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NFL power rankings: Playoff picture taking shape heading into Week 17

By Peter Panacy

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 24: The Atlanta Falcons play the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 24, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 24: The Atlanta Falcons play the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 24, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 24: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks runs away from DeMarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the second half at AT&T Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 24: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks runs away from DeMarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the second half at AT&T Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

With one more regular-season week left, Niner Noise dishes out our NFL power rankings as the playoff picture takes shape in Week 17. Who’s on top now after the holiday action?

It’s a shame the NFL didn’t allow a vote-in team to fill final postseason spots, as the suddenly surging San Francisco 49ers would easily get our selection.

Nevertheless, the Niners climb in our Week 17 NFL power rankings after a shocking win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and their top-ranked defense.

The Jaguars were likely thinking about the playoffs, especially after clinching the AFC South crown, following the Tennessee Titans’ loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

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Oh, and the Rams also clinched both a berth and the NFC West crown.

Right now, there are only three playoff spots remaining — one in the NFC and two in the AFC. So Week 17 will still be important to each team in the hunt, as well as those vying for positioning once January football hits.

In comparison to last week’s NFL power rankings, let’s take a look at where all teams stand heading into this final week of the regular season.

Not long ago, the Niners and Cleveland Browns were vying for dead last in most rankings. San Francisco is surging, while the Browns… well, they’re still bad.

Like, almost 0-16 bad.