NFL Power Rankings: Packers replace Bills at No. 2 ahead of Championship Sunday

Last Updated on January 28, 2021 3:56 pm by

< wpimage aligncenterid4664sizeSluglargelinkDestinationnone > <div class=wp block image><figure class=aligncenter size large><img src=httpswwwgambylcomwp contentuploads202101hi 1024x576jpg alt= class=wp image 4664><figure><div> < wpimage > < wpparagraph > <p>And then there were four<p> < wpparagraph > < wpparagraph > <p>The Chiefs Bills Packers and Buccaneers are the final teams standing and only one of them will have ownership rights to the Lombardi Trophy in three weeks<p> < wpparagraph > < wpparagraph > <p>The Divisional Round Playoffs were rugged with each of the last two NFL MVPs exiting action due to a concussion The Chiefs survived the loss of <a href=httpswwwnflcomplayerspatrick mahomes>Patrick Mahomes<a> while the Ravens headed home after another January elimination game that created more questions than answers<p> < wpparagraph > < wpparagraph > <p>The order of the final Power Rankings until after the Super Bowl tells you who I feel will be playing the seasons final game in Tampa but any of the four remaining teams makes sense as a champion This is a fine Final Four in the NFL In the words of the immortal Bart Scott <a href=httpswwwyoutubecomwatchv=Oxc7OsK5kUsab channel=SNY target= blank rel=noreferrer noopener>Cant wait<a>Rank1<p> < wpparagraph > < wpimage aligncenter > <div class=wp block image><figure class=aligncenter><img src=httpsstaticwwwnflcomimageprivatet thumb squaredf autoleagueujshjqvmnxce8m4obmvs alt=Kansas City Chiefs><figure><div> < wpimage > < wpparagraph > <p>Kansas City Chiefs15 2<p> < wpparagraph > < wpparagraph > <p><strong>Previous rank<strong> <a href=httpswwwnflcomnewsnfl power rankings divisional round browns rise after biggest win since franchis>No 1<a><p> < wpparagraph > < wpparagraph > <p>The Chiefs looked cooked <a href=httpswwwnflcomplayerspatrick mahomes>Patrick Mahomes<a> was in the locker room with a concussion and <a href=httpswwwnflcomplayerschad henne>Chad Henne<a> had just thrown a first and 25 <a href=httpswwwnflcomvideoskarl joseph picks off chad henne s heave in the end zone for key turnover>arm punt interception<a> to set up the Browns with the ball and the chance to take the lead in the fourth quarter Momentum was cresting for a Cleveland team that looked destined to pull off another huge upset But the KC defense forced a stop and Henne made <a href=httpswwwnflcomvideoscan t miss play henne thing is possible qb s run fourth down throw seal chiefs w>back to back plays<a> a 13 yard scramble on third and long and a 4th and 1 completion that saved the day at Arrowhead That game deciding throw completed to <a href=httpswwwnflcomplayerstyreek hill>Tyreek Hill<a> in the flat should go down as one of the <a href=httpswwwnflcomnewsno questioning chiefs heart after topping browns despite loss of patrick mahomes>gutsiest calls<a> in postseason history Thats why we love Big Red <a href=httpswwwnflcomplayerstyrann mathieu>Tyrann Matheiu<a> said of Andy Reid after the game We always know hes got one play in the chamber Big Red Giant onionsRank21<p> < wpparagraph > < wpimage aligncenter > <div class=wp block image><figure class=aligncenter><img src=httpsstaticwwwnflcomimageprivatet thumb squaredf autoleaguegppfvr7n8gljgjaqux2x alt=Green Bay Packers><figure><div> < wpimage > < wpparagraph > <p>Green Bay Packers14 3<p> < wpparagraph > < wpparagraph > <p><strong>Previous rank<strong> <a href=httpswwwnflcomnewsnfl power rankings divisional round browns rise after biggest win since franchis>No 3<a><p> < wpparagraph > < wpparagraph > <p>The Packers are going back to the NFC title game for the second consecutive