It’s been a while since we’ve done a proper ranking of NFL teams on Alternative Fix. Each week brings more surprises, so the best teams in the league seem to be shifting constantly this season. I mean, who would have expected the Detroit Lions to be higher than the Kansas City Chiefs in power rankings? Well, the Lions did beat the Chiefs in the first game of the season. But, to be in Week 17 and still have the Lions have a better record than the Chiefs is special, to say the least. So, here are AlternativeFix.com’s NFL Power Rankings for Week 17, highlighting the top 5 teams.
Aside from the best teams in the league, what about the best players? The NFL’s MVP award is a hot topic right now. Right now, three names are big in the selection list: Lamar Jackson, Dak Prescott and Josh Allen. I really can’t see anyone but Jackson taking MVP this year. But, I think some other guys should get some props this year, including Jared Goff and Brock Purdy.
1. Baltimore Ravens (12-3)
Are you surprised? You really shouldn’t be. Of course the Baltimore Ravens are the strongest team in the NFL right now. Why? It’s because of quarterback Lamar Jackson. Not to downplay good coaching or the full team, but Jackson is more than human. I can’t see any other team from the AFC reaching that Super Bowl than the Ravens. Also, Jackson will likely be MVP this year. Just saying.
The Ravens’ next game is vs. the Miami Dolphins Sunday (Dec. 31) at 1 p.m. ET.
2. San Francisco 49ers (11-4)
The San Francisco 49ers will likely be the No. 1 seed in the NFC by the end of the season, and they’ve earned it. They had some losses early in the season, but they’re peaking just at the right time. Quarterback Brock Purdy is on fire lately. He could easily be MVP, but I do think he’ll lose out to Jackson. The 49s recently fell to the Ravens, 33-19, but I expect a rematch at the Super Bowl.
The 49ers’ next game is vs. the Washington Commanders Sunday (Dec. 31) at 1 p.m. ET.
3. Detroit Lions (11-4)
The Detroit Lions have something special going on this year. That’s actually an understatement. The Lions have won their division title for the first time in 30 whopping years. They have all the pieces to be a Super Bowl-caliber team. They just need things to fall into place. The team’s next game will be a big test, as it’s against the Cowboys. If they pull this off, they’ll be the hottest team in the NFL. Credit to Jared Goff, Dan Campbell and the entire Lions staff.
The Lions’ next game is vs. the Cowboys Saturday (Dec. 30) at 8:15 p.m. ET.
4. Dallas Cowboys (10-5)
The only thing the Cowboys are lacking right now is consistency, which is actually very imporant. They fell to the Miami Dolphins last weekend, 22-20, showing that they are beatable. But, they have Dak Prescott, who is one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
The Cowboys’ next game is vs. the Lions Saturday (Dec. 30) at 8:15 p.m. ET.
5. Philadelphia Eagles (11-4)
The Eagles have fallen lately, as they suffered losses for three games in a row in the past month. They came back and beat the Giants last weekend, 33-25, but overcoming a team on their fourth string quarterback isn’t really worth bragging rights. The Eagles are strong, but quarterback Jalen Hurts and the crew have to figure things out if they want to make another appearance at the Big Game.
The Eagles’ next game is vs. the Cardinals Sunday (Dec. 31) at 1 p.m. ET.
Find the full NFL Week 17 schedule here.