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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FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 24: Tom Brady #12 and Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots look on during the fourth quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 24: Tom Brady #12 and Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots look on during the fourth quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

1. team. 47. . W, 37-16 at Bills. Previous: . New England Patriots

Some might be seeing Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s downfall taking place just before our eyes.

At least that looked to be the case early, as Brady tossed a pick-six interception to Bills safety Jordan Poyer. That gave Buffalo a 10-3 lead — one of three it had over the course of the game.

And while Bills wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin’s touchdown-overturned call benefited the Patriots, there’s one lesson everyone can learn — never count New England out until its actually out.

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Such was the case again in Week 16, as Brady and the Patriots roared back after the first quarter. Brady finished with 224 passing yards and two touchdowns, and it’s a night-and-day difference with tight end Rob Gronkowski on the field.

But New England also got some uncharacteristic performance on the ground, with running back Dion Lewis rushing for 129 yards and a touchdown.

Meanwhile, head coach Bill Belichick’s defense did a good job limiting Bills running back LeSean McCoy. And Belichick is, perhaps, the best coach in NFL history negating opponents’ No. 1 weapons.

Next: Jaguars vs. 49ers: Week 16 grades and analysis for San Francisco

The Patriots stay atop our NFL power rankings this week. And while they might be as dominant this year as they’ve been previously, they’re still the most serious challenge in the AFC heading towards the postseason.