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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; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) signals first down in the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) signals first down in the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

. 12-2. . Dallas Cowboys. 2. team. 123

Good teams find ways to win, especially when the opposition is hot.

And that’s exactly what the Cowboys did in their 26-20 back-and-forth victory over the hot Buccaneers.

Please put to rest any thought about returning quarterback Tony Romo to the starter’s role. This is rookie Dak Prescott’s ship now and he’s earned the right.

Of course we can’t overlook running back Ezekiel Elliott either, who rushed for an amazing 159 yards and a touchdown.

Credit Cowboys defensive tackle David Irving too. He was a force within Dallas’ defense.

The Cowboys host the Lions in Week 16, which could be an enticing matchup but one that should still favor Dallas.

Still, the Cowboys are just outside the No. 1 spot on our NFL power rankings this week.