| NFL Power Rankings Week 18 |
| Rk |
Team |
Last Wk |
Rise/Fall |
High/Low |
Comment |
| 1 |
 Patriots |
1 |
- |
1/2 |
New England became the first team in NFL history to finish a season undefeated since the '72 Dolphins on Saturday night, but it was anything but easy. The Patriots found themselves down 12 points early in the third quarter in New York, only to rebound and win 38-35 in heroic fashion. Brady, Moss and Welker carried the load — as the Pats rallied for 22 straight second-half points. 16-0 is worth celebrating, sure. But Belichick and Co. won't be satisfied until they're hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in Glendale on Feb. 4.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 2 |
 Colts |
2 |
- |
1/4 |
NFL fans got a look at the Indianapolis Colts without Peyton Manning on Sunday. And guess what? It wasn't pretty. Jim Sorgi went a pedestrian 11-for-24 and was sacked twice in relief of Manning, as the Colts' reserves fell to the Titans 16-10 in Indianapolis. Manning was stellar in limited action, going 14-16 for 95 yards. Manning to Wayne? Yes. Sorgi to Aromahodu? No, not so much. The Colts finish the regular season 13-3, the first team to win 12 or more games five seasons in a row. Amazingly enough, the defending Super Bowl champions are somehow entering the postseason a bit under the radar...just the way Tony Dungy likes it.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 3 |
 Cowboys |
3 |
- |
2/12 |
With a first-round bye and home field throughout the playoffs already locked up, the NFC East champion Cowboys weren't playing for much on Sunday. Dallas fell 27-6 to the Redskins. The 'Boys rested four injured starters — Terrell Owens, Terence Newman, Andre Gurode and Jay Ratliff — and rushed for one yard on the day. This one was never in question, as the Redskins outgained the Cowboys 115-14 in the first quarter. With the loss, however, Dallas did fall short of a few records. A 14th win would've set a new franchise record, Jason Witten failed to become just the second tight end in NFL history to catch 100 balls in a season, and Marion Barber came 25 yards shy of 1,000 yards. The loss was the Cowboys' eighth straight regular-season finale defeat.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 4 |
 Jaguars |
4 |
- |
4/18 |
Quinn Gray's best game as a pro wasn't enough to take down the Texans in Houston on Sunday. With seven key starters — including David Garrard and Fred Taylor — listed as inactive, Gray threw for over 300 yards and tossed four touchdowns in a 42-28 loss. Jacksonville travels to Pittsburgh, where it won 29-22 a few weeks ago, on Saturday night.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 5 |
 Packers |
5 |
- |
3/22 |
The Packers tied a franchise record for wins with their 34-13 cakewalk victory over Detroit on Sunday. Brett Favre completed nine of 11 passes for 99 yards and two touchdowns in limited action. The Packers rested Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, Charles Woodson, Aaron Kampman, Donald Lee and Ryan Pickett — but Ryan Grant and Will Blackmon left the game with injuries. With a week to rest, both should be back for the Pack's division-round playoff game.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 6 |
 Chargers |
6 |
- |
3/21 |
The Chargers are quietly peaking at the right time, heading into the playoffs as winners of six straight. The 11-5 squad beat out Pittsburgh for the No. 3 seed in the AFC and host the Titans Sunday. San Diego hasn't won a playoff game since 1994. The players, coaches, and fans are well aware of it. The Chargers' last two postseason trips have ended in heartbreak on their home field. "Everything we've done this season has been great," defensive lineman Igor Olshansky said after the game. "But we have to get that 'W' in the playoffs. We have all the tools in the locker room to beat any team." Want a sleeper team no one's really talking about in the AFC? Forget Jacksonville. Everyone's going gaga over them. San Diego's your real AFC dark horse.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 7 |
 Steelers |
9 |
(+2) |
3/14 |
In a game that meant nothing whatsoever, the Steelers reserves fell to the Ravens 27-21 on Sunday. With stars Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward, Allen Rossum and Troy Polamalu all taking the weekend off, the Charlie Batch-led Steelers fell just short. The Ravens ran for two scores. Pittsburgh allowed just six rushing TDs this year; three of them happened to be by Baltimore. The Steelers now look toward this weekend. Pittsburgh faces Jacksonville Saturday evening in what should be a true clash of the titans. The last time Pittsburgh played a postseason game, they were celebrating a Super Bowl victory in Detroit.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 8 |
 Seahawks |
7 |
(-1) |
5/20 |
Sure, the Seahawks gave up their most points since 2003 in Sunday's 44-41 loss in Atlanta. But 'Hawks fans shouldn't worry too much about the defeat. Though most of the starters were playing, Mike Holmgren seemed to be holding back a bit as far as the playbook went. "We were playing basic defense," explained linebacker Julian Peterson after the game. "We shot ourselves in the foot with the turnovers. We still have a great defense." Seattle takes on Washington in a rematch of a hard-fought 2005 NFC divisional-round meeting this weekend. Don't expect any "basic defenses" in that one.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 9 |
