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FanSided

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; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) changes the play during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Falcons defeated the Panthers 33-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) changes the play during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Falcons defeated the Panthers 33-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

. Atlanta Falcons. 4. team. 44. If Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan continues to play like he has this season, Atlanta will wind up being one of those teams opponents simply don’t want to face in the playoffs. He was phenomenal against the Panthers up-and-down defense over the weekend, and the Falcons are reaping the benefits of the No. 1 offense in the NFL. Paired with the Lions’ loss, Atlanta has now earned a trip into the postseason. Even while the Falcons defense is suspect, Ryan and Co. are good enough to ensure this shortcoming won’t hurt them too much.. 10-5