expecting big things, but I may be overrating this team.
Next opponent: vs. Cincinnati (1/4/2015)
8.) Detroit (11-5) [-5]
Not looking their best, to be sure, and they're going on the road where they're obviously not good. One good thing for them is that Suh won his appeal. I don't know how much that'll help.
Next opponent: at Dallas (1/4/2015)
9.) Arizona (11-5) [-2]
After Palmer went down, circumstances conspired against this team. Now they head for the playoffs with Ryan Lindley at QB against a team that really doesn't deserve to be in it (other than winning a crap division).
Next opponent: at Carolina (1/3/2015)
10.) Baltimore (10-6) [-]
By the skin of their teeth, really. On a day when the last AFC playoff spot was getting tossed around like a hot potato, the Ravens were the ones who caught it...eventually.
Next opponent: at Pittsburgh (1/3/2015)
That's all for this week. See you next season.