year because their offense is just <em>impossible<em> to deal with On Saturday in a game where they werent even operating at peak efficiency the Pack rolled up nearly 500 yards of total offense in a <a href=httpswwwnflcomgamesrams at packers 2020 post 2>32 18 win<a> over the Rams <a href=httpswwwnflcomplayersaaron rodgers>Aaron Rodgers<a> was barely touched by the LA pass rush while continuing to feast on the opposition with a host of play action dimes Rodgers was 8 for 10 passing for 98 yards on play action per Next Gen Stats including the <a href=httpswwwnflcomnewsallen lazard s clutch performance propels packers to divisional round win vs ram>game icing 58 yard touchdown strike<a> to <a href=httpsleaguepocketnflcomwcmcustomplayer0a6853dd 8459 4001 9764 5c5028364cd4>Allen Lazard<a> in the fourth quarter Rodgers plays in an offense that is perfectly catered to his strengths and if you ask us head coach Matt LaFleur doesnt get enough credit for finding the balance thats made Green Bay nearly unstoppable this seasonRank31<p> < wpparagraph > < wpimage aligncenter > <div class=wp block image><figure class=aligncenter><img src=httpsstaticwwwnflcomimageprivatet thumb squaredf autoleaguegiphcy6ie9mxbnldntsf alt=Buffalo Bills><figure><div> < wpimage > < wpparagraph > <p>Buffalo Bills15 3<p> < wpparagraph > < wpparagraph > <p><strong>Previous rank<strong> <a href=httpswwwnflcomnewsnfl power rankings divisional round browns rise after biggest win since franchis>No 2<a><p> < wpparagraph > < wpparagraph > <p>The <a href=httpswwwnflcomplayersjosh allen 4>Josh Allen<a> led offense has been the focus of attention when talking about the rise of the Bills as a superpower but it was Leslie Fraziers defense that carried Buffalo to the precipice of the Super Bowl on Saturday The Bills stymied reigning MVP <a href=httpswwwnflcomplayerslamar jackson>Lamar Jackson<a> with a stellar game plan and <a href=httpswwwnflcomplayerstaron johnson>Taron Johnson<a> authored one of the most seismic plays in franchise history a <a href=httpswwwnflcomvideoscan t miss play taron johnson outraces lamar jackson on 101 yard pick six>101 yard pick six<a> in the third quarter that provided a 14 point swing in a <a href=httpswwwnflcomgamesravens at bills 2020 post 2>17 3 win<a> in raucous Orchard Park The Bills have been out gained by their opponents in both playoff wins but theyve made the key plays when it mattered most Its that feeling for the moment that makes champions and the Bills are one win away from capturing their first AFC title since the teams legendary but star crossed run in the early 90sjavascriptfalseDavid Carr Bills have very good chance of upsetting ChiefsRank42<p> < wpparagraph > < wpimage aligncenter > <div class=wp block image><figure class=aligncenter><img src=httpsstaticwwwnflcomimageprivatet thumb squaredf autoleaguev8uqiualryypwqgvwcih alt=Tampa Bay Buccaneers><figure><div> < wpimage > < wpparagraph > <p>Tampa Bay Buccaneers13 5<p> < wpparagraph > < wpparagraph > <p><strong>Previous rank<strong> <a href=httpswwwnflcomnewsnfl power rankings divisional round browns rise after biggest win since franchis>No 6<a><p> < wpparagraph > < wpparagraph > <p>Sundays win over the Saints should forever be remembered as The <a href=httpswwwnflcomplayersdevin white>Devin White<a> Game The second year linebacker delivered a superstar performance totaling 11 tackles a <a href=httpswwwnflcomvideosdevin white scoops fumble after antoine winfield jr strips jared cook>key fumble recovery<a> and the <a href=httpswwwnflcomvideosdevin white bulls through wr after jumping drew brees pass for big int>game swinging interception<a> of <a href=httpswwwnflcomplayersdrew brees>Drew Brees<a> in the fourth