Windy City Gridiron
The NFL regular season has just two games remaining, and in the process, the playoff race down the stretch has heated up. Coming into Week 16, two teams had clinched playoff spots, and before Sunday’s action, two more followed suit. During that chase, there were plenty of compelling games throughout the weekend. All in all, it was another great weekend of football, with plenty of potential playoff previews in the process. Who is up and who is down heading into Week 17? Let’s find out in this installment of WCG NFL Power Rankings.
1. Seattle Seahawks (12-3) Previous Week: 3
One year after missing the playoffs as a 10-win team, head coach Mike Macdonald has his team rolling to the playoffs as a serious contender. Like any team in their spot, they have a well-rounded roster and few needs on paper. When taking a deeper dive, running back and receiver are the two areas that stand out as “upgradable” spots. With Jaxson Smith-Njigba already being one of the league’s best and Rashid Shaheed being his speedy complement, running back could be the bigger focus with Kenneth Walker set to hit free agency in March. This focus on roster upgrades should give fans and analysts hope for future improvements.
Biggest Offseason Need: Running Back
2. Los Angeles Rams (11-4) Previous Week: 1
The Rams have one of the more well-rounded rosters in the league, but, like any team, there will always be needs, especially when players potentially leave in free agency. On the plus side, Los Angeles is projected to have roughly $81 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap, so if they want to retain Rob Havenstein, they can. Still, if they want a cheaper and younger option, this is where right tackle becomes a significant need. A developmental quarterback to groom behind Matthew Stafford should also be high on the list, considering the veteran’s age.
Biggest Offseason Need: Right Tackle
3. Denver Broncos (12-3) Previous Week: 2
On paper, it’s hard to find many needs in Denver, but the entire purpose of this exercise is to identify areas where free agency could create needs or where upgrades are needed. Between running back and tight end, both areas could use some attention. Evan Engram signed a two-year, $23 million deal in the offseason, but so far, he has not delivered the impact the Broncos were hoping to get. With Adam Trautman and Lucas Krull headed for free agency, this is an area that could use an upgrade. Running back is also on the list, but a one-two punch of R.J. Harvey and a healthy J.K. Dobbins could make sense for an encore.
Biggest Offseason Need: Tight End
4. New England Patriots (12-3) Previous Week: 4
There have been many surprises this season, but none bigger than the football club in Foxboro. Mike Vrabel took over a Patriots team that had combined for eight wins in the two seasons before he was appointed head coach. The turnaround they’ve seen...
