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

No. 7 Pittsburgh Steelers

Just when Steelers fans had given up hope, Pittsburgh came away with a massive victory against the Patriots. It was a game that not only gives the Steelers the momentum they need heading into their stretch run, but it may have saved their playoff hopes. Pittsburgh was in danger of losing their fourth straight game, which would have dropped them below the Ravens in AFC North.

It was not the cleanest game for Ben Roethlisberger, who finished with 235 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Roethlisberger did just enough to help the Steelers squeak out a win in a low-scoring affair.

With James Conner sidelined, rookie running back Jaylen Samuels was a revelation. Samuels rushed for 142 yards and averaged 7.5 yards per carry. The Steelers defense was able to force Tom Brady into making uncharacteristic turnovers. Joe Haden's impressive interception just in front of the Patriots goal line may have been the play of the Steelers season.

Pittsburgh still has some work to do in order to solidify their playoff aspirations. The Steelers go on the road in Week 16 to face the Saints, the top team in our NFL power rankings. Pittsburgh finishes out the season at home hosting their AFC North foes from Cincinnati.

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No. 8 New England Patriots

The Patriots are showing something we are not used to seeing from Bill Belichick's team: vulnerability. It is not that New England is a bad team. Losing a close game to the Steelers is far from embarrassing. The scarier thing for Patriots fans is the dynasty is finally showing cracks in the armor.

We have seen this story before where most people write off the Patriots only to have them come back with vengeance. While you can never discount the Patriots, this team is far from the well-oiled machine we are used to seeing.

Brady has made critical errors over the last two weeks, and the lack of offensive weapons seems like it may be too much for the Patriots to overcome in the playoffs. Rob Gronkowski continued his struggles and was held to two receptions for 21 yards against the Steelers. New England squandered several red zone opportunities which played a big role in their defeat.

The good news for the Patriots is they have a favorable remaining schedule where they will be favored in both games. The Patriots will not have to leave Foxborough for the rest of December as they host the Bills in Week 16 then the Jets in Week 17.

New England's loss means they are now playing on Wild Card weekend unless they get some help from the Texans. The Patriots are far from dead, but they look as beatable as they ever have under Belichick heading into the postseason.

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