Final Regular-Season NFL Power Rankings

Dec 28, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) passes against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Well, believe it or not, the 2014 NFL season is now in the books, and Week 17 kept us hanging on to the bitter end to find out the final playoff seedings — and draft pick order for the top of the board next spring.  With the playoffs just in front of us, here are our final regular-season power rankings for 2014. 

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32. Tennessee Titans – Yes, the Buccaneers snagged the Number 1 pick, but the Titans are at least as bad.

31.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Another home loss means that Lovie Smith will get a new quarterback in the draft.

30. Oakland Raiders – The Raiders flashed some bright spots in 2014, but the closer in Denver was ugly.

29. Jacksonville Jaguars – The Jags kept it close on the road against the Texans, but the fourth quarter bit them.

28.  Washington Redskins – The Redskins were throttled by Dallas in the final game, but RGIII had a decent game.

27. Cleveland Browns – What’s a Connor Shaw?  Not likely the Browns’ QB in 2015.

25. Atlanta Falcons – The Falcons entered Sunday with a chance at the playoffs but completely tanked at home against the Panthers.  Ick.

25. Chicago Bears – Jay Cutler was back in the finale and will have a new coach in 2015.

24. New York Jets – The Jets sent Rex Ryan off on a winning note.

23. New York Giants – The Giants were a mess for much of the season, and much of the same cast will return next year.

22. St. Louis Rams – The Rams looked like a rising team at mid-season, but they were no match for the Seahawks on the road.

21. New Orleans Saints – Well, the Saints pulled out another division win, but it was a week too late.

20. Carolina Panthers – The Panthers are in the playoffs!  They’d better enjoy the high while they can.

19. San Francisco 49ers – The Niners had better hope that cutting ties with Jim Harbaugh was the right thing to do, because it looks ridiculous from the outside.

18. Miami Dolphins – A home loss to the Jets is enough to make heads roll.

17. Minnesota Vikings – The Vikes ended up just half a game behind the post-season Panthers and look strong heading into 2015.

16. San Diego Chargers – The Chargers had a clear path to the playoffs and blew it.

15. Buffalo Bills –  Kyle Orton led the Bills to a road win over the Patriots … and then retired.

14. Kansas City Chiefs – KC did their part on the final weekend, but they didn’t get the help they needed to make the playoffs.

13. Arizona Cardinals – The Cardinals finished 11-5, but they’re one of the weaker playoff teams in the field.

12.  Philadelphia Eagles – It’s hard to swallow missing the playoffs at 10-6 when a seven-win team is in, but such is life for the Eagles as 2015 dawns.

11. Houston Texans – The Texans turned in a solid season even while facing challenges.

10. Cincinnati Bengals – Cincinnati led the AFC North all season … until the final game.

9. Indianapolis Colts – Andrew Luck bounced back from the Dallas debacle to lead the Colts to season-ending road victory.

8. Baltimore Ravens –  Baltimore won and got the help they needed to squeak into the playoffs.  They STILL may be the best team from the AFC North

7. Pittsburgh Steelers – The Steelers’ reward for winning the division?  A home game against the tough Ravens.

6. Detroit Lions – The Lions lost at Lambeau but still finished 11-5

5. Denver Broncos – Feasting on the Raiders is no indication of greatness, but it still left the Broncos with 12 wins.

4. Dallas Cowboys – Like the Broncos, the Cowboys beat up on a weak team (Redskins) to finish at 12-4.

3. Green Bay Packers – The Packers took the division crown on Sunday and get to rest this week as a reward.

2. Seattle Seahawks – A solid second-half gave the Seahawks a win agains the Rams, and home-field throughout the playoffs.

1. New England Patriots – The Patriots lost on Sunday, but they already owned the AFC’s top slot.