2015 bled into 2016 just a bit. But now the season is over and we know where everyone stands.
Not all of the playoff teams are looking strong. Injuries have prevented some from being at their best, while others dropped off performance-wise.
In the final week of picks for the regular season, I had another lackluster effort. 9-7 straight up, for a season total 153-103. If that sounds bad, yes, it is quite bad.
Still, it's been a great season, even if there are fewer great teams at the top than we're used to.
Here are the Rankings for Week 17:
1.) Carolina (15-1) [+1]
Though they did not go undefeated, Carolina went 15-1, took the #1 seed in the NFC and will have home-field until the Super Bowl. In addition, Cam Newton locked up the MVP with a performance that vindicated his previous effort (or lack thereof) against Atlanta. Now they wait to see who they play; without a doubt, they are in an advantageous position and should reach the Super Bowl with little trouble.
Next opponent: TBD (1/17)
2.) Arizona (13-3) [-1]
A surprising collapse in the final game. I don't think it did any long-term damage, though it did completely implode Palmer's chance of winning MVP (which, really, wasn't that great to begin with). Arizona's no-show against Seattle accomplished one thing: it lessened the confidence that people can have in them. After a performance like that, it's a lot easier to see them going one-and-done in the playoffs against whomever comes calling.
Next opponent: TBD (1/16)
3.) Denver (12-4) [no change]
With wins in their last two games, Denver unexpectedly vaulted into the #1 seed in the AFC. Their reward is a home game, likely against the Steelers. Peyton Manning returned to some fanfare, taking the turnover-prone Osweiler's place and leading the team to victory. His numbers were mediocre at best, but I don't doubt that Denver would have lost the game had Osweiler continued to play. Peyton let the running backs do most of the work, that much is for sure. At this point, that might be the best move, though it is an unexciting one.
Next opponent: TBD (1/17)
4.) Cincinnati (12-4) [+2]
While McCarron has been a decent option at starter, it's hard to see how he overcomes the prime time playoff game against Pittsburgh, at least on his first attempt. And if Dalton comes back, there are problems there as well. So it's not looking good for Cincinnati's chances of moving past the Wild Card round this year.
Next opponent: vs. Pittsburgh (1/9)
5.) New England (12-4) [-1]
Not exactly the finish we were expecting. Sure, they have trouble in Miami, that much is true, but for them to lose to that Miami team is troubling. Especially when the best coach in the business is throwing in the towel in the 2nd half. So the Pats end up with the #2 seed and a bye they sorely need, while avoiding Pittsburgh until the Championship game (assuming both teams get that far). In that light, is the Miami loss as troubling? Probably not. Having to face Cincinnati without Dalton, KC, or Houston shouldn't be insurmountable, nor should the Championship game. Will they make it to the Super Bowl again? Right now, I'd have to say no. There aren't enough weapons on offense and the O-line is hurt and ineffective. That's not to say they can't pull it together; after all, these are the Pats we're talking about.
Next opponent: TBD (1/16)
6.) Kansas City (11-5) [+1]
For winning 10 in a row, Kansas City's reward is to come down to Houston. Seems damn unlucky to me. At any rate, I fully expect the Chiefs to come out with the win, seeing as they've done it 10 times in a row under what were unlikely circumstances for most of the run. Their opponents might not have been as tough as some would have liked, but they were missing Jamaal Charles the whole time and were relying partly on Alex Smith to make plays with his arm. He's done better in that regard, but nobody's confusing him with Brady or Cam or even Wilson.
Next opponent: at Houston (1/9)
7.) Minnesota (11-5) [+1]
While they didn't show up like they did against the Giants, Minnesota won convincingly and took the NFC North from the Packers. Their reward is another game against Seattle. And though life isn't fair, Minnesota has an opportunity to do some damage, if Bridgewater plays well. I doubt that they'll be letting him throw more often, but if they can control games with Peterson and take shots when they get 'em, they can take down Seattle and maybe Carolina as well. Of course, if they end up in a shootout with either team, they'll go down quickly.
Next opponent: vs. Seattle (1/10)
8.) Seattle (10-6) [+2]
One of the more surprising results was seeing Seattle go on the road and smack Arizona in their collective mug with a lead pipe. As badly as Arizona beat down Green Bay in Week 16, they took it right in the mouth in Week 17. Despite a lack of receivers and not much of a running game with the top two guys out, Russell Wilson produced and looked like the St. Louis game the previous week never happened. The team has been in the last two Super Bowls and may just make another run. That would not surprise me, but it sure would be annoying.
Next opponent: at Minnesota (1/10)
9.) Pittsburgh (10-6) [-]
I know I was surprised to see the Steelers get into the playoffs. Roethlisberger missed time on multiple occasions and the loss last week to Baltimore was simultaneously inexcusable, unbelievable, and seemingly season-ending. Then the Jets went to Buffalo and gagged, thus opening the door for Pittsburgh who just had to beat Cleveland. Of course, Pittsburgh beat Cleveland (like that was ever in doubt). So that means there's another multiple Super Bowl winner in the field. If that's not an advantage, I'm not sure what is.
Next opponent: at Cincinnati (1/9)
10.) Green Bay (10-6) [-1]
As a result of losing the NFC North on Sunday night, the Packers now head to Washington to face a "surprising" team led by Kirk Cousins. Cousins is apparently a good QB now after winning the NFC East handily over no competition. If Rodgers were playing anywhere near his usual elite level, this game wouldn't be competitive. Since Rodgers has fallen apart thanks to Jordy Nelson being out and the O-line not performing as capably as it has in previous seasons, it looks like Washington is the favored pick.
Next opponent: at Washington (1/10)
That's all for this week. See you next season.
