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NFL Power Rankings: Final Regular-Season Look for Week 17

By Peter Panacy

Dec 26, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) celebrates with mascot Rowdy after the game against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) celebrates with mascot Rowdy after the game against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 24, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is tackled by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata (93) during the fourth quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Buccaneers 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is tackled by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata (93) during the fourth quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Buccaneers 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

While the Buccaneers have been hot down the stretch, back-to-back playoff losses have seriously hindered Tampa Bay’s chances to get into the postseason. Losing a close game to the Saints won’t help matters at all, and second-year quarterback Jameis Winston is going to have to play better to ensure the Bucs’ ascension continues on the right path. They’re still in sight and have an edge over the Redskins in the playoff picture, so they get the edge in NFL power rankings too.. 8-7. . Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 13. team. 48