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NFL Power Rankings: A Week 16 Look at All 32 Teams

By Peter Panacy

Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) after the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. The Patriots won 16-3. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) after the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. The Patriots won 16-3. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) catches a 50 yard pass from quarterback Aaron Rodgers (not pictured) with Chicago Bears cornerback Cre’von LeBlanc (22) defending late in the second half at Soldier Field. Green Bay won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) catches a 50 yard pass from quarterback Aaron Rodgers (not pictured) with Chicago Bears cornerback Cre’von LeBlanc (22) defending late in the second half at Soldier Field. Green Bay won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

. Green Bay Packers. 10. team. 49. . 8-6

After such a horrid start to their season, the Packers likely had to win out down the stretch to put themselves in contention for a divisional crown.

And that’s what they’re trying to do, even if the Bears made things a bit too interesting in Chicago last weekend.

Granted, Green Bay will be a contending team as long as quarterback Aaron Rodgers is under center. His clutch 50-yard pass to wide receiver Jordy Nelson helped set up the game-winning field goal, which gave the Packers a 30-27 victory on the road over the lowly Bears.

There’s no climb in NFL power rankings this week. The Packers are still on the outside, looking in, in the playoff picture.

But a date with the Detroit Lions in Week 17 could say a lot about how the NFC North pans out.