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

Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) passes against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins won 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

11. WASHINGTON REDSKINS (8-7)

Last week: 12
Change: +1

Just as everyone predicted before the start of the season, the Washington Redskins are NFC East champions and enter the playoffs for the first time since 2012. They have now won three straight and four of their last five games. Win against Dallas this week and they will be what you can consider a hot team entering the playoffs.

Kirk Cousins put on a show against the Philadelphia defense, piling up 365 yards in the air with four touchdowns and no picks. Can his play help the team make a run in the playoffs? How far can Washington go?

Well, it’s the NFL. The team that performs the best in the regular season isn’t always crowned the Super Bowl champion. In fact, it’s often a hot team that makes a run from Wild Card weekend. Washington won’t be given a chance by anyone, and they will be expected to get dumped out at the first hurdle, especially if that game is against the Seahawks or Packers.

But they are in, and they are winning games. That’s a pretty good formula. If they can beat the Cowboys and win a playoff game, all of a sudden the Redskins will be considered a major threat.

Next: No. 10