NFL Power Rankings Week 16: Bears on Rise While Cowboys & Patriots Fall

No. 5 Houston Texans

The Texans needed the fourth quarter to pull out a win against a struggling Jets team. It was not Houston's most impressive win, but any victory is a good one when it comes in December. The Texans are now in the lead for the No. 2 seed in the AFC, which would give Houston a first-round bye and home field in at least the Divisional Round.

It was a monster day for DeAndre Hopkins who finished with 10 receptions for 170 yards and two touchdowns. After the game, Deshaun Watson spoke about his ability to stay composed despite the Texans trailing in the fourth quarter.

"The game is never over for me," Watson explained to ESPN. "The plays are never over sometimes. I just go out there with the ball in my hands, put the load on my shoulders and lead the team to victory. I've been doing that my whole life and I have to continue to do that at this level. Every game comes down to a final drive. You've got to be able to block out all the noise, lock in and try to lead the team to victory."

Houston will be favored in their final two games. The Texans go on the road in Week 16 to face the Eagles. Houston closes out the season against an underwhelming Jaguars team. Texans fans are rooting for the team to win these two games, and the Patriots to stumble to clear even more room for a top two seed in the AFC.

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No. 6 Chicago Bears

While several of the NFC playoff contenders squandered their opportunities, the Bears seized the moment to clinch a playoff berth. The Packers may not be the team we are used to seeing, but defeating Green Bay to head to the postseason is still quite a feat for Chicago.

The Bears are still within reach of a first-round bye but are more likely to end up with the three seed. Chicago's defense once again came up big as Leonard Floyd and Khalil Mack both recorded multiple sacks. The Bears prevented Aaron Rodgers from throwing a touchdown. Mitch Trubisky did not put up crazy numbers but was a model of efficiency. Trubisky was 20-of-28 for 235 yards and two touchdowns.

“We came into the season striving for this," Bears safety Adrian Amos explained to the Chicago Tribune. "But you realize you have to take it step by step. … Everybody in here is loose, together, having fun. It’s been that way for a long time. And today, knowing this was a big game, nobody was stiff and uptight. It was more excitement. Loose. And when you’re loose, you can go out there and let it hang.”

The Bears made the playoffs for the first time since the 2010 season. With the way Chicago's defense is playing, the Bears have an opportunity to make some noise in the postseason.

Chicago will have to go on the road for their remaining two games. The Bears face the 49ers in Week 16 who just upset the Seahawks. Chicago closes out the season against a Vikings team they could be playing the following week in the playoffs.

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