 Redskins |
12 |
(+3) |
9/24 |
The hottest team in the NFC notched its fourth straight win and a playoff berth with a 27-6 victory over Dallas on Sunday. Look out, Seattle. The Redskins are scorching, playing their best football of the season and peaking at the perfect time. Sunday's game was never in question. Washington jumped out early and never looked back, locking up their second playoff berth in three years. The last time the Redskins were in the postseason, they fell to the Seahawks at Qwest Field. They'll look for revenge in the same building Saturday afternoon.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 10 |
 Buccaneers |
8 |
(-2) |
8/30 |
As their upcoming opponents went one route as far as starters' playing time in the final weeks of the season goes, Tampa Bay went the complete opposite way over the final two Sundays of the 2007 campaign. For the second straight week, predominantly back-ups and seldom used reserves carried the load in Tampa's 31-23 loss to Carolina. "If we were playing New England on a nationally televised game, we might have taken a different approach," coach Jon Gruden noted after the loss. Though the Bucs have now lost two in a row — and three of their last four — there's little worry in the locker room entering Sunday's playoff game vs. New York. Jeff Garcia is 2-0 in playoff games against the Giants, having won one as a 49er in '02 and one as an Eagle in '06.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 11 |
 Giants |
10 |
(-1) |
4/29 |
After a week of debate over the issue, Tom Coughlin ended up using his starters extensively in Saturday night's nationally televised showdown with the Patriots. Eli Manning played arguably his best game of the season, completing 22 of 32 pass attempts en route to 251 yards and four touchdowns. Brandon Jacobs, Plaxico Burress and Antonio Pierce — all banged up entering the contest — each played and contributed heavily. Though they ended up on the wrong end of the scoreboard, the Giants showed the country they can play some football. Tampa Bay's up ahead this weekend. The fact that it's a road game shouldn't matter. New York went 7-1 away from home this season.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 12 |
 Titans |
11 |
(-1) |
6/26 |
In a "win-and-in" situation, the Titans escaped a close one with the Colts in Indianapolis on Sunday. The victory locked up their first trip to the playoffs since 2003. After Vince Young left with a quadriceps injury in the third quarter, Kerry Collins took control and guided the Titans to victory. The former Penn State star and longtime NFL veteran went 10-for-13 for 106 yards in about a quarter and a half of action, doing just enough to ensure Tennessee's spot in the '07 postseason. Justin Gage had his best game as a pro, hauling in seven catches for 104 yards in the win. Tennessee travels to San Diego for a wild-card round battle on Sunday. No chance? Not so fast. San Diego hasn't won a playoff game since 1994.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 13 |
 Eagles |
15 |
(+2) |
11/27 |
Donovan McNabb was fantastic again, as the Eagles finished the season winners of three straight with a 17-9 victory over Buffalo on Sunday. McNabb went 29-for-41 for 345 yards in the win. Kevin Kolb was listed second on the depth chart, but never took a snap. The Eagles, 5-8 only a few weeks ago, finish the season 8-8 and .500 on the year. McNabb — long rumored to be out the door — finished the season like the perennial Pro Bowl player he's been for the greater part of the last decade. He stayed on the field following the win, shaking hands with fans. "I love being here," McNabb told reporters after the game. "I love the passion of the fans. I've always loved being here." I'd be shocked if McNabb isn't under center opening weekend for the Eagles next season.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 14 |
 Browns |
13 |
(-1) |
9/32 |
In the very first week of the 2007 Power Rankings, the Browns were the 32nd ranked team in the league. What a difference a season makes. Cleveland ends the year 10-6, with a dominant 20-7 win over the 49ers. Josh Cribbs finished his stellar season in style, taking a punt back 76 yards for the first score of the game. Cleveland would never look back. Rookie quarterback Brady Quinn got his first action of the season, completing three of eight passes for 48 yards. Jamal Lewis — written off by many after a mediocre '06 campaign — rushed for 128 yards in the win. Lewis finished the year with over 1,300 yards. The 10 wins are the team's most since the expansion rebirth in 1999; and the most since 1994, when a guy named Belichick coached them.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 15 |
 Vikings |
14 |
(-1) |
13/28 |
