NFL Power Rankings: Surging Vikings lead standout NFC playoff bracket

The NFL Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's NFL Editors, including Jack Browne, Michael McClymont, Mitch Sanderson, and Arun Srinivasan.

1. New England Patriots (13-3)

Previous Rank: 1st

The Patriots get a week off to gather their focus for the eighth straight campaign after a handful of sloppy performances to finish the regular season. But, they are still the Patriots. - Sanderson

2. Pittsburgh Steelers (13-3)

Previous Rank: 3rd

Steeler nation will likely be waiting for every update on star receiver Antonio Brown during their bye week. They stand little chance of knocking off New England without him. - Browne

3. Minnesota Vikings (13-3)

Previous Rank: 4th

The Vikings earned a first-round bye on the strength of their top-ranked defense, and after posting a 7-1 home record, few teams may be more potent in January. - Srinivasan

4. New Orleans Saints (11-5)

Previous Rank: 5th

The NFC South teams dwarf the rest of the conference in playoff experience and the Saints were crowned kings of the division this year. Let's see what the two-headed backfield monster can do in the playoffs. - Sanderson

5. Los Angeles Rams (11-5)

Previous Rank: 2nd

The Rams are one of the youngest teams in the league with a 31-year-old head coach. L.A. has looked dominant, but will its collective inexperience be its downfall? - Browne

6. Carolina Panthers (11-5)

Previous Rank: 7th

The Panthers slumped into the playoffs with a decisive loss to the Falcons and drew a first-round opponent they have lost to twice this season. Not ideal. - McClymont

7. Atlanta Falcons (10-6)

Previous Rank: 10th

The Falcons have faced questions regarding their consistency all season, but now that they're in the playoffs, no one wants to see the defending NFC champions on their schedule. - Srinivasan

8. Jacksonville Jaguars (10-6)

Previous Rank: 6th

Two weeks ago, the Jaguars looked like the third-best team in the AFC. But they've now backed into the playoffs and need to rediscover their form before it's too late. - Browne

9. Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)

Previous Rank: 8th

It's sad to see the Eagles play so well for so much of the season and turn into what they've become. With Nick Foles under center and the defense losing some of its confidence, they've transformed into the worst team in the NFC playoffs. - Sanderson

10. Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)

Previous Rank: 9th

Winners of four straight, the Chiefs have regained their previous form. They're likely frothing at the mouth at the possibility of playing the Patriots again in the divisional round. - McClymont

11. Buffalo Bills (9-7)

Previous Rank: 15th

It may be nearly impossible for the Bills to move the ball against Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye, but the fan base will simply not care. The drought is over. - Srinivasan

12. Tennessee Titans (9-7)

Previous Rank: 14th

The Music City must be singing after the Titans ended a playoff drought of nine years. The team's recent form hasn't elicited much confidence, however. - McClymont