Niner Noise
FanSided

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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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 24: Bilal Powell #29 takes the handoff from Bryce Petty #9 of the New York Jets during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers in an NFL game at MetLife Stadium on December 24, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 24: Bilal Powell #29 takes the handoff from Bryce Petty #9 of the New York Jets during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers in an NFL game at MetLife Stadium on December 24, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images) /

Previous: . New York Jets. 21. team. 30. . L, 14-7 vs. Chargers

On one hand, the New York Jets have already overachieved more than anyone thought they would this season. And few predicted a five-win year from head coach Todd Bowles and Co.

But on the other, the Jets aren’t very good.

Hosting the Los Angeles Chargers, who needed the win to keep their dwindling playoff hopes alive, the Jets couldn’t manage to stave off a touchdown grab by veteran L.A. tight end Antonio Gates, meaning New York would have to play from behind sans veteran quarterback Josh McCown, who is out for the year.

That meant a lot of backup QB Bryce Petty. Or should we say running back Bilal Powell, who was awesome — 145 yards rushing with a 57-yard touchdown run.

Powell’s efforts summed up the Jets’ scoring, though, as New York limps towards the finish line with a road contest against the New England Patriots to wrap up the regular season.