This is it. The Denver Post’s final Power Rankings of the season. In the quest to determine the NFL’s best teams, the single-elimination tournament can take it from here. In fact, I’m going to rely on the playoffs to determine who’s better between the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers. They’ll play Sunday at Lambeau Field in the first playoff game between the two teams in Green Bay since Jerry Kramer pancaked Jethro Pugh in the 1967 Ice Bowl. Here’s how I see the final eight teams:
Editor’s note: Records include regular and postseason games through Jan. 5.
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1. Seattle Seahawks (12-4)
After earning a first-round NFC playoff bye, they get the most favorable of second-round matchups, against the 8-8-1 Carolina Panthers. Quarterback Russell Wilson is 4-1 in the postseason with six touchdowns, one interception and a 102.0 passer rating.
Last Week: 1
2. New England Patriots (12-4)
It seems to be a popular belief the Pats are going to lose their second-round game at home to the Ravens. The Broncos hope so. Quarterback Tom Brady has an 18-8 playoff record with 43 touchdowns, 22 interceptions and an 87.5 rating. However, after a 10-0 postseason start that included three Super Bowl titles, Brady has since gone 8-8 with no Super Bowls, 33 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.
Last Week: 2
3T. Dallas Cowboys (13-4)
They needed help from the officials to beat the Lions in the first round, but it seems like every year the champion gets a huge break. Because the Cowboys can run the ball, they are undefeated on the road this season, so playing in Green Bay won’t scare them. Tony Romo is better than you think in the postseason: 2-3 with six touchdowns, two interceptions and an 87.0 rating.
Last Week: 3
3T. Green Bay Packers (12-4)
Of the four first-round bye teams, they got the toughest second-round matchup, against the Cowboys. Aaron Rodgers is the best QB in the regular season and the best in the postseason: 6-4 with 19 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 103.1 rating.
Last Week: 5
5. Denver Broncos (12-4)
Jack Del Rio’s third-ranked defense will be the key in this second-round home playoff game against Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts. QB Petyon Manning has an 11-12 playoff record with 37 touchdowns, 24 interceptions and an 89.2 rating. With the Broncos, he is 2-2 with eight touchdowns, five interceptions, 1,200 yards and a 92.7 rating.
Last Week: 4
6. Baltimore Ravens (11-6)
Elvis Dumervil had two more sacks in the Ravens’ decisive, first-round win at Pittsburgh, giving him 19 for the year. Joe Flacco is 10-4 with 21 touchdowns, eight interceptions and an 88.2 rating in the postseason. But he is 5-0 with 13 touchdowns and zero interceptions in his last five playoff games.
Last Week: 6
7. Indianapolis Colts (12-5)
Linebacker Jerrell Freeman is the best player to never make a Pro Bowl. He had 15 tackles and 1 1/2 sacks in the Colts’ first-round win against the Bengals. Luck is 2-2 with seven touchdowns, eight interceptions and a 78.1 rating in the postseason.
Last Week: 7
8. Carolina Panthers (8-8-1)
Their defense deserves a higher ranking, as they held Arizona and third-string QB Ryan Lindley to 78 yards in total offense in their first-round win. Cam Newton is 1-1 with three touchdowns, three interceptions and an 81.4 rating in the postseason.
Last Week: 10