The Vikings fell 22-19 in Denver on Sunday, closing out what was nothing short of a roller-coaster season with two straight losses. Adrian Peterson had his fourth straight mediocre performance, gaining only 36 yards on 11 carries. There are plenty of questions for the Vikings heading into the off-season. Is quarterback Tarvaris Jackson the quarterback of the future? Does Minnesota need to go out and get some receivers? Is the Taylor-Peterson combo worth the financial investment? Minny's going to be one of the more interesting teams to track over the next few months.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 16 |
 Texans |
17 |
(+1) |
11/26 |
The Texans beat the Jaguars 42-28 in Houston on Sunday. The win gave the fledgling franchise its first eight-win season in six years of NFL football. The 42-point outburst was also a team record. Andre Davis returned two kickoffs for scores, while Ron Dayne rushed two in as well. Houston's roster was ravaged by injuries in '07, and yet, the Texans still finished the season with a .500 record. Fans can't be too disappointed with that.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 17 |
 Bears |
19 |
(+2) |
4/24 |
The Bears finished the season on a high point, beating the Saints 33-25 at Soldier Field on Sunday. A few minutes after Devin Hester scored on a 55-yard touchdown pass from Kyle Orton, the second-year star returned a punt 64 yards for a game-sealing score. Chicago was outgained 413-275 and ran close to 30 less plays than New Orleans — but still came away victorious.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 18 |
 Panthers |
21 |
(+3) |
12/30 |
With a 31-23 win over the Buccaneers on Sunday, the Panthers finished their up-and-down season at 7-9. DeAngelo Williams had one of his best games as a professional, gashing the Buccaneers' reserves for 121 yards and two touchdowns. Rookie linebacker Jon Beason — fantastic all season — finished a stellar campaign strong with an eight-tackle effort. Few would argue that Beason — considered undersized by some coming out of Miami — was the Panthers MVP this season.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 19 |
 Cardinals |
22 |
(+3) |
12/26 |
With the Cardinals' 48-19 win over St. Louis on Sunday, Arizona avoided the franchise's ninth straight losing season. It was as if the Cards saved their best for last, exploding for the team's highest scoring output in 30 years. Kurt Warner threw for 300 yards and Pro Bowl receiver Larry Fitzgerald had arguably his best game of the season, hauling in 11 balls for 171 yards and two scores. Warner, filling in since Matt Leinart was hurt five games into the season, finished the year with 27 touchdown passes, just one shy of the team record shared by Charley Johnson and Neil Lomax.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 20 |
 Saints |
16 |
(-4) |
4/30 |
In a rematch of last season's NFC Championship Game, the Saints fell to the Bears 33-25 in Chicago on Sunday. Drew Brees was the definition of a gunslinger, hurling the ball 60 times in the loss. The Saints couldn't stop Devin Hester — who both returned a punt for a score and took one in on a 55-yard pass play. The Saints were the preseason favorite out of the NFC. Having finished the season losers of two straight and under .500, it's safe to say the 2007 campaign was a disappointment.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 21 |
 Broncos |
18 |
(-3) |
7/26 |
The Broncos capped a 7-9 season with a gutsy overtime victory over the Vikings on Sunday. Second-year sack machine Elvis Dumervil recovered a fumble in the extra session, leading to a Jason Elam game-winning field goal. With the kick, Elam became the first kicker to convert four game-winning field goals in a season. "Great way to go into the off-season," Dumervil told reporters after the game. As for my pre-season pick of Jay Cutler as the league MVP? Yeah, I owe somebody a steak dinner for that one.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 22 |
 Bills |
20 |
(-2) |
11/31 |
Despite another 100-yard effort from Marshawn Lynch, the Bills fell to the Eagles 17-9 in their season finale Sunday. Buffalo finished 7-9 on the season, missing the playoffs for the eighth straight year — good for the longest drought in franchise history. Buffalo started a rookie at quarterback and running back for much of the season, and lost their starting rookie middle linebacker to injury in September. With a host of young talent under contract for years to come, look for the Bills to only get better next season.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 23 |
 Bengals |
24 |
(+1) |
7/26 |
Though the majority of the season's been disastrous for the Bengals, they finished the season as winners of two straight. Sunday's 38-25 win featured a 316-yard, three-touchdown day from Carson Palmer. Cincinnati finished the season 7-9, its first losing season since 2002, the year before Marvin Lewis took over as coach. T.J. Houshmandzadeh had nine catches, giving him 112 on the year — good enough for a tie with Wes Welker for most in the league. Chad Johnson also had 131 receiving yards, giving him 1,440 on the season — a team record. Look for the Bengals to draft defense, defense and more defense come April.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 24 |
 49ers |
23 |
(-1) |
9/31 |