quarter of a <a href=httpswwwnflcomgamesbuccaneers at saints 2020 post 2>30 20 win<a> that sent the Bucs to the NFC title game for the first time since the teams 2002 Super Bowl season Tampa Bays swarming defense turned four Saints turnovers into three touchdowns wiping away all memories of two regular season losses to New Orleans in which Tampa Bay was outscored by 46 points Everybody always asked What was our identity <a href=httpswwwnflcomnewsbucs lb devin white bruce arians said we re gonna find a way to win the game>White said after the game<a> We didnt have an answer But Coach BA Bruce Arians had an answer He said Were some m f s who are gonna find a way to win the game They sure did Rank5<p> < wpparagraph > < wpimage aligncenter > <div class=wp block image><figure class=aligncenter><img src=httpsstaticwwwnflcomimageprivatet thumb squaredf autoleaguegrhjkahghjkk17v43hdx alt=New Orleans Saints><figure><div> < wpimage > < wpparagraph > <p>New Orleans Saints13 5<p> < wpparagraph > < wpparagraph > <p><strong>Previous rank<strong> <a href=httpswwwnflcomnewsnfl power rankings divisional round browns rise after biggest win since franchis>No 5<a><p> < wpparagraph > < wpparagraph > <p>If this is the end for <a href=httpswwwnflcomplayersdrew brees>Drew Brees<a> its a reminder that the conclusion of a pro athletes career <a href=httpswwwnflcomnewsdrew brees dismal performance ends saints season begin wait on qb s decision on >rarely has a storybook ending<a> even for the legends Brees looked every bit his 42 years in the Saints <a href=httpswwwnflcomgamesbuccaneers at saints 2020 post 2>30 20 loss<a> to the Bucs throwing three interceptions while piloting a limited attack that managed its only splash on a <a href=httpswwwnflcomvideoscan t miss play jameis winston burns bucs for tricky 56 yard td bomb>trick play touchdown pass<a> from <a href=httpswwwnflcomplayersjameis winston>Jameis Winston<a> After the loss Brees said he hadnt made any decisions on his future but the reality was all over the Superdome field for 35 hours The Saints were one of the best teams in football over the last four years but they were never able to get over the hump in January The time is right to explore a different path to the mountaintop Rank62<p> < wpparagraph > < wpimage aligncenter > <div class=wp block image><figure class=aligncenter><img src=httpsstaticwwwnflcomimageprivatet thumb squaredf autoleagueucsdijmddsqcj1i9tddd alt=Baltimore Ravens><figure><div> < wpimage > < wpparagraph > <p>Baltimore Ravens12 6<p> < wpparagraph > < wpparagraph > <p><strong>Previous rank<strong> <a href=httpswwwnflcomnewsnfl power rankings divisional round browns rise after biggest win since franchis>No 4<a><p> < wpparagraph > < wpparagraph > <p>After the <a href=httpswwwnflcomvideoscan t miss play taron johnson outraces lamar jackson on 101 yard pick six>101 yard pick six<a> after their MVP exited with a concussion after the final play of a dispiriting <a href=httpswwwnflcomgamesravens at bills 2020 post 2>17 3 loss<a> to the Bills the Ravens were left once again to answer questions about why their offense had sputtered out in another playoff setback Whenever youre the No 1 rushing offense and the 30 something passing team thats not right <a href=httpswwwnflcomplayersmarquise brown>Marquise Hollywood Brown<a> said <a href=httpswwwnflcomnewsmarquise brown ravens must find a way to balance our game>Thats not balance<a> We got to find a way to balance our game Brown isnt wrong Greg Romans offense still feels too one dimensional especially when the opposition is able to push back against the preferred mode of operation Baltimore could make adjustments to scheme and personnel but its <a href=httpswwwnflcomplayerslamar