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: Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles cannot make the catch against Dexter McDonald #23 of the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 25: Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles cannot make the catch against Dexter McDonald #23 of the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

W, 19-10 vs. Raiders. Previous: . Philadelphia Eagles. 6. team. 54.

It wasn’t pretty, and quarterback Nick Foles didn’t look great, but the Eagles managed to pull off the win over the visiting Raiders on Monday Night Football.

Foles and the offense managed just 216 all-purpose yards during the contest and went a mere 1-of-14 on third downs, which is going to create some worry among Philadelphia fans as the team gets ready for postseason ball.

At least the win clinches home-field advantage and a first-round bye in the playoffs.

If Philly’s offense was stagnant, at least the defense showed up. Sure, there were some coverage gaffes early on. But forcing five Raiders turnovers made a huge difference, and so did holding that offense to just one red-zone drive, which was unsuccessful for Oakland.

We could drop the Eagles a spot in our NFL power rankings this week, as the prime-time performance against a non-playoff team was less than desirable.

But the Eagles are good enough to get by with wins like these, especially when the offense isn’t present. And it might have run the risk of being a trap game anyway.

Philly stays put, but it better hope Foles and Co. bounce back and gain some momentum when January rolls around.