The week 17 NFL power rankings are here, and of course this is a special edition because it's the last power rankings before the end of the 2008 regular season. There were a ton of huge games this past weekend, with the top two seeds in both conferences dueling it out and fighting for their respective number one spots. A few of the playoff scenarios played out, however, there is still plenty left unanswered with one week of games left. Let's dive into the power rankings for week 17, shall we?

Week 17 NFL Power Rankings

1. Tennessee Titans - 13-2 - The Titans really put on a dominant performance against the team many considered to be the best in the league going into this past weekend, including myself. Of course, I predicted the Titans to win, and got a lot of grief for it from all of you! The number one spot in the AFC is secure and you better believe that the Titans are a legitimate threat when the playoffs start.
2. New York Giants - 12-3 - The New York Giants put an end to their losing streak with a come from behind overtime victory against the Carolina Panthers. With that, the top two teams for most of the season in the 2008 NFL power rankings returned to their former perches. It was a must win game, and it secured the number one seed in the NFC for the G-Men. Of course, I also predicted the Giants to win, so no surprise there. Now rest, Brandon Jacobs.
3. Baltimore Ravens - 10-5 - Last week the top 6 teams from my power rankings all played each other, and the third team to get the W thereby is of course in the top 3 for the final week of the season. (And yes, I picked the Ravens to win too!) I've been saying it all year, but this Baltimore team is going to be a very, very tough out in the playoffs and I wouldn't want to face them.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers - 11-4 - All things must come to an end, and the Steelers just couldn't get it together after another physical game and emotional win. You can't expect them to win them all, especially on the road, and the Titans went in with a do or die mentality. Big Ben has to play smarter once the playoffs start though, or the Steelers could get bounced by a hot Patriots or Colts squad.
5. Carolina Panthers - 11-4 - The Panthers really played a great game in the Meadowlands and it seemed they should have won. They had the lead late and of course had a chance at a game winning field goal. But the Giants running game and offensive line slowly wore down the Panthers defense until the end of the fourth quarter and overtime when the Giants were dominating, after starting out the game being dominated. The Panthers would love a second chance in January, back in the Meadowlands once more.
6. New England Patriots - 10-5 - Say what you will about the dominance of the Patriots over the Cardinals being about the snow and cold (and the Cardinals falling off the Earth after winning their division), but both teams have to suit up and play. And the location of your team really shouldn't have that much bearing. The facts are that the Patriots showed up prepared and ready to fire and the Cardinals showed up wanting to be warmed up by a nice fire in their hotel lobbies.
7. Indianapolis Colts - 11-4 - Eight games in a row for the once 3-4 Indianapolis Colts. The majority of their streak has been over relatively easy opponents after a tough stretch to the beginning of their season. But eight in a row says a ton about their grit and preseverance, especially with so many injuries to key personnel to start the year. Another season and surprise, the Colts and the Patriots will be back in the playoffs, again.
8. Atlanta Falcons - 10-5 - I told you that the Falcons would beat the Vikings, but nobody wanted to believe me (man I was good with my picks last week!) Do I think the Falcons are continuing their magic all the way into the Super Bowl? No, but a good leader at quarterback, a great running game and a solid defense is a good enough combination to continue making some noise. What were the odds on a 10 win season in Atlanta, wow!
9. Miami Dolphins - 10-5 - Speaking of odds, what were the odds of a 10 win season in Miami? This team won one game last season, lost their best player in Jason Taylor but then won the lottery, receiving Chad Pennington at the last minute and resuscitating his career. Another team who I don't think will continue their magic deep into the playoffs, but solid nonetheless.
10. Dallas Cowboys - 9-6 - Oh Dallas, so much talent but can't  consistently put it together. They still can make the playoffs if they win their last game of the season, but it must sting not to be able to win the last game ever at Texas Stadium.

That does it for the week 17 NFL power rankings. One more week in the season, and I can't wait for the playoffs to start! Enjoy the power rankings for week 17... and stay warm out there!