The conclusion of Week 16 of the 2011 NFL season means it is time for the weekly power rankings. ESPN released their Week 17 NFL Power Rankings and the Oakland Raiders joined the Tennessee Titans as the biggest gainers of the week. While the top six remained steady, the Raiders and Titans climbed five spots each to No. 14 and No. 15, respectively.
The Raiders found themselves in a must-win situation this past Saturday. Sitting a game back of the AFC West and AFC wild card picture, Oakland needed a win to stay alive in the race. While they remain on the outside looking in, the Raiders received quite a bit of help in Week 16. The Broncos, Jets, and Chargers all lost, leaving the Raiders that much closer to the playoffs. They are tied with the Broncos who were pounded by Buffalo and they now sit one game back of the Cincinnati Bengals in the wild card.
The Week 17 schedule provides plenty of tough matchups for all the potential AFC playoff teams. The Raiders host the San Diego Chargers, the Broncos host the Kansas City Chiefs and the Bengals host the Baltimore Ravens.
ere is the top ten according to the ESPN Week 17 NFL Power Rankings:
1. Green Bay Packers
2. New Orleans Saints
3. San Francisco 49ers
4. New England Patriots
5. Baltimore Ravens
6. Pittsburgh Steelers
7. Detroit Lions
8. Atlanta Falcons
9. Houston Texans
10. Cincinnati Bengals