Wow,  I just got the chills when I typed in "Week 16 NFL Power Rankings", because that means the season is almost over! The playoff races are still tight in both conferences, and there's no clear leader in the clubhouse when it comes to the teams with the best chances of winning a Super Bowl. It's really up for grabs for any of the top teams in the NFL... as long as you made it into the power rankings for week 16 that is! Here we go...

Week 16 NFL Power Rankings

1. Pittsburgh Steelers - 11-3 - With the help of another sketchy call from the NFL referees, the Steelers actually have the chance to finish in the number 1 spot in the AFC. And while before that call, it looks like they could have lost to the Ravens, their division is now all but locked up. Hard hitting defense that causes turnovers and an experienced quarterback is a great combination in the playoffs.
2. Carolina Panthers - 11-3 - The Panthers are one of the hottest teams around, and that's what you want when you head into Giants Stadium for a late season showdown. If they win, then seemingly out of nowhere they are the number 1 seed in the NFC. And as it stands right now, with that running attack and their offense clicking, they have a great chance at winning.
3. Baltimore Ravens - 9- 5 - Yes, the Baltimore Ravens moved up in the power rankings even though they lost. That's because 2 of the teams ahead of them also lost, and a blown call at the end of the game against the best team in the NFL ended up costing them that victory. They just have to find a way to get into the postseason then watch out.
4. Dallas Cowboys - 9-5 - I told you this team would be back, and they certainly are. They needed to win a game amongst drama to keep their playoff fate in their own control and they did just that. Romo is a play maker again, the defense is causing havoc and everyone is happy in Big D. For now.
5. New York Giants - 11-3 - Two consecutive losses can do a lot to completely destroy your momentum. But as long as they win one of their last two games, they are still at least a number 2 seed in the NFC and will have a first round bye. That's key, because the player they miss the most isn't Plaxico Burress, it's Brandon Jacobs. And the offensive line also needs to get all of their cogs back in working order for the Giants to be successful. Plaxico's ability to stretch the field will be missed, but the Giants receivers will have an easier time of it when the running game is forcing the defense to throw 8 or 9 men in the box. Huge game against the Panthers this weekend.
6. Tennessee Titans - 12 -2 - How the mighty have fallen. And of course by fallen I mean 12-2 and either a number 1 or 2 seed in their conference, just like the fallen Giants listed one spot ahead of them in the week 16 NFL power rankings. They have a huge game against the Steelers up ahead, and not just for the standings, but it should serve as a postseason litmus test to see what this team is really made out of.
7. Indianapolis Colts - 10-4 - Beating the Lions isn't going to get you any style points, although the Lions aren't playing terrible football at this point, and they're a desperate team, on a mission to not go winless. Anything can still happen because there's 5 teams vying for 2 Wild Card spots in the AFC, but the Colts are in control.
8. New England Patriots - 9-5 - Stuck in a three way tie with the Dolphins and the Jets, the Patriots have the experience and the leadership to finish the season off and sneak into the playoffs. But they need to win the division to do it, and they'll need to win out to do that. Matt Cassel with a very Brett Favre after his father's death performance this weekend.
9. Atlanta Falcons - 9-5 - A close battle against a divisional rival and a much needed win keep the Atlanta Falcons not only in the week 16 NFL power rankings, but in the playoff race. There's potentially 5 teams in the mix for the 2 Wild Card spots, so the Falcons can't rest their wings yet.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 9-5 - While you can't fault an NFC South opponent for losing on the road to another NFC South opponent, because that literally happens every game this season, you can fault a playoff contender who could have locked up  a spot for not doing so. On the bright side, despite the tough loss, the Buccaneers two remaining games are at home.

Teams I ran out of room for: Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets

Who should have won the Heisman trophy: Tim Tebow

So there ya go NFL nuts, the week 16 NFL power rankings in all of their glory. I'm really excited for these last two weeks of the season. It seems that almost everything is still up in the air, and it's going to be a fun ride to see how it plays out, and which teams man up. Until the next edition of my NFL power rankings, enjoy!