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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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 25: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders is sacked by Chris Long #56 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter of a game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 25: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders is sacked by Chris Long #56 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter of a game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

28. . L, 19-10 at Eagles. Previous: . Oakland Raiders. 17. team

The Oakland Raiders jump up a spot in our NFL power rankings after their defense gave the Philadelphia Eagles a game on Monday Night Football.

It’s a weird statement, considering how bad this unit has been all season. And only if the Raiders offense performed up to par that we saw a year ago.

But it didn’t and quarterback Derek Carr went for a lowly 14-of-28 for just 153 yards and one touchdown against two interceptions, including the one late in the fourth quarter that helped set up the eventual game-winning Eagles field goal.

It was nice to see wide receiver Amari Cooper contributing again. But like much of the Raiders’ efforts this year, it was not enough and too little, too late.

Yet we have to give the Raiders some credit for giving Philadelphia a battle in what was a meaningless game for Oakland amid a forgettable year.