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

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ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 24: Paul Richardson #10 of the Seattle Seahawks, Doug Baldwin #89 of the Seattle Seahawks, and Jimmy Graham #88 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrate the touchdown by Baldwin against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

W, 21-12 at Cowboys. Previous: . Seattle Seahawks. 11. team. 36.

A week after getting walloped by the Los Angeles Rams at home, the Seahawks managed to keep their dim playoff hopes alive by knocking out the Cowboys in a win-or-go-home scenario at AT&T Stadium.

It was a vintage performance by quarterback Russell Wilson, who threw for only 93 yards but kept plays alive with his legs and manage to toss two big-play touchdowns to wide receiver Doug Baldwin and tight end Jimmy Graham.

Meanwhile, a banged-up Seattle defense also looked vintage, picking off Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott twice, including a pick six by cornerback Justin Coleman.

Despite all the problems the Seahawks have endured this season, they’re about as potent a team could be if they manage to reach the playoffs — a team capable of easily knocking out someone in the Wild Card round.

That’s what keeps them so high in our NFL power rankings this week.