We're just two weeks away from wrapping up the 2019 regular season and a few teams – and division races – are still managing to surprise us.
Enter the Atlanta Falcons, who are not only 4-2 in their last six games, but they've now knocked off the two best teams in the NFC – both on the road, too. Unfortunately, it's too little too late for the Falcons' postseason hopes, but it's still a good sign for coach Dan Quinn. His players are fighting to the end – and the Red and Black jump five spots in this week's rankings.
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Speaking of fighting to the end, the Cowboys and Eagles – both sporting mediocre 7-7 records – are still alive and will likely decide the NFC East crown this Sunday in Philadelphia. Call it an early playoff (or play-in) game. Should be fun.
So, without further ado, it's time for the Week 16 edition of my Wildly Important NFL Power Rankings. Enjoy.
| 1. Ravens (12-2) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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They continue to roll with the NFL’s best record, own the top seed and home-field advantage. | 1 |
| 2. Saints (11-3) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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Drew Brees and Co. blew past the Colts on Monday night. Don’t be surprised if they end up with the top seed. If so, look out. | 3 |
| 3. Seahawks (11-3) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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They own the No. 1 seed in the NFC. A showdown with the 49ers on Dec. 29 will likely determine if they keep it. | 7 |
| 4. Vikings (10-4) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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I feel like a broken record here, but they’re going to be a very tough out come January. Big one vs. the Packers up next. | 4 |
| 5. Patriots (11-3) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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Yeah, yeah, yeah … the Patriots look out of sync on offense, right? They’ll be just fine, especially with that defense. | 5 |
| 6. Packers (11-3) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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OK, they don’t have that ‘wow’ factor but all they do is keep winning. Can make a big statement by beating the Vikings on the road this week. | 6 |
| 7. 49ers (11-3) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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Too far of a drop after losing to the Falcons? Maybe, but they look very beatable and beat up right now. | 2 |
| 8. Bills (10-4) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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Huge playoff-clinching win at Pittsburgh for this franchise. This is a hard-nosed team that won’t go away easy down the stretch. | 8 |
| 9. Chiefs (10-4) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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Patrick Mahomes is starting to look like his old self again – and that’s bad news for the rest of the AFC. Two very winnable games up next to close out the season. | 9 |
| 10. Texans (9-5) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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They’re a little inconsistent but squeeze back into the top 10 this week after squeaking past the Titans. | 13 |
| 11. Cowboys (7-7) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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Wow, they finally played like the team we expected to see all season in a blowout of the Rams – their first win over a team with a winning record. Huge one vs. Philly next. | 15 |
| 12. Eagles (7-7) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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They pulled out a dramatic win over the Redskins to keep their postseason hopes alive. Showdown vs. the ‘Boys will decide the East. | 19 |
| 13. Steelers (8-6) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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Even with the loss to the Bills, they’re still clinging to the sixth playoff spot in the AFC. Pretty remarkable. | 10 |
| 14. Titans (8-6) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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They’re still in the hunt despite calling to Houston. Two brutal games up next: vs. the Saints and at the Texans for a huge a rematch (if they’re still alive). | 11 |
| 15. Buccaneers (7-7) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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What? They’re ahead of the Rams, who are still alive in the NFC and have a better record? Yep. I like how this team continues to scrap under Bruce Arians. | 18 |
| 16. Rams (8-6) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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Speaking of the Rams … What a disappointing performance by the defending NFC champs in Arlington, especially with everything to play for. Stick a fork in them. | 12 |
| 17. Colts (6-8) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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They were eliminated with the loss to the Saints on Monday night. Would have been nice if they bothered to show up. | 16 |
| 18. Falcons (5-9) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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Stunning win on the road against a 49ers team that is fighting for the top seed and home-field advantage still. The Falcons have been a much different (and much better) team since their bye week. | 23 |
| 19. Raiders (6-8) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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What a disappointing way to close the book on the city of Oakland. They deserved better. That’s all. | 17 |
| 20. Bears (7-7) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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They are what they are – a .500 team. Bears have some big decisions to make this offseason, beginning at quarterback. | 14 |
| 21. Broncos (5-9) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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After smoking the Texans, they lay an egg in KC. This team has been wildly inconsistent all season long. | 21 |
| 22. Browns (6-8) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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Now there are reports surfacing that multiple players want out of Cleveland (and that some were reportedly yelling, 'Come get me' to the opposing sideline Sunday). Good times. | 20 |
| 23. Chargers (5-9) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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Are we witnessing the final days of Philip Rivers in a Chargers uniform? It sure feels like it. | 22 |
| 24. Panthers (5-9) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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Yo, Will Grier. Starting loosening up that arm, kid. Think you might be up soon. | 24 |
| 25. Jaguars (5-9) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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It wasn’t magical, but it was just enough from Gardner Minshew. Next up are the Falcons. | 26 |
| 26. Cardinals (4-9-1) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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They dropped 38 on the Browns and still need some parts, but things are looking up in the desert. | 27 |
| 27. Jets (5-9) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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That performance against the Ravens should shows just how much work still needs to be done for this team. | 25 |
| 28. Lions (3-10-1) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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Life without Matthew Stafford is tough, and the Lions are constantly reminded of that hard truth. | 28 |
| 29. Giants (3-11) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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Bittersweet moment for Eli and Giants fans as he closed out things at home for the last time with a win. | 31 |
| 30. Dolphins (3-11) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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They lost the Giants but … they’re still holding on to the No. 3 pick in the NFL Draft at least. | 29 |
| 31. Redskins (3-11) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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Really like how they fought until the end against the Eagles. Lots of change coming in the offseason for this once-proud franchise. | 30 |
| 32. Bengals (1-13) | TABEEK'S TAKE | PREVIOUS |
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They went toe-to-toe with the Patriots for a bit … but the turnovers, dropped passes and sloppy play reminded us all why they have just one win. | 32 |
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