NFL Power Rankings: Cardinals rise, Packers fall in Week 17

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Dec 27, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano (right) celebrates with Colts defensive coordinator Greg Manusky (left) after defeating the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. The Colts won 18-12. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

21. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (7-8)

Last week: 20
Change: -1

It’s all too little too late for the Indianapolis Colts, who won a scrappy game against the Miami Dolphins. Matt Hasselbeck went off hurt, again, which meant Charlie Whitehurst had to again take the reigns. Whitehurst didn’t do a whole lot, but he didn’t need to.

The defense came through in the end to win the game for the Colts. They held the Dolphins to just 12 points, sacking Ryan Tannehill six times and intercepting him once. Tannehill threw 38 times, and the Colts held the ground game in check surrendering just 82 yards. Lamar Miller ran in the only touchdown for the Dolphins.

Indianapolis will sit out of the postseason, meaning it’s unlikely we see Andrew Luck for the remainder of the season. The Colts appeared to have turned a corner in the impressive victory over the Broncos, but that happened to be the game Luck got hurt for the second time this year. Who knows if they could have made a run with a healthy Luck?

And a healthy Luck needs to be the theme of the offseason. Much help is needed along the offensive line to keep their star protected. This year is proof of how important the line is.

Next: No. 20