Chris Weinke became the fourth 49er quarterback to start a game when he got the nod on Sunday. Weinke — owner of one of the worst quarterback winning percentages in NFL history — completed just 13 of 22 passes for 104 yards. After winning two straight games, San Francisco fell 20-7, finishing the season 5-11. I'd say "The draft is right around the corner," but the Patriots own San Francisco's first-round pick. Yes, the rich get richer.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 25 |
 Lions |
25 |
- |
9/26 |
The Lions finished their disastrous second half of the season, losing their seventh game in eight weeks on Sunday in Green Bay. Detroit hasn't won in Green Bay since 1991. Heinous effort out of the Lions, too. No life; no fight; nothing. In other words, typical of the Millen era in Detroit. With most the Packers' playmakers resting, the Lions couldn't put the clamps on the Green Bay offense. Brandon Jackson ran the ball 20 times for 113 yards on the beleaguered Lions D. The lesson? Jon Kitna's not one for predictions. Detroit fell three losses shy of Kitna's preseason 10-win guarantee.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 26 |
 Jets |
27 |
(+1) |
12/29 |
In what was one of the uglier games of the weekend, the struggling Jets beat the struggling Chiefs 13-10 in overtime. Both teams' fan bases are likely happy to just see the season come to an end. Thomas Jones ran the ball 22 times for 98 yards, while Mike Nugent made two field goals in the Jets' fourth win of the season. Giants Stadium was barely half-full for the victory.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 27 |
 Raiders |
26 |
(-1) |
18/32 |
JaMarcus Russell's first career NFL start didn't exactly begin the way he dreamed. Russell's first pass was intercepted by Igor Olshansky. He would later lose a fumble in the end zone that led to a touchdown in the third quarter. But overall, Russell wasn't terrible. On the day, the rookie was 23-for-31 for 224 yards. "A lot better than last week," Russell said following the game. "I had a lot more time to see everything and get a feel for the clock. ... I think I made a lot better decisions this week." The kid looked pretty good. Hey, maybe there's some reason for hope in Oakland, after all.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 28 |
 Falcons |
32 |
(+4) |
25/32 |
Two weeks after their coach abandoned them, the Falcons showed some resolve on Sunday — knocking off the NFC West champion Seahawks in their season finale. It was a pleasant ending to what was nothing short of a tumultuous year for Atlanta. Chris Redman — more than likely a lame duck quarterback down in the ATL — saved his best for last, tossing four touchdowns in the 44-41 victory.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 29 |
 Ravens |
31 |
(+2) |
5/31 |
Troy Smith got his first win since the Ohio State-Michigan game last season on Sunday. The former Heisman Trophy winner wasn't spectacular, but did enough to get the Ravens their first win in nine games. Baltimore got its fifth straight home win against the Steelers, knocking off the AFC North champs 27-21. Smith went 16-for-27 for 171 yards.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 30 |
 Rams |
28 |
(-2) |
17/32 |
The Rams' dreadful 2007 campaign closed with a whimper Sunday in Glendale. The Rams finished a year that started with eight straight losses with four consecutive defeats. The 48-19 loss was an ugly one, but not without some notable achievements for Rams players. Isaac Bruce's two catches pulled him ahead of Art Monk for sixth in NFL career receptions; Torry Holt's seven catches made him the 19th player in NFL history to have at least 800 career receptions; and Jeff Wilkins tied Jason Elam's NFL record for consecutive conversion kicks at 371. So yeah, at least Rams fans had that to rally around on Sunday.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 31 |
 Chiefs |
29 |
(-2) |
10/31 |
The Chiefs fell 13-10 in New Jersey on Sunday, finishing the season with a woeful 4-12 record. Kansas City had just 38 net yards of offense in the first half of the loss. After seven weeks of football in '07, the Chiefs were 4-3 and in first place in the AFC West. They finish the season 4-12, and losers of nine straight. Horrible year for K.C. across the board. The season started with HBO's captivating "Hard Knocks" reality series and ended with an absolutely unwatchable product. Ravaged by injuries and missed opportunities, it was a completely forgettable year for Chiefs fans.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
| 32 |
 Dolphins |
30 |
(-2) |
28/32 |
The Dolphins became the eighth team in NFL history to finish a season 1-15 after a horrible performance at home vs. the Bengals on Sunday. Bill Parcells was in the building, watching the game with retired Packers general manager Ron Wolf. Veteran receiver Marty Booker might have summed up the Dolphins season best, telling reporters, "I need a vacation. When everything is this dismal, being frustrated every week, of course it takes a toll on you. I'm spent. It's over. All that's left now is to sit around and see what happens." Miami owns the first pick in April's draft. Don't be shocked if the Dolphins look to trade down for a bounty of picks.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy |
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