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)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/ec0b7a4cd95989f5038f11ddd952347c9fb6432d317fd02a1e10a46afd66f444.jpg)
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.