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

Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) pulls in pass reception during overtime to setup winning touchdown as he is defended by New England Patriots cornerback Duron Harmon (30) at MetLife Stadium. New York Jets defeat the New England Patriots 26-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

6. NEW YORK JETS (10-5)

Last week: 10
Change: +4

Football can be cruel, and it looked like the New York Jets would miss the playoffs, not because of their own form, but rather the tie breaking procedures when matched with the Steelers and Chiefs. But that all changed when the Steelers were upset by the Ravens in Week 16, and the Jets put up an overtime victory over the Patriots.

Todd Bowles’ team now controls its destiny in a Week 17 grudge match with Rex Ryan. Win, and the Jets are in the playoffs for the first time since 2010. A loss would open the door for the Steelers to hop back into a wild-card berth.

The Bills aren’t playing great football right now, but you can bet Ryan will have his team fired up against the Jets. He won’t want Bowles to turn his 4-12 team into an 11-5 playoff team in 12 short months. To get to the playoffs, the Jets must pass one more tough test.

If they can do it, they will be a difficult team to contend with. The Jets defense can be as suffocating as any, and they have the offense to finish teams off. The trio of Ryan Fitzpatrick, Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker is causing plenty of damage.

Next: No. 5