jackson>Lamar Jackson<a> who will remain the key figure Can he lift his team when it matters most The Ravens still believe but at some point theyll need to see confirmationjavascriptfalseBucky Brooks Why the Ravens need a true No 1 receiverRank71<p> < wpparagraph > < wpimage aligncenter > <div class=wp block image><figure class=aligncenter><img src=httpsstaticwwwnflcomt thumb squaredf autoleagueapiclubslogosCLE alt=Cleveland Browns><figure><div> < wpimage > < wpparagraph > <p>Cleveland Browns12 6<p> < wpparagraph > < wpparagraph > <p><strong>Previous rank<strong> <a href=httpswwwnflcomnewsnfl power rankings divisional round browns rise after biggest win since franchis>No 8<a><p> < wpparagraph > < wpparagraph > <p>The future appears bright for these Browns but its always dangerous to make assumptions in sports You might only get one crack at making a playoff run and Cleveland had a chance <a href=httpswwwnflcomgamesbrowns at chiefs 2020 post 2>on Sunday<a> Down five points in the fourth quarter with the ball chasing a Chiefs team playing without <a href=httpswwwnflcomplayerspatrick mahomes>Patrick Mahomes<a> That was <a href=httpswwwnflcomplayersbaker mayfield>Baker Mayfield<a>s star making moment and the chance for an iconic drive that would exorcise demons of postseasons past But the Browns managed one first down before punting then allowed <a href=httpswwwnflcomplayerschad henne>Chad Henne<a> to <a href=httpswwwnflcomvideoscan t miss play henne thing is possible qb s run fourth down throw seal chiefs w>close out the game<a> Dont get it twisted By almost any measure this season was a huge success in Cleveland But when you have the chance to do something special in January when the Football Gods crack open a window <em>and<em> leave the door unlocked you have to get yourself into that house The Browns couldnt do itRank81<p> < wpparagraph > < wpimage aligncenter > <div class=wp block image><figure class=aligncenter><img src=httpsstaticwwwnflcomimageprivatet thumb squaredf autoleagueayvwcmluj2ohkdlbiegi alt=Los Angeles Rams><figure><div> < wpimage > < wpparagraph > <p>Los Angeles Rams11 7<p> < wpparagraph > < wpparagraph > <p><strong>Previous rank<strong> <a href=httpswwwnflcomnewsnfl power rankings divisional round browns rise after biggest win since franchis>No 7<a><a href=httpswwwnflcomnewsnfl power rankings divisional round browns rise after biggest win since franchis><a><p> < wpparagraph > < wpparagraph > <p><a href=httpswwwnflcomplayersaaron donald>Aaron Donald<a>s <a href=httpstwittercomNFLonFOXstatus1350602082722705408s=20 target= blank rel=noreferrer noopener>emotional reaction<a> at the end of Saturdays <a href=httpswwwnflcomgamesrams at packers 2020 post 2>32 18 loss<a> to the Packers told the story of a generational superstar <a href=httpswwwnflcomnewssean mcvay on aaron donald it s unfortunate that he wasn t at full strength toda>physically unable to deliver<a> when his team needed him most That was clearly a tough pill to swallow for Donald a fearsome competitor compromised by a rib injury suffered the previous week in Seattle With Donald limited the typically formidable Rams defense was picked apart by a Packers attack that rolled up 484 yards in the win A few years back Sean McVays offense could pick up the slack but thats not where the Rams are right now Its no surprise that McVay and the LA brain trust are <a href=httpswwwnflcomnewsjared goff sean mcvay relationship needs marriage counseling heading into offsea>pondering their options<a> after a second consecutive underwhelming campaign from <a href=httpswwwnflcomplayersjared goff>Jared Goff<a> If theres a feasible way to pivot you get the feeling the Rams will do it<p> < wpparagraph >