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

Dec 27, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) stands on the sideline during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

10. PITTSBURGH STEELERS (9-6)

Last week: 6
Change: -4

Was this the moment the Pittsburgh Steelers fell away from the playoff race? Win out with games against the Ravens and Browns, and they were in. Instead, the Steelers crashed to a stunning 20-17 defeat at the hands of the rival Ravens.

And don’t be fooled, this isn’t the same Ravens team that won a wild-card game in Pittsburgh last January. This team has no Joe Flacco, no Justin Forsett, no Steve Smith Sr. and no Terrell Suggs. Ryan Mallett was the starting quarterback and the leading receiver was Kamar Aiken.

That’s the team the Steelers (you know, the team that put up 34 points on the Broncos last week), got beaten by. Ben Roethlisberger went touchdown-less and was picked off twice. Antonio Brown was held to just 61 yards receiving, and he led the way in that category. The only bright spot was DeAngelo Williams, who rushed for 100 yards and two touchdowns.

The Steelers will now need some help from the Bills against the Jets. Pittsburgh will need to defeat Cleveland and hope Rex Ryan beats his former team. It’s far from over, but it’s no longer in the Steelers’ hands.

Next: No. 9