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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; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates with quarterbacks coach Todd Downing after a NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates with quarterbacks coach Todd Downing after a NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Oakland Raiders. 4. team. 28. . 11-3.

Two things needed to happen for the Raiders to reassume the top spot in the AFC West — a win over the Chargers and a Chiefs loss.

Both happened. And now the Raiders control their own destiny down the stretch.

Oakland’s defense was actually the star of this contest over San Diego, registering three sacks of Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers and forcing two turnovers in the process.

The Colts figure to be more of an offensive challenge to this unit in Week 16. And the Raiders offense will look to get back on track as well.

Still, Oakland is playoff bound for the first time in a long time. That has to feel pretty good for fans of the silver and black.

The Raiders remain the second-highest AFC team in our NFL power rankings this week and, perhaps, the only squad that could legitimately challenge the top seed in the